Have you ever wondered how someone can transform the deepest pain into their greatest strength? Simone Fairchild, a survivor turned advocate and force for good, shares how she has transformed her pain into purpose, with me, Karen Hall, the host of The Hero Within Podcast. In part 1 of 2, she describes her extraordinary story of overcoming domestic …

In Part 2, Symone Fairchild and I unpack the transformational power of overcoming with divine support. Symone founded Eye on DV, and is creating a sanctuary for those battered by abuse, proving that even in the clutches of darkness, faith can be the beacon leading to empowerment and renewal. Be sure to hear Part 1. Symone is an actress with a deep-…

In today's episode, we delve into how Austrian psychotherapist Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, and Jose Pereira, a former hostage in Venezuela, found meaning in deplorable conditions and circumstances. Frankl's philosophy emphasized finding meaning through creative pursuits, service to others, contradictory experiences, decisions, spiritual co…

Imagine being on the brink of an ordinary business trip, only for it to spiral into a tale of survival against all odds. This episode brings to light the arresting narrative of Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk, a Citgo oil and gas executive in the US, whose life was changed forever when he was falsely imprisoned in Venezuela on espionage charges. Jose de…

Discover a tapestry of human experience as we share intimate conversations with Mary Taylor, the resilient president of Pro-Life Utah, on this episode of our podcast. Her personal odyssey from a pro-choice perspective to a staunch pro-life advocate following her own abortion, reveals the intricate complexities of unexpected pregnancy and the healin…

Reflecting on a year of profound narratives, I, Karen Hall, invite you to join in our celebration of the Hero Within podcast's first anniversary. We revisit Rusty Labushagne's journey of wrongful imprisonment and his extraordinary path to forgiveness, showcasing the indomitable strength of faith. It's a moment to acknowledge the inspirational tales…

Have you ever looked at a candy cane and seen more than just a sweet treat? Join me, Karen Hall, in our special Christmas minisode as we unwrap the hidden depths of holiday symbols that enrich the festive season with sacred meaning. As a mother, I've found these emblems to be a powerful way to teach my children about the love and light of the Savio…

Ever found yourself grappling with the commercialization of Christmas, struggling to keep Christ at the heart of your celebrations? In our latest episode, we explore this challenge with an inspiring conversation with Kathryn McAdam, the host of Unstoppable Joy. We delve into some practical tips for maintaining a Christ-centered focus during the hol…

Are you ready for a life-altering journey towards positivity? Join us in this powerful episode as we unravel the transformative power of gratitude. Tune in, sit back and prepare to reshape your understanding of your brain’s circuitry through the lens of gratitude. We tap into fascinating research that demonstrates how gratitude practices not only s…

Ever wondered how to unlock the transformative power of gratitude? I'm Karen Hall, and I invite you to join me for an enlightening episode of the Hero Within podcast. As we gear up for Thanksgiving, we reflect on the term 'gratitude' and its profound impact on both our physical and mental health. We discuss enlightening studies conducted by the Uni…

Have you ever wondered how faith can provide strength during the darkest times? Join me, your host Karen Hall, as I sit down with Dirk and Sharla Gardner in a deeply moving episode. This courageous couple opens up about their heart-wrenching journey - from their son's cancer diagnosis, through his treatment, grappling with unanswered prayers, and l…

What if you suddenly lost your job of 17 years, and your child was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer, all without the safety net of medical insurance? I invite you to join me as I sit down with Dirk and Sharla Gardner, a couple who faced these horrific trials head on. Their story unfolds, filled with suspense, hardship, and unexpected blessings.…

Feeling the weight of the world's tragedies? You're not alone. In the latest episode of Hero Within, I, your host Karen Hall, share my own struggles with grief and the overwhelming feelings that come with bearing witness to the hardship pervading the world. We dive into the importance of acknowledging pain instead of rushing to find a quick fix, an…

Have you ever wondered how faith, hope, and love can guide us through the darkest chapters of our lives? In this thought-provoking episode, we will journey through the harsh realities of mental health struggles as we commemorate World Mental Health Day. We will discuss the power of taking action in times of despair, inspired by the profound words o…

Content warning: This episode discusses death by suicide, and viewer discretion is advised. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text the suicide hotline 988. Join us in this poignant dialogue as Lark Dean Galley, a mother and grandmother, courageously uncovers the layers of her healing process after her son's…

Content warning: This episode discusses death by suicide, and viewer discretion is advised. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text the suicide hotline 988. What does it look like to navigate the tumultuous seas of grief, and can a tragic loss lead to profound transformation? Today, our courageous guest, Lar…

Content warning. Today's episode covers the topic of death by suicide and listener discretion is advised. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text the suicide hotline 988. Have you ever wondered how to navigate the painful journey of grief and loss following suicide? Join me, Karen Hall, as I sit down with th…

Get ready for an insightful talk as I, Karen Hall, your host, reflect on my conversation with the vibrant and award-winning comedian, Jason Hewlett. Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the profound landscape of promises, integrity, and their impacts on our lives. We reflect on Jason's book, 'The Promise to the One', exploring the essentiality o…

Have you ever wondered how maintaining integrity and fulfilling promises could shape your life? Well, let's begin our journey with Jason Hewlett, an award-winning comedian, entertainer, and world-class performer. Jason unpacks his life stories and the essence of keeping promises, as well as how his faith steered his actions, especially when dealing…

Get ready to have your spirits lifted as we sit down with the extraordinary Jason Hewlett, an award-winning entertainer with a knack for finding and sharing joy. This one-of-a-kind comedian reveals how he discovered his unique gifts and developed his career on stage. Through the ICM process (Identify, Clarify, Magnify), Jason helps you uncover your…

Ever wonder why victims of abuse often remain with their abusers? The answer may lie in an insidious psychological phenomenon known as trauma bonds. We discuss research and Patrick Carnes' book, "Betrayal Bond: Breaking Free of Exploitive Relationships." These unhealthy emotional ties, forged in fear and a primal need to survive, can be incredibly …

Unearth the transformative power of ketamine therapy with our guest Kristi Christensen, a brave survivor of complex PTSD. As she illuminates the shortcomings of traditional talk therapy, it becomes clear that for individuals with severe trauma, the path to healing might require a different approach altogether. Kristi shares her deeply personal jour…

What if you could transform your deepest traumas into your greatest strengths? What if the darkest moments in your life could be the catalyst to profound healing and empowerment? This episode is a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever experienced abuse or trauma. We sit down with the courageous Kristi Christensen, who shares her inspiring journey …

Imagine being abducted at the tender age of two, only to be thrust into an intense six-year escape with your father and brother. This was the reality for our guest, Kristi Christensen, who unveils her chilling tale of life on the run, including survival in the remote Ozark Mountains. She provides an intimate glimpse into the manipulative tactics em…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today I reflect on my conversation with my good friend, Carol Ann Guest, who shared her miracles from her sudden traumatic brain injury. If you haven't heard Part 1 and Part 2 of Carol Ann's story, be sure to listen as she shares her dark hours of pain and how her strong testimony has grown even …

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today in Part 2, my good friend, Carol Ann Guest, continues to share her miracles from her sudden traumatic brain injury. She is the former Mrs. Utah, a 6 figure entrepreneur, holistic health coach, and founder of Well Women Connections. She's traveled the world to educate and empower women throu…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today, our guest is my good friend, Carol Ann Guest, the former Mrs. Utah and a 6 figure entrepreneur, holistic health coach, and founder of Well Women Connections. She's traveled the world to educate and empower women about natural solutions and she and her family have done significant humanitar…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today, in Part 2, we hear from my good friend Kristina Driscoll, who graduated from Pacific Lutheran University and worked as a financial advisor in pension consulting. She shares with us her journey of overcoming the obstacles in her life, such as raising her young son while caring for her husba…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today, in Part 1, my good friend Kristina Driscoll, who graduated from Pacific Lutheran University and worked as a financial advisor in pension consulting, shares with us her journey of overcoming the obstacles in her life, including divorce and her 2nd husband's early onset Alzheimers, through o…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. When I first heard the idea that I should cast my burdens on the Lord, it sounded great, but I couldn't figure out how to do that! It was such a mystery to me! Today I reflect on my conversation with my good friend, Kristi Kearl, and I continue thoughts about how to turn burdens into blessings. I…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Do you feel weighed down with the burdens of life? What's your reaction to the thought that our burdens can actually give us spiritual traction to help us progress? Our guest today is my good friend, Kristi Kearl and she shares her remarkable insights on the story of the rich young ruler from the…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Have you ever thought that burdens can be a good thing? My good friend, Kristi Kearl and I continue our discussion about how to turn burdens into blessings. If you haven't heard Part 1 yet, click here to hear her remarkable insights on the story of the rich young ruler from the Bible. Today in Pa…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. As my husband, Joshua and I celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary, we're reminded of the power of faith, hope, love, and divine help in all our relationships and especially in our marriage. Drawing from the wisdom of L. Whitney Clayton, Stephen R. Covey, and Tony Robbins, we discuss the importan…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today I reflect on my visit with Heather Ash Burroughs and how to strengthen your marriage with the many challenges as a special needs parent. As a bonus, I share a few of the lessons I've learned in my own marriage. If you haven't listened to Part 1, 2 and 3, click here and hear how Heather advo…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. We continue with our guest, my new friend, Heather Ash Burroughs. If you haven't listened to Part 1 and Part 2, click here and hear how Heather followed in her father's footsteps to become a school psychologist and advocated for her daughter, Devyn, and won her case with the US Dept of Justice. H…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. We continue with our guest, my new friend, Heather Ash Burroughs. If you haven't listened to Part 1, click here and hear how Heather followed in her father's footsteps to become a school psychologist and advocated for her daughter, Erin, and won her case with the US Dept of Justice. Today in Stan…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Our guest this week is my new friend, Heather Ash Burroughs, a school psychologist who is a passionate advocate for those with special needs. Today in Part 1, you will learn: *Heather followed in her father's footsteps to become a school psychologist. *Heather's father advocated for her sister, E…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. I hope you had a Happy Mother's Day! We are continuing to discuss mental health since May is Mental Health Awareness month. In today's minisode, I talk about the loneliness of motherhood and postpartum depression. I share one of my favorite motherhood videos from youtube. Click here to watch it! …

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Happy Mother's Day! Mother's Day can be a really hard day! It can trigger us and we can feel incredibly inadequate in comparison to the glowing descriptions of mothers we hear about. Today you will learn one reason why it might hurt so bad. I also share a personal mother's day story in which I st…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today in Part 2, our guest is Adonica Ihilani Kauwe Tuitama, MBA, BSN/BSA. She continues her love story, miracles she received, and how her faith has sustained her in her adversity and helped her heal from trauma. If you haven't listened to Part 1, you'll want to hear the first part of Adonica's …

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today in Part 1, our guest is Adonica Ihilani Kauwe Tuitama, MBA, BSN/BSA. She describes her journey from her painful childhood in foster care after her parents divorced, and her own divorce with 3 young children to then earning graduate degrees and miraculously finding her wonderful husband over…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today we reflect on our conversation with our guest Jacqueline Baird and her journey to motherhood. If you haven't heard Part 1 and Part 2 of Jacqueline's touching story, click here to listen to her heartaches, trauma and miracles in becoming a mom. May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness month. …

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today our guest Jacqueline Baird continues her colorful journey to motherhood as she and her husband, Josh, intentionally chose children again and again throughout their marriage, despite the many sacrifices they both made. If you haven't heard Part 1, click here to listen to the first part of th…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today our guest Jacqueline Baird shares her colorful journey to motherhood as she and her husband, Josh, intentionally chose children, shortly after starting their courtship! Jacqueline graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in broadcasting and is the host of Motherho…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today I reflect on my recent conversation with my friend Jamie Berris earlier this week and I continue the conversation about how we are all projecting or absorbing projections. If you haven't listened to Jamie's story, you'll want to hear Part 1 and Part 2, where Jamie describes her journey from…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today our guest is my friend, Jamie Berris, a certified life and relationship coach, and host of the podcast, Authentically Raw with Jamie Berris Jamie continues her honest, raw and authentic conversation from Part 1, as she describes her journey to feeling empowered and removing blocks to achiev…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today our guest is my friend, Jamie Berris, a certified life and relationship coach, and host of the podcast, Authentically Raw with Jamie Berris Jamie is honest, raw and authentic as she describes her journey when she felt lonely, depleted and exhausted after she chose to be a full time stay at …

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Today we discuss the Savior's death from the perspective of the disciples. We will all have our Fridays when our life seems to be falling apart and when our hopes seem to be dashed. We all feel discouraged at times! You're not alone! But the Lord promises that He will work all things together for…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Our guest Angela Gilman, is a professional storyboard artist who works at Nickelodean on the show, "Baby Shark." Angela shares trials when she felt depressed after her family lost their home and her husband lost his job. She describes how her sorrow was turned to joy. Today, in Part 1, you'll lea…

Hi! I’m Karen Hall, Host of The Hero Within Podcast. Angela Gilman, a professional artist who currently works at Nickelodean on the preschool show, "Baby Shark," continues sharing in Part 2 about the miracles in her trials when they lost their home, her husband lost his job, and in her physical and mental health. She describes how her sorrow was tu…