Walk With Me

Nothing Like a Brain Hemorrhage to Refocus the Mind

What happens when a healthy, adventurous young professional suddenly wakes up unable to walk, talk, or smile? In this powerful episode of Walk With Me, Dan McQueen shares the incredible story of surviving a catastrophic brain hemorrhage after what initially seemed like "just headaches." From a vibrant life in London working for Hootsuite to emergency brain surgery, a coma, and the brutal process of relearning how to function, Dan's story is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and refusing to surrender. Rather than embracing victimhood, Dan chose something different: relentless determination. Through humor, honesty, and unforgettable storytelling, he reveals how perspective became the foundation of his recovery and how small daily decisions rebuilt his life one step at a time. Now a keynote speaker based in Vancouver, Canada, Dan speaks internationally about resilience, change management, motivation, and navigating adversity with intention. In This Episode, We Discuss: * Growing up in Canada and building resilience through sports * Moving to Sweden and London in pursuit of adventure and career opportunities * The terrifying moment Dan suddenly lost his vision in a London tube station * Discovering a non-cancerous cyst on his pineal gland * Emergency brain surgery complications and surviving a brain hemorrhage * Waking from a coma unable to walk or speak * The mindset that carried him through rehabilitation * Relearning how to walk in one of London's toughest neighborhoods * Why perspective changes everything * "It's not what happens to you, but how you respond that matters" * The importance of daily decisions and intentional living * Turning pain into purpose through public speaking Memorable Quotes from Dan: "I wasn't going to let this define me." "If I can walk here, I can walk anywhere." "You get to do this." "Play the hand you've got and play it as best you possibly can." "When you change the way you look at the world, the world you look at changes." Connect with Dan McQueen * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmcqueen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmcqueen/] Call to Action If this conversation encouraged or inspired you, please share this episode with someone who may need hope, resilience, or a reminder that perspective matters. For more inspiring stories, healing conversations, and resources for personal growth, visit: 🌿 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com [https://WalkWithMeConversations.com] My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom] We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph [https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph] Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 [https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280] Click here to purchase my book on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+quiet+rebellion+stephanie+bloom] Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom [https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom]

Turning Relationship Failure Into Healing: Understanding Attachment, Patterns & Growth with Brian Power

What if the struggles in your relationships aren't random—but rooted in patterns you've been carrying your whole life? In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Brian Power, an integrated attachment theory coach, to explore how childhood experiences shape the way we love, communicate, and connect. From a chaotic upbringing marked by instability and addiction to nearly losing his marriage, Brian shares the journey that forced him to confront his deepest wounds—and ultimately transform them. This conversation is a powerful look at what happens when we stop blaming, start taking ownership, and finally learn the tools we were never taught. In This Episode, We Explore: * How childhood instability and abandonment wounds shape adult relationships * The impact of addiction, emotional absence, and generational patterns * Why we repeat unhealthy relationship cycles (even when we don't want to) * The role of subconscious beliefs in driving behavior * What attachment theory is—and why it matters * How miscommunication and emotional triggers escalate conflict * The breaking point that nearly ended Brian's marriage * How doing individual healing work can transform a relationship * The importance of tools, structure, and support in personal growth * Why healing is a lifelong process—not a one-time fix Key Takeaways: * We are not broken—but we are often carrying unhealed wounds * Awareness is the first step to changing patterns * You can't change your partner—but you can change how you show up * Even one person doing the work can shift a relationship dynamic * Rock bottom can become the foundation for transformation * Healing requires consistency, support, and willingness to look inward About the Guest: Brian Power Brian Power is an Integrated Attachment Theory Coach dedicated to helping individuals and couples understand their patterns, heal core wounds, and build healthier relationships. After transforming his own relationship through deep inner work, Brian now helps others navigate the same journey. Connect with Brian: * Website: https://myrelationshipfail.com [https://myrelationshipfail.com/] * Podcast: My Relationship Fail * Free Relationship Strategy Session available through his website Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, and you're ready to go deeper into your own healing journey, visit: 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com [https://walkwithmeconversations.com/] Explore more conversations, tools, and resources designed to support your growth, your relationships, and your path toward embodied healing. And if you found value in this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it—because healing expands when we walk together. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom] We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph [https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph] Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 [https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280] Click here to purchase my book on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+quiet+rebellion+stephanie+bloom] Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private discovery call: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes [https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes] Follow our YouTube channel: youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04 [https://youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04] Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom [https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom]

Brighter Days Ahead: Healing Trauma Through Brain Health with Dr. Theodore Henderson

A powerful conversation on trauma, suicide, shame, and healing through brain health. Dr. Theodore Henderson shares how neuroplasticity, ketamine, and infrared light therapy are changing mental health treatment. What if healing isn't just about coping—but actually repairing the brain? In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Theodore Henderson shares his journey from severe childhood trauma and years of suicidal ideation to becoming a leading voice in brain health and innovative mental health treatment. We explore the lived reality of trauma, the hidden role of shame, and the small, daily decisions that can keep someone alive when everything feels impossible. Dr. Henderson also breaks down the science behind neuroplasticity and how emerging treatments like ketamine therapy and infrared light are helping people heal from depression, PTSD, and even dementia. This conversation challenges the way we think about mental health—and opens the door to something far more hopeful. Keywords trauma healing, PTSD recovery, neuroplasticity, ketamine therapy, infrared light therapy, depression treatment, brain health, childhood trauma, mental health podcast, suicide awareness Timestamps * 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Theodore Henderson * 05:00 – Childhood trauma and survival * 15:00 – Living with suicidal ideation * 25:00 – Understanding shame as a survival mechanism * 35:00 – From trauma to purpose * 45:00 – Neuroplasticity and brain healing * 55:00 – Ketamine therapy explained * 01:05:00 – Infrared light therapy and breakthrough treatments * 01:15:00 – Why brain health > mental health Resources & Links * Book: Brighter Days Ahead [https://www.amazon.com/Brighter-Days-Ahead-Depression-Innovative/dp/B0C5P7M5N9] If this episode spoke to you, there's more support waiting for you. Visit https://WalkWithMeConversations.com [https://WalkWithMeConversations.com] for more conversations, tools, and resources to support your healing journey. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder: brighter days are possible. Click here to join PodMatch and be my guest: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom] We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph [https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph] Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 [https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280] Click here to purchase my book on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+quiet+rebellion+stephanie+bloom] Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private discovery call: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes [https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes] Follow our YouTube channel: youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04 [https://youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04]

Turning Pain Into Purpose: How One Childhood Divorce Shaped a Mission to Create Peaceful Separation

Episode Summary What happens when the conflict you grow up in becomes the very thing you're called to change? In this episode, I sit down with Joe Dillon, divorce mediator and co-founder of Equitable Mediation Services, who shares his deeply personal story of growing up as an only child in the middle of a long, litigated divorce in the 1980s. What began as a childhood shaped by silence, conflict, and emotional disconnection followed him into adulthood—impacting his relationships, emotional regulation, and worldview. But Joe's story doesn't end there. After years of navigating his own patterns, he reached a pivotal moment in his 30s that changed everything—choosing to stop reacting from his past and start creating a different future. That decision not only transformed his personal life, but ultimately led him into a career helping others avoid the same kind of damage he experienced. Today, Joe helps couples move through divorce in a way that prioritizes respect, emotional awareness, and the well-being of their children—proving that even in endings, there can be intention, integrity, and peace. In This Episode, We Discuss: * What it's like to grow up in a high-conflict divorce * How unresolved childhood trauma impacts adult relationships * The moment everything shifted: choosing response over reaction * Emotional regulation and why it matters in conflict * "Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?" * The hidden dynamics behind arguments (it's rarely about the surface issue) * How mediation creates a healthier path through divorce * The long-term impact of conflict on children—and how to reduce harm * Why preparation is critical in any negotiation * Turning pain into purpose and using your story to serve others Key Takeaway "It didn't happen to me… it just happened. Now what am I going to do with it?" Joe's story is a powerful reminder that while we can't always control what happens to us, we can choose how we move forward—and that choice can change everything. About Joe Dillon Joe Dillon is a divorce mediator and co-founder of Equitable Mediation Services. With a background in finance and negotiation, combined with his lived experience as a child of divorce, Joe helps couples navigate separation in a way that is cost-effective, respectful, and focused on long-term well-being—especially for families with children. Connect with Joe 🌐 Website: https://equitablemediation.com [https://equitablemediation.com] Call to Action If this conversation resonated with you, or if you're navigating your own healing journey, I invite you to explore more resources, conversations, and support. 👉 Visit https://WalkWithMeConversations.com [https://WalkWithMeConversations.com] You'll find podcast episodes, tools, and insights designed to help you move forward with more awareness, intention, and peace. And if you know someone who could benefit from this conversation, share this episode with them. You never know who might need to hear it.We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show:Click here to join PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom] CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph [https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph] Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 [https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280] Click here to purchase my book on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+quiet+rebellion+stephanie+bloom] Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private discovery call: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes [https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes] Follow our YouTube channel: youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04 [https://youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04]

Pivot to Possible: Navigating Grief, Loss, and Resilience with Becky Smith-Gallai

Episode Summary What does it really look like to rebuild your life after unimaginable loss? In this deeply moving conversation, I sit down with Becky Smith-Gallai, author, speaker, and resilience expert, whose life has been shaped by profound adversity—and an unwavering commitment to finding possibility through it. From losing her brother at a young age… to raising multiple children with complex medical needs… to becoming suddenly paralyzed as a single mother—Becky's story is not just about survival. It's about transformation. Together, we explore how grief evolves over time, how to navigate uncertainty when there are no answers, and the practical tools that can help you keep moving forward—even in the hardest seasons of life. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to carry what life has handed you—this conversation will meet you there. In This Episode, We Discuss: * Becky's concept of "Pivot to Possible" and what it means in real life * Navigating multiple layers of grief and unexpected loss * The reality of raising children with special needs * Living with paralysis and rebuilding identity after life-changing events * Why grief is a "strange companion" that never fully leaves * The power of journaling to process emotions and move forward * How to build your support system—"who's in your boat" * Managing uncertainty and conserving your emotional energy * Turning pain into purpose through writing and service * Daily practices that support resilience, gratitude, and healing Key Takeaways: * Grief looks different for everyone—and there is no "right" way to process it * You don't have to have all the answers to take the next step * Small, consistent actions can carry you through even the darkest seasons * Community and connection are essential for healing * Life can be good… but it takes intention and effort About Becky Smith-Gallai Becky Smith-Gallai is an author, speaker, and advocate for resilience and possibility. Through her writing and lived experience, she helps others navigate grief, uncertainty, and life's unexpected challenges. She is the author of: * Rethinking Possible: A Memoir of Resilience * Morning Fuel: Daily Inspirations to Stretch Your Mind Before Starting Your Day Her work has touched thousands through her writing, speaking, and the communities she's helped build. Connect with Becky * https://rebeccafayesmithgalli.com/ [https://rebeccafayesmithgalli.com/] * Books available through major retailers (Amazon, etc.) Call to Action If this conversation resonated with you, I invite you to take the next step in your own journey. 👉 Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com for more powerful conversations, resources, and tools to support your healing, growth, and transformation. And if you found value in this episode: * Share it with someone who needs to hear it * Leave a review to help us reach more people * Subscribe so you never miss a conversation Final Thought "Life can be good no matter what… but the operative word is can. It takes effort—but it's worth pivoting to possible." We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph [https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph] Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 [https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280] Click here to purchase my book on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+quiet+rebellion+stephanie+bloom] Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private discovery call: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes [https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes] Follow our YouTube channel: youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04 [https://youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04]