What does it mean to choose hope after deep pain?

September is #SuicidePreventionMonth—a reminder to cut through the surface and talk honestly about mental health.

I’ll never forget when a classmate died by suicide in college during my senior year. Suddenly, everything people kept bottled up—grief, confusion, guilt—was right there in the open.

It was a harsh wake-up call to just how much pain goes unseen, how many of us are fighting battles no one notices, and how real the impact is when someone’s gone.

2003 Harvard Crimson tribute "Friends Remember 'Beautiful & Vibrant' Smith - May she rest in peace

In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I open up about those early experiences—how learning about suicide changed the way I look at others and myself.

I talk about surviving narcissistic abuse, dealing with loss, and what it’s really like to try to put your life back together after everything falls apart.

Hearing about suicide for the first time didn’t just make me aware; it showed me how easily pain gets missed and how complicated life can get before someone finally asks for help.

These are the hard conversations—but silence does more damage. If any of this feels familiar, know that you’re not alone, or broken, or strange for having a hard time.

Reaching out isn’t weakness.

Sometimes, it’s the only thing left that makes sense.

SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES

Stay Herehttps://www.stayhere.live/resourcesSuicide prevention education, support, and ACT training for individuals and communities.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 support from trained counselors for suicidal crisis, mental health emergencies, or emotional distress. Available nationwide in the U.S. - English and Spanish

MENTAL HEALTH APPS (2025 BEST PICKS)

Calm — Meditation and sleep aid

Headspace — Mindfulness and guided relaxation

Bearable — Mood & symptom tracking

Finch — Habit tracker and daily self-care

Breathe, Think, Do (for kids)

ADDITIONAL CRISIS SUPPORT

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free crisis support in the U.S..

SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (Mental health and substance use)

This episode was recorded in California at The Oakland Podcast Studio

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In this episode, I’m joined by Wilson Munsterman, a 19-year-old author and powerful advocate for adoptees.

Visit Wilson's website: MarkedByAdoption.com

Buy Wilson's book on Amazon: Marked by Adoption: 10 Key Insights from an Adoptee's Perspective

Follow and connect with Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonmuns/...

Wilson shares his remarkable journey from being abandoned in China as a baby and left on a doorstep. He spent time in orphanages in China and was adopted in America.

He highlights the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-worth faced by so many in the adoption community.

We delve into the transformative power of mindset and the critical roles that faith and mentorship have played in Wilson’s journey.

Wilson also opens up about his motivation behind writing his book, Marked by Adoption, which is now available on Amazon.

The conversation explores how intentional storytelling and meaningful connection can help shift perspectives and foster understanding within families and communities.

Highlights from this episode include:

• Wilson’s story of resilience, from abandonment to finding belonging through adoption.

• Insights into how adoption influences identity and self-worth.

• The importance of cultivating the right mindset and grounding in faith when navigating adversity.

• The mentorship and support systems that guided Wilson’s path.

• Reflections from his book, Marked by Adoption, and practical wisdom for parents and adoptees alike.

• His story, his attitude, and the way Wilson lives his life is a true source of encouragement to approach adoption with openness, love, and a willingness to learn.

In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I'm honored to sit down with Retired Sergeant Alfred Brenner,⁠ a true American hero whose courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our nation serve as a powerful reminder of what it means to wear the uniform.

Our candid conversation dives into the emotional journey of writing his book: ⁠Surviving with Grief: The Story of How a Marine and His Dog Survived the Everyday Battles of War⁠.

***BUY HIS BOOK ON AMAZON

***MORE INFO ON ALFRED'S WEBSITE

***Follow @sgtbrenner on Instagram

***Connect with Alfred on LinkedIn

As a retired Marine Corps K9 Handler, Alfred wrote about his experience being deployed in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, on October 24, 2010, while searching a compound, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated.

His K9 partner, Grief, was killed instantly.

The blast caused severe injuries to Alfred's arms, and he was temporarily blinded. This book is a testament to the courage they both showed in the face of unimaginable adversity as a Purple Heart recipient. 💜

Alfred shares with me the difficult journey of transitioning from military to civilian life, and the extraordinary bond he shared with his military working dog, Grief—a partner who was more than just a companion, but a lifeline on the battlefield.

Conversations like this reaffirm my commitment to honoring and supporting the veterans who safeguard our freedoms, along with acknowledging the families and service animals who stand beside them. Their stories are a reminder of the sacred duty we all bear to remember and uplift our nation’s heroes when they return home.

In opening up about his personal struggles and triumphs, Alfred shows how important it is to embrace grief, honor fallen friends, and seek healing through faith, community, and hope. I’m proud to support Alfred’s mission and encourage everyone who believes in our military community to read his inspiring memoir.

"Surviving with Grief: The True Story Of A Marine K9 Team Surviving the Everyday Battles of War⁠" is available now wherever books are sold, and you can learn more or purchase directly from his ⁠official website⁠ or Amazon.

Let’s stand together in gratitude and commitment so that no veteran—nor the memory of the fallen— is ever forgotten.