Adventures in Adversity: an inspirational podcast
Episodes
Ep. 74: Exec Protection Specialist/Bodyguard "Big Adamm" on safety, purpose, God, & accountability
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based sparkling kombucha tea. Visit and use code Breanne10 at checkout for a d...
Ep. 73: 50 lessons from 50 incredible guests (seasons 1 & 2)
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
*This episode is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!*Follow the podcast on InstagramLike t...
Ep. 72: Raised in Philly, rooted in faith – 17-year-old Aamir on mental health, purpose, & politics
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: https://livedivini.com/ -- Use code Breanne10 at checkout ...
Ep. 71: From managing Alanis, Beyoncé & Mariah's millions to addiction & recovery - Jonathan’s story
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
***This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: https://livedivini.com/ -- Use code Breanne10 at ch...
Ep. 70: Escaping abuse - Roseann Mayer's story - “Bones Beneath the Prairie: A Memoir of Survival”
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with the incredible Roseanne Mayer about her memoir and her life behind it: Bones Beneath the Prairie: A Memoir of SurvivalRos...
Ep. 69: Finding God, music, and fresh starts with singer, performer, & creator Myranda Young
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea. Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!*In this epi...
Ep. 68: From reverence to real: My unexpected journey into faith & a personal relationship with God
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
*This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: https://livedivini.com/ -- Use code Breanne10 at checkout...
Ep. 67: Dr. Joy Kong, Stem Cell Doctor of the Decade — her journey from Beijing to breakthroughs
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
**This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea -- Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!**Some s...
Ep. 66: The weight of our emotional backpacks - Steve unpacks trauma to inspire hope beyond drinking
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
****This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea -- Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!****In...
Ep. 65: Life beyond law enforcement w/retired Officer & Gang Detective Manny Angulo - PTSD recovery
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
****This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: https://livedivini.com/ -- Use code Breanne10 at check...
Ep. 64: Adversity to advocacy - Caralyn Dreyer’s story escaping domestic abuse & promoting mental health recovery
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
*****This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!*****In...
Ep. 63: Coach Sylvie on "healing the root" — turning pain into empowered living
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, returning guest Sylvie, first featured in Episode 41, rejoins the conversation to share how her journey of healing from domestic viol...
Ep. 62: Adversity, DMT, & self-acceptance — Adam Butler’s journey thru addiction, healing, & psychedelic insight
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was deeply personal and inspiring—my conversation with author and psychonaut Adam Butler cut to the heart of what it means to struggle,...
Ep. 61: From 7th grade dreamer to music industry producer — my reunion with Julian
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a teacher’s favorite student grows up to become a force in the music industry—and your podcast partner, twenty years later?This ...
Ep. 60: Remembering Sam - Pam Sharp on family, faith, grief, & suicide prevention
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this final day of #SuicidePreventionMonth, I hope and pray this honest conversation becomes a light for anyone struggling in the dark — and a gui...
Ep. 59: Radically rooted - Adoptee Coach Julie Brumley, MA on adoption, trauma, & coming home to self
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with Julie Brumley, a trauma-informed adoptee coach whose own story is nothing short of courageous. For over 15 years, she...
Ep. 58: Why I chose to stay & heal out loud from narcissistic abuse #SuicidePreventionMonth
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to choose hope after deep pain?September is #SuicidePreventionMonth—a reminder to cut through the surface and talk honestly about ...
Ep. 57: 19-year old Wilson Munsterman on resilience, identity, & his book, "Marked by Adoption"
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by Wilson Munsterman, a 19-year-old author and powerful advocate for adoptees.Visit Wilson's website: MarkedByAdoption.c...
Ep. 56: Ret. Marine K9 Handler Alfred Brenner on “Surviving w/Grief” - His book on war, service, & healing
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I'm honored to sit down with Retired Sergeant Alfred Brenner, a true American hero whose courage, sacri...
Ep. 55: Is it menopause, perimenopause, or just me? Real talk with Menopalz founder & certified coach Raquel Riggle
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of talking, learning, and laughing (a lot!) with Raquel Riggle, founder of Menopalz."As a certified m...
Ep. 54: Jim Serrano's courageous journey through adoption, abuse, & redemption...his healing path
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I sit down with Jim Serrano for an honest, unfiltered conversation about how adversity can shape—and remake—us. As an adoptee at 6 months old, Jim...
Ep. 53: Faith & adversity—"Wake Up Jesus People" author Jason Heinritz on powerful "Sacred Starts"
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with Jason Heinritz and dive deep into his inspiring transformation—from chasing success in sales to finding real fulfil...
Ep. 52: "Life Review - The Hospice Musical" w/Benjamin Kintisch - from a chaplain’s heart to centerstage
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I had the delightful opportunity to chat with Benjamin Kintisch, former chaplain and creator of "Life Review: The Hospice Musical". W...
Ep. 51: Sacred Story Counseling - helping women heal w/Licensed Pro Counselor (LPC) Hannah Sinkovitz
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I had the privilege of sitting down with my dear friend, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) therapist Hannah Sinkovitz—someone who sho...
Ep. 50: Building brighter futures for foster kids with Fostering Wishes founder Sabine Lemmo
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Adventures in Adversity, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sabine Lemmo, the passionate founder of Fostering Wishes—a nonprofit ...
Ep. 49: Raheel Siddiqui on losing 200 pounds, becoming a "Wall Breaker", finding self-love, & more
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Raheel Siddiqui’s journey is the very definition of a “Wall Breaker” story—a testament to the relentless human spirit and the power of breakin...
Ep. 48: "Young children, big life lessons" - Nisha Batra on early childhood education, disability, & belonging
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I had the honor of sitting down with Nisha Batra—a brilliant early childhood educator and fierce advocat...
Ep. 47: Narcissists at work — The hidden cost of charisma | Results of Kindness (ROK) Podcast launch!
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the very first episode of my friend and business partner's new venture, The Results of Kindness Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Meral Alizad...
Ep. 46: "The imperfect level up" — Real talk on healing, self-love, & why "Becoming is Messy" with coach, speaker, & podcaster Meghann Dawson
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with coach, speaker, and podcast host Meghann Dawson to talk about her powerful journey through trauma, chronic pain...
Ep. 45: Carrying Sam’s light — Brotherhood, healing through shame, & breaking the silence on mental health with Jake & Joe Sharp
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with Jake and Joe Sharp—brothers, fitness instructors, and fierce advocates for mental health—in a real conversation h...
Ep. 44: 5 straight-up lies we tell ourselves when we experience adversity
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the quiet lies we whisper to ourselves when life gets hard. You know the ones...“I should be...
Ep. 43: "Fix your reflection first" - Rhonda Farrah’s journey through breast cancer, prison, & purpose
14 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, my guest Rhonda Farrah, a former psychotherapist who is now a women's empowerment coach, shares her journey of transformation through...
Ep. 42: From coma to comeback — Nick Prefontaine on overcoming trauma using his S.T.E.P. Method
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Nick Prefontaine, a speaker, author, and real estate investor who knows a thing or two about defying the odd...
Ep. 41: How Sylvie alchemizes pain into power - Healing from domestic violence & narcissistic abuse
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, my friend Sylvie opens up about something many people live through but rarely talk about out loud — the quiet, confusing world of e...
Ep. 40: Tapping into healing with Jackie Durnin, Founder of Hinterland Health Retreat - The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) & trauma recovery
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth!Making it extra special that I had the pleasure of interviewing Jackie Durnin, founder of Hinterland Health Retreat i...
Ep. 39: Yogita’s light! A father’s journey through darkness & discovery...through the lens of Myopia
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this deeply meaningful episode, I talk to Mohan Rao about his journey through adversity, the impact of writing two deeply personal books about his ...
Ep. 38 (part 2): The strength in kindness - Healing, boundaries, & growth after adversity
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Part 2 with Meral Alizada, a kindness advocate and founder of Results of Kindness (ROK)Instagram: @ResultsofKindnessWe explore the profound impact o...
Ep. 38 (part 1): Kindness as a Superpower - how Results of Kindness (ROK) transforms workplaces & lives
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Meral Alizada, a kindness advocate and founder of Results of Kindness (ROK). Instagram: @Resultso...
Ep. 37: Anne Mok – Seeing strength, overcoming adversity, & keeping her "Purpose in View"
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am so very honored to interview my new friend, author, speaker, storyteller, advocate, and all-around amazing human being, Anne Mok...
Ep. 36: Vision beyond sight – Kijuan Amey’s journey of resilience, faith, & purpose
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interview Kijuan Amey, Air Force Veteran, author, and outstanding human being who shares his incredible journey from military servi...
Ep. 35: Chaos, comedy, & keeping it real - Megs’ & Nic’s survival guide for life
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I sit down with 2 of my fantastic and hilarious friends, Megs and Nic, for a real, unfiltered chat about the ups and downs of life throughout parentin...
Ep. 34: Shootin' the BREEs, with my bestie & me...aka comedic reflections on handling life's challenges
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first episode of "Shootin' the BREEs", my Iowa bestie (Bree) and I (Bre) reminisce about our lives as young teachers in our 20s in 2004 in Spai...
Ep. 33: Blinded in combat, unstoppable in life - US Army Veteran Steve Baskis’ story
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share an inspirational story about veteran Steve Baskis, a US military veteran who lost his sight due to a roadside bomb in Baghdad...
Ep. 32: From soccer fields to robotaxis – A conversation with my friend Raj on life, love, loss, & technology
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Adventures in adversity, I sit down with my buddy Raj, a family friend who we've coached soccer with and have been fortunate to get...
Ep. 31: Post-it note wisdom from my Pops
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this short reflection, I look back on the wisdom imparted by my Dad, aka Pops, through inspirational Post-it notes he left for me and my older brot...
Ep. 30: From gloves to pen - Boxing, writing, & life lessons with author Mark Connor
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Connor shares his unique journey from a young aspiring athlete to a boxing trainer and writer. He discusses his early influences...
Ep. 29: My interview with Professor Sam Vaknin - "Why narcissists must abuse you"
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Professor Sam Vaknin and I delve into the complexities of narcissism, exploring its definitions, development, and the impact of ...
Ep. 28: Knowledge is power! Michelle's journey through a BRCA1 gene mutation diagnosis & a double mastectomy
19 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interview my friend Michelle, who shares her personal journey with her BRCA1 gene mutation diagnosis. Michelle discusses the import...
Ep. 27: A peek into my mental health journey - overcoming OCD & body image issues
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss my personal journey with mental health, focusing on my experiences with OCD and body image issues. I emphasize the importan...
Ep. 26: Life lessons from from a washed up college athlete & mom of 2
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share my experiences coaching my kiddos' soccer teams for the past few years.I reflect on the challenges and rewards the importance...
Ep. 25: Finding humor in adversity - how my friend, comedy writer Josh Lebowitz, laughs through life
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, my dear friend and former colleague, Josh Lebowitz, and I explore the importance of humor in navigating life's adversities. Josh is H...
Ep. 24: Why podcasting helped me develop more confidence in 8 months than anything else in my entire life
21 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I reflect on my journey of starting a podcast, discussing the challenges and growth I've experienced over the past 8 months. I share ...
Ep. 23: Redefining disability - Insights from Jayy, a 27-year old fitness trainer living with Cerebral Ataxia
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I speak with my new friend Jayy, a fitness trainer in the UK who is living his life to the fullest, despite being diagnosed with Cere...
Ep. 22: Aanchal Arora on the healing power of poetry in her book, "The Efflorescence"
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interview Aanchal Arora, the author of the book of poetry she wrote and published, called The Efflorescence. We discuss various th...
Ep. 21: How firefighter, EMT, & emergency mgmt specialist Parker Melendez uses Stoicism to handle adversity
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interview Parker Melendez, an emergency management specialist, about how stoicism has helped him navigate adversity in his career. ...
Ep. 20: How I retrained my inner voice to not be an a-hole
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever noticed that everything feels hard when you talk to yourself like shit?I have!In this episode, I reflect on my own journey of overcoming...
Ep. 19: How embracing "the power of the pause" transformed my life as a parent, partner, & friend
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I reflect on the power of the pause and how it is helping me to better navigate life's inevitable challenges. I share my personal exp...
Ep. 18: Moriah Melendez, LMHCA – Her journey to becoming a licensed therapist & nurturing self-compassion
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interview Moriah Melendez, a licensed therapist, about her journey in therapy and her private practice.Moriah specializes in workin...
Ep. 17 (part 2): Bryan's journey to walk again, a surprise home birth, & the power of self-love
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Bryan, owner of K Floors in Concord, CA shares his experiences of overcoming adversity and finding joy in life. He emphasizes th...
Ep. 17 (part 1): K Floors founder Bryan Keding on transforming poverty, doubt, & a broken back into personal & professional success
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bryan shares his journey of overcoming adversity and building a successful flooring company, K Floors, in Concord, CA.He started as a painter and work...
Ep. 16: Accepting peeps for who they are (aka picturing them as trees)
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I reflect on the concept of acceptance and the importance of accepting others for who they are. I share quotes from Ram Dass and expl...
Ep. 15: Triggers are teachers...why they teach me a helluva lot
22 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Triggers are super annoying...but we all have them, so we all gotta acknowledge them.In a quick little episode, I reflect on what triggers are and how...
Ep. 14: How I'm starting to make friends with my bitchy inner voice
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Oh yes...that lovely inner voice that likes to talk shit, but also loves you at the same time. Gotta love her! In this episode, I talk about my bitchy...
Ep 13: My hubby Ryan just got laid off...so we talked about it!
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welp, my hubby Ryan got the news a few days ago that he got laid off. So...we talked about it!
Ep. 12: Going inward - Navigating grief, health scares, & life's curveballs with my friend Omaira
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My friend Omaira shares how she navigated grief and loss at age 16, health scares at age 18, and the twists and turns of life we all face. Hear how lo...
Ep. 11: CMO & Mom of 2, Anita Tulsiani, on building her career, starting a marketing agency, & beating breast cancer
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anita shares her journey of overcoming adversity in her personal and professional life. She discusses her experience working with my pops, Mr. Kevin C...
Ep 10: Gratitude through the storm - Margo Wickersham shares her victory over cancer
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Buy Margo's book!Gratitude in the Storm: When Not Dying Is Enough to Keep FightingIn this conversation, Margo Wickersham shares her inspiring story of...
Ep 9: Facing my fear of failure...or at least starting to!
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I reflect on my fear of failure and how it applies to various aspects of life, like work, parenting, and relationships. I talk about ...
Ep. 8: Allowing myself to be a beginner...especially through adversity
10 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I'm back on the mic! In about 15 minutes, I reflect on the importance of letting myself be a beginner...as a podcast host, and as a person traveling t...
Ep. 7: Why I love therapy (P.S. adversity hates it!)
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I LOVE therapy. In this episode, I share how just a few sessions per month get me in the right state of mind to tackle adversity that comes my way. It...
Ep. 6: 3 interesting people I met at Harvard...who all faced adversity
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yep, I went to Harvard. Who knew?!? In this episode, I hop on the mic to chat about 3 interesting people I met during my time in good old Boston.Watch...
Ep 5: Life is kind of like an ice plunge
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I reflect on what I learned from my recent backyard ice plunge experience. Hear why freezing my ass off for 5 minutes (then going num...
Ep 4: How I learned how to be myself
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I used to care a LOT about what other people think. It was paralyzing! In under 11 minutes, I share my experience of learning how to be myself and sto...
Ep. 3: What exactly is adversity?
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're sharing stories about overcoming adversity and turning it into an adventure in this podcast. But what does adversity actually mean? In a little ...
Ep. 2: 5 stats about adversity that may surprise you
21 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A quick round-up of 5 stats about adversity that may make you think twice. In a nutshell: challenges aren't always bad!Sources:Sapien LabsAcross a res...
Ep. 1: Intro to Bre (and to this podcast)
20 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In about 6.5 minutes, get to know me, why I'm launching this podcast, and what I hope you take away from listening to Adventures in adversity: an insp...