S2 Ep. 10: From Crisis to Clarity: Keri Darling on Surviving Life’s Unexpected Challenges - Part 2

S2 Ep. 10: From Crisis to Clarity: Keri Darling on Surviving Life’s Unexpected Challenges - Part 2

What if cancer could be both your hardest battle—and your most unexpected gift? In this powerful, candid conversation, Keri Darling joins Carrie Hunter to reveal how life’s toughest moments, from a shocking cancer diagnosis to overcoming homelessness and loss, can spark profound personal transformation. Together, they dig into the messy middle of life disruptions, the importance of vulnerability and self-advocacy, and how boundaries and connection are the cornerstones of true strength. Whether you’re in crisis or just craving hope, Keri Darling shares unforgettable lessons on embracing change, rewriting your story, and thriving on the other side of hardship. Episode Overview:00:00 - Diving back in: why cancer didn’t just affect Keri Darling, but her whole community04:32 - From win to lesson: reframing failure and facing what you can’t control05:53 - Self-advocacy in the medical system: lessons learned the hard way12:21 - Becoming someone new before you’re “ready”14:05 - Rest, boundaries, and letting go of guilt: redefining self-worth19:00 - Why connection—not isolation—is critical for healing23:39 - Action steps for regaining control and starting your rewrite29:00 - Next Together: supporting others through the messy middle34:47 - What real power means: vulnerability, boundaries, and authentic strength35:45 - Episode close and ways to connect with Keri Darling

S2 Ep. 09: From Crisis to Clarity: Keri Darling on Surviving Life’s Unexpected Challenges - Part 1

What if the worst things that ever happened to you could become the turning point for something extraordinary? On this episode of Carrie, It’s Not That Serious, Carrie Hunter sits down with crisis transition coach Keri Darling, whose journey from private security leader to stage 4 cancer survivor will leave you rethinking what is possible in the face of life's unexpected storms. You'll hear how Keri Darling weathered repeated losses, burnout, and a devastating diagnosis—then chose to redefine her life on her own terms. From the power of honoring "the messy middle" when things are uncertain and real, to how to find identity beyond just your roles, and why the meaning you assign to life's events matters more than the events themselves, this conversation will inspire anyone who feels stuck, lost, or on the cusp of transformation. Key highlights: * Keri Darling shares her childhood and what remained through her toughest times * Honest insights on the emotional realities of crisis and identity * The myth of “going back to normal” after trauma * Self-care, setting boundaries, and letting go of toxic environments * Reframing your story—not through toxic positivity, but honest transformation Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Introduction to Keri Darling and her background02:27 Childhood traits and early adaptability05:22 Becoming “the strong one” and lessons from her mother07:34 The cancer diagnosis and a life-changing turning point12:34 The decision to choose herself and walk away from toxicity15:06 Living in the “messy middle” and what real transformation feels like22:31 Losing identity, shifting roles, and embracing the future self27:01 Why meaning matters more than what happens to you33:30 Reflections on vulnerability, honesty, and what Keri Darling would do differently34:25 Outro and episode close

S2 Ep. 08: Becoming a Prepared Patient: Dr. Terry Adirim’s Guide to Understanding the Healthcare System - Part 2

Did you know that more than two-thirds of GoFundMe campaigns are now for people drowning in medical bills? But what if understanding your health coverage was as common as budgeting for groceries? In this episode, Carrie Hunter dives deep with Dr. Terry Adirim to reveal how crucial health literacy is to your financial wellbeing—and why it's as important as managing your credit score. They unpack how AI is transforming the relationship between doctors and patients, where it’s a game-changer in the exam room and where caution is still needed for your privacy. Terry Adirim shares powerful advice on navigating our complicated (and expensive) healthcare system, the dangers of uploading personal health data into AI chatbots, and her journey as a pediatric emergency physician and marathon runner. The episode wraps with an uplifting discussion on women in leadership, resilience, and practical ways to empower yourself in today’s turbulent healthcare landscape. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode intro & the promise of AI in healthcare 01:48 Responsible AI use—patient privacy and consent 02:45 AI’s impact & real efficiency in medicine 03:42 Terry Adirim’s clinical background and subspecialties 05:02 Why health literacy equals financial literacy 07:47 The financial gamble of skipping health insurance 09:38 AI in patient care—what you need to know and do 10:15 Cautionary advice on using AI with your health data 13:13 Limits of AI chatbots and misinformation 14:47 Terry Adirim’s book, website, and resources 18:02 Navigating life, resilience, and the marathon mindset 20:22 What “Women In Power” means today 22:54 Closing thoughts and community resources

S2 Ep. 07: Becoming a Prepared Patient: Dr. Terry Adirim’s Guide to Understanding the Healthcare System - Part 1

What if the truth is that there is no “healthcare system” — just a tangled maze of disconnected parts, leaving even the smartest among us lost and vulnerable? On this episode, Carrie Hunter welcomes renowned physician and healthcare executive Terry Adirim, who pulls back the curtain on the hidden fragmentation of American healthcare — and empowers listeners to take back control. From childhood dreams of medicine to overseeing care for millions, Terry Adirim shares the real-life strategies that will help you become a truly prepared patient. Get practical tips to advocate for yourself, organize vital information, and navigate confusing insurance hurdles. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at the doctor’s office or blindsided by paperwork, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, not intimidated. Episode Overview 00:00 Introducing Terry Adirim: Leadership and Background02:09 Childhood and Early Inspiration for Medicine04:24 Career Evolution and Choosing a Path in Healthcare07:41 The Fragmented Reality of the U.S. Healthcare System10:08 Why Patients Must Be Their Own Advocates12:27 The Challenges of Healthcare Visits and Overloaded Doctors14:46 Why Navigation Feels Impossible — and It’s Not Your Fault16:41 Concrete Steps to Organize and Prepare Your Health Info20:11 How Being Prepared Fundamentally Changes Your Experience23:41 Building Your Own “White Binder” or Digital Toolkit27:26 The Future: Digital Solutions, Health Record Sharing & AI33:55 Wrap Up and What’s Next in Part Two

S2 Ep. 06: Givers and Receivers: Redefining Community Support with Kelly Obermayer - Part 2

What if the biggest leap of faith you’ve ever taken was building a platform designed for strangers who desperately need help—without knowing if you’ll make a dime doing it? In this powerful episode, Kelly Obermayer opens up to Carrie Hunter about the emotional journey behind launching United We Fund, a micro crowdfunding app that could transform how communities support each other through financial crises. From stories that will move you to tears to surprising details about keeping every donation transparent, this episode reveals the real behind-the-scenes of launching a mission-driven tech start-up. Key highlights include: * The difficult realities and emotional weight of helping others before you have the resources to do so * United We Fund’s unique system for privacy and domestic violence support * Radical transparency in how the app’s shared fund works * Real talk on keeping the platform secure and verification processes * Kelly Obermayer's honesty about not profiting from her life’s work—and why she’s doing it anyway * A raw perspective on what it really means to be a woman in power Timestamped Overview: [00:00:00] Episode intro and toughest moments for Kelly Obermayer [00:05:00] Helping vulnerable community members and finding motivation [00:07:00] Safe Start: Revolutionary privacy for domestic violence survivors [00:09:11] How United We Fund works: micro crowdfunding, user experience [00:13:02] Transparency and real-time visibility of donations [00:14:12] Funding operations without taking from the shared fund [00:16:45] Status of nonprofit status and future plans [00:17:47] Donating directly to specific stories vs. the shared fund [00:19:22] Fraud prevention and verification process [00:22:32] Building trust and hope in the system [00:24:48] How to get involved, help spread the word, and sponsorship opportunities [00:28:04] Why Kelly Obermayer keeps going despite no personal profit [00:30:28] What it means to be a woman in power [00:33:58] Episode wrap-up and how to connect