SOS - Stories of Survivors

Ep. 058 | When Kindness Becomes Action: Stephen & Ahmad’s Extraordinary Journey of Hope

What would you do if a simple Facebook message had the power to change someone’s life forever? In this deeply moving episode of S.O.S. Stories of Survivors, Serina Dansker sits down with Stephen Picard, whose compassion transformed into a life-changing mission after connecting online with Ahmad, a young Syrian teenager living through the horrors of civil war. Over the course of more than a decade, Stephen became far more than an online friend. He became a mentor, advocate, fundraiser, and unwavering source of hope as Ahmad endured imprisonment, torture, displacement, and unimaginable uncertainty. Together—with the help of an incredible community—they navigated countless obstacles to help Ahmad escape Syria and begin a new life in Vienna, where he pursued his dream of becoming a civil engineer. Today, Ahmad is thriving, earning one of only six prestigious internships from a pool of more than 600 students and proving that resilience, determination, and the kindness of others can change the trajectory of a life. This inspiring conversation explores compassion in action, the power of hope, the lasting effects of trauma, and the extraordinary impact that one ordinary person can have simply by refusing to give up on another human being. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest heroes are the ones who quietly choose kindness, one act at a time. To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul.

Ep. 057 | Fathers, Forgiveness, and the Strength We Carry

In this special Father’s Day episode of SOS Stories of Survivors, Serena is joined by the women of the Self Love Club for an honest and heartfelt conversation about fathers, father figures, love, absence, forgiveness, and healing. Together, they reflect on the fathers who showed up, the fathers who were absent, the relationships that were complicated, and the lessons that shaped the women they became. From stories of protection, hard work, faith, and family, to conversations about abandonment, emotional distance, trauma, and self-worth, this episode honors the many ways fatherhood can impact a person’s life. Through laughter, tears, reflection, and truth, the women explore how their relationships with their fathers influenced their choices, their healing journeys, their relationships, and the way they now teach love, boundaries, resilience, and self-respect to the next generation. This episode is a reminder that our worth is never defined by someone else’s ability to love us, and that healing can come through gratitude, forgiveness, release, and the courage to become whole. To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul.

Ep. 056 | Walking Each Other Home: Grief, Healing, and Living More Fully

In this meaningful episode of SOS Stories of Survivors, Serena sits down with Julie Blitzer, founder of Authentic Matters, to explore grief, healing, death, movement, writing, and what it means to live authentically. As a grief recovery method specialist, end-of-life doula, funeral celebrant, movement guide, and author, Julie helps others navigate life’s most difficult transitions with compassion, grace, and honesty. Together, Serena and Julie discuss the many forms grief can take, how loss impacts the mind, body, and spirit, and why healing is not about “getting over” loss, but learning how to carry it with greater understanding and self-compassion. From legacy projects and end-of-life conversations to movement, creativity, and the power of authentic connection, this heartfelt conversation offers wisdom, comfort, and hope for anyone experiencing grief, change, or a major life transition. If you’ve ever wondered how to honor loss while continuing to embrace life, this episode is a gentle reminder that healing is possible, love never truly leaves us, and every ending can teach us something about living more fully. To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul. ✨ To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul.

Ep. 055 | The Woke Widow: Turning Grief, Betrayal, and Loss Into Healing

In this powerful episode of SOS Stories of Survivors, Serina sits down with Jean Gutierrez, also known as The Woke Widow, to share her extraordinary journey through unimaginable loss, betrayal, grief, and spiritual awakening. After losing her mother, her father, and then suddenly the love of her life, Jean’s world unraveled even further when painful secrets came to light. Through heartbreak, anger, and deep healing, she found her way back to herself through spirituality, sound healing, hypno breathwork, and self-love. Jean’s story is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, healing is possible, purpose can be found, and survival can truly spark the soul. To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul.

Ep. 054 | The Gratitude Curve: Gregg Kirk’s Journey Through Lyme Disease, Healing & Spiritual Awakening

In this powerful episode of SOS: Stories of Survivors, Serina Dansker sits down with Gregg Kirk — author, healer, Lyme disease advocate, and founder of the Tick Tock Foundation. Gregg shares his incredible journey through chronic Lyme disease, years of misdiagnosis, frightening medical experiences, a near-death moment, and the spiritual awakening that changed his life. What began as a fight to survive became a deeper journey of healing, purpose, energy work, and gratitude. This conversation is a moving reminder that healing is not always linear, pain can become purpose, and sometimes the most difficult chapters of our lives can lead us to the work we were meant to do. To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul.