Locked Away, Left Behind, and Coming Back Stronger

Locked Away, Left Behind, and Coming Back Stronger

Locked Away, Left Behind, and Coming Back Stronger (S3 -E7 ) Host: Kathryn Lancioni [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynlancioni335/] Guest: Andrea Parquette [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-paquette-45474a1a ] Episode Overview: Kathryn Lancioni sits down with Andrea Parquette, the president and founder of the Stigma Free Mental Health Society. Andrea shares her deeply personal journey, from her first brush with psychosis and a life-changing diagnosis of bipolar disorder, to hitting rock bottom and eventually using her experience to help others. Through moments of darkness, stigma, and uncertainty, Andrea’s story is one of hope, transformation, and unbreakable resilience. The episode is a testament to the power of vulnerability, purpose, and rebuilding against all odds. 5 Key Lessons from This Episode: 1. You Are Not Your Diagnosis Andrea emphasizes the critical difference between having a mental health condition and allowing that condition to define you. Her turning point came when she realized she “may have bipolar disorder, but I am not bipolar disorder, and I can live an extraordinary life.” This self-acceptance paved the way for empowerment and healing, moving her beyond stigma and shame. 2. Support Can Come from Unexpected Places When Andrea faced homelessness after being discharged from the hospital, she found kindness and understanding in a stranger who became her roommate. Despite fear and stigma from others, one woman’s acceptance provided her with a safe place to start rebuilding her life. Andrea’s experience reminds us that a single act of compassion can be life-changing. 3. Listening to Yourself Matters Andrea’s decision to move back to Canada was guided by an unexpected sense of peace she felt in Victoria’s harbor. She recognized the importance of listening to her own instincts and emotional cues, even when it defied logic or previous vows. Trusting oneself can often be the first step toward healing and growth. 4. Transformation is Possible Through Vulnerability and Sharing Stepping onto a public stage for the first time, Andrea shared her truth and let go of internalized guilt and stigma. By speaking out, she not only liberated herself but also laid the groundwork for helping others. Her willingness to be vulnerable became the catalyst for founding her charity and making a difference in countless lives. 5. Purpose Grows from Pain Andrea's struggles inspired the creation of the Stigma Free Mental Health Society and its impactful programs for youth, educators, and rural communities. Through determination and networking, she turned her experiences into meaningful action. Her journey shows that enduring a "gut punch" can spark purpose and a passion to serve others facing similar challenges. When life delivers its hardest blows, recovery can feel impossible. But as Andrea’s story reveals, every gut punch holds the potential for reinvention, connection, and new purpose. Hitting bottom is not the end—it's the beginning of a different journey. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that healing is possible, and there is always a path to rebuild with courage and hope. Connect with Andrea Parquette: If you're inspired by Andrea Parquette's story and want to learn more or get involved, be sure to visit Stigma-Free Mental Health. There you’ll find resources on mental health, information about the Stigma Free Mental Health Society’s programs—including educational toolkits, school presentations, and support networks—and even their new docu-series on caregivers. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply someone who cares about reducing mental health stigma, this site is a great hub to connect with the work Andrea Parquette is so passionate about. * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-paquette-45474a1a [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-paquette-45474a1a] * Website: https://www.bipolarbabe.com/ [https://www.bipolarbabe.com/] * Company: https://stigmafreementalhealth.com/ [https://stigmafreementalhealth.com/] Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network [https://digitaltransform.tv/].

If You Don’t Like the Rules, Change the Game

If You Don’t Like the Rules, Change the Game (S3 -E6 ) Host: Kathryn Lancioni [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynlancioni335/] Guest: Aysha Saeed [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysha-saeed/] Episode Overview: Kathryn Lancioni sits down with acclaimed fashion designer Aysha Saeed to explore the intersection of personal style, confidence, and resilience. From Aysha’s journey immigrating to the United States, finding her way as one of the few women on Wall Street, to building her own fashion brand, this conversation dives deep into how dressing for yourself can be a pivotal act of empowerment. Together, they discuss practical strategies to boost self-confidence, the emotional impact of clothing, and how even small steps can lead to transformative change in both career and life. 5 Key Lessons from This Episode: 1. Confidence Begins with Self-Acceptance Aysha shares that her bold approach to style was never about trying to fit in—it was about embracing who she has always been. From her early days as an immigrant navigating a new culture, she realized that dressing well not only made her stand out but also gave her the internal courage to pursue opportunities. Her story is a reminder that authenticity is the foundation of true confidence, starting from within and radiating outward for the world to see. 2. How You Present Yourself Matters—Far More Than You May Realize Aysha's experience on Wall Street proves that clothing can be a strategic advantage, especially in male-dominated environments. She notes that when you show up polished, people take notice and are more willing to listen. This lesson extends to all arenas of life: investing energy in your presentation isn't superficial, but a practical step in commanding respect and visibility in any setting. 3. Style Can Be a Tool for Resilience Throughout the episode, Aysha and Kathryn discuss how the act of getting dressed can lift your spirits and reinforce your sense of agency, especially when facing life’s “gut punches.” Aysha emphasizes that changing your outer appearance—even in small ways—can trigger a chain reaction of positivity and motivation. The power suit isn’t just about impressing others—it’s about fueling your own inner strength and giving yourself the permission to succeed. 4. Start Small—Progress is in the Details For anyone feeling overwhelmed or stuck, Aysha recommends starting with an honest audit of your closet and taking baby steps to update your wardrobe. She believes that you don’t need endless resources; instead, be smart about where to invest (like a good blazer) and where to save. This practical approach ensures that self-improvement through style is accessible to everyone and that progress, not perfection, is what counts. 5. Community Is Key to Growth and Support Aysha introduces her Sisterhood Club, a vibrant community designed to connect, support, and uplift women on their journeys. She is a firm believer that surrounding yourself with supportive peers can be as transformative as any wardrobe change. Life’s toughest moments are a little easier to face when you're part of a network that encourages growth, resilience, and meaningful connections. If you’re feeling inspired to revamp your wardrobe or want to discover more about infusing confidence in your style, be sure to check out Aysha Saeed’s brand online. As Aysha Saeed shared, this isn’t just about fashion—it’s about investing in yourself and becoming part of a supportive, nationwide community of powerhouse women. Don’t miss the chance to see what’s possible when you put your best self forward! Connect with Aysha Saeed: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysha-saeed/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysha-saeed/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aysha.ny/ [https://www.instagram.com/aysha.ny/] * Website: https://ayshany.com/ [https://ayshany.com/] Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network [https://digitaltransform.tv/].

Grief, Grit, and Building Hope from Heartbreak

Grief, Grit, and Building Hope from Heartbreak (S3 -E5 ) Host: Kathryn Lancioni [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynlancioni335/] 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Jason Reid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrreid ] Episode Overview: Kathryn Lancioni sits down with Jason Reid, a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Tell My Story foundation, to explore the gut punches life throws our way and the resilience required to move forward. Jason opens up about his experience building businesses, facing repeated setbacks, and the unimaginable loss of his son, Ryan—a tragedy that drastically altered his perspective on life, family, and mental health. Together, Kathryn Lancioni and Jason Reid unpack how we navigate loss, learn from failure, and ultimately, choose to rebuild and help others along the way. 5 Key Lessons from This Episode: 1. Resilience Is a Muscle We Build Jason believes the ability to be resilient is one of the most important skills anyone can have. Life will present constant challenges—some expected, many not—and it is our response to adversity that defines us, not just the adversity itself. Finding the strength to keep moving forward, even after substantial loss, is at the core of his message. 2. Everyone Faces Challenges, No Exceptions Both Jason and Kathryn reflect on the idea that everyone has “their something,” even if they don’t always admit it. Jason shares candidly about entrepreneurial failures, brushes with bankruptcy, and personal losses. The key, he says, is understanding that setbacks are a universal part of the human experience, and comparing ourselves to others is rarely fruitful. 3. The Power of Choosing How to Respond to Tragedy After losing his son, Jason faced a crossroads: retreat or lean in and take action. He chose to channel his grief into advocacy, founding Tell My Story and creating resources to help others understand and address mental health challenges. He reminds listeners that even amid life-altering pain, we have agency over our next steps—even when those steps feel impossible. 4. Real Connections Come from Honest Communication Jason emphasizes that meaningful connections with our children—or anyone—often happen in unexpected ways, like car rides or family dinners, rather than forced eye-to-eye conversations. He encourages parents to create environments where kids feel comfortable to open up on their terms, reinforcing that parenting is often inconvenient, but rewarding when we lean in at the right moments. 5. Progress Requires Movement, Even When It’s Hard Jason’s most practical advice for anyone feeling stuck is simple: keep moving. Stagnation is the enemy of growth. He reminds us that every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and our attitude toward those ups and downs—rather than the events themselves—will shape how we rebuild and grow. During the episode, Jason Reid shares the story behind Tell My Story, an organization dedicated to making a difference in youth mental health. He discusses a range of impactful projects, including the documentary "Tell My Story" available on Amazon Prime, as well as mental health resources and tools like the card game designed to foster open conversations between parents and kids. Jason Reid and his team have also created additional films and programs to support families navigating difficult times. Connect with Jason Reid: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrreid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrreid] * Website: https://www.tellmystory.org/ [https://www.tellmystory.org/] * Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Tell-My-Story-Jason-Reid/dp/B09QFQJB42 [https://www.amazon.com/Tell-My-Story-Jason-Reid/dp/B09QFQJB42] Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network [https://digitaltransform.tv/].

Uncharted Moments: How Love Survives Life’s Hardships

Uncharted Moments: How Love Survives Life’s Hardships (S3 -E4 ) Host: Kathryn Lancioni [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynlancioni335/] Guest: Jeff Ton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtonindy/ ] Episode Overview: What happens when the world changes overnight—and every single day after? In Season 3, Episode 4 of Gut Punch, host Kathryn Lancioni reconnects with Jeff Ton, a beloved returning guest, as he shares the raw, deeply moving story of his wife Carmen’s battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). Together, they speak candidly about rare disease diagnosis, the challenges of caregiving, redefining roles, and finding light in even the hardest moments. It’s a powerful episode about love, loss, resilience—and the extraordinary humanity that emerges when life delivers its hardest blows. 5 Key Lessons from This Episode: 1. The Road to Diagnosis Is Anything But Straightforward Jeff opens up about the long, winding journey it took to finally get Carmen’s diagnosis. The uncertainty and repeated visits to specialists highlight how rare diseases can leave even experts stumped. But the lesson is that persistence is critical—advocating for answers, no matter how elusive, is a form of love and courage in itself. 2. Life Changes Overnight—and Never Stops Changing The moment Carmen was diagnosed, everything shifted for Jeff and his family. He made the difficult choice to set aside his own thriving business to become a full-time caregiver. This transition was not just about logistics, but about reimagining what it means to be a partner, supporter, and, above all, present for the person you love. 3. Resilience Isn’t Just for Patients—It’s for Caregivers, Too Jeff’s story reveals the hidden toll and quiet resilience of caregiving. With every new daily challenge, from helping Carmen stand to inventing tech solutions so they can communicate, Jeff demonstrates that showing up—sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, always adapting—is a true act of love. And acknowledging when you need help takes real strength. 4. Shared Experiences and Support Networks Are Lifelines Throughout Carmen’s illness, the smallest gestures from friends and neighbors—like a home-cooked meal or shoveling the driveway—became beacons of hope. Jeff learned that even far-flung connections and old friends could step forward in meaningful ways, and that asking for help is not weakness, but community in action. 5. Love and Legacy Outlast Disease Inspired by his journey with Carmen, Jeff began writing about their adventures together—including their “Uncharted Moments” on the Lewis and Clark trail. Chronicling their story helped Jeff remember who Carmen is beyond the disease. It’s a vivid reminder that life is bigger than any diagnosis, and that love and shared memories carry forward in powerful ways. During the episode, Jeff Ton shared about his book, Uncharted Moments: Love, Legacy and the Lewis and Clark Trail, released on May 14. This memoir weaves together the adventures he and Carmen experienced while following the Lewis and Clark trail and the powerful lessons learned along the way. If you’re interested in exploring stories of resilience, connection, and uncharted journeys, be sure to look for the book on Amazon and major online retailers in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. You can also visit his website to read his moving blog posts—including “The Post I Never Wanted to Write”—and sign up for his newsletter for updates and behind-the-scenes insights. Don’t miss the chance to delve deeper into their inspiring story. Connect with Jeff Ton: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtonindy/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtonindy/] * Website: https://jeffreyston.com/ [https://jeffreyston.com/] * Unchartered Moments: https://www.amazon.com/Uncharted-Moments-Legacy-Lewis-Clark/dp/1735309087 [https://www.amazon.com/Uncharted-Moments-Legacy-Lewis-Clark/dp/1735309087] * Blog Post: https://jeffreyston.com/2026/01/13/the-post-i-never-wanted-to-write/ [https://jeffreyston.com/2026/01/13/the-post-i-never-wanted-to-write/] Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network [https://digitaltransform.tv/].

From Cop to Defendant How My Arrest Changed Everything

From Cop to Defendant How My Arrest Changed Everything (S3 -E3 ) Host: Kathryn Lancioni [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynlancioni335/] Guest: Dr. Kareem Puranda [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareem-puranda/ ] Episode Overview: In this compelling episode of Gut Punch, Kathryn Lancioni sits down with Dr. Kareem Puranda-a former police officer, football player, and now a mental health professional and community advocate. Dr. Puranda shares his raw, personal journey from growing up in a high-poverty neighborhood in the Bronx, to finding purpose through football, to facing lawsuits and indictments as a police officer, and ultimately transforming his pain into a passion for helping others heal. Through honest stories of adversity, trauma, resilience, and redemption, this conversation is a powerful reminder that we can rewrite our stories and emerge stronger after life's gut punches. 5 Key Lessons from This Episode: 1. Trauma Often Hides in Plain Sight Dr. Puranda explains how the experiences of violence, poverty, and loss in his youth were normalized, making it difficult to recognize them as trauma at the time. It was only in retrospect that he understood how these formative experiences shaped his behavior, responses, and coping mechanisms, highlighting the importance of recognizing and naming past pain in order to heal. 2. Purpose and Belonging Can Change a Life’s Trajectory Football offered Kareem more than just an athletic opportunity; it became his lifeline. Being part of a team gave him structure, community, and a space to channel anger constructively, ultimately setting him on a path toward higher education and away from environments that could have led to much darker outcomes. 3. Ego Can Be Both Armor and Obstacle The episode reveals how ego protected Kareem from feelings of inadequacy and pain for years, especially during his law enforcement career. Yet, it also led to destructive behaviors and critical setbacks-until deep reflection in the lowest moments allowed him to recognize, confront, and ultimately move beyond the limits imposed by his ego. 4. True Strength Lies in Vulnerability and Self-Awareness Shifting from a mindset driven by accolades, toughness, and suppression of emotions, Kareem learned that real courage is found in vulnerability. Admitting hurt, seeking help, making amends, and practicing self-reflection brought him to a place of authenticity and healing, showing listeners how honest introspection is the bedrock of transformation. 5. Your Narrative Isn’t Set in Stone Through the metaphor of the “four Vs” -violation, victim, villain, and victorious- Dr. Puranda encourages us to examine how we respond to adversity. We all have power to choose whether we become a victim, a villain, or victorious after life’s gut punches. Changing our mindset and consciously authoring our own story creates the possibility for growth, redemption, and impact. If you're interested in learning more about Dr. Kareem Puranda’s work and the positive impact he’s making, be sure to check out his website. There, you'll find information about his training sessions, keynote talks—including his signature “Patrolling Your Purpose” program for law enforcement and the community—as well as resources from his private practice, Self Talk Counseling and Consulting. Whether you’re seeking guidance, inspiration, or resources for personal growth, don’t hesitate to reach out and see how his services might benefit you or someone you know. Connect with Dr. Kareem Puranda: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareem-puranda/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareem-puranda/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkareemp/ [https://www.instagram.com/drkareemp/] Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network [https://digitaltransform.tv/].