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The Hope Warrior Project Podcast

The Hope Warrior Project Podcast

By Hope Warrior Project

At Hope Warrior Project, we believe that sharing stories of hope has an incredible power to encourage.

On our podcast, we help individuals share how they overcame a challenge in their life so that others can find hope for their own lives. If you have a story that you would be willing to share, we would love to hear about it and discuss having you as our guest!
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Power of Re-Narrating Your Story, with Marjorie Aunos. S4E3

The Hope Warrior Project PodcastAug 03, 2021

00:00
40:22
Power of PURPOSE with Dennis Mellen S4E11

Power of PURPOSE with Dennis Mellen S4E11

Dennis went from one day flying over Seattle thinking how much he enjoyed his career as a pilot and how it never felt like work, to suffering a heart attack on a remote bike trail that ended his career and almost his life. He felt very lucky to survive but very lost and depressed about his passion of 45 years being unfairly taken from him. Listen to hear how Dennis pivoted in his purpose and the lessons that he learned about presence and mindset. 

Links to connect with Dennis:

www.takesmorethanheart.com

www.beabean.net


Sep 28, 202127:29
Power of Self-Reflection

Power of Self-Reflection

In this episode, Lydia talks about how when we avoid discomfort, which we are wired to do, we create a life that is missing something. We find ourselves stuck and nagged by feelings of discontent and unease. Maybe we are even faced with a Devine storm that grabs our attention! 

The answer is a journey inward. It is intentional self-reflection. 

To sign up for supported self-reflection:

https://hopewarriorproject.com/hope-warrior-academy

Sep 21, 202111:04
Power of Perspective with Stephanie Martino, S4E9
Sep 14, 202113:10
Power of Willingness with Debi Silber. S4E8

Power of Willingness with Debi Silber. S4E8

Debi Silber personally experienced some major betrayals that destroyed her sense of safety and security. Being 50 years old with a thriving business and 4 kids, she had already navigated many hard things in life. This however felt very different.

She found herself struggling to make empowered choices like she used to. She wanted to understand what she was experiencing so Debi decided to enroll in a PHD program in transpersonal psychology which is the psychology of transformation and human potential. While she was there she did a study and discovered that there are stages very unique to betrayal that could provide healing to anyone. She healed through the stages herself and she will share them in the interview.

To learn more about healing from betrayal or connect with Debi:

https://thepbtinstitute.com/

Sep 07, 202143:24
Power of Grief with Hope Reger, S4E7

Power of Grief with Hope Reger, S4E7

Feeling powerless is not something Hope Reger generally struggled with until her son was shot and killed at the age of 19. Not only was she suffering with the sudden and unfair loss of her son, she also felt cheated out of justice when his assailant claimed self-defense and the case never even went to trial. Hope talks about how allowing herself to grieve gave her a clarity on her purpose and how she is using her experience to help others today.

How to connect with Hope:

https://www.facebook.com/Grief2Hope2020

https://www.grief2hopesupport.com

Aug 31, 202140:52
Power of finding your JOY, with Amy Erickson. S4E6

Power of finding your JOY, with Amy Erickson. S4E6

Amy spent a large portion of her life thinking something was wrong with her. She felt powerless over her reactivity and she did not know how to cope with certain sensations that she was having in her body which led to her reacting in shame, rage, and isolation. It wasn’t until she learned about reactive attachment disorder that she realized that her trauma was a result of the lack of love and connection that she felt with her mother as a young child. Understanding what caused these instinctual reactions was a huge relief but she still needed to figure out how to heal. Amy shares her story and how she learned to find her joy again.

How to connect with Amy: www.capacity4good.com

Aug 24, 202145:01
Power of Setting a Bold Goal, with Paul Forchione. S4E5

Power of Setting a Bold Goal, with Paul Forchione. S4E5

Paul Forchione was born with Cerebral Palsy so severe that the doctors predicted that he would never be able to walk. Through intense physical therapy he was able to walk but then experienced bullying in school.  In hopes of distracting himself, Paul set a huge goal of making the varsity baseball team. He focused on his goal and put in the work and people started to notice. Kids started to cheer him on and he built meaningful relationships. Paul shares with us how he was able to shift from a powerless mentality with being picked on in school for being different, to one that made him get noticed for his hard work and dedication. 

Ways to connect with Paul:

  • http://acalltoaction.coach
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/keepyourpen
Aug 17, 202144:45
Power of Releasing the Past, with Terri Kozlowski. S4E4

Power of Releasing the Past, with Terri Kozlowski. S4E4

Though Terri had loving people in her life, her mother was abusive and enabled others to traumatize her. To get drugs, her mother allowed strangers to assault her 11-year-old body sexually. She then left her and her sister alone on the streets of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Terri’s childhood left her filled with fear until she embarked on a spiritual journey and learned the skills that took her from victim to survivor. Terri shares with us that we are all born knowing who we are and what our purpose is. However, life experience or abuse may instill fear and break the connection with our authentic selves. Before we can reconnect, we first must release the past. 

Interested in connecting with Terri?

www.TerriKozlowski.com

www.soulsolutionspodcast.com

www.raventranscendingfear.com

www.facebook.com/kozmicsoulsolutions

FREE EBOOK: https://marvelous-producer-7346.ck.page/89316c6237


Aug 10, 202144:11
Power of Re-Narrating Your Story, with Marjorie Aunos. S4E3

Power of Re-Narrating Your Story, with Marjorie Aunos. S4E3

Marjorie is a psychologist who was struggling with her own mental wellness after experiencing a life-altering car accident. She was trained to look for the problem and work toward a solution but this approach to her own mental health was not effective. She discovered the science around character strengths and found a new type of psychology that changed her mindset for good. Using the lens of her strengths she was able to look back at her story and re-narrate it in a way that empowers her and makes her hopeful for her future.

Find out your character strengths by taking the free and easy survey at Viacharacter.org 

Interested in connecting with Marjorie?

  • Speakerslam.org
  • LinkedIn:  @marjorieaunos 
  • Twitter: @NinjaMarj 
  • Instagram: @NinjaMarj 
  • Facebook: @NinjaMarj
Aug 03, 202140:22
Power of dreaming and believing, with Amy Johnson. S4E2
Jul 27, 202133:28
Power of acceptance, thoughts, and allowing ourselves to feel, with Lorrie Rivers. S4E1

Power of acceptance, thoughts, and allowing ourselves to feel, with Lorrie Rivers. S4E1

Jul 20, 202133:21
S3E14: Importance of your story! Season 3 Finale
Apr 28, 202143:01
S3E13 A new perspective on pain. Joseph James talks about losing his wife to cancer and what he learned from the experience.

S3E13 A new perspective on pain. Joseph James talks about losing his wife to cancer and what he learned from the experience.

Joseph went into "fix-it mode" when he got the devastating news that his wife had cancer. He was convinced that if they did the right things, his wife would be healed and that her story would be a source of hope to others. He documented the journey and although his goal was to heal his wife, the healing through that process was really meant for him. Now Joseph uses his new outlook on pain as a way to motivate and encourage others.


Apr 21, 202135:22
S3E12: Taking control of her health helped her fight cancer, with Hayley Dubin
Apr 14, 202123:28
S3E11: Prison changed his life. Louis Dooley shares his transformation behind bars.

S3E11: Prison changed his life. Louis Dooley shares his transformation behind bars.

Louis Dooley was a young man who found himself imprisoned with a life sentence +100yrs for theft and attempted murder. On his first night in prison, his plan to retaliate and kill a fellow inmate took a drastic turn and instead, Louis set his gaze on faith. Even though he was physically behind bars, he experienced a different kind of freedom that transformed his life.

Miraculously, Louis was released after serving 15.5 years and today is sharing his story to help people break free out of their own unique chains. He is the author of “Prison Saved my Life”, he is a public speaker, and he provides pastoral counsel to current inmates.

Follow Louis' journey at www.louisdooley.com

Apr 07, 202153:19
S3E10: Accepting and embracing the process after a life-altering injury, with Ollie Garza

S3E10: Accepting and embracing the process after a life-altering injury, with Ollie Garza

42 years ago, at the age of 14, Ollie Garza suffered a major injury while playing in a high school football game. Ollie went from being an extremely active teenager, to not being able to move anything at all from the neck down. He had to relearn everything, including the things so many of us take for granted like brushing his teeth, combing his hair, and getting dressed; and at the same time keeping up with his studies as a freshman.

He had every justification to feel hopeless, and he did go through a period of blaming God and feeling sorry for himself, asking “why did this happen to me?” But he didn’t stay in that mindset.

Ollie is now sharing his remarkable story, including how he learned to not only accept, but also embrace his new reality; and from that, has found that the sky is the limit.


Want to follow Ollie's story?  Connect with him at www.olliebabegarza.com

Mar 31, 202121:21
S3E9: Using her story of addiction to make a difference with transformational comedy.

S3E9: Using her story of addiction to make a difference with transformational comedy.

Lauren is a stand-up comedian who wasn't always able to see the humor in her life. She struggled with perfection which manifested into eating disorders and lead to an Adderall prescription. The pills became an addiction and served as a gateway to other forms of escape. Lauren talks about how she overcame that challenge and continues to overcome today. 


Follow Lauren's comedy at "Kosher Barbie Comedy"

  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcKfwMrS8NEHFKT-3A7cVQ/videos?view=0&sort=da&view_as=subscriber
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kosherbarbiecomedy/?hl=en


Mar 24, 202145:43
S3E8: Understanding the big "M" and finding healthy ways of coping, with Sara Brinn-Johnson
Mar 17, 202137:06
S3E7: From abuse to addiction and the invitation that broke the chains, with Erik Allen
Mar 10, 202128:43
S3E6: Taking responsibility and facing "emotional obesity", with Sarah Rose
Mar 03, 202141:58
S3E5: Making the courageous decision to step away from her corporate job to heal from major depression, with Liz Sweigart

S3E5: Making the courageous decision to step away from her corporate job to heal from major depression, with Liz Sweigart

A major depressive episode and a medication mix-up sent Liz into a tailspin. Feeling like she was losing her mind, Liz began planning how to end her life.  Thankfully, a moment of clarity pulled her back from the brink and she made the brave decision to take a step away from her corporate job to give her mental health the critical care it needed and deserved. One year later, Liz is back to work and enjoying being alive!


Want to continue to follow Liz’s story? Connect with her on the platforms below:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lizsweigart

Twitter: @amotherofajob

Blog: seriouslyjerkbrain.com

Feb 24, 202144:57
S3E4 Trusting the process and focusing on the help, with Dana Roe.

S3E4 Trusting the process and focusing on the help, with Dana Roe.

Dana woke up from what was supposed to be a routine and simple procedure not being able to feel or move her leg. After an exhausting process of first uncovering what the root of the problem was and then enduring long hours of therapy, she felt that she had done everything she could. A desperate cry out for help was answered in the form a moving toe and that was all the hope Dana needed to surrender and trust the process. This is Dana's story of transformation which she looks back on to sustain hope as she navigates the challenges of life. 


Connect with Dana through the Sisters Giving Hope Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sistersgivinghope or via email at danaroe@sbcglobal.net.

Feb 17, 202142:26
S3E3: Putting an end to "fitting in" with Keighty McNamara

S3E3: Putting an end to "fitting in" with Keighty McNamara

Be encouraged that it is never too late to stop accepting what you have been told you should be, and start living as who you were created to be. Being Black and adopted into a White family, Keighty certainly has a unique perspective on the world. She shares her story on how focusing on fitting in cost her to loose sight of who she truly is and what she is doing about it.


Follow or connect with Keighty on any of the platforms below:

Podcast:  The AwkwyrdMom  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-awkwyrdmom/id1480973876

IG: theawkwyrdmom_podcast  https://www.instagram.com/theawkwyrdmom_podcast/

IG: curiosityprysm  https://www.instagram.com/curiosityprysm/

Feb 10, 202139:18
S3E2: Acceptance of unresolved infertility led to a different kind of happily ever after, with Stephanie Martino

S3E2: Acceptance of unresolved infertility led to a different kind of happily ever after, with Stephanie Martino

Stephanie's story of infertility is a perfect illustration of how sometimes we need to grieve something that we never had. She shares the unique challenges that she faced with not being able to have children and how unmet expectations in any area of life can leave us bitter and resentful. By allowing herself to grieve, and trusting that God knew best for her life, she was able to find acceptance and rewrite her story in a way that fills her with joy and excitement. Unlike all of the "success stories" that you will find out there, this is a fresh look at what it truly means to be successful.

Feb 03, 202140:58
S3E1: Creating space for God to work in her marriage, with Lydia Zuniga

S3E1: Creating space for God to work in her marriage, with Lydia Zuniga

Lydia went through an unexpected storm in her marriage. After the initial shock, she started reflecting and realized she had become too dependent on her husband to meet her needs. She got curious about how she was making decisions in life and started being more intentional with her thoughts. During this journey, God spoke to Lydia's heart through a stranger one day at church. What happened next set the foundation for a fresh start in her marriage and a deeper relationship with God.

Get curious. Look for the lessons God has for you in every challenge. - Lydia Zuniga
Jan 27, 202141:07
Teaser Reel

Teaser Reel

Want to get a flavor for our show and the type of stories we share?  Listen to this teaser reel for a short sample!

Jan 25, 202103:43
Season 2 Finale: how these stories made us thankful for 2020

Season 2 Finale: how these stories made us thankful for 2020

Wow... what a year it has been!  

Join us as we reflect back on a tough year and the massive power of hearing the stories of another group of amazing women!

Dec 17, 202058:10
S2E8: This mom is a new version of herself after her journey with postpartum anxiety, with Melissa Todd

S2E8: This mom is a new version of herself after her journey with postpartum anxiety, with Melissa Todd

After the birth of her second son, Melissa experienced paralyzing anxiety and fear. She could hardly function to take care of herself, let alone her new baby.  Because she had never experienced any mental health conditions prior to this, she was completely caught off guard and felt broken beyond repair.   

She finally sought specialized care through a postpartum inpatient program and it was a life-changer for her.  She began to shift her mentality of “Why is this happening to me”, to “this happened, how can I be the best me moving forward”.  She also learned to reframe the obsessive and fear-based “what if” thoughts to a more positive statement that “even if” that bad thing happens, she’ll be able to get through it.  

This interview is packed with gold nuggets of wisdom that anyone can use!

Dec 09, 202032:38
S2E9: Appreciating the blessings in the journey through Hodgkin Lymphoma, with Melanie Mogensen

S2E9: Appreciating the blessings in the journey through Hodgkin Lymphoma, with Melanie Mogensen

Melanie Mogensen is a writer, wife, and mother of three who knows all too well how life can change in an instant. In late 2017, Melanie was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma. She began sharing her story on her blog during treatment to help cope and let others know that even the most difficult times there is always hope and something to be grateful for.

You can read more about Melanie’s journey on her blog at hopefulwarrior.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram @thehopefulwarrior

Dec 09, 202035:51
S2E7: Special Thanksgiving Episode

S2E7: Special Thanksgiving Episode

We talk about the power of gratitude and three things that we are grateful for. Listen to hear what The Hope Warrior Project is all about how you can use your story of transformation to good!

Nov 25, 202039:06
S2E6: Spiritual Bread Crumbs & Soulgasims, with Evon Mucek

S2E6: Spiritual Bread Crumbs & Soulgasims, with Evon Mucek

Special episode this week! Evon Mucek shares with us all about spiritual bread crumbs and soulgasims... that's right! You need to listen for yourself! After finding herself in a life that she knew wasn't right, she removed herself and jumped into an exciting adventure of owning her journey while surrendering to who she was made to be! Now she helps others do the same!

Nov 24, 202038:31
S2E5: Finding her life's purpose after being blindsided by divorce, with Ashley Abramson
Nov 24, 202041:11
S2E4: A special needs mom, a big God and a beautiful purpose, with Tina Beauvais

S2E4: A special needs mom, a big God and a beautiful purpose, with Tina Beauvais

Tina Beauvais is a special needs mom with a story you won’t forget.  Her daughter, Noel, has muscular dystrophy and was constantly in and out of the hospital for the first 7 years of her life…. until God intervened in a big way!  

Through the challenges experienced by both her and her daughter, Tina discovered a new perspective. A special book given to her by a stranger shifted her thinking from “why me and why my daughter?” to “what is God’s plan and purpose in this?”  Now, Tina and her daughter are sharing their lives and experiences to teach others about disability inclusion and the beauty of simply being kind.  

This interview gave us goosebumps and ‘all the feels’.

Tina B Disability Inclusion Educator:  https://www.facebook.com/Tina-B-Disability-Inclusion-Educator-103207564480690

Nov 24, 202045:30
S2E3: Hope after a heart transplant, with Janine Goodpastor

S2E3: Hope after a heart transplant, with Janine Goodpastor

Janine has a stranger's ❤️ heart in her body right now keeping her alive! It is an amazing and beautiful thing but it was quite the process. Of course leading up to the transplant was scary but the real work was rebuilding herself afterwards. She did not expect the recovery to be so challenging and questioned many times if it was all worth it. She was impatient with the healing process but eventually realized that there was not much she could personally do for her body. She focused on the one thing she could work on, her mindset.

Nov 24, 202017:60
S2E2: A season of uncertainty led to creativity and new opportunities, with Lindsay Kosciuk

S2E2: A season of uncertainty led to creativity and new opportunities, with Lindsay Kosciuk

Lindsay experienced a creative block while over-consuming news and obsessing over the circumstances of the world. She noticed the issue, asked for help, and flipped her mindset to focus on creating instead of consuming!  Now she is pouring into families through her Make It Fun platform and Facebook group of over 25K members!  

Make it Fun! Family Adventures: https://www.facebook.com/groups/285800452599154 

Make it Fun Mom: https://www.facebook.com/makeitfunmom

Nov 24, 202035:55
S2E1: A life changing lesson that cost one million dollars, with Michelle Martini

S2E1: A life changing lesson that cost one million dollars, with Michelle Martini

Michelle Martini learned a huge lesson that cost her over a million dollars!  This expensive experience led to her passion of helping overwhelmed women learn to take care of themselves and "pivot toward peace".

Nov 24, 202028:56
S1E13: Season 1 Recap Show!

S1E13: Season 1 Recap Show!

In this episode, we recap the incredible stories of hope shared by 11 amazing women during season 1 of The Hope Warrior Project Podcast.  We guarantee you'll connect with more than one of these stories, so take a listen and absorb some hope for yourself.

Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Email us at hopewarriorproject@gmail.com

Recorded on August 26, 2020

Oct 20, 202049:36
S1E12: A quest to health from alcoholism, autoimmune disease and breast implant illness, with Evona Vasquez

S1E12: A quest to health from alcoholism, autoimmune disease and breast implant illness, with Evona Vasquez

Evona is very passionate about helping people heal past traumas to live their best. Some of her biggest challenges have been growing us around alcoholism, living with an autoimmune disease, and most recently deciding to explant her breast implants because of breast implant illness.

https://www.instagram.com/evonavasquez/

Recorded on August 19, 2020

Oct 20, 202025:12
S1E11: The worst birthday ever became a catalyst for big change, with Amy Spooner
Oct 20, 202031:48
S1E10: How owning your story, the good and the bad, is the key to showing up fully in your life, with Donna Thomas

S1E10: How owning your story, the good and the bad, is the key to showing up fully in your life, with Donna Thomas

Donna Thomas has 25+ years experience as a leader, trainer and coach.  She shares with us personal experiences that were not only life changing, but life enhancing.  From unexpected physical challenges (3 surgeries in 4 years) to involuntary job changes, to losing her sister, she has learned that owning her story - the good and the bad - is what has allowed her to be present with herself and others, and it has led her to some exciting new adventures in her life!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2979758708817934

Recorded on July 29, 2020

Oct 20, 202036:08
S1E9: This mom took the homeschooling plunge 6 years ago and loves it, with Debbie Kusky
Oct 20, 202025:24
S1E8: A story of how learning to navigate life with bipolar led to a self-care brand, with Beth Massey

S1E8: A story of how learning to navigate life with bipolar led to a self-care brand, with Beth Massey

After struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts, Beth was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.  Since then, she has been on a journey to take care of her mental health.  She discovered that self-care is a key to helping her through the difficult times and is on a mission to help others do the same through her spa brand "Yal&Yana", which stands for "you are loved and you are not alone". 

yalandyana.etsy.com

Recorded on July 15, 2020

Oct 19, 202024:32
S1E7: Coping during COVID: Lydia ate grasshoppers and Stephanie went on an awful vacation

S1E7: Coping during COVID: Lydia ate grasshoppers and Stephanie went on an awful vacation

Hang out with us as we share the good, the bad and the ugly of how we've been coping during the COVID lockdown! We serve up an assortment of topics on this one: eating grasshoppers, good and bad vacation experiences, control vs. acceptance, lockdown emotional roller coaster, listening to your body, and how to give a water bottle and some hope.

Recorded on July 8, 2020

Oct 19, 202031:09
S1E6: A story of an answered prayer that started a transformation, with Nilda Martinez

S1E6: A story of an answered prayer that started a transformation, with Nilda Martinez

After years of being in an unhealthy relationship and seeing how it was hurting her children, Nilda finally made the decision to leave. She didn't know where she was going to live or how she would get by, but she knew it was the right decision for her and her children.  She prayed, asking God to show her what to do.  The next day, an ad randomly popped up on her phone about a local organization that helps single moms get back on their feet.  It was exactly what she needed - a true answer to prayer!

This big change was a catalyst for transformation in Nilda's life.  She joined a Hope Warrior Academy and found the positivity and encouragement she needed to push her forward.  Life is very different for her now.  Different in such a good way!

Recorded on July 1, 2020

Oct 19, 202024:34
S1E5: Learning to love and trust herself instead of relying on outside validation, with Elaina Jones

S1E5: Learning to love and trust herself instead of relying on outside validation, with Elaina Jones

Elaina Jones discusses one of the most challenging times in her life when she experienced a severe depressive episode and realized that she did not love or trust herself. All aspects of her life were suffering; she felt stuck and dissatisfied personally and professionally.  Elaina sought outside validation to make her feel better about herself which showed up in her relationships, friendships, and career. When those things failed to make her happy, she realized she needed to make a change.  Tune in and discover the tools Elaina used to learn how to love and trust herself!

https://www.facebook.com/copequeenspodcast

https://www.instagram.com/copequeenspodcast/

www.copequeens.com

Recorded on June 24, 2020

Oct 19, 202030:33
S1E4: A single mom that left an abusive relationship and found hope, with Kelly Feuchtmann

S1E4: A single mom that left an abusive relationship and found hope, with Kelly Feuchtmann

Kelly shares her story of being a single mom while breaking away from an unhealthy relationship. Feeling hopeless and like she had very little control over her circumstances, she started to think that her son might be better off without her. She realized that she couldn’t do it on her own and reignited her faith in God and put her confidence in Him to help her day by day. Today she is passionate about the balance of depending on God while doing her part to move forward. She even created a suicide prevention page on Facebook where she actively seeks out positivity that she can share with others.

";Keep Going" Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1585205871783102

Recorded on June 17, 2020

Oct 17, 202028:30
S1E3: A story of hope after the grief of terminating a pregnancy, with Liza Lopez Sharkey

S1E3: A story of hope after the grief of terminating a pregnancy, with Liza Lopez Sharkey

Years after having to end the life of her unborn baby for medical reasons, Liza found herself having thoughts of ending her own life. Thankfully she had a few Hope Warriors who saw her in her pain and guided her back to herself.

https://www.facebook.com/LizaSharkeyCoaching

Recorded on June 10, 2020

Oct 17, 202030:36
S1E1: Healing stress in your body using Trauma Sensitive Yoga, with Andrea Wittig
Oct 09, 202022:21