All The Wiser

This final episode of the All The Wiser Podcast is filled with laughter, tears, and deep appreciation for what the podcast has brought into our lives. You will hear voicemails from our listeners and past guests, discussing the impact and changes this show has brought about in their lives. We're still getting goosebumps!Kimi, Tara, and Erica share their personal transformations. Tara explains how the show helped define her legacy and turned her world into "technicolor" after growing up in a small town in Upstate New York. Erica found her wings in doing the one thing she always wanted: telling stories that make people feel less alone. Kimi has let go of shame, is more present in her life, and feels closer to God.We cry, we laugh, and we revel in all that All The Wiser has contributed to our lives, and will continue to do so as these stories live on in the world.Being with you these past five years has been an incredible gift. You mean more to us than you'll ever know.Signing off with love,Kimi,

In this profound and touching hundredth episode of "All The Wiser," we sit down with Lyena Strelkoff, a storyteller, artist, and spiritual counselor. Lyena shares her story of healing, acceptance, and discovering unexpected magic after she was paralyzed from the waist down after falling from a tree while climbing for fun. Through her one-woman show that extended from three weekends to a six-month run, Lyena has touched the lives of many, empowering them to see their own strength mirrored in her narrative. She offers listeners a window into the authentic and complex experiences of living with paralysis, the power of storytelling, and the universal truths about our shared humanity. Join us for a conversation that celebrates resilience, courage, and the beauty nestled within life's harshest trials.In this episode:Embracing Life Beyond ControlNavigating Spiritual TransformationHarnessing the Power of StorytellingCultivating Radical AcceptanceExploring the Impact of Personal CrisisGuiding Others Throug

In this week's episode of "A Little Wiser," Kimi and associate producer, Tara Daigle, reflect on the impact of the 100 charities All The Wiser has supported in the podcast's five years. The people, causes, and organizations we've encountered leave us hopeful and inspired.After getting to know 100 charities and the people behind them, we can report that despite all the suffering, there's so much good happening in the world. Tara, the point person for all things Charity at All The Wiser, talks about how the work deepened her empathy and inspired her to volunteer. This was so profound that she combined her passion for interior design with her charitable heart to join Savvy Giving By Design, a non-profit whose mission is to provide comfort, support, and healing to families with a child facing a medical crisis by transforming the interior spaces of their homes at no cost to them.Tara’s first design project was a room for 11-year-old Meg, who lives with brittle bone disease. Meg says “it'

Many of us walk different paths before finding our true calling. But what catalyzes such a life-altering pivot? At just 25, Sonia Vallabh, while attending law school, faced a life-altering moment when her mother began to exhibit worrying health symptoms – symptoms that rapidly progressed into a devastating illness. Sonia will share the heartbreaking journey of her mother's battle with prion disease, a fight that not only challenged the family's emotional resilience but also transformed Sonia and her husband Eric's careers and lives. In this episode:Understanding Health Beyond PerfectionCoping with Sudden IllnessEncouraging Self-EducationFacing Genetic Risks and UncertaintyPursuing Academic InnovationAdvancements in Prion Disease TherapyLinks & ResourcesCharity: www.prionalliance.orgWe want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special

In this episode of "A Little Wiser," Kimi and producer Erica reflect on the previous interview with Mark Lukach, author of "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward." They explore the emotional depth of Mark's story, his commitment to his wife through her mental health struggles, and the broader themes of love and dedication in relationships. The conversation touches on the challenges of caring for a partner with mental illness, the nuances of staying in a relationship during tough times, and the personal nature of difficult decisions. They also consider the impact of sharing personal stories publicly and the complexities of change within long-term relationships.Erica wraps the episode in true Erica fashion with a call to action!We simply wouldn’t be here without you! So, our greatest hope is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special finale episode and we would love to feature some of our list

Mark Lukach, author of "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward" speaks with Kimi about the profound impact of mental illness on his marriage and family life. He shares the harrowing journey he and his wife Julia have navigated through bipolar disorder, from the frightening onset of her psychosis to the unpredictable waves of recovery and relapse. Mark provides a candid account of the emotional strain, the learning curve of caregiving, and the strength it takes to stay committed to a loved one during their darkest times. The couple's love and resilience shine through as they confront the challenges of the American mental health care system and find ways to involve their children in managing the illness, all while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in their lives. Mark's perspective provides invaluable insights into the oft-hidden struggles many caregivers face and underscores the power of unwavering love and hope.In this episode:Coping with Mental Health Challenges in RelationshipsRelationshi

In a heartfelt follow-up to last week's episode, co-hosts Kimi and Erica reflect on the profound stories shared by Kimi's sister-in-law, Lee Henry. They discuss the resilience required to face life's adversities, the significance of maternal health discussions, and the healing that can arise from embracing forgiveness. Reflecting on the need for challenging conversations with our loved ones, Kimi and Erica inspire listeners to seek out these moments of vulnerability in order to foster stronger relationships and mutual understanding.We want to invite our listeners to stay connected and engaged as the show comes to a close. It is our promise that the remaining episodes will be packed with compelling content and profound dialogues, ensuring that the final stretch of the podcast will be as enriching and thought-provoking as ever.We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impa

Lee Culp Henry is a mother, psychotherapist, a coach's wife, and host Kimi Culp's sister-in-law. She speaks in conversation with Kimi about her harrowing past five years and the many tides of her postpartum journey. Faced with a traumatic accident following her newborn's birth and subsequent medical scares, Lee openly recounts her battles with postpartum OCD, the shame of secrecy, and her immense strength in overcoming guilt and learning to seek help. But for Lee, the hits kept coming – the death of her father, the uncertain diagnosis of her third child. We're reminded of the universal challenge of motherhood under extreme circumstances. Kimi's warm conversation with her sister-in-law, emphasizes the importance of reimagining postpartum support and the collective embrace of life's unpredictable journey. In this episode:The Importance of Mental Health Support for New MothersThe Agony of a Child’s Medical EmergencyParental Health Anxiety & OCDThe Rapid Progression of CancerThe Power

In this episode of "A Little Wiser", Kimi is joined by Erica and Tara. The co-hosts reflect on last week’s interview with Arno Michaelis, a former white nationalist turned peace activist, author and filmmaker. They discuss the role of simple acts of kindness and humanity from the individuals he was "supposed to hate" in altering Arno's belief system.Forgiveness, letting go of past identities, and the troubling rise of cancel culture are discussed.Arno's transformation from hatred to peace illustrates our innate ability to change. His message reminds us to define ourselves by who we are now, not by our past mistakes or identities.We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.Advertising Inqui

Is extremism a public health issue? Kimi sits down with former neo-Nazi skinhead, Arno Michaelis, to discuss his transformative journey from spreading hate to advocating for compassion and forgiveness. Arno shares candidly about his recruitment into white nationalism, the pivotal role his family played, and the life-changing moments that led him out of the movement. He provides insight into the underlying pain fueling such ideologies and stresses the importance of embracing those seeking to leave hate behind. The conversation delves into Arno's commitment to anti-racism work, his hopes for the future, and the ongoing challenge of self-forgiveness. Join us in this episode to understand the human capacity for change and the potency of kindness in breaking the cycle of violence.In this episode:The Evolution of Skinhead CultureWhite Nationalism and Ideological InfluenceRacial Identity Persuasion TacticsProcessing Trauma and Avoiding ExtremismOvercoming Hate with FriendshipFostering Hope through Daily Kindness

In this episode of "A Little Wiser," Kimi shares her experience of delivering her first TEDx talk titled, “The Transformative Power of Sharing Our Painful Stories.” She expresses her fears of having ex-boyfriends in the audience and her readiness to move beyond mental health as the main focus of her speeches.Kimi, Erica, and Tara discuss the importance of Simon Fung’s story, highlighting the continued prevalence and harm of conversion therapy. Furthermore, they recommend his podcast, Dear Alana (and fully support you pausing this episode to listen to it!) Kimi and Erica share their personal experiences with religion and reconciliation.The episode concludes with a reading of an email from our new favorite listener, Joyce, who wrote about how All The Wiser has positively impacted her life.We hope you will join Joyce and share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice or message might just be fe

Simon Fung is the host and creator of the podcast, "Dear Alana." The show quickly became a hit, touching the hearts of millions with a universal story of coming of age amidst the struggle for self-acceptance. In this episode, Simon discusses his intense pursuit to alter his sexual orientation in order to follow his dream of becoming a catholic priest. He shares his candid revelations, from the depths of conversion therapy to overcoming shame and embracing his true self. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. If there's one thing to take away, it's that vulnerability can pave the way for profound personal growth and lead us to a more honest and compassionate existence. In this episode:Navigating Sexual Identity and Conversion TherapyThe Healing Power of Group Therapy:The Philosophical and Religious Underpinnings of Conversion TherapyThe Essence of MasculinityOvercoming Trauma Through Martial ArtsImpact of Community and Religion on Personal IdentityLinks & Resources:

Kimi and Erica reflect on last week's episode with Matty Fiorenza, a first responder grappling with the invisible scars of PTSD. They emphasize the importance of raising awareness and taking inspired action to support the mental and emotional health of our first responders. Kimi shares the backstory of how we discovered Matty and the heartbreaking connection they have in common. A valuable takeaway that resonated with both Erica and Kimi was the idea that help can come from the most unexpected places. He referred to the ordinary people who showed him kindness and compassion during his darkest days as "angels." Throughout the episode, he mentioned them by name and credited them with helping him survive.OUR CHALLENGE TO YOU: Is there someone in your past that showed you compassion when you needed it most? Perhaps it was a teacher, nurse, neighbor, grocery store clerk, family member or friend? Consider how their kindness impacted you then, and thank them for the positive role they played in your life

Matthew Fiorenza, a former firefighter and paramedic turned mental health advocate shares how the traumas encountered on the job silently chipped away at his mental health. He bravely battled through the depths of depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse. We discuss the pivotal moments that ultimately led him to seek help and the healing modalities that made all the difference, including a promising new treatment: the stellate ganglion block. Other life-saving practices include meditation, the Save a Warrior program, and his profound spiritual connections. Matty's story serves as a beacon of hope for first responders facing similar battles and the importance of addressing mental health in high-stress professions. In this episode:The impact of distressing calls on mental health.The lack of behavioral health support for first responders.The struggle with alcoholism and the discovery of transformative meditation.Attending the Save a Warrior program and its life-changin

Welcome back, Wise Ones, and Happy New Year!In our first episode of 2024, Kimi, Erica, and Tara discuss holiday highlights, hangovers, and the slow process of post-holiday “re-entry ”.All The Wiser has some big news to share with you. In April, we will celebrate 5 years of brave storytelling, 100 full length episodes, and 100 charity partners.There is an end to all good things, and this season will be the last. We also plan on making it the best yet! Listen in to hear our thoughts on this bittersweet decision and our big dream for the final episode. We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope this season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the final episode of this season's A Little Wiser, Kimi and Erica reflect on last week's episode featuring Rebecca Kaduru. Kimi explains how an episode of The Happiness Lab inspired her to invite Rebecca onto the show. Erica expresses her admiration for Rebecca's impactful work with women in Africa. They also discuss the pros and cons of public vulnerability, and how Rebecca's story reminded them of the comfort found in podcasts and the potential of human stories to make a difference.Wishing you all happy holidays and a wonderful New Year! If you have a favorite episode or moment you’d love to share with us please email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com or DM us on Instagram @allthewiserpodcast.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 the team,

Rebecca Kaduru's life was forever altered by a catastrophic accident in Uganda. But after receiving shockingly insufficient medical care, her nightmare was only beginning. Rebecca endured extensive reconstructive surgeries for her physical wounds, but the emotional trauma had a profound impact on the way she views herself and her personal and professional priorities. She discusses the challenges of recovery in a social-media forward world, the human capacity for pain and empathy, and the importance of a supportive community on the journey to hard-won wisdom. In this episode:Inadequate medical treatment leading to multiple surgeries.Emotional impact from realizing the limits of health education in Uganda.The influence of KadAfrica on girls and communities in Uganda.Setting boundaries for work and prioritizing family time.The power of vulnerability in leadership and workplace culture.The significance of community and personal support systems.Charity: Hebrew Free Loan San Franciscowww.hflasf.orgIf you enjoy

In this mini episode, we dive into the powerful and touching story of spoken word poet Andrea Gibson. Our host, Kimi, along with producer, Erica Gerard, and associate producer, Tara, reflect on the experiences and insights shared by Andrea in the previous episode. From discussing the transformative power of their cancer diagnosis to exploring the essence of love, authenticity, and gratitude, the conversation delves into the profound impact of Andrea's journey. They also touch on the importance of vulnerability, storytelling, and embracing change.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 the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!Or contribute what you can by making a custom pledge.Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.Keep the

Are you pushing away joy? Getting stuck in a cycle of anxiety and grief? World renowned spoken-word poet Andrea Gibson (they/them) can relate. In this powerful and personal episode, Andrea shares their battles with stage fright, extreme anxiety, chronic Lyme disease, and stage 2 ovarian cancer. They also explore the transformative experiences brought about by Andrea’s cancer diagnosis, taking ownership of their health, and their commitment to healing modalities that have given them a feeling of radiant health amidst the trials of chemotherapy. Andrea shares profound insights on love, authenticity, fear, gratitude, and the art of cherishing others and self in the harshest of life's storms - not just as a cancer patient, but as an undeniably resilient and wise human. In this episode:Coming to terms with their queer identity.Living with extreme anxiety and panic attacks.Overcoming stage fright and finding their voice in spoken-word poetry.How suffering can transform into a path for liberation and healing.And

This week’s A Little Wiser is a special Thanksgiving edition. Kimi is joined by producer Erica Gerard and associate producer Tara Daigle in conversation about how to “save your sanity” during the holiday season. They share personal tips that help them prioritize self-care, establish healthy boundaries and protect their space while being surrounded by friends and family.Links:Family Gathering: https://www.amazon.com/TABLETOPICS-Family-Gathering-Questions-Conversations/dp/B001DYOEA4Table Topics: https://tabletopics.com/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 the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!Or contribute what you can by making a custom pledge.Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.Keep the conversation going! Join our new