The Gift of the Struggle

Transforming Grief, Rediscovering Purpose: David Roberts on Love, Loss & Spiritual Awakening

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of The Gift of the Struggle, host Elizabeth Denham sits down with Dave Roberts—bereaved parent, retired addiction professional, professor, podcast host, and author—to explore a life journey reshaped by the unthinkable loss of his daughter, Jeannine. Dave shares the profound story of Jeannine’s short yet impactful life, her battle with a rare sarcoma, and the transformative path her death set in motion. From redefining his identity as a father and professional to experiencing signs, synchronicities, and spiritual expansion, Dave’s reflections offer comfort, hope, and a new way to understand grief. Together, Elizabeth and Dave dive into: ✨ What grief really looks like beyond stages and timelines ✨ How tragedy reshapes identity, beliefs, and purpose ✨ The difference between “death” and “transition” ✨ The power of continued bonds with loved ones ✨ Spiritual awakening through signs, messages, and synchronicities ✨ Healing across generations through ancestral understanding ✨ The origin story of Dave’s transformative friendship with interfaith minister Patty Farino ✨ His book When the Psychology Professor Met the Minister and what it teaches about healing If you or someone you love is navigating grief, loss, or the search for meaning in hardship, this conversation will speak directly to your heart. Dave is an adjunct professor in the Psychology/Child Life Department at Utica University and a psychology instructor at Pratt Munson School of Art & Design. He is the host of the Teaching Journeys podcast and co-author of When the Psychology Professor Met the Minister. His work has appeared in Huffington Post, Open to Hope, Thrive Global, Mindfulness and Grief, and more. He has presented at numerous national grief and bereavement conferences and provides ongoing support for bereaved parents across the country. Learn more or contact him for an autographed copy of his book: BootsyandAngela@gmail.com When the Psychology Professor Met the Minister Available on Amazon (paperback + Kindle) https://www.amazon.com/When-Psychology-Professor-Met-Minister/dp/B08XLGFMCC Subscribe for more inspiring stories of resilience, transformation, and hope.

Karen Kimsey-Sward: Leading Through Fear, Finding Faith, and the Gifts Hidden in Hard Times

In this powerful episode of The Gift of the Struggle, host Elizabeth Denham sits down with executive coach and Dale Carnegie Chicago leader Karen Kimsey-Sward, who shares her stage-4 cancer journey publicly for the first time. What begins as a routine wellness check turns into a life-altering diagnosis—one that forces Karen to navigate fear, uncertainty, and the emotional landslide of the unknown. But this is not just a story about illness. It’s a masterclass in leading through crisis, choosing transparency, and finding purpose when life breaks open. Karen opens up about: • The shocking moment that changed everything • The four weeks of terrifying unknowns • Why she chose radical transparency with her team • Balancing leadership strength with vulnerability • The emotional “after” that no one prepares you for • The gifts she discovered in faith, friendship, and perspective • Learning to slow down, be present, and protect her time • What she wishes every woman knew about self-advocacy • How to lead yourself when you’re carrying something heavy This is an honest, grounded, and deeply inspiring conversation for anyone navigating hardship, chronic illness, leadership pressure, grief, or a shift in identity. 🎧 Listen in and share this episode with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.

Finding Joy Through Adversity: RaeAnne Thayne on Motherhood, Writing, and Resilience | Gift of the Struggle Podcast

In this heartfelt episode of The Gift of the Struggle, host Elizabeth Denham sits down with New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne — beloved for her novels of hope, healing, and second chances — to talk about the extraordinary lessons she’s learned from raising her son Avery, known affectionately as “Captain Awesome.” 💙 RaeAnne opens up about her family’s journey navigating severe disabilities, the emotional transitions that come with lifelong caregiving, and how love, faith, and community have shaped her outlook — and her writing. Through tears and laughter, she shares the moments that broke her heart, the resilience that rebuilt it, and how her son’s joy continues to light up the world around him. This intimate conversation offers perspective and comfort for parents, caregivers, and anyone facing life’s hardest seasons. RaeAnne’s story reminds us that even in struggle, there is grace — and sometimes, the greatest gifts come wrapped in challenge. ✨ In this episode: * RaeAnne’s journey as a mother to a child with disabilities * Finding hope and gratitude through caregiving * How her experiences transformed her writing career * The importance of community, compassion, and asking for help * Lessons in love, patience, and perspective 🎧 Listen now and discover how resilience, faith, and unconditional love can turn even life’s hardest struggles into something beautiful. 👉 Watch more episodes of The Gift of the Struggle: [playlist link] 📚 Learn more about RaeAnne Thayne: https://www.raeannethayne.com/ 🌸 Learn more about Elizabeth Denham & The Gift of the Struggle: https://www.thegiftofthestruggle.com/

Grief, Grace & Growth: John Hayes Shares the Journey That Shaped His Life

In this emotional and deeply inspiring episode of The Gift of the Struggle, Dr. John Hayes—renowned franchise author, professor, and founder of the Titus Center for Franchising—shares his extraordinary life journey. From a bullied and underestimated kid in small-town Ohio to a global franchising leader, John opens up about the voice that guided him through trauma, heartbreak, and ultimately, triumph.Host Elizabeth Denham dives into the raw realities of:Struggling with rejection and shame as a childNavigating a strained relationship with his fatherLosing his wife and two children, including a son to drug addictionRebuilding his life and rediscovering joy through love, faith, and purposeMentoring students and changing lives at Palm Beach Atlantic University💡This is a story about grief, growth, and grit—and a powerful reminder that even after unimaginable loss, we can still choose life, meaning, and service.🎙️ Hosted by Elizabeth Denham🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell for more powerful conversations.📌 More about the Titus Center: https://www.pba.edu/titus-center📌 Learn more about Elizabeth: https://thegiftofthestruggle.com

From Trauma to Advocacy: Heidi Yewman on Gun Violence, Survival & Speaking Her Truth

In this unforgettable episode of The Gift of the Struggle, author and activist Heidi Yewman opens up about her decades-long journey in gun violence prevention—and the harrowing childhood experiences that shaped her voice.From surviving abuse and shame to becoming a national spokesperson and documentary filmmaker, Heidi shares the truth behind her advocacy work, the empathy that guides her interviews, and the emotional healing that came with writing her memoir, Don't Be a Dumb Girl.Topics Covered:The day Columbine changed her lifeGrowing up in a household shaped by rage, silence, and blurred boundariesHow the ASK Campaign empowered safer parenting conversationsHer experience carrying a concealed weapon for a monthStories behind her books Beyond the Bullet and Don't Be a Dumb GirlLessons on empathy, trauma recovery, and redefining what it means to be "smart"📚 Pre-order Heidi's new memoir: https://heidiyewman.com🔔 Subscribe for more powerful stories of healing, resilience, and the gifts that emerge from life’s deepest struggles.