Life's Worth Living Podcast

In this podcast you will hear from amazing people who work in prevention. We will also interview amazing people and their journey to overcome and excel. We will talk all things mental health, and suicide prevention.

LIfe's Worth Living Podcast - Big Budah 04/04/2023

LIfe's Worth Living Podcast - Big Budah Big Budah has been making us smile for years in Utah. You know him from his time as a DJ on the radio, and his time on the AM News, as a feature reporter. Budah felt this was his calling bringing happiness to us his viewers. Then COVID-19 hit, and things got real. It was during this time that things began to unravel with his mental health. When it started, he felt it was harder and harder to bring himself out of the darkness he felt. Inside he knew everyone was against him, but that was just what his mind was telling him. One night he borrowed a gun, and took a drive on I-80 West to Wendover, NV. Somewhere along the way he pulled to the side of the road and he decided it was over. Hear Budah tell his experience, and the reason he is here telling you this story rather than reading it as a headline. Budah has joined with LWLF, and is taking part on our 7th Annual 100 Mile Walk to Wendover this month. Come join us on this life changing event. Register at or just come for the after party at the Peppermill Concert Hall for a Linda Ronstadt Tribute Concert with a special guest appearance by current Voice contestant EJ Michels. Together they will give you a night you won't soon forget. Get your tickets at /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/26435760

Life's Worth Living Podcast - Joe Hall 10/17/2022

Life's Worth Living Podcast - Joe Hall Today's guest is my buddy Joe Hall. Joe has suffered with depression, and suicide ideation for nearly 15 years. During the pandemic, he lost a long time job, and was involved in a motorcycle accident that nearly took his life. This brought Joe the closest he's ever come to taking his life. After multiple surgeries, he made a commitment to himself to run a marathon. One thing led to another, and Joe found himself raising awareness for suicide and mental health, by walking across the United States of America. 3,100 miles. What was his why, and what about this walk has changed him? Listen to hear his story. I had the privelege of meeting Joe as he walked through Tooele County, Utah on his way to San Francisco, California. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/24709803

LWLF Podcast - Season 3 Episode 5 05/19/2022

LWLF Podcast - Season 3 Episode 5 Guys my guest today is none other than my buddy Nate Webb. Nate tells about his personal struggles with being bullied. We talk all things bullying, and why the bully bullies. Nate is the Founder of the movement, Bullies Be Gone. We have an open and honest chat about social media, and our children. We talk about how if you don't teach your children, their electronics will. You can literally be replaced as a parent by something you purchased them. I hope this hits home to you parents and that we can change the way we are handling it. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/23161841

LWLF Podcast - Season 3 Episode 4 05/11/2022

LWLF Podcast - Season 3 Episode 4 Todays guest is my good friend Ceilly Pellew. I got to know Ceilly from her job as reporter for the local newpaper, as she covered LWLF. We both just returned from our 100 mile Walk to Wendover, and I thought the timing was perfect. Ceilly has a story like everyone, and I just knew we needed to hear it. She did something amazing on Tiktok right before the walk, and it went viral. I can't wait for you to hear this story. She is amazing. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/23075741

LWLF Podcast - Season 3 Episode 3 05/02/2022

LWLF Podcast - Season 3 Episode 3 Todays guest is none other than my buddy, rock sensation Ofi. When this podcast aires we will have just completed our Annual 100 Mile Walk to Wendover for suicide awareness. Ofi has agreed to perform a private concert at our after party. Ofi cares so much about suicide prevention, and he has his own personal story. You will only hear it here. Hopefully for many of you, you had the chance to see this mega talent in person. For those of you who didn't attend the walk look him up. Everytime I get the chance to hang out with Ofi, I am impressed with his presence. He really cares. Don't miss this episode. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/22925300

LWLF Podcast - Season 3 Episode 2 04/25/2022

LWLF Podcast - Season 3 Episode 2 We are back for season 3, and today my guest is Kenna McCloy. Everyone I knew kept telling me I needed to have her on, an I assumed she was pretty amazing. She did not disappoint. She is currently going to the University of Utah, and runs track there as a sprinter. Kenna has suffered with depression since she was about 14. After losing a close friend to suicide she decided to use her experience to make a difference in the lives of others. Don't miss her compelling story. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/22889933

LWLF Podcast - Season 3 Episode 1 02/14/2022

LWLF Podcast - Season 3 Episode 1 I am so excited to share my interview with Bailey James. Bailey is coming out to St. George, Utah on March 5th at the Electric Theater to perform with Hollywood Icon and Country Singer Tom Proctor. This concert is to raise money for our Veterans. Tickets are $20. Bailey has just had her single "Finally Free" hit #42 on the Billboard Charts. This is an amazing accomplishment, and she's only 19. She has performed at the Bluebird Cafe, The Douglas Corner, The Listening Room, Wildhorse Saloon, and has been featured on WSM, the Grand Ole Opry radio station. She has 250,000 followers on her social media. She hosts the "Finally Free Podcast" bringing awareness to Mental Health. She is an ambassador to the Jason Foundation. Bailey tells about her brother Zane who she lost to suicide 5 years ago. She talks openly and honestly about her own mental health. I am so excited to have her care enough about our veterans to come all the way from Nashville to support this worthy cause. Get your tickets today. http://veteransuicidebenefitconcert.eventbrite.com /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/22124432

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 37 02/07/2022

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 37 My guest this episode is my good friend Dustin Rykert. Many of you know him from his days playing football for BYU. Some of you remember him being drafted into the NFL, to the Oakland Raiders. Today you will hear his story from the beginning. He will tell you his struggles with addiction, that he has stuggled with for a lifetime. Addiction ended his NFL career, and he spiraled down. At one point he worked as Dennis Rodman's bodyguard, which didn't help someone who struggled with addiction. He then lost a very close friend to an overdose, and this stopped Dustin in his tracks. He found sobriety, but like many the path wasn't without pitfalls. Dustin has made it this far, because he still has things to accomplish. One of which is sharing his story, which is full of vulnerability and success. I think his words are going to be helpful to many of you. Enjoy. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/22044569

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 36 01/17/2022

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 36 My guest this week is my buddy Therapist Jed Thorpe. Well here we are again starting a new year, 2022. The last couple years have been plagued with a pandemic, and it seems to be going no where. Jed is here to talk about how to prepare for a rough year, regulating emotions and normalizing anxiety. We may jump off course and go other places as well. If you are like me, your mind takes you places and Jed was happy to go there. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/21798077

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 35 01/10/2022

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 35 Today my guest is my good friend Maria Howard. Maria is the Jr High Cross Country Coach. She lost a student to suicide that affected her greatly, and because of that she was driven to look in the mirror at herself, and work on her own mental health. This set her on a healing journey running 3000 miles. The journey all together was approx. 30 full days running. She will tell you about the why, and how it brought her healing. You aren't going to want to miss this. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/21727991

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 34 12/06/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 34 My friend Dr. Christy Kane and I discuss brain development and the effects of electronics on our youth. The effect of social media being developed to make us addicted through shots of Dopamine, and how too much can cause anxiety. We talk about trauma, and how it effects our mental health. We chat about PTSD, ACE's and how soon one should seek a mental health professional. We talk about how to stop the stigma of mental health and how to break down those barriers through compassion and empathy. We discuss how trauma will find its way out whether through processing it, or through illness or shortened lifespan. We chat about suicide. I think this discussion was fascinating, and I hope you agree. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/21387161

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 33 11/15/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 33 I am excited to share a conversation with my good friend Dean Adams a former Marine for this special Veterans Day Edition of the podcast. Dean talks about growing up with a strong work ethic ranching in Salmon, Idaho. His family came to Tooele but later returned to Idaho when Dean was a teenager. They ran the family gold mine from a one bedroom cabin in the mountains. After high school, Dean enlisted and his journey began as a Marine. Hear how he was uniquely prepared for this life, and what he learned along the way. Dean brings everything back to family. Thank you Dean for your service, and for what you continue to do for our community. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/21165164

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 32 11/08/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 32 My guest this week is Debbie Moline. We met a few weeks ago, and after a brief visit with my wife, Tracy told me you need to have her on your podcast. Debbie has had her fair share of challenges and trials. Debbie lost her 4 year old little girl to an accident, she has had cancer twice, a brain aneurysm and 44 surgeries. She struggled with thoughts of suicide after losing her little girl, but yet she is still here fighting. She believes she is a strong woman because of what she has lived through. She now can have empathy no sympathy because of the life she has experienced. She is amazing and believes in small acts of kindness, because we never know what others are going through. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/21080987

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 31 11/01/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 31 My guest this week is Jen Deveraux. Jen is a #1 national best selling author and motivational speaker. She survived a horrific car accident. A fifty ton truck hit her at speeds of 60 mph. She struggled with infertility, adoption and divorce. She has now married the love of her life and together they are raising her tow children. Jen says, "I have endured, I have been broken, I have known hardship, I have lost myself. But here I stand, still moving forward, growing stronger each day. I will never forget the harsh lessons in my life. They have made me stronger. The only way out is through." I know we can all learn and be inspired by her story. Then I challenge each of you to go on Amazon and pick up a copy of her book. "Thrive in the Journey" /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20997128

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 30 10/25/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 30 Listen in as I chat with one of my best friends, Becca Brown. Becca and I co-founded Life's Worth Living Foundation in February 2014, after the death of her brother Jed by suicide. She goes back and remembers that day, and the loss. We talk about drug addiction, and the results. She shares happy memories of her brother, and we chat about trying to turn this tragedy into something that would help others not have to go through what she went through. Since that day the Foundation has impacted thousands. None of it would have been possible without Becca wanting to make a difference. I can't wait to share our conversation. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20919764

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 29 10/19/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 29 My guest today is Amberley Snyder. Amberley is a barrel racer and inspirational speaker who fought her way back from tragedy. She was in a rollover accident which left her a paraplegic. Amberley is now inspiring thousands across America by telling her inspirational story and competing in rodeos across the Western United States. She has let the challenges she faces refine her not define her. She has a Netflix movie of her life, called "Walk Ride Rodeo" It is also available in book form on Amazon. I am so excited for you to hear more about Amberley, her dark days, and her triumphs. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20861480

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 28 10/10/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 28 I am so excited to introduce you to my good friend Box Elder County Commissioner Stan Summers. I don't think you will meet anyone so empathetic. Find out why, as he shares his childhood with us, including the death of his mother when he was only 19. Stan and his beautiful wife Jennifer have had an amazing life, but not one without its challenges. Stan shares his story vulnerably about the loss of their first child, miscarriages and difficulties. He is my hero for the way he lives his life, the way he loves people and how he faces hard things with optimism. They have been blessed beyond measure with their son Talan, who was diagnosed with IGG4 Systematic Schlorisis, and a beautiful daughter Jandie and her husband Matt. They have two incredible grandchildren Huxleys and Lachlan. Listen as he shares what these hard lessons have helped him learn. You will be amazed by this incredible man. October 16th from 6:30-9pm at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds LWLF will be hosting an evening of dinner and dancing, catered by the Dutch Oven Shoppe. Listen to outlaw country music by Veteran and Hollywood Icon Tom Proctor as you enjoy dinner. Then get up and dance to the music of Charley Jenkins. You will be hard pressed to find entertainers that love our Veterans more. Help us raise money for Veteran Suicide Prevention, by having the time of your life at this event. Get your tickets today at - /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20768252

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 27 10/04/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 27 Today my guest for the podcast is one of my friends since childhood, Diane Sykes Bartholomew. Diane agreed to come on the show and share her personal story of dealing with mental illness, depression and bi-polar 2. She shares about her dealing with suicide ideation, and a 72 hour involuntary hold in a mental health facility. I some of you will relate to what she went through, and for others it may give insight to what people feel when placed on a 72 hour hold. My hope is that this will give us ideas to better serve those who are seeking treatment. Thank you Diane for sharing your vulnerable truths. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20687750

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 26 09/27/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 26 I am so excited for you to hear the last episode of Suicide Prevention month, with my interview with country music star Matt Kennon. Matt's song "The Call" stopped me in my tracks when I first heard it. His message of prevention hit me hard, and brought me to tears. He summed up what I have been teaching for the past 8 years in three and a half minutes. I knew that I needed to feature him on the podcast. Not only does he share that song with us, but also two others, "My Last Prayer" & "You Had to Pick on Me". You will absolutely connect with him and the messages he has felt inspired to share from suicide prevention, addiction recovery to anti-bullying. He's left his mark in country music, and his music has definitely helped many. He has a message for all of you. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20604056

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 25 09/20/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 25 So excited to share a real, and vulnerable conversation with my dear friend Ganel Lyn Condie about all things suicide. I believe this conversation will help so many. Ganel Lyn lost her 40 year old sister to suicide, and since then it has become her passion. She is a popular inspiring speaker, and author. She is the popular host of TALK CFM and THE MIDDLE. What an honor it was for me to sit down with her for an hour and just talk. I hope you enjoy. ganellyn.com /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20524154

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 24 09/13/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 24 This weeks episode features Malory Ruesch and her incredible story. Malory was deep in the throws of addiction, and became very desperate. In and out of jail, her world was spiraling out of control. That is until one day in a courtroom, that an unknown, and unexpected visitor arrived, Chuck. Chuck took her under his wing, and helped Malory decide to start living. This is where her future took a turn. Today, Malory gives credit to her angel Chuck, and she has become a force in the recovery world. You can check her out at rueschrecovery.com She also has a new book coming out by January 2022. Malory is the real deal, and she will help to change lives, so they don't have to go through what she has. You are going to love this powerful story. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20452070

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 23 09/06/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 23 This weeks guest is my new friend Ben Schilaty. Ben is one of the co-hosts of the popular podcast "Questions from the Closet". He is an author of the book "A Walk in my Shoes", available at Deseret Book or Amazon. He is the Honor Code Administrator, and Adjunct Professor at Brigham Young University, and he is also gay. In this podcast we talk about how we can love and accept those that are part of the LGBTQ community. Why words matter, and how they can effect us. He talks about his personal experiences, his hurts and his hopes. Ben is an amazing guy, and I learned so much from this interview. I know you will too. BTW it's suicide prevention month. Let's make a difference! /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20373734

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 22 08/30/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 22 Part 2 with my friend Mel Anderson. In last weeks episode Mel shared stories that would be most peoples worst nightmares. Mel lived those in real life, every form of abuse was handed out by her parents. We hear about her and Mike's escapes, and how they both joined the military. Mel went into the Army JAG program to become an attorney. In this weeks episode we learn about the alleged murder of her oldest brother she believes to be by her parents. Then we hear about the trial of her father being charged with child torture and 9 other abuse charges that landed him in prison with 2 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Then the arson of her family home, and then the murder of another soldier for life insurance money, that landed her two brothers in prison for life. In this episode we dig into how Mel broke the chain, how she separated herself from this family. Now she is raising a family of her own. She is remarkable, her story is powerful, and she is making a difference. She is writing her own chapters now. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20300774

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 21 08/23/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 21 My guest Mel Anderson tells Part one of her story of enduring a childhood that would be anyone's worst nightmare. Violent abuse and neglect came at the hands of those who were meant to protect her. She was the second child of sixteen, in a dysfunctional family plagued by extreme physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at the hands of her parents who thrived on power and secrecy. Mel is a suicide attempt survivor, twice and she escaped a life of hell. With only a fourth grade education became a college graduate, and attorney. Her father was convicted of "Child Torture" among other charges, and was put away with two life sentences without parole. She is the author of "Eleven Regrets", and a Childrens book"The Big Fib" available on Amazon. You must hear this story. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20226425

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 19 08/09/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 19 This weeks guest you may notice has the same last name as last weeks guest. Shantel Sullivan is the wife of David. I received numerous messages after his episode aired. A few of which said if you thought David's story was amazing, you need to hear his wife. Shantel shares her vulnerable and honest story, one of sexual and physical abuse. This early childhood trauma led her to a life of drug use and sexual activity as a pre-teen. That life ultimately caught up to her and she had her child taken away and she went to jail. She shares her biggest regret, that of aborting her second child, because she was so deep in her addiction. She was told as they took her to prison that she could be handed down 25 years to life. Today she has celebrated 16 years drug free. Please listen with empathy and understand that while in your addiction, you may do things totally out of character. Today Shantel, is making a difference, and wants to help those who struggle as she did. She wouldn't wish her journey on anyone, but she understands that it has made her the woman she is today. I personally think she is amazing. Thank you for the request. I know her story will help so many. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/20074079

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 18 08/02/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 18 My guest today is David Sullivan. At the request of one of my listeners, I brought David in to hear his amazing story. David bravely shares his story, which he calls, "My life, my story, my pain and my glory." Vulnerably David shares how his mother told him at age 8 that she only had 6 months to live, and how it affected him. Shortly after receiving this news David began drinking and doing drugs. This led him down a path of criminal activity and ultimately landed him in Federal Prison. David's drug use caused him to miss his own mothers funeral, you'll hear how this still affects him today. Because of his lifestyle, he made a promise to his mother that he would change his life, and he did. It wasn't an easy journey, but today David will tell you how he didn't let his past define him or his future. Today David is a successful business owner, and an incredible person. Trust me, take some time and listen to his story. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/19994669

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 17 07/26/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 17 My guest is Brandy Vega. Brandy tells of her struggle as young girl with depression and suicide. In 2019 Brandy's twelve year old attempted to take her life. Brandy agreed to keep this between family out of respect to her daughter, and fear of what others would think. Then last February late one night the police came knocking letting them know they needed to check their daughter. A friend who she confided in had called the police. Because of that call her life was saved. She was given a second chance. Brandy, owner of Vega Studios and Good Deed Revolution has been prompted to make a difference mental health and suicide. She is amazing and has an event August 14, at the Dry Bar in Provo, called Dying to Laugh, A funny look at depression & suicide. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com See what she is doing with her non-profit gooddeedrevolution.org /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/19927037

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 16 07/19/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 16 My guest today is my friend Emelie Shinn. Emelie wants to share her personal story of her struggles with an eating disorder. Emelie has struggled for years and is now 107 days in recovery. Hear her why and how it nearly cost her life. I learned so much from her, an know that this information will be beneficial. Maybe you yourself have struggled, or maybe a loved one has. It's our hope that you learn from this discussion. That it will help people struggling connect with resources. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/19850369

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 15 07/12/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 15 Todays guest is my friend Charity Wilson. Charity had a pretty normal childhood, but at age 24 she was brought back to reality after a 3 month stay in a psychiatric hospital where she was diagnosed Bipolar. She doesn't have memory of her time there, or why she was taken there. She came home to a failing marriage, and struggling to find some sense of normal. The following decade she struggled with depression, a suicide attempt and therapists. She was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/19773437

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 14 06/21/2021

LWLF Podcast - Season 2 Episode 14 My guest today is Dr. Robb Kelly. Robb lived an extraordinary life. Natural born musician, who played bass for the likes of Sir Elton John, Queen and David Bowie. He got married, swore to give up drinking when his child was born, swore again when the next child came, but could never give it up. He stabbed his wife three times when she told him he had had enough. Ultimately lost his wife, kids, business and everything and became homeless. His story of recovery is nothing short of a miracle. Don't miss this. /episode/index/show/lifesworthlivingfoundation/id/19539917

Life's Worth Living Podcast

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