Scars to Stars™ Podcast

In this powerful episode of Scars to Stars, Deana Brown Mitchell sits down with motivational speaker, advocate, entrepreneur, and author Victoria Burmeister, whose life changed forever after a car accident at age 19 left her paralyzed. Defying medical expectations, Victoria shares how resilience, faith, and mindset transformed what could have been a life-ending tragedy into a life of purpose, impact, and hope. She opens up about navigating paralysis, redefining motherhood, raising three children after her accident, and becoming a grandmother—all while building a meaningful life filled with advocacy and service. Victoria also discusses her journey into holistic mind-body wellness, including overcoming chronic pain, regaining energy, and reducing medications through alternative approaches that supported her healing. This conversation explores identity, purpose, perseverance, and the truth that our greatest limitations are often the ones we place on ourselves. Whether you’re facing physical challenges, emotional struggles, or feeling “stuck” by fear or circumstance, this episode is a reminder that adversity does not define destiny—and that it’s possible to design a life without boundaries. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #disability #advocacy #paralysis #overcoming

In this Scars to Stars episode, Deana sits down with Grace Sophia—speaker, transformational coach, spiritual teacher, and “medicine woman”—to talk about healing, suicide prevention, and reclaiming inner authority. Grace shares her journey from immigrating from Siberia to New York City at age six, to dedicating her early life to helping her family and community through psychology. She studied educational psychology (CBT with children and families), worked as a neuroscience researcher, and spent time studying suicidality, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. Grace explains what stood out most in her suicidality research: warning signs can sometimes look like someone suddenly “feeling better” right before a suicide attempt—because having a plan can bring an eerie sense of relief. She also talks about how societal pressure, “toxic positivity,” and lack of authenticity can cause people to suffer silently—and why conversations and real connection matter. From there, Grace shares why she felt called beyond traditional academia into alternative healing modalities, including shamanism, reiki/energy work, somatic approaches, and sacred/plant medicine (as part of her work and teachings). She introduces her signature Magnetic GRACE Method—Ground, Release, Awaken, Create, Embody—and guides listeners through a short grounding meditation aimed at helping people return to their bodies, release heavy energy, and reconnect to life force. Grace also shares a transformation example (anonymized) that includes journaling practices, holistic supports, meditation, music as emotional medicine, and mentions plant medicine as part of the approach. The conversation comes full circle when Grace reveals she lost her younger brother to suicide—fueling her passion to help others stay, find support, and rediscover purpose. Disclaimer (for the treatments Grace mentions) This episode includes discussion of complementary/spiritual practices (e.g., energy work, shamanic practices, somatic tools) and also references plant medicine, including psilocybin. This content is for education and personal storytelling only and is not medical or mental-health advice. Outcomes vary by person, and some approaches may be illegal where you live or carry medical/psychological risks, especially for individuals with certain conditions or medications. Always consult a qualified, licensed healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, and seek immediate help if you’re in crisis. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 988 (U.S.) or your local emergency number. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #MagneticGraceMethod #GroundReleaseAwaken #EnergyHygienePractice #FromResearchToRitual #HealingInCommunity

In this Scars to Stars episode, Dr. Rachael Degurse opens up about what happens when the career you dreamed of your whole life starts costing you your mental health. Raised in Colorado, Rachael poured everything into becoming a physician—medical school, residency, years of relentless dedication—believing that once she “made it,” life would finally feel steady and fulfilling. But after her physician-owned practice was sold to a corporate entity, medicine became less about patient care and more about productivity, shrinking appointment times, changing pay structures, and constant pressure to do more with less. Rachael shares the reality behind the white coat: skipping meals, not having time to drink water or use the bathroom, carrying emotional exhaustion home, and feeling depression deepen as the joy of connecting with patients was stripped away. At her lowest point, she considered leaving medicine entirely—until she found a different path. Rachael courageously built a med spa while still employed, then took the leap to become her own boss. The result? Less money, but more freedom, more time with patients, and a return to herself. Now she’s expanding again—opening a membership-based primary care practice that gives patients longer visits and gives doctors back autonomy. This episode is a powerful reminder that caregiving shouldn’t require self-destruction—and that there is a way out of broken systems. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #PhysicianBurnoutTruth #CaregiversNeedCareToo #MedicineWithoutTheMachine #AutonomyHeals #DirectPrimaryCareJourney

In this Scars to Stars episode, Leandra shares the real behind-the-scenes journey of becoming who you are—not just what you do. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she followed the “get the degree and the job will come” promise… and instead found burnout, long commutes, imposter syndrome, and the quiet pressure of trying to keep up. From public health and nonprofit work to serving pregnant and postpartum moms in the Black Infant Health Program, Leandra’s heart for community has always been clear—but so was the cost of hustle culture on her mind and body. When COVID hit (and family loss hit even harder), she began asking deeper questions about identity, purpose, and what really matters. Leandra opens up about taking a terrifying leap into entrepreneurship, the grief and financial strain that followed, and the hard-but-holy work of untangling worth from titles and paychecks. She also shares what she learned as a domestic violence advocate—reminding listeners: it’s not your fault, and you deserve a safe plan and support. This episode is for anyone rebuilding, pivoting, grieving, or realizing they can’t “push through” anymore—you need your people, your peace, and a path forward. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #PivotWithPurpose #WorthBeyondWork #BurnoutToBoundaries #CommunityIsCare #FromSurvivingToStrategizing

In this Scars to Stars episode, I sit down with Irina Baker—founder of the Radiant Connections Network—for a powerful conversation about what happens when you “change everything” on the outside… and still feel broken on the inside. Irina shares her journey from the former Soviet Union to America, and the unexpected truth she discovered: location doesn’t heal pain—inner work does. We talk about hopelessness, spiritual awakening, and how purpose can become the lifeline that keeps you here when you don’t want to be. Whether you’re navigating darkness, searching for meaning, or craving a new way forward, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and there is another chapter after the hard part. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #HopeAfterHard #PurposeOverPain #pastlives

This episode of Scars to Stars is one of those conversations that reminds you people can completely rewrite their story. Vishrant shares how he went from an “uncontrollable” kid and gang leader—armored, angry, and disconnected—to a life devoted to healing, purpose, and love. A pivotal encounter cracked his defenses, but it was a near-death experience at sea that opened his heart in a way he couldn’t ignore, leading him to walk away from everything and spend years searching for what mattered most: the heart. Today, he teaches people how to step out of the exhausting “dream in your head,” find real presence, rebuild relationships, and break free from addiction and victim-thinking. The episode weaves through purpose, suicide prevention, kindness, and the power of conversation—ending with a simple message that lands like a lifeline: “I love you.” #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #YouAreNotAlone #ConversationsSaveLives #FindingPurpose

In this Scars to Stars™ episode, Rachel shares how she went from a place of unimaginable grief and isolation... losing her husband to suicide, facing spiritual abuse, and becoming suicidal herself, to rebuilding a life rooted in deep healing and bold hope. She speaks honestly about widowhood, trauma, and the dangerous “mental space” where suicide can start to feel like an option, while offering a compassionate, empowering message: you can survive this season, you can protect your own life, and today’s reality is not your forever. This conversation is a powerful reminder that hope isn’t denial, it’s a decision, a practice, and a lifeline. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #suicidelosssurvivor #suicideattemptsurvivor #hopespeaker

In this Scars to Stars™ episode, John K. Bates opens up about surviving not just one, but multiple life-threatening health crises; first nearly dying from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and years later enduring a severe post-surgery infection that spiraled into clinical depression, anxiety, and akathisia. He shares candidly what it’s like to lose hope, to quietly consider ending it all, and to feel like joy and normalcy are gone forever. How one promise he made to “make a difference” and one person telling him, “You’re going to be okay,” helped him hold on. John’s story is a powerful reminder that our intuition matters, our pain is real, and that even in the darkest seasons, healing and purpose can return. This conversation is for anyone who has felt invisible inside their own struggle and needs to know, deeply, that they are not alone and that conversations truly can save lives. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #Stevens-JohnsonSyndrome #infection #depression #anxiety #akathisia

Heather was a Registered Nurse that became a caregiver for her dad. After marrying, she was questioning her faith and lived with an eating disorder and suicidal thoughts. Her marriage (after kids) ended in divorce which she attributes to “Narcissistic Religion.” #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #narcissitic #religion #divorce #caregiving #lifecoach

In this episode of Scars to Stars, I sit down with Bibi, a former nurse who’s passionate about brain health and whole-body wellness. She shares why omega-3 and omega-6 balance matters so much for inflammation, mood, and cognitive function—and what makes her approach unique: at-home dry blood testing that shows your baseline and tracks progress over time. We talk about how most people are unknowingly out of balance, why that can impact energy, brain function, and overall health, and how Bibi saw a dramatic shift in her son’s mood and emotional regulation after correcting severe deficiency. If you’ve been trying to “eat healthy” but still don’t feel your best, this conversation offers a hopeful, practical perspective on supporting your brain and body from the inside out. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #omega3 #omega6 #balanceoil #brainhealth

What happens when a routine mammogram flips your whole life upside down? In this episode, USA Today bestselling romance author Cara Lockwood shares how an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis collided with raising five kids, money stress, and a daughter battling depression, along with how humor, F-bombs, and radical honesty became her lifelines. We talk early detection, why you must get that mammogram, how laughter can coexist with fear, and why real conversations and community are non-negotiable for both cancer and mental health. If you or someone you love is walking through cancer or a hard season, this one will make you feel seen, less alone, and a lot more hopeful. 💗 #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #BreastCancerJourney #YouAreNotAlone #RealTalkRealHope

Anne and I discuss her daughters suicide attempts along with her experience with domestic violence and divorce. She also shares about how she got through it all through art and painting. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters

Dr. Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva shares how immigrating to the U.S. as a teen and “losing her voice” shaped her life’s work in mental health. Drawing on suicide hotline, prevention/intervention, and postvention experience, she explains why isolation fuels despair, how connection and clear communication reduce risk, and offers practical tools—like code words and her Intention-Action-Perception (IAP) model—to help people speak up, support each other, and grieve well. Key Takeaways Isolation is the accelerant; connection is the antidote.Start with the pain before the positives.why they want to dieSay the word “suicide.”Notice behavior changes.Use code words to make asking for help doable.Tears are a release, not weakness. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters

Chip and I take you through a journey of his RV trips, his time with Vistage, his nonprofit in Tampa, FL and how our country is so divided and what we can do about it all the way to survival of our supply chain, threat of war, and how technology and AI are changing the landscape of the world. Chip Webster is a seasoned leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for civic engagement. As the former president of Vistage Florida, he spent over 25 years mentoring CEOs and driving business growth and is the current Chairman of the Board of Tampa Bay Watch. Beyond the corporate world, he recently founded Unity in Service Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding trust through volunteerism and civic action. His latest book, Unity in Service: A Pathway to Responsible Citizenship, explores how service can bridge divides and strengthen democracy. Chip continues to mentor young entrepreneurs and champion the power of responsible citizenship. EMAIL: chip@unityinservice.org #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #unityinservice #vistage #entrepreneur #business #dividedcountry #community #worktogether

Dr. Fred Moss is a mental health advocate/psychiatrist serving in many capacities: keynote speaker, psychiatry expert witness, podcaster, mental health coach, and teacher. A desire to help people be real and heard has been the driving force leading him to multiple settings and roles as a psychiatrist over the years and compelling him to continually look for better, more effective ways to provide the highest quality care to align people with their most authentic self to deliver into an eagerly awaiting world. He is the amazing creator of Welcome To Humanity, The True Voice Course, Healing the Healer, and Global Madness. As the founder of the Welcome to Humanity movement, and the True Voice Mastermind and methodology, Dr. Fred now finds himself making the difference he came here to make. His years in the community, where he has been a physician to over 40,000 patients, and his storied and adventurous life traveling around the world has left him uniquely qualified to remind us of what we already know. Communication is where love arises from, and speaking the truth and listening authentically is the source of that love. He is the author of "Creative 8 - Healing Through Creativity and Self-Expression" and "Find Your True Voice!". He has written many articles for Psychology Today. Also, he has won an award for the best essay at the 2019 Conference for Global Transformation, titled "Global Madness, What Must Happen to Unite.” Fred has also led many courses in True Voice Podcasting, taking people from zipped-lip to podcaster in 12 short weeks. His most recent course is titled "True Voice Course" and is intended to help people who know they have something to say, to rediscover what that really is and get it out into the world. His most recent work is centered around the healing of the healers, aptly named Healing the Healer. The brilliant virtual course reminds the transitioning healers of the world that are released from their official position of a doctor, nurse, social worker, or clinician of any type, which may not be the trauma that they are likely feeling. In fact, it may be an opportunity to reset, rediscover and reenter the healing world in a new capacity, profoundly more aligned with themselves than they have ever been. A mastermind of like-minded individuals is also offered to capitalize on the essential power of community to assist when making significant paradigmatic shifts. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #psychiatry #welcometohumanity #thehealthyhealer #[IN]Sanity

Speaker * Author * Coach * Executive Director of Hurt to Hope * Minister Steve shares about his struggles as a child with an absent father and how that shaped him as a father, and later a minister. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #absentfather #divorce #speaker #author #coach #minister #hurttohope

Avy shares with us some things she has never talked about publicly… she is vulnerable, intentional and real with her words. She has dealt with eating disorders, ADHD, depression, anxiety and of course feeling ‘not enough’. She has built a business and raised 2 children with the help of her husband and now she helps other business owners organize their lives! #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #ADHD #depression #anxiety #momlife

Camden shares about how a Rugby injury changed the course of his life. He became a coach because he could no longer play. The irony is that he found his true calling in leadership due to the set back!

Angeline shares her story of being married in New York, wining and dining and making great money with who she thought was the love of her life. The abuse started as words and ended up with her in the hospital with a broken nose needing surgery. After her divorce, she has started Let’s Break the Silence and helps women in similar situations find their voice and purpose. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #domesticviolence #letsbreakthesilence #verbalabuse #physicalabuse

Julio Angel Rivera vulnerably shares how he was bullied as a kid in New York and was in constant fear. At 8 years old he witnessed a murder from his living room. His journey took him to body building, Jiu Jitsu, competitions, becoming an instructor and owning his own gym. He is the author of “Internal Jiu Jitsu” and “Brokedown Sensei”. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #bullied #murderwitness #bodybuilder #jiujitsu #blackbelt #self-defenseinstructor #champion #coach #author