Ep. 60 | The Loneliness We Don’t Talk About: Scotty’s Words, a Mother’s Heart, and the Power of Connection

Ep. 60 | The Loneliness We Don’t Talk About: Scotty’s Words, a Mother’s Heart, and the Power of Connection

In this deeply personal solo episode of S.O.S. Stories of Survivors, Serina Dansker shares one of the most honest conversations she’s ever had—not with a guest, but with you. Drawing from Chapter 4 of her book, S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, Serina opens her heart about loneliness, grief, belonging, and the invisible battles so many people fight behind a smile. Through memories of her son, Scotty, reflections on her own childhood, and one of Scotty’s most heartbreaking poems, I Got Nobody, she explores how loneliness can exist even when we’re surrounded by people who love us. This episode is a compassionate reminder that mental health struggles don’t always look the way we expect. Sometimes the brightest smile hides the deepest pain. Sometimes the strongest person in the room is carrying the heaviest burden. Serina also shares the powerful “Bucket Lesson”—a simple but life-changing reminder that every act of kindness has the power to remind someone they matter. Whether you’re grieving, struggling with loneliness, supporting someone you love, or simply trying to become a more compassionate human being, this episode will leave you with hope and a challenge to help fill someone else’s bucket today. If you have ever questioned your worth, wondered where you belong, or needed a reminder that your story is not over, this conversation is for you. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or feels overwhelmed, please call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You do not have to face your pain alone. To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul.

Ep. 059 | Finding Fabulous After Loss: Kristin Price Hocker’s Story of Survival, Grace, and Joy

In this heartfelt episode of S.O.S. Stories of Survivors, Serina sits down with Kristin Price Hocker, host of Finding Fabulous, to share her powerful story of survival, transformation, and choosing joy after life-changing loss. Kristin opens up about losing her leg after a sudden battle with necrotizing fasciitis, surviving a near-death experience, navigating divorce, motherhood, body image, faith, and learning how to rebuild a life that looked very different than the one she once knew. With honesty, humor, and grace, Kristin reminds us that survival is not always clean or easy — but even after trauma, there can still be laughter, purpose, connection, and beauty on the other side.  To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul.

Ep. 058 | When Kindness Becomes Action: Stephen & Ahmad’s Extraordinary Journey of Hope

What would you do if a simple Facebook message had the power to change someone’s life forever? In this deeply moving episode of S.O.S. Stories of Survivors, Serina Dansker sits down with Stephen Picard, whose compassion transformed into a life-changing mission after connecting online with Ahmad, a young Syrian teenager living through the horrors of civil war. Over the course of more than a decade, Stephen became far more than an online friend. He became a mentor, advocate, fundraiser, and unwavering source of hope as Ahmad endured imprisonment, torture, displacement, and unimaginable uncertainty. Together—with the help of an incredible community—they navigated countless obstacles to help Ahmad escape Syria and begin a new life in Vienna, where he pursued his dream of becoming a civil engineer. Today, Ahmad is thriving, earning one of only six prestigious internships from a pool of more than 600 students and proving that resilience, determination, and the kindness of others can change the trajectory of a life. This inspiring conversation explores compassion in action, the power of hope, the lasting effects of trauma, and the extraordinary impact that one ordinary person can have simply by refusing to give up on another human being. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest heroes are the ones who quietly choose kindness, one act at a time. To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul.

Ep. 057 | Fathers, Forgiveness, and the Strength We Carry

In this special Father’s Day episode of SOS Stories of Survivors, Serena is joined by the women of the Self Love Club for an honest and heartfelt conversation about fathers, father figures, love, absence, forgiveness, and healing. Together, they reflect on the fathers who showed up, the fathers who were absent, the relationships that were complicated, and the lessons that shaped the women they became. From stories of protection, hard work, faith, and family, to conversations about abandonment, emotional distance, trauma, and self-worth, this episode honors the many ways fatherhood can impact a person’s life. Through laughter, tears, reflection, and truth, the women explore how their relationships with their fathers influenced their choices, their healing journeys, their relationships, and the way they now teach love, boundaries, resilience, and self-respect to the next generation. This episode is a reminder that our worth is never defined by someone else’s ability to love us, and that healing can come through gratitude, forgiveness, release, and the courage to become whole. To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul.

Ep. 056 | Walking Each Other Home: Grief, Healing, and Living More Fully

In this meaningful episode of SOS Stories of Survivors, Serena sits down with Julie Blitzer, founder of Authentic Matters, to explore grief, healing, death, movement, writing, and what it means to live authentically. As a grief recovery method specialist, end-of-life doula, funeral celebrant, movement guide, and author, Julie helps others navigate life’s most difficult transitions with compassion, grace, and honesty. Together, Serena and Julie discuss the many forms grief can take, how loss impacts the mind, body, and spirit, and why healing is not about “getting over” loss, but learning how to carry it with greater understanding and self-compassion. From legacy projects and end-of-life conversations to movement, creativity, and the power of authentic connection, this heartfelt conversation offers wisdom, comfort, and hope for anyone experiencing grief, change, or a major life transition. If you’ve ever wondered how to honor loss while continuing to embrace life, this episode is a gentle reminder that healing is possible, love never truly leaves us, and every ending can teach us something about living more fully. To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul. ✨ To learn more about Serina Dansker, purchase her book S.O.S.: A Lesson on Love, Loss, & Survival, book her for a public speaking engagement, and discover more stories of hope, healing, and resilience, visit www.serinadansker.com. S.O.S. Stories of Survivors — Where Survival Sparks the Soul.