Learn From People Who Lived it

Hope’s Role in Grief with Jill McMahon

In this episode, Mathew Blades and grief counselor Jill McMahon explore the complex relationship between hope, trust, and the grieving process. Drawing from Jill McMahon’s expertise in working with those experiencing catastrophic loss and trauma, the conversation unpacks why hope can sometimes feel out of reach or even anxiety-producing in the aftermath of tragedy.

They discuss why well-meaning platitudes often miss the mark, how trauma neurologically disrupts our sense of safety, and the importance of simply showing up rather than “fixing” someone’s pain.

This episode is a compassionate guide for anyone navigating loss or seeking to better understand and support loved ones in grief.

 

To get in touch with our podcast, email [email protected]

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

Hoping Against Hope: Redefining Control, Trust, and Spiritual Alignment with Dr. Dave

In this episode, you'll hear:

A fresh perspective on hope and its role in mental health

How agency, the power to choose, can transform your outlook

Tips for navigating anxiety, trust, and spiritual alignment

Mathew and Dr. Dave explore the real meaning of hope, inspired by Cortney's decision to remove "hope" from her vocabulary. Dr. Dave deep dives into hope theory, discussing C.R. Snyder’s model of agency and pathways, and the importance of recognizing multiple ways forward, even when life feels uncertain.

Together, they reveal how surrendering control, focusing on trust, and embracing spiritual alignment (rather than outcome attachment) can offer calm and resilience amid adversity. Drawing from clinical experience and personal reflection, Dr. Dave shares practical strategies for cultivating agency and reframing hope into effective action even when past trauma or life circumstances make change feel impossible.

“Trust feels calm and hope feels a little anxious.” Mathew Blades

 

To get in touch with our podcast, email [email protected]

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

One Great Teaching: Overcoming the Divided Mind with Cortney McDermott

In this episode of Learn From People Who Lived It, hosts Mathew Blades and Cortney McDermott dive into the power of decision and the exhaustion caused by a divided mind, inspired by the wisdom of James 1:8.

Cortney McDermott shares her practical techniques for quieting internal conflict, emphasizing the importance of relaxation, trust over hope, and playful dialogue with a higher intelligence. The conversation addresses why we often resist slowing down and how small pattern shifts like pausing instead of pushing through can help us access clarity and inner guidance.

Listeners are guided through a calming meditation designed to foster self-trust and open the door to inspired choices. If you’ve ever felt pulled in different directions, this episode offers gentle strategies to find stability in both mind and life.

 

To get in touch with our podcast, email [email protected]

Visit our Guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

Why Are You So Stressed? with Dr. Anna Marie Frank

In this episode, you'll hear:

Why people are feeling more stressed than ever, and the role of alignment in stress

How people-pleasing, control issues, and overcommitment feed overwhelm

Simple frameworks like "delegate, automate, delete" to reclaim your time and energy

The importance of resetting your nervous system with breathwork, meditation, and time alone

Why “missing out” on commitments (like kids’ practices) can actually support your wellbeing

Host Mathew Blades and author/speaker Dr. Anna Marie Frank explore the sources of modern stress and offer actionable strategies to combat burnout. They dive deep into the power of saying no, prioritizing your true desires, and the relief that comes from letting go of control. Packed with honest conversation and practical tools, this episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stretched too thin and craving balance.

 

To get in touch with our podcast, email [email protected]

Visit our Guests:

 

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com

Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com

Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com

Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/

Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To grab a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

How did our childhood experiences shape our relationship with money?

Good question, in this "Money" episode, we discuss:

- Practical steps to break free from money controlling your decisions
- Tips to create abundance and self-worth, regardless of your bank account

Mathew Blades sits down with Scarlett 'The Biz Hippie' to explore the deep roots of our money stories and how they impact our lives. Scarlett shares her own journey from scarcity and self-worth struggles to transforming her relationship with money and creating fulfillment beyond financial status.

Together, they discuss how money beliefs are formed, why awareness is the first step to change, and the balance between abundance and responsible financial management. 

“Abundance is not an amount of money. It’s a way of being.” Scarlett 'The Biz Hippie'

To get in touch with our podcast, email [email protected]

Visit our guests:

Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com
Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com
Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com
Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/
Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com

To get a copy of our 6-Week Wellness course, which is video-led, visit https://a.co/d/0ihE1vaw

If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456