20 Years Sober: Trauma, Addiction & Fearless Happiness ft Max Nijst

20 Years Sober: Trauma, Addiction & Fearless Happiness ft Max Nijst

Max Nijst is a Coach, Motivational Speaker, Published Author, and Podcast Host dedicated to helping individuals overcome life’s greatest challenges and step into what he calls a life of “Fearless Happyness.”As a recovering addict with 20 years of sobriety, Max brings powerful lived experience to his work, demonstrating how trauma, addiction, and adversity can become the very doorway to purpose. Through his coaching, writing, and podcast, he highlights stories of resilience and transformation — amplifying voices of those who have turned pain into power.Today, he joins us to explore addiction recovery, PTSD, mental health, and what it truly means to live fearlessly.

Divorce, Grief & Financial Collapse as a successful business woman

In this episode of Surviving x Zo, Zo sits down with LisaBeth “LB” Thomas, who opens up about losing everything after divorce and financial collapse -and how she rebuilt her life from the ground up.Now a speaker, author, and nonprofit founder, LB empowers women to turn trauma into strength, reclaim their confidence, and take bold action. She also shares her mission to protect children online and uplift women through education and community.A powerful reminder: your lowest moment can become your greatest turning point.

Aftermath of a sexual violence attack as a child, lifelong abuse & healing wounds

In this episode of Surviving x Zo, Zo sits down with Blanca E. Rodriguez, founder of Wounded Healer, LLC, who shares how she turned her own trauma into a powerful path of healing.With nearly two decades of experience across holistic wellness, coaching, and fitness, Blanca now helps others transform both emotionally and physically. From supporting survivors to mentoring and giving back through rescue work, her mission is rooted in healing from the inside out. A deeply grounding conversation about resilience, purpose, and becoming your own healer.

Past SA & now a psychotherapist, educator and author giving back to victims of abuse & neglect

In this episode of Surviving x Zo, Zo sits down with Phyllis Leavitt, a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience helping survivors heal from abuse and neglect.Drawing from both her professional work and personal journey, Phyllis shares how early trauma shapes our sense of belonging, relationships, and identity - and how awareness can be the first step toward real healing. We also explore her book America in Therapy and the idea that the same tools used to heal individuals can transform entire communities.A powerful, thought-provoking conversation about healing, growth, and rewriting your story.

Alcohol/drug addiction, recovery & childhood sexual abuse from my own father ft Sunshine

In this episode of Surviving x Zo, Sunshine shares her journey from addiction to spiritual empowerment. A psychic medium, Reiki Master, High Priestess &  founder of The Sovereign Phoenix, she transformed her sobriety into a path rooted in ritual, magick &  radical self-love. We explore recovery as spiritual rebirth, reclaiming identity after shame & building sacred community. This conversation is bold, mystical & grounded in real resilience.