All The Wiser

Today, we are reairing Kimi's conversation with Alex Lewis. Alex is a quadruple amputee and one of the most hopeful and inspiring guests we've had on the show. When his episode aired, we had a huge reaction from the audience. People wrote to us talking about how hopeful and uplifted they felt.Considering the heaviness of all that is happening in the world right now, we thought this was an opportunity to lay down that weight for an hour and revisit Alex's story and message.*Rebroadcast* (originally aired 3/30/22)He was given a 3% chance of survival. His partner was told to come in and say goodbye. But Alex Lewis wasn’t ready to go down without a flight. In this harrowing episode, Alex shares why he says “quadruple amputation is the best thing that has ever happened to him,“ plus the one piece of advice you must not forget no matter how bad you feel things are in your life.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to recognize signs of escapism and depression.Identifying Strep A in the body.Navigating his d

On today's episode of A Little Wiser is special guest and filmmaker Patty Dillon. Patty's documentary There Will Be No Stay featured last week's guest, Allen Ault. Patty shares with Kimi her deeply personal and thought provoking experience inside the world of capital punishment.They talk about Patty’s extensive research journey, conducting cold calls and the numerous challenges she faced along the way. Through it all, Patty stayed resolute in her mission to shed light on a subject that is often shrouded in silence and controversy. From attending a film festival next to Randy Gardner, the brother of the last man to be executed by firing squad to forming a unique bond with Terry, an executioner who dedicated years of his life to the system that ultimately betrayed him, Patty sheds light on the complex moral questions surrounding the death penalty and the emotional toll experienced by those involved. They explore how this project pushed Patty to her limits, both as a filmmaker and compassionate human

What is it like to witness the darkest corners of our justice system? Dr. Allen Ault is a former warden and commissioner of corrections. He recounts his experience with the death penalty and the lasting emotional impact on those involved in the process. He also gets deeply personal about his own struggle with feelings of guilt as a result of “murdering somebody,” and his subsequent journey grappling with the moral implications of capital punishment.In this episode:The culture of the Georgia prison system.Building relationships and trust within the system along with the prisoners.The impact of the death penalty and the emotional toll it takes on the correctional staff.Thoughts on why the death penalty still exists.Links & ResourcesWashington Post Article: The hidden victims of the death penalty: Correctional staff\Movie: There Will Be No StayCharity: First Christian Church Richmond, Children & Youth MinistriesIf you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we

Kimi and Tara reflect on last week's episode featuring Kara Robinson Chamberlain, who was held captive for 18 hours at the age of 15 and managed to escape. They discuss Kara's remarkable ability to regulate her kidnappers' emotions and gather information, all while enduring a highly traumatic situation. In the aftermath of the trauma, Kara spent decades suppressing and storing her emotions before beginning the hard work of healing.Tara shares her personal experience of trauma, highlighting how it can leave a lasting impact on one's body over the years.Kara openly discussed the expectations others placed on her after her abduction, including how she should feel and what she could or could not handle. Her story serves as a reminder of how crucial it is for law enforcement and related agencies to support survivors in reclaiming their autonomy and experiencing a sense of empowerment.If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consid

At 15, Kara Robinson Chamberlain was kidnapped. While her remarkable bravery and quick thinking allowed her to escape, the coping mechanisms she employed to survive impeded her ability to heal from the ordeal. In this harrowing episode, Kara dives into the importance of authentic emotions in healing, and the dangers of toxic positivity culture. She sheds light on the complexity of trauma and its long-term effects on the mind and body. She also shares how the experience led her to a career in law enforcement, educating and empowering other survivors of traumatic experiences.In this episode:Long term effects of trauma on the body. The importance and impact of victim advocacy. Different ways PTSD can present itself. Disassociation of the body.How to begin true healing.Establishing safety and body autonomy as a mother.Links & Resources:Instagram: @kararobinsonchamberlainTwitter: @KR_ChamberlainFacebook: Kara Robinson ChamberlainYouTube: @karachamberlainTikTok: @kararobinsonchamberlainCharity: South Carolina V

Kimi and Erica explore the incredible resilience of Alice Johnson, an advocate for criminal justice reform. They talk about the significant and devastating realities of "invisible populations" such as incarcerated people. Kim Kardashian's star power made Alice Johnson "visible" and illuminated her path to justice, ultimately resulting in her freedom.In Season 5, Fernando Murillo was released from prison after a journalist wrote a viral article highlighting his redemption, compassion, and service as a Prison Hospice worker. Alice and Fernando are both incredibly rare examples of individuals who have broken through the barriers of invisibility to receive justice and freedom. If you’re an All The Wiser member on patreon, don’t forget to RSVP to our virtual event next week! We will be talking about the wisdom within ourselves with my dear friend and business coach, Paige Nolan. Want to join us?If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope yo

Alice Johnson has a knack for finding hope in hard circumstances. Even though a terrible mistake cost her everything she knew and loved, Alice still found a way to help and inspire others. From fighting for education and against discrimination, to finding solace in writing poetry, Alice shares how she became a force for change and an advocate for the incarcerated. She also shares her own story of clemency after being taken under the wing of one Ms. Kim Kardashian.In this episode:How a poem opened doors of opportunity.Life takes a drastic turn after meeting a man with a gambling problem.Living a double life as a phone mule.Being found guilty of attempted possession after a six week trial.Discovering her talent during prison and finding forgiveness.Creating change within the prison system and gaining massive public recognition.Being offered representation by Kim Kardashian.The day Alice is granted clemency and the return to her family.Links & Resources:Facebook: Alice Marie JohnsonX (Twitter): @AliceMarieFr

Kimi and Erica discuss last week's episode with Haley Holm, a veteran air force pilot and transgender woman who bravely shared her story for the first time on All The Wiser.Erica reflects on the pain of hiding one's true self and the accompanying feelings of guilt and shame. Kimi shares some behind-the-scenes moments from the day she and Haley met to record the conversation.Haley's story and sharing served as a reminder of one of our greatest intentions for this show, to hold space for one another's stories and witness their humanity.VOTE for us to win a 2023 Signal Award!www.allthewiserpodcast.com/voteIf you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.As a thank you for your support, we give you early, ad free access, exclusive content, Zoom meetups with Kimi and the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!Or contribute what you can by making a custo

Haley Holm is a veteran air force pilot. She completed 22 combat missions in Afghanistan. But during this time, Haley was known as Jim. Jim was described by friends as a very masculine man from a military family. But Jim had a secret. He longed to be female. How does a person find the courage to explore a new identity in one of the most male dominated workplaces in the world? For Haley…it was one sock at a time. In this episode:Haley’s first memories of questioning her gender.Joining the Airforce and finishing at the top of the class.Stepping out as Haley for the first time and navigating this new identity.Letting go of her biological family and gaining a new support system.What it means to belong and provide a safe space for others.Stay connected to Haley on Instagram @haley_go_lightlyThis episode is benefitting The Paseo Project.VOTE for us to win a 2023 Signal Award!www.allthewiserpodcast.com/voteIf you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll c

"A Little Wiser" takes you behind-the-scenes of each All The Wiser interview and explains how you can apply the lessons from the guests to your own life. In our first mini-episode of the new season, Kimi and Erica discuss sibling abuse and how common and misunderstood it is. They also explore the public fascination with true crime and how it can be reported and consumed ethically. Kimi discusses how her experience in journalism has changed the way she handles these delicate and heartbreaking stories. Erica ends with a challenge, as she always does!If you are a victim of sibling abuse, please reach out to a professional for help and support.Be mindful when consuming stories about other people's pain and suffering.If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.As a thank you for your support, we give you early, ad free access, exclusive content, Zoom meetups with Kimi and

Amy Chesler always knew her brother Jesse struggled with anger. He never developed the tools to manage his emotions. But then he started taking his frustrations out on her in harmful and abusive ways. The power and control he exerted over Amy was just the beginning. In this chilling and powerful episode, Amy shares the story of the day her brother killed their mother, her fight to navigate a difficult legal system for justice, and ultimately how she stayed alive.In this episode:Undiagnosed mental illness.Understanding the effects of sibling abuse.Discerning the types of abuse.The aftermath of her mother’s murder.Healing the pain and trauma through educating and storytelling.The need for a shift in the narrative of true crime.Resources & Links:Book: Working For Justice: One Family's Tale of Murder, Betrayal, and HealingPodcast: What Came NextWebsite: www.amybchesler.comInstagram: @amybcheslerFacebook: Amy B CheslerTwitter: @amybcheslerLinkedIn: Amy-CheslerCharity: The Army of SurvivorsIf you enjoy list

Hello Wise Ones! I hope you had a wonderful summer. Our team traveled, we relaxed, we went off the grid and we made time to work really hard on Season 6! We’re ready to bring you more jaw dropping, life changing stories: with all the depth, courage, and vulnerability you’ve come to know and rely on. Starting next Wednesday, September 6th, and every Wednesday after that, let’s get wiser together…again!Follow us on Instagram @allthewiserpodcast for all the latest updates!Our Sponsors:* Check out HelloFresh and use my code 50WISER for a great deal: http://hellofresh.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We will be taking a short break to enjoy the final days of summer. In our last episode of the season, Kimi and Tara discuss last week’s interview with Fernando Murillo and share some of their favorite lessons from Season 5.Tara chooses “How to Live Well So You Can Die Well", with death doula Diane Button, and her advice that the key to dying well is living well. She also reminds us to tell our family and friends what they mean to us instead of just thinking about it.Kimi reflects on what she learned from Anthony Brown in “The Homelessness Episode”, about the ways in which we "other" people and how to move through the world with more grace and compassion, especially for those who are suffering and may not look like us.All The Wiser will return with a new season of inspiring stories on Wednesday, September 6th. Until then, take care of yourselves and remember to appreciate the small moments that make up a full life. Get episodes early, exclusive video content, live Zoom hangs with Kimi and the team,

At the age of 16, Fernando Murillo was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes. After serving 20 years, he was transferred to California Medical Facility (CMF), a prison that focuses on caring for the elderly and terminally ill, among others. It was there that he first stepped foot into CMF’s hospice unit, the first of its kind in a prison setting.Initially, Fernando was hesitant to join the peer pastoral care team, but once he committed, the work became transformational. He witnessed the immense gratitude of his dying friends within the community and, at the same time, began to heal and reveal parts of himself that he had never known.In this inspiring episode, we take a look at how Fernando and others are on a mission to train more incarcerated residents to administer end-of-life palliative care.In this episode:Fernando as a young boy growing up.How this opportunity allowed him to heal from his past.Fernando’s new identity in the world.Fears that exist when beginning to form personal relationships. His ho

Today, we talk about the message actress, wife and mother Marnie shared with us before dying from cancer last year. Her advice: Listen to your body. Trust your instincts when it comes to anything that feels off about your health.Kimi discusses why people often avoid going to the doctor, including fear of what they may discover. Tara shares her story of love and frustration as her dad constantly avoids going to the doctor.In honor of Marnie, get your annual check-up. Trust your gut. Advocate for your body. And most importantly, take care of yourselves and each other!Get episodes early, exclusive video content, live Zoom hangs with Kimi and the team, and more when you support the show. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER HERE!Or contribute what you can by making a custom pledge.Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.Keep the conversation going! Join our new Facebook group and connect with other listeners like you!Stay in the know with all things All The Wiser! Sign up for our newsletter for personal reflec

Today we are checking in with one of our favorite past guests, actor Zack Robidas. It's been a year since his beautiful wife Marni passed away from breast cancer. Zack and Marni were on this show together during the pandemic talking about her diagnosis and the challenges they faced head-on during treatment. So on the anniversary of her death, we wanted to see how Zack was doing, and ask him to share some thoughts on the changing nature of grief and loss, and the glimmers of hope and healing he's found all around him. If you'd like to listen to the original episode with Zack and Marni, it's called A Big Love Story and was released on 3/24/21.In this episode:Meeting Marnie for the first time.Welcoming Coda to the world.Reflecting on Marnie’s diagnosis during the COVID pandemic.Cherishing and celebrating the little moments. Personal and toddler grief. Listening to and advocating for your body. Links & ResourcesInstagram: @zactoryrobotdanceFacebook: Zack RobidasTwitter: @ZackRobidasPodcast: Th

It's 2023 and it’s Pride Month! Today as a country we are divided, we are fractured and we are broken. We believe that many of us are looking and yearning for hope and possibility for our country‘s future. It seemed like the perfect time to go back and share one of our favorite stories on the show.*Rebroadcast* (originally aired 9/2/20)It took three months of working together at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles before Matthew Boger and Tim Zaal realized they had met before, as teenagers in the 80's, when then Neo-Nazi skinhead Tim beat Matthew, a homeless, gay 14-year old, nearly to death. This moment of recognition began a process of healing and forgiveness that led the two men to speak together on stages across the country about their unlikely friendship. Today, Matthew and Tim share a vision that all things are possible, and provide hope to those who feel lost or otherwise unable to break free from the past.Get episodes early, exclusive video content, live Zoom hangs with Kimi and the team, a

In this special Father’s Day episode, Kimi is in conversation with her dad about their relationship, his brilliant mind, his big heart and what he has learned about success on the outside and on the inside. They share with each other the complexities and gifts of generational mental illness and what it means to be fully seen, supported and loved exactly as you are.Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and grandfathers! To our listeners who have lost theirs, we hope you’ll look for them in all the small moments that make up your day and find comfort in knowing they are always by your side.Get episodes early, exclusive video content, live Zoom hangs with Kimi and the team, and more when you support the show. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER HERE!Or contribute what you can by making a custom pledge.Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.Keep the conversation going! Join our new Facebook group and connect with other listeners like you!Stay in the know with all things All The Wiser! Sign up for our newslet

What is your relationship with goal setting? Kimi is joined by Erica and Tara to discuss the previous episode with Rebecca Berger, share their own thoughts about goal setting, and what has worked (or not worked) for them. They discuss the foundation of what that relationship begins with, the similarities they have with each other, and how self awareness shapes the way you relate to your goals. Your challenge: Message us on Instagram or email hello@allthewiserpodcast.com and let us know your feelings about G-O-A-L-S!Get episodes early, exclusive video content, live Zoom hangs with Kimi and the team, and more when you support the show. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER HERE!Or contribute what you can by making a custom pledge.Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.Keep the conversation going! Join our new Facebook group and connect with other listeners like you!Stay in the know with all things All The Wiser! Sign up for our newsletter for personal reflections from Kimi, new episodes, and recommendations

Rebecca Berger survived a childhood of chaos and abuse before becoming pregnant at the age of 14. Many adults looked at her with pity and shame. Though the physical and emotional abuse from men continued in Rebecca’s life, she kept putting one foot in front of the other, chasing a childhood dream of becoming a doctor. She finished her education and as a mother of three, pursued a career in medicine. Rebecca, now a family medicine physician, shares her story of survival and why you should never let others define your potential.In this episode:Growing up with a mother with mental illness in a sexually abusive home.Navigating teen pregnancy.Leaving an abusive relationship.Rebuilding the confidence to follow her dreams and go to medical school.Defining your own potential.Links & Resources:Email: Dr.Rebecca.Berger@gmail.comCharity: Peace Over Violencewww.peaceoverviolence.orgGet episodes early, exclusive video content, live Zoom hangs with Kimi and the team, and more when you support the show. Join us and BECO