Survive and Thrive 8791 ☆ Mental Health Help ☆ ANXIETY ☆ DEPRESSION ☆ RECOVERY ☆WELLNESS

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy & My Daughter by Shannon Kenitz

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Shannon Kenitz to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios and the Team 212 Training & The AEA Institute Mental Health Desk. Shannon joins us to share an extraordinary story of hope, perseverance, and a mother’s unwavering determination to save her daughter’s life. Shannon will also share details about her nonprofit organization's signature fundraising event, Harmonies for Hope, an intimate evening with Grammy Award-winning artist LeAnn Rimes on July 11, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin.  A graduate with a degree in psychology, Shannon has spent much of her professional life helping others. Early in her career, she moved to the Pacific Northwest, earned an AODA certification, and worked as a school counselor, encouraging those she served with a simple but powerful message: “You got this.” Little did she know that those same words would one day become a lifeline for her own family. After welcoming her first daughter, Lily Catherine, Shannon celebrated the birth of her second daughter, Gracie Margaret. Shortly after birth, however, Shannon began noticing episodes in which Gracie would stare blankly into space. Those concerning moments launched a medical journey filled with uncertainty, countless appointments, and consultations with some of the nation’s leading healthcare specialists. Eventually, Gracie was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Reductase Deficiency, an extraordinarily rare disease. At the time, she was believed to be one of only five known children in the world with the condition—and the others had not survived past age two. As treatment options dwindled, Shannon was faced with an unimaginable reality. One recommendation was to simply take Gracie home and make her comfortable. Refusing to give up hope, Shannon discovered Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) through a chance connection with a parent support organization. That discovery changed everything. What began as a desperate search for answers ultimately helped transform Gracie’s future. Today, Gracie is celebrating her 27th year of life—far beyond what anyone thought possible. Inspired by that journey, Shannon founded the International Hyperbaric Association, helping families access HBOT, supporting research, and advocating for expanded treatment options for individuals facing neurological and other medical challenges. Her story is a powerful reminder that when hope remains, possibilities remain. You won't want to miss this incredible episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!

S2 Ep. 41 - A Young Life of OCD & Anxiety by Aidan Konop

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Aidan Konop to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Aidan is a former University of Wisconsin basketball player and a talented student-athlete whose journey extends far beyond the basketball court. Today, he joins us to share his courageous story of living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, and the challenges of navigating mental health as a high-achieving athlete. Growing up in Butler, Wisconsin, just outside of Sussex, Aidan was the youngest of three children in a supportive and loving family. Like many young athletes, he spent countless hours playing basketball, inspired by watching his older siblings compete. Basketball quickly became his passion and eventually his identity. However, during sixth grade, Aidan began experiencing overwhelming anxiety and obsessive thoughts about his appearance and how others perceived him. What started as normal adolescent concerns gradually grew into a daily struggle that affected nearly every aspect of his life. Despite seeking answers from doctors and mental health professionals, relief seemed difficult to find. Ironically, the game he loved most became both an escape and a source of stress. Aidan became consumed with perfecting his basketball skills, obsessing over his shooting form and constantly questioning whether he was good enough. The pressure he placed on himself created a difficult love-hate relationship with the sport. Everything began to change near the end of his sophomore year when he connected with a therapist who helped him understand the difference between what his mind was telling him and what was actually true. Through powerful coping strategies, Aidan learned to challenge the “dragon” of OCD and anxiety and replace fear with facts. His return to basketball led to tremendous success, eventually earning him a preferred walk-on opportunity with the Wisconsin Badgers. Although a chronic pain condition later forced him to medically retire, Aidan continues to inspire others through his openness, resilience, and willingness to share his story. This is a conversation about mental health, perseverance, and finding hope when life doesn't go according to plan. You won't want to miss this episode Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!

S2 Ep. 40 - State Championship Coach & Person by Ron Prochnow

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Coach Ron Prochnow to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Coach Prochnow recently guided the Reedsville Panthers boys basketball team to its first state championship in 80 years—but the journey to that moment was anything but easy. Growing up in Markesan, Wisconsin, Ron developed a passion for athletics early in life. After a standout high school career, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where he earned a degree in physical education and health while also excelling as a cross country and track athlete. As a member of the Titans cross country program, Ron helped UW–Oshkosh win three NCAA Division III national championships and earned All-American honors during his senior season. While in college, he discovered a love for coaching basketball, beginning his coaching career at Lomira High School. After graduation, he accepted a teaching position and worked his way through assistant coaching roles before landing his first varsity head coaching job at Brookwood High School. Later, at Augusta High School, Ron made a pivotal decision to coach the varsity girls basketball team—a move that led to his first state championship in 1996. Eventually, a desire to return closer to family brought him to Reedsville High School. Early struggles with team chemistry and program relationships caused him to step away from coaching for a period of time. During those years, he focused on family, completed his master’s degree, and gained a renewed perspective on leadership. When the opportunity to return to coaching came, Ron embraced it. Years later, with his own son entering the varsity program, he was named head boys basketball coach at Reedsville. After several near-misses at the state tournament, the Panthers finally broke through in 2026, capturing the WIAA Division 5 state championship. Coach Prochnow’s story is one of perseverance, humility, growth, and leadership. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for coaches, educators, parents, and anyone striving to build something meaningful through adversity. You’re not going to want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!

S2 Ep. 39 - Smart Choices & Taking Care of Yourself by Coach Decorah

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, Coach Tim Decorah takes the mic from the Buck & Honey’s remote studios to share key messages from two impactful keynote presentations—one at the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association All-State Banquet and the other at Wisconsin Heights High School. In the first segment, Coach Decorah reflects on his experience at the WBCA event, where he spoke to players, parents, and coaches about the emotional transition that comes with the end of a high school career. He offers five practical strategies for student-athletes preparing for their senior season or the next level.  From prioritizing self-care—“put your mask on first”—to unplugging from constant pressure, finding a trusted support system, staying active beyond the game, and having the courage to say, “I need help,” his message is rooted in balance, awareness, and long-term well-being. In the second half of the episode, Coach Decorah shifts to his keynote at Wisconsin Heights High School, where he focused on decision-making during a critical time of year—prom season. Using the OODA loop, a simple yet powerful four-step framework, he equips students with a tool to make thoughtful, responsible choices in high-pressure situations. Observe—What’s really happening? Orient—Who am I? What do I stand for? Decide—What’s the right choice? Act—Follow through with confidence. Whether it’s navigating peer pressure or making everyday decisions, Coach Decorah emphasizes one clear message: don’t react—decide. This episode is filled with real-world strategies for students, parents, and coaches alike—centered on leadership, accountability, and making choices that align with who you want to become. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!

S2 Ep 38 - D1 Hockey Manager to 5-Time National Champion by Justin Kakuska

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Justin Kakuska to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Justin’s journey is a great reminder that sometimes the smallest opportunities can lead to something much bigger. After graduating from Waunakee High School, Justin headed to the University of Minnesota Duluth, where his first semester didn’t quite go as planned. With plenty of downtime and not much direction, he found himself searching for purpose. That changed after a chance connection with a women’s hockey team manager. While nothing came of it initially, that same connection reached back out after winter break—offering Justin a chance to help the team. He jumped at the opportunity, doing whatever was needed—mopping floors, doing laundry, and embracing the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed. That willingness to serve opened doors. After transferring to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a connection helped him land interviews with the Badger women’s hockey program, including one with legendary head coach Mark Johnson. That moment changed everything. Justin worked his way up from student manager to his current role as Director of Hockey Operations and Video Coordinator. Along the way, he’s been part of one of the most successful programs in college hockey, contributing to five national championship teams. In this episode, Justin takes us behind the scenes of a championship culture, sharing the highs, the challenges, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He also reflects on the confidence and trust instilled by Coach Johnson and how that support has shaped his growth. This is a story about showing up, doing the little things right, and trusting the process.