S2E2: Kendrick Brown

S2:E3 - Heather Spann

In this episode of Beyond the Darkness, Jessica sits down with Heather Spann for a deeply personal conversation about grief, shared loss, and learning to keep going after losing a child. Heather shares about her son, Tanner, and the love, pain, and memories she carries with her. Together, Jessica and Heather talk about the way their paths have crossed through loss and how grief can connect people in ways they never expected. This conversation is also about permission. Permission to grieve. Permission to have bad days. Permission to ask for help. Permission to not have it all together. Permission to keep loving, remembering, and living. Heather’s story is honest, tender, and full of the kind of truth that reminds us we do not have to walk through grief alone. Listen to this episode of Beyond the Darkness wherever you stream podcasts. Beyond the Darkness: Finding hope in every story. If you are in need of resources, please check out our resource page at https://evieeffect.org

S2E2: Kendrick Brown

In Season 2, Episode 2 of the Beyond the Darkness Podcast, Michael Domingos sits down with Kendrick Brown for an honest conversation about music, survival, and the long road to healing. Kendrick shares how music became his lifeline at a young age as he navigated a childhood marked by neglect and emotional pain. What began as a way to cope slowly became a source of purpose, connection, and transformation. Through music, Kendrick not only found his voice, but also found love. It ultimately led him to his wife, Gabi, and helped shape the life he is building today. Rather than turning away from his pain, Kendrick learned how to live alongside it. He speaks openly about mental health, resilience, and how his lived experiences continue to guide how he shows up in the world. Today, Kendrick channels that story into his work, his relationships, and his music. Kendrick is also the sound technician for many events hosted by The Evie Effect, and his band Toil the Earth has generously performed at Evie Effect events over the years, helping create powerful, meaningful spaces where music and mental wellness intersect. If this episode brings up heavy emotions, you are not alone. Support and suicide prevention resources are available through The Evie Effect. To learn more or get connected, visit evieeffect.org and follow The Evie Effect on Facebook and Instagram for resources, events, and community updates. You can also follow the Beyond the Darkness Podcast on Facebook to see what episodes and guests are coming up next. Get connected. You belong here.

S2E1: Casey Muze

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health challenges. Listener discretion is advised. Season 2 begins with a powerful and honest conversation with Casey Muze. In this episode, Casey shares his personal journey through mental health challenges, resilience, and the moments that shaped who he is today. Together, we talk about what it means to sit with hard emotions, the importance of feeling seen and supported, and how sharing our stories can create connection and healing. This conversation is raw, reflective, and deeply human. It sets the tone for a season centered on meaningful stories and honest conversations around mental wellness and suicide prevention. If you or someone you love is struggling, support is available: * 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.orgAvailable 24/7 in the U.S. * American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)Resources, education, and support for those impacted by suicide www.afsp.org [http://www.afsp.org] * SocialWorx Advocacy GroupFree mental health navigation and community support in East Texas www.swadvocacy.org * National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families www.nami.org

Episode 4: Beyond the Darkness Podcast featuring Christine Knight

In this episode, Christine opens up about losing her daughter, her struggles with mental health, and how journaling became an outlet for healing. She shares how voice AI journaling helps her process emotions and expresses that “AI is for everyone.” Christine also discusses her plans to launch a voice AI mental wellness app to “help people harness technology for their own mental wellness” and her goal to expand The Best of Tyler Preferred Business Directory, nationwide. Need Support? Call or text 988 (available 24/7) for the 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineNeed additional information visit:https://afsp.org/ for the American Foundation for Suicide Preventionhttps://www.nami.org/ for the National Alliance on Mental Illnesshttps://swadvocacy.org/ for the SocialWorx Advocacy Group

Episode 3: Beyond the Darkness Podcast featuring Lauren Deaton

In this episode Lauren Deaton opens up about her journey of resilience with facing an unexpected diagnosis in high school, pursuing her education and career, and her move to East Texas. She shares how her experiences shaped her perspective and inspired her to start being more intentional with her life. Need Support? Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call 800-333-0358 for the 24-hour Crisis line Call 800-656-HOPE(4673) to reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline For additional information and support visit: https://www.etcc.org/ to go to the East Texas Crisis Center https://afsp.org/ to go to the for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention