What Depression Really Feels Like: The Conversation Every Family Needs to Hear | Pamela J. Wells

What Depression Really Feels Like: The Conversation Every Family Needs to Hear | Pamela J. Wells

What if the person you love is silently battling depression... and you don't know how to help? In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of the Embrace Your Awesome Podcast, John Geyston sits down with author Pamela J. Wells, who courageously shares her journey through years of severe clinical depression, multiple hospitalizations, and surviving a suicide attempt. Rather than allowing her pain to define her, Pamela transformed it into purpose by writing In Their Shoes: A Journey of Understanding and Supporting Depression—a powerful book filled with real stories from people living with depression, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Together, they reveal what truly helps, what unintentionally hurts, and how we can better support those we love. This isn't a conversation about statistics or diagnoses—it's about real people, real pain, real hope, and real healing. * What depression really feels like from the inside * The warning signs families often miss * What to say—and what not to say—to someone who is struggling * How caregivers can support loved ones without feeling helpless * The power of empathy, listening, and hope * Why recovery is possible, even after life's darkest moments Whether you're facing depression yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply want to better understand mental health, this episode will leave you with greater compassion, perspective, and hope. 🎧 Subscribe to the Embrace Your Awesome Podcast for inspiring conversations on leadership, resilience, faith, mental wellness, and personal growth that empower you to become the very best version of yourself. Spotify Episode DescriptionIn this episode, you'll discover:

The Hidden Cost of Hate: Why Letting Go Sets You Free

The Hidden Cost of Hate: Why Letting Go Sets You Free Every one of us has been hurt. We've been betrayed, rejected, lied to, misunderstood, or disappointed by someone we trusted. But while pain is unavoidable, allowing that pain to become resentment or hate is a choice that ultimately costs us far more than the person who hurt us. In this powerful solo episode of the Embrace Your Awesome Podcast, John Geyston explores the psychology behind hate, why our brains naturally hold onto painful experiences, and how bitterness slowly becomes a prison of our own making. You'll discover why hate is rarely the first emotion we feel, how resentment creates the illusion of control, and why forgiveness isn't about excusing someone else's behavior—it's about reclaiming your own peace. Whether you're struggling with past hurt, broken relationships, disappointment, or simply looking for greater emotional freedom, this episode offers practical wisdom, faith-based encouragement, and a roadmap toward healing. Because true strength isn't found in revenge... It's found in choosing growth over bitterness. ✔ Why hate is usually rooted in pain—not strength ✔ The dangerous illusion that anger gives us control ✔ How your brain reinforces resentment ✔ Why forgiveness sets YOU free ✔ The path from hurt... to healing... to hope If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need this message today. Remember... "Hate doesn't imprison the person you hate. It imprisons you." In this episode you'll discover:

Living Your Truth: The Path to Happiness, Purpose, and Success

Today’s guest is someone whose journey is both powerful and deeply relatable. Hugo Maynard is a father, traveler, entrepreneur, storyteller, former Olympian, educator, and speaker whose life experiences have taken him across industries, continents, and personal transformations. From growing up in poverty… to building businesses… to discovering that life’s greatest wealth isn’t material… Hugo now helps people reconnect with something many have lost: their authentic inner voice. Today we’re going to talk about identity, success, emotional honesty, journaling, manhood, purpose, and what it really means to embrace your awesome.

The Best Is Yet to Come: Starting Your Day with Gratitude and Optimism

Do you ever find yourself feeling tired, discouraged, or emotionally drained—even when you've had enough rest? Sometimes the exhaustion we experience isn't physical at all. It's the result of carrying disappointment, focusing on what we lack, or losing sight of the blessings already present in our lives. When gratitude fades, optimism often follows. In this encouraging episode of the Embrace Your Awesome Podcast, John Geyston explores how two powerful habits—gratitude and optimism—can dramatically influence the way we experience each day. You'll discover why people who intentionally focus on what they're thankful for and remain hopeful about the future often demonstrate greater resilience, stronger emotional well-being, and renewed energy. John shares practical strategies to help you begin each morning with a healthier perspective, including how to cultivate gratitude even during difficult seasons, why optimism is a discipline rather than wishful thinking, and how our daily thoughts shape our attitudes, actions, and outcomes. Life will always bring challenges. But when we choose to focus on what is good, remain hopeful about what is possible, and trust that our current circumstances do not define our future, we position ourselves to live with greater joy, purpose, and peace. If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a fresh outlook, this episode will encourage you to embrace the day with renewed hope and remember this simple truth: Your best days may not be behind you. The best may still be yet to come. * Why gratitude can improve your emotional and mental well-being * How optimism influences resilience and personal growth * The difference between realistic hope and toxic positivity * Five practical ways to start your mornings with intention * How shifting your perspective can renew your energy and purpose Because gratitude changes what we see, and optimism changes how we move forward. Tune in and discover how to start each day believing that the best is yet to come. Podcast SummaryIn This Episode, You'll Learn:

From Academy Owner to Building a 7-Figure Marketing Empire

What happens when a martial arts school owner stops thinking like an instructor… and starts thinking like an operator? Today’s guest went from running a martial arts academy in Tampa… to becoming one of the most recognized marketing and business consultants in the martial arts industry. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Educator. Entrepreneur. Founder of an 7-figure marketing company. She’s helped martial arts school owners across the country scale enrollment, improve retention, and build real business systems through Grow Pro Agency and MAIA. But this story isn’t just about marketing. It’s about evolution. Stepping from academy owner… to consultant… to CEO. Today we’re talking leadership, systems, growth, mindset, and what it really takes to scale beyond yourself. Let’s dive in.