Brianna Lafferty shares her remarkable journey from a career in construction to becoming a death doula after a life-altering near-death experience. She discusses her struggles with myoclonus dystonia, a rare neurological disorder that affected her from a young age, leading to significant mental health challenges. Brianna's story highlights the importance of surrender, self-love, and the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual health, ultimately illustrating her transformation and healing through adversity.

Brianna goes on to share her profound near-death experience (NDE) and the insights she gained about life, death, and the nature of existence. She discusses the various dimensions she encountered, the purpose of the creator, and the significance of pain in finding one's true purpose. Brianna emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, the transformative journey after an NDE, and how volunteering can lead to discovering one's authentic spiritual self.

The episode explores deep philosophical questions about existence, judgment, and the human experience, offering listeners a unique perspective on spirituality and personal growth.

Dark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membership

Dark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/

Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannel

Dark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTj

Dark Finds website - www.darkfindsmedia.com

Takeaways

Brianna transitioned from a construction career to becoming a death doula after a near-death experience.

She experienced myoclonus dystonia, a rare neurological disorder, from a young age.

Brianna's journey involved struggles with insomnia, anxiety, and depression due to her condition.

She felt a strong sense of impending death before her near-death experience at age 25.

Brianna's surrender during her illness led to a profound transformation and healing.

Her near-death experience brought her peace and clarity, changing her perspective on life.

Brianna's story highlights the importance of self-love and acceptance in overcoming challenges.

She emphasizes the need for community and support for those with rare conditions.

Brianna's experience reflects the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual health.

Her journey illustrates the power of surrender and faith in the face of adversity. All religions seek to help people contend with life's pain.

Experiencing love and energy beyond the physical realm is profound.

Death is a transition, not an end to consciousness.

Our essence exists beyond the physical body.

Earth offers a unique blend of experiences, both painful and joyful.

The creator desires to experience through us.

We can find purpose in our pain and trauma.

Volunteering can lead to discovering one's purpose.

Transformation often requires deep self-reflection and exploration.

The journey to authenticity is unique for everyone.

Keywords

Brianna Lafferty, Myoclonus Dystonia, Near-Death Experience, Spiritual Journey, Construction Background, Mental Health, Personal Transformation, Death Doula, Healing, Life Challenges

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, Brent Cassity opens up about his dramatic fall from corporate success to federal prison — and the remarkable personal transformation that followed. Once a high-flying CEO, Brent shares how his father's incarceration foreshadowed his own, and how the weight of shame, stigma, and regret nearly broke him.

Through raw storytelling and hard-won insight, Brent reflects on the emotional toll of the plea process, the collapse of his business, and the surreal moment he stepped inside prison walls. But what followed wasn’t just survival — it was the beginning of something redemptive.

We dive into his concept of "Nightmare Success," the lessons he's learned about identity, second chances, and the quiet power of purpose. Brent also discusses the writing of his book, the strength he drew from his family, and why he now advocates for reform and compassion in the justice system.

This is a story of loss, reckoning, and the unbreakable human will to rebuild.

Brent Cassidy's website - https://brentcassity.com/#hear-the-stories

Dark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membership

Dark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/

Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannel

Dark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTj

Dark Finds website - www.darkfindsmedia.com

What you'll learn

• The stigma of incarceration often overshadows individual stories.
• Many inmates have complex backgrounds and circumstances.
• Society tends to categorize people as either good or bad.
• The concept of 'nightmare success' reflects the journey through adversity.
• Family dynamics are deeply affected by incarceration.
• Redemption is a crucial aspect of the human experience.
• Reentry into society is fraught with challenges for ex-felons.
• The legal system can be unforgiving and complex.
• Understanding the nuances of crime is essential for reform.
• Earning redemption should be a societal priority. Brent realized the importance of shifting from victimhood to survival.
• He faced a significant decline in his business before going to prison.
• Pleading guilty was a strategic decision to avoid a longer sentence.
• The courtroom experience felt surreal and emotionally draining.
• Brent's family and friends provided crucial support during his ordeal.
• Adjusting to prison life required a strong mindset and resilience.
• He found purpose in prison through work and personal development.
• Hope played a vital role in his survival and mental health.
• Writing his book was a way to share his experiences and help others.
• Brent emphasizes the importance of finding new purpose after prison.

Keywords

inmate stories, criminal justice reform, redemption, personal journey, family impact, incarceration stigma, nightmare success, reentry challenges, business leadership, legal battles, victim, survivor, prison, business decline, plea agreement.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation...

Jonathan Schwartz shares his profound journey from childhood trauma to a successful career in business management within the entertainment industry, followed by a devastating fall into gambling addiction and embezzlement. He discusses the impact of unresolved trauma on his life, the lessons learned during his time in prison, and his commitment to helping others struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Jonathan's story is one of resilience, redemption, and the ongoing journey of personal growth.

Jonathan shares his harrowing journey through addiction, particularly gambling, and the subsequent path to recovery. He discusses the mindset of a gambler, the emotional toll of addiction, and the importance of personal accountability. Jonathan reflects on his time in prison, the growth he experienced, and the role of spirituality in his recovery. He emphasizes the need for societal change in how addiction is viewed and the importance of forgiveness and understanding in the healing process.

Dark Finds Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/darkfindspodcast/

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/darkfindspodcast/membership

Dark Finds IG - https://www.instagram.com/dark.finds/

Dark Finds YouTube Channel for more dark long-form content - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkFindsChannel

Dark Finds book - https://amzn.eu/d/3VHPOTj

Dark Finds website www.darkfindsmedia.com

Takeaways

• Jonathan's childhood trauma shaped his adult life and career choices.
• He worked hard to overcome his past and build a successful career.
• Gambling addiction led to significant personal and professional downfall.
• Jonathan emphasizes the importance of addressing unresolved trauma.
• He found purpose in helping others after his recovery.
• His experience in prison taught him humility and resilience.
• Jonathan's journey reflects the complexities of mental health and addiction.
• He advocates for progress, not perfection in recovery.
• The support of the 12-Step Fellowship was crucial for his healing.
• Jonathan's story is a testament to the power of personal transformation. Gambling addiction is a behavioral addiction that can lead to severe emotional distress.
• The mindset of a gambler often involves grandiosity and a fantasy of winning back losses.
• Self-sabotage is a common behavior among those struggling with addiction.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Recovery requires a commitment to pro-recovery behaviors and humility.
• Spirituality can play a significant role in the recovery process.
• Personal accountability is crucial in overcoming addiction.
• The prison system often lacks adequate educational and rehabilitative resources.
• Addiction is a complex interplay of genetic predisposition and personal choice.

Jonathan Schwartz, childhood trauma, gambling addiction, embezzlement, recovery, business management, entertainment industry, mental health, addiction therapy, personal growth, addiction, gambling, recovery, redemption, mental health, spirituality, personal accountability, prison, forgiveness, self-sabotage, Gary Colton

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.