Change It Up Radio

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Jeannie Seeley-Smith, the newly retired CEO of Perspectives, Minnesota’s largest therapeutic, supportive housing program for women and children who have experienced long-term trauma, addiction, homelessness, mental illness, and poverty, and now the president of the “Seed the Change” capital campaign to raise completion funding for the new Perspectives trauma-informed family center. They discuss the complex and multifaceted experience of grief and explore grief as a journey accompanied by nine friends, each symbolizing a stage or emotion tied to profound loss. Jeannie also talks about her efforts with Perspectives Family Center, detailing the initiative to raise funds and support women on their path to recovery. Some key topic points covered in this episode include: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, I explore the power of showing up, being present, and learning how to effectively and compassionately communicate with people who are in emotional pain. Some key topic points covered in this episode include: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, I explore how we can engage in supportive, healing conversations with those going through difficult life circumstances, emphasizing the importance of having compassionate, judgment-free conversations with those experiencing pain or grief. This episode serves as a valuable guide to having supportive conversations, providing listeners with tools and insights to help others navigate through difficult life changes. To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Dr. James JC Cooley, who is a dedicated business owner, motivational speaker, author, CEO and President of The It’s Your Life Media Television, and community activist whose primary focus is on our Youth development. He is the President & CEO of JC Cooley Innovation Solutions, LLC, and The JC Cooley Foundation Options & Opportunities / The Choice Program. They discuss the complex narrative of being a Black man in America, exploring the enduring impact of historical racial injustices, and the transformative power of education, forgiveness, and self-expression in healing and personal growth. Some key topic points covered in this episode include: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Dylan Stolba, who is going into the 10th grade at Carlsbad High School and entered a writing contest sponsored by Rotary International, winning 3rd place for her essay on Teenage Depression and Anxiety. They discuss teenage depression and anxiety, and the damaging effects of societal stigma and silence surrounding mental health issues. Some key topic points covered in this episode include: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Suzy Ryan, who is an author, educator, Ironman athlete, and SCAD survivor. They discuss recognizing the warning signs of child abuse and what we can do to keep kids safe. Some key topic points covered in this episode include: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by her Dad, Jack Gutman, who is one of the last living World War ll Veterans who are healthy, lucid, and able to share with us the realities of D-Day, a colossal moment in our country’s history. They discuss healing the painful wounds of war and post-traumatic stress and the grief that Veterans experience. Some key topic points covered in this episode include: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Amy Scruggs, a Media Executive, TV host, Recording Artist, and Public Speaker, who helps others communicate a concise and professional message for network TV, podcast, social media, or in person public speaking appearances. They discuss the unique challenges, experiences, and grief that one struggles with as a single parent. Some key topic points covered in this episode include: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Marjorie Saylor, who is a survivor of sex and labor trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation and is the current Program Director of Alabaster Jar Project's long-term shelter program and drop-in resource center for adult women survivors of sex trafficking. They discuss the grim reality of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, along with the trauma and grief that survivors of these horrors experience. Some key topic points covered in this episode include: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Rachel King, who is an attorney and the owner of King Law Firm, Attorneys at Law Inc., specializing in Elder Abuse Litigation, Family Law, Probate Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, and Conservatorships. They discuss the grief, loss, and emotional pain experienced by individuals undergoing divorce and elder abuse. Some key topic points covered in this episode include: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Art Giser, who is a gifted healer, intuitive, NLP trainer, life coach, and corporate consultant in leadership and teamwork. He is the creator of Energetic NLP, which is an energy-based method of working with loss and grief. Some key topic points covered in this episode: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Racquel Yarborough, who shares her deeply emotional story of losing her twin sister in a tragic incident while trying to help a victim of domestic violence. Racquel speaks candidly about her journey through grief and recovery and how she was able to find a sense of purpose in the aftermath of the tragedy. Some key topic points covered in this episode: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Tracy Prior, who has enjoyed a 26-year career as a public prosecutor, and currently serves as a Chief Deputy District Attorney and the Chief Operating Officer for a Family Justice Center called One Safe Place, a one-stop-shop for victims and survivors of abuse and trauma. They discuss the effects of grief from trauma and abuse and finding help and healing for victims and survivors. Some key topic points covered in this episode: One Safe Place To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Jeff Guenzburger, the former chaplain of the San Diego Chargers and the head of Reset Ministries, about his experience helping warriors, particularly NFL players and Navy SEALS, deal with the challenges of transitioning from their professional and military careers to their personal lives. Some key topic points covered in this episode: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Jenna Mendez, a foster youth counselor, licensed professional counselor, nationally board-certified counselor, school counselor, and adjunct professor at Chapman University, to discuss the unique challenges that foster youth are faced with, and the support systems in place to help them succeed. Jenna provides insight on the trauma that these children experience when they're removed from their homes, and the efforts made to place them in safe living arrangements. She describes the various ways children can enter the foster care system, including being born into it in certain scenarios, the reality of abuse within the foster care system, and the role of group homes for children with more severe situations. We discuss the difficulties in finding suitable foster homes for children, as well as the importance of keeping them in their school of origin whenever possible, the court-ordered requirements for parents to regain custody of their children, and the need for education and awareness to help close the achievement gap and provide these children with a brighter future. Some key topic points covered in this episode include: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by former NFL middle linebacker Gary Plummer, who played for the San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers. They discuss the physical, mental, and emotional toll that his time in the NFL took on him, including his experience with early-onset dementia, as well as the high price he paid for greatness. Gary shares stories from his time in the NFL, the attitude toward injuries and the pressure to play through pain, and the long-term physical and mental health consequences for football players. He emphasizes the need for players to be more open about their physical and emotional pain and seek help when needed, as well as the important role that supportive friends and family can play in their lives. Gary also highlights the importance of taking small steps towards healing, whether through yoga, gratitude walks, or other activities that bring joy and peace, taking care of one's body through proper nutrition and exercise, and how these practices can help in mitigating the damage caused by brain injuries as well. Finally, he expresses hope that his story can help others understand the risks associated with professional sports and the importance of self-care and being of service to others. Some key topic points covered in this episode include: To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

Grief is a complex, multifaceted emotion that can arise from various types of loss and change. By understanding the different aspects of grief and acknowledging the emotions that come with it, we can better support ourselves and others during difficult times. In this episode of Change It Up Radio, we discuss what grief is, how it manifests, and how to cope with it when it affects us or those around us. To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, I talk about some things we can do to survive the holidays when we are feeling sad and grieving. This episode of Change It Up Radio is the second part of our special Grief and the Holidays series. This subject is very near and dear to my heart because when you’re hurting at this time of year, it can be very lonely and agonizing. Grief on its own is difficult enough, but it can really be magnified when the holidays roll around, and everyone else seems to be so happy and festive. If you’re grieving a loss of some sort right now, you’re likely riddled with memories of fonder times when things felt happier, and you may be thinking, “What on earth do I do now? How do I feel better?” It’s hard to imagine that these feelings of sadness and emptiness will ever fade, and celebrating the holidays the same way you have in the past may just not be possible right now. That’s okay. Today, I’m going to be talking about my Holiday Survival Checklist and sharing several helpful tips for those who are grieving and going through some kind of heavy emotional pain at this time of year. To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Ellen McCarty joins me to talk about how to get through the holiday season when you’re grieving a loss in your life. Today, we discuss some of the reasons why this time of year is so tough for many people and ways that you can nurture and take good care of yourself during this particularly difficult time. We share a couple of tools and some different ways of thinking that can help you work with the feelings you’re going through and not feel so alone while also giving yourself the permission to do things differently this holiday season. To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Ellen McCarty joins me to talk about some of the highlights of our fall season of the show, called “Giants on the Road Less Traveled." We explore and reflect on all of the beautiful lessons and learnings we've taken from the incredible guests who joined us over the course of this season. Ellen will also be joining me in the next few weeks as we do a series on grief and the holidays. Because this is a tough time of year for people who are dealing with loss, we want to do everything we can to offer help and offer insights, awareness, and whatever is needed to help grievers not feel so alone at this time of year. To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com