Guest Name: Nicholas Ruchlewicz

https://linktr.ee/giftofperspective

Summary

In this powerful episode of Poddin’ My Noggin, traumatic brain injury survivor and mental health advocate Nicholas Ruchlewicz shares his life-altering story of survival, recovery, and purpose. After a devastating motorcycle accident left him with a severe brain injury, Nicholas relearned how to see, think, move, and live. Through vulnerability, tabletop gaming, music, and community service, he transformed trauma into connection—now supporting others facing invisible injuries, mental health struggles, and isolation. This conversation explores resilience, identity after trauma, the importance of showing kindness to others, and the profound healing power of belonging.

Takeaways

• Traumatic brain injuries are often invisible, yet profoundly life-altering.

• Recovery is not linear—healing requires patience, compassion, and redefinition of “better.”

• Executive function loss can be more frightening than physical injury.

• Music can have measurable physiological and emotional healing effects after trauma.

• Community is a critical lifeline in recovery and mental health survival.

• Tabletop games provide structure, creativity, and social reconnection for healing minds.

• Trauma survivors often carry unseen pain—kindness should never be optional.

• Identity can be rebuilt after loss, even when the old self feels unreachable.

• Peer support from lived experience creates safety professionals sometimes cannot.

• Turning pain into purpose can help others feel seen, heard, and less alone.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nicholas Ruchlewicz

00:56 Nicholas's Early Life and Interests

02:35 Transition to Motorcycling and the Accident

05:27 The Accident: A Life-Changing Moment

09:37 The Aftermath: Hospitalization and Recovery

16:26 Rehabilitation: Learning to Live Again

21:34 Reflections on Brain Injury and Recovery

22:38 The Journey of Healing and Rehabilitation

28:53 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

34:43 Finding Purpose Through Connection

41:45 The Role of Tabletop Games in Healing

Keywords

#braininjury #communityhealing #disabilityawareness #healingjourney #invisibleinjury #lifepurpose #mentalhealth #mentalhealthadvocate #motorcycleaccident #neurorehabilitation #nonlinearhealing #poddinmynoggin #podcastinterview #podmatch #posttraumaticgrowth #ptsdrecovery #resilience #survivorstories #tabletopgaming #tbi #tbiawareness #therapythroughplay #traumarecovery #traumasurvivor #vulnerability #healingthroughmusic #mentalhealthmatters #livedexperience #humanconnection

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Noah May

https://linktr.ee/noahspodcast

Summary

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, C.K. welcomes podcast host Noah May, who opens up about his journey from a challenging adolescence marked by depression, anxiety, bullying, and family hardship to discovering purpose through storytelling and podcasting. Noah shares how his mental health diagnoses shaped his growth, how long-term recovery transformed his outlook, and how his three shows—Lethal Venom, Music Talks, and Southern Reads—emerged from resilience, creativity, and a desire to speak truth. This episode offers compassion, insight, and inspiration for anyone navigating mental health struggles or searching for their voice.

Takeaways

• Noah’s mental health journey began at age 13, following bullying, family strain, and personal upheaval.

• His grandmother’s rapid decline from Alzheimer’s and dementia became a major emotional turning point.

• He was diagnosed with clinical depression and later severe anxiety, presenting through uncommon physical symptoms.

• Long-term COVID intensified his struggles, causing major weight loss and triggering relapse.

• Proper medication and therapy became life-changing, helping him regain stability and rediscover joy.

• Podcasting began as a college project but evolved into a meaningful creative career.

• Lethal Venom explores raw honesty—reflecting his belief that truth can be painful but transformative.

• Southern Reads and Music Talks stem from his passions, blending books, storytelling, and music appreciation.

• His message: keep fighting, even when life feels overwhelming; healing happens in waves.

• Noah’s story highlights the importance of early intervention, showing how recognizing symptoms, seeking help, and advocating for proper care can prevent years of silent suffering and lead to meaningful recovery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Noah May and His Podcasts

03:45 The Journey of Lethal Venom Podcast

04:51 Struggles with Depression and Anxiety

11:39 Navigating Teenage Challenges and Mental Health

21:19 Education and Career Pathways

23:33 Navigating the Pandemic: A Personal Journey

26:52 The Impact of Long COVID on Mental Health

29:42 Finding the Right Medication: A Turning Point

34:51 Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health and Medication

38:47 The Evolution of a Podcaster: From Hobby to Career

43:37 Embracing Uncertainty: Future Aspirations and Growth

Keywords

#anxietyjourney #anxietysupport #authorinterview #bookpodcast #depressionsurvivor #healingjourney #inspirationdaily #journalismlife #lethalvenom #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthconversation #mentalhealthjourney #mentalhealthmatters #motivationforall #musicpodcast #noahmay #overcomingstruggles #podcastcommunity #podcastconversation #podcasterlife #podcastguest #podcastinterview #podcastlove #podmatch #poddinmynoggin #selfgrowthjourney #southernreads #storytellingmatters #truthandhealing #youthmentalhealth

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Alan Lazaros

https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/

Instagram: alazaros88

YouTube: NextLevelUniversity

Summary

In this powerful and deeply human episode, C.K. sits down with Next Level University co-founder Alan Lazaros for a transformative conversation about resilience, potential, and the courage to redesign your life from the ground up. From losing his father at age two, to the collapse of his family at 14, to surviving a devastating car accident at 26 that forced him to confront mortality, Alan opens up about the pivotal events that shaped him into the leader he is today.

Together, C.K. and Alan explore childhood trauma, the cost of unhealed pain, ambition, masculinity, ego, burnout, self-leadership, and the triad of humility, courage, and vulnerability. Alan shares the moment he realized he wasn’t living his potential, how he rebuilt his life through discipline and self-awareness, and why fulfillment—not status—is the true measure of success.

This is a conversation about transformation at its rawest level: how to face yourself, how to stop hiding your gifts, and how to design a meaningful, purpose-driven life. Whether you’re healing, growing, or trying to level up, this episode will challenge, uplift, and inspire.

Takeaways

• Childhood trauma shapes identity but does not define your destiny.

• Losing three families by 14 fueled Alan’s drive for stability and belonging.

• The car accident at 26 became his existential wake-up call and catalyst for radical change.

• Humility, courage, and vulnerability form the “Triad of Transformation.”

• Gifted individuals have a responsibility to use their abilities for good.

• Unhealed pain leads to ego-driven living, while healing leads to purpose-driven leadership.

• Transformation starts with truth, often uncomfortable but necessary for growth.

• Belonging vs. significance: people either dial down to fit in or dial up to feel important.

• You can reverse-engineer a magnificent life by aligning daily habits with your long-term vision.

• Next Level University’s mission is to help people reach their potential through daily, actionable self-improvement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:43 The Importance of Transformation

03:42 Childhood and Early Life Challenges

08:59 Pivotal Life Events and Their Impact

16:36 The Car Accident and a New Beginning

23:43 Realizations and Responsibilities of Gifted Individuals

26:45 Redefining Education and Life Design

29:04 Understanding Apathy, Ignorance, and Fatigue

31:14 The Journey of Alan and Kevin

34:41 Transforming Pain into Purpose

38:35 The Triad of Transformation

41:46 Living Authentically in a Social World

44:43 The Importance of Humility, Courage, and Vulnerability

49:53 The Struggle for Belonging and Significance

51:03 Next Level University: A Path to Growth

Keywords

#alanlazaros #courage #healingjourney #humility #inspirationdaily #lifedesign #mentalhealthmatters #mindsetcoach #nextleveluniversity #personaldevelopment #podcastconversation #podcastinterview #podcastlife #podmatch #potential #purpose #resilience #selfawareness #selfbelief #selfconfidence #selfgrowth #selfimprovement #selfleadership #successmindset #transformationjourney #traumahealing #wellbeing #wellnessjourney #youareenough #yourpotential

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Ellen Barrett

https://www.ellenbarrett.com/

Instagram: ellenbarrettfit

Summary

In this energizing episode, host C.K. Simms sits down with aerobics instructor, author and online movement studio founder, Ellen Barrett, to explore her lifelong devotion to helping people feel strong, capable, and fully alive. From her technicolor introduction to aerobics as a teenager to teaching at Club Med, shaping millions of home exercisers through her hit DVDs, writing four fitness books, and now leading an empowering digital studio, Ellen shares the wisdom, resilience, and joy that have carried her through decades of transformation.

Together, C.K. and Ellen explore movement as self-care, aging with confidence, the power of saying “yes,” the evolution of at-home fitness, and the emotional shifts that accompany entering your prime years. This is a vibrant, compassionate conversation that reminds listeners that growth never stops—and that movement, done with intention, can open the door to possibility at any age.

Takeaways

• Movement is a lifelong companion, and when practiced with intention, it energizes every area of life.

• Saying “Yes” creates opportunities—each new experience is a breadcrumb leading to deeper clarity.

• Fitness doesn’t require perfection; consistency and curiosity matter more than intensity.

• Women need a different fitness approach, especially as hormones shift—gentle, regulated movement serves them best.

• The fitness industry has changed, evolving from polished DVDs to flexible, accessible digital studios.

• A strong work ethic opens doors, especially in creative or unpredictable industries.

• Home workouts are more empowering than ever, with variety, sustainability, and accessibility at their core.

• Aging can be your prime, especially when strength, self-knowledge, and authenticity grow with you.

• Authenticity wins—people connect to trainers and teachers who feel real, grounded, and approachable.

• Movement creates momentum—once you start moving, you naturally want to move more, creating a snowball effect of well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ellen Barrett and Her Journey

02:20 The Allure of Aerobics: A Personal Connection

10:05 From College to Club Med: Building Experience

14:56 Transitioning to Los Angeles: A New Chapter

21:34 The Work Ethic: East Coast vs. West Coast

26:15 Saying Yes: Embracing Opportunities in Fitness

28:48 The Evolution of Fitness Media

33:01 Consumerism and Attention Span in Fitness

36:55 The Power of Saying Yes

44:13 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Books

46:23 Building an Online Fitness Community

49:06 Embracing Life in Your 50s

53:11 The Importance of Movement and Self-Care

Keywords

#aerobicfitness #agingwell #atpeacewithmovement #bodypositivity #confidencebuilding #ellensbarrett #empoweredliving #femaleentrepreneurs #fitnessjourney #fitnessmotivation #fitnessstories #fitover50 #healthandwellness #homeworkouts #inspirationdaily #mindbodyconnection #mindfulmovement #motivationmonday #onlinefitness #pilatespractice #podcastcommunity #podcastinterviews #podmatch #selfcarematters #strengthtrainingforwomen #wellbeingjourney #wellnesslifestyle #womenshealth #workoutathome #yogainspiration

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: D Paul Fleming

https://www.facebook.com/people/D-Paul-Fleming/100088886720840/

Summary

Author, U.S. Navy veteran, and Native American seasoned holy man D. Paul joins host C.K. Simms for an unforgettable conversation about pain, faith, and purpose. From surviving a tortured childhood to finding healing through spirituality and storytelling, D. Paul’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience. He shares how his books 2442 Steps to Crazy, A Date with Suicide, and Mysteries at the Windham Inn transformed his trauma into hope for others—especially fellow veterans battling darkness. With raw honesty and humor, D. Paul explores forgiveness, faith, ego, and the balance between Christianity and Native tradition. This deeply human story reveals how one man turned unimaginable suffering into service, proving that the soul’s light can rise from the deepest shadows.

Takeaways

• Childhood trauma doesn’t define destiny—it can fuel purpose and healing.

• Writing became a divine outlet for D. Paul to process decades of pain.

• His faith bridges Native American spirituality with Christian belief.

• The U.S. Navy tested his limits but also gave him structure and endurance.

• 2442 Steps to Crazy and A Date with Suicide were written to help others heal.

• D. Paul’s stories have literally saved lives, including fellow veterans.

• True spirituality comes from within—sometimes silence allows faith to bloom.

• Helping veterans overcome trauma requires healing the mind, body, and spirit.

• Forgiveness is complex; honesty about not being ready to forgive is strength.

• Service doesn’t end with discharge—D. Paul continues to serve humanity through faith and storytelling.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to D Paul: A Multifaceted Life

01:52 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact

09:01 Military Service: A New Chapter

29:14 Spiritual Journey: Native American Holy Man

33:01 Faith and Spirituality: Finding Common Ground

34:34 Spirituality and Personal Growth

42:20 The Journey of Writing

50:06 The Power of Storytelling

01:00:04 Helping Veterans and Spiritual Healing

Keywords

#authorspotlight #christianfaith #creativeresilience #emotionalhealing #faithjourney #healingtrauma #hopeandhealing #inspiration #interviewpodcast #mentalhealth #mindfulness #miracles #motivation #nativeamerican #navyveteran #overcomingadversity #podcastcommunity #podcasterlife #poddinmynoggin #podmatch #positivity #purpose #resilience #selfdiscovery #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth #storytelling #survivor #traumarecovery #veteransupport

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Laura Bratton

https://www.laurabratton.com/

TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XQ_gXhkGN4

Summary

Author, speaker, and TED Talk alumna Laura Bratton joins host C.K. Simms to share her extraordinary journey from losing her sight as a teenager to becoming a national voice for resilience, healing, and mindful change. In this heartfelt conversation, Laura opens up about grief and the long process of rediscovering purpose after profound loss. She discusses the power of community, the daily practice of choosing courage, and how embracing vulnerability became her greatest strength. From her first guide dog to her lifelong philosophy of grit and gratitude, Laura’s story reminds us that strength is a daily choice—and that trust, compassion, and self-belief can light even the darkest paths, guiding us toward growth, connection, and renewed hope.

Takeaways

• Losing sight doesn’t mean losing vision—Laura rebuilt her life through courage and choice.

• “Grit and gratitude” form the twin pillars of lasting resilience.

• Nature’s energy and mindfulness can renew strength and clarity.

• Support networks—family, friends, community—are critical to survival and growth.

• Living in the present is key to managing fear and anxiety.

• Healing connects mind, body, and spirit—it can’t be separated.

• Choosing courage daily is more powerful than waiting for fear to vanish.

• Respect and empathy matter more than assumptions about ability.

• Compassion, not pity, empowers both giver and receiver.

• Every challenge is an opportunity to remember that you are enough.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Laura's Journey

03:06 Understanding Blindness and Light Perception

05:59 Childhood Memories and Early Life

08:46 The Diagnosis and Its Impact

11:30 Navigating Adolescence with Vision Loss

14:08 Aspirations and Hobbies Before Vision Loss

16:55 Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms

19:44 Mental Health Struggles and Self-Worth

23:07 Choosing Courage and Moving Forward

26:09 The Role of Guide Dogs in Laura's Life

29:11 Grief and Loss of a Guide Dog

30:51 College Life and Pursuing Psychology

31:09 Embracing Self-Worth and Purpose

33:23 The Interconnection of Mind, Body, and Spirit

34:27 Navigating Change: Insights and Strategies

38:14 Grit and Gratitude: Keys to Resilience

40:29 Understanding Perceptions and Assumptions

49:56 The Importance of Respect and Human Connection

53:04 Trusting Your Worth Amidst Adversity

Keywords

#adversity #authenticity #blindcommunity #changemanagement #courage #emotionalhealing #empowerment #faith #gratitute #grit #growthmindset #harnessingcourage #inclusion #inspiration #leadership #lifecoach #mentalhealth #mindbodyspirit #mindfulness #motivation #personaldevelopment #podcast #podmatch #publicspeaking #resilience #selfbelief #selflove #spiritualgrowth #tedtalk #transformation

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Mila Maxwell

https://milamaxwell.my.canva.site/

Instagram: milamaxwell_author

Facebook: MilaMaxwellAuthor

Summary

In this heartfelt episode, C.K. Simms sits down with Canadian author Mila Maxwell to discuss her powerful debut novel, Finding Lady Baltimore. Blending fiction with lived experience, Mila opens up about mental health, motherhood, authenticity, and finding healing through writing. Together, they explore faith, self-discovery, and the courage to live life on your own terms. A candid, emotional, and empowering conversation that reminds us we can all become the person our younger selves needed.

Takeaways

• Authenticity heals — writing true to yourself can be profoundly therapeutic.

• Fiction as reflection — Mila’s fictionalized memoir mirrors her real journey of growth.

• Breaking cycles — she learned to parent differently by confronting past patterns.

• Mental health awareness — open dialogue helps destigmatize anxiety and depression.

• The pandemic perspective — isolation became a catalyst for inner clarity and courage.

• Faith and hypocrisy — questioning one’s upbringing can lead to deeper understanding.

• Language matters — respectful, person-first disability language builds empathy.

• Healing relationships — forgiveness and vulnerability restore connection.

• Creative freedom — self-publishing empowered Mila to tell her story her way.

• Becoming your protector — learning to love your younger self is a form of liberation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mila Maxwell and Her Book

03:09 Exploring the Themes of Mental Health and Personal Growth

05:41 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Personal Identity

08:50 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Career Changes

11:38 Reflections on Childhood and the Need for Self-Compassion

14:27 The Role of the Pandemic in Personal Transformation

17:12 Healing Through Writing and Family Conversations

20:13 The Importance of Authenticity in Relationships

23:44 Reading Excerpts and Relating to the Story

29:08 Conclusion and Future Conversations

30:39 Navigating Disability Language and Sensitivity

38:38 The Journey of Writing a Book

46:33 Future Aspirations and Authenticity in Writing

Keywords

#authenticity #bookinterview #canadianauthor #cksimms #empowerment #findingladybaltimore #healingjourney #inspiration #lifelessons #mentalhealth #milamaxwell #motherhood #newpodcast #novelwriting #poddinmynoggin #podmatch #podcastconversation #podcastguest #podcastinterview #podcastlife #selfawareness #selfgrowth #selfhealing #storytelling #traumahealing #truth #wellbeing #womenauthors #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Morgan Scafe

https://morganscafe.net/

Content warning: The following episode contains content involving child and sexual abuse, which may be upsetting to some audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.

Summary

In this deeply moving episode, Morgan Scafe opens up about her courageous journey from the darkness of childhood abuse to the light of healing and empowerment. She recounts how early innocence was shattered by trauma, yet through resilience and self-discovery, she transformed pain into purpose.

Today, Morgan stands as a powerful advocate for survivors—using her voice and her writing to challenge silence, inspire awareness, and drive meaningful societal change. Through her books, she invites others to speak their truth, find strength in vulnerability, and join the movement to end the cycle of abuse.

Takeaways

• Morgan had a carefree childhood but faced a dysfunctional home life.

• She experienced abuse starting at the age of eight.

• The cycle of abuse continued for nearly eight years.

• Morgan felt isolated and silenced during her abuse.

• She realized the manipulation and control of her abuser as a teenager.

• At 15, she decided to leave the abusive situation, prioritizing her safety.

• Morgan reported the abuse to Child Protective Services, but it was initially dismissed.

• The trial was a challenging experience, but she ultimately testified against her abuser.

• Morgan's abuser was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

• She now advocates for survivors and encourages others to speak out against abuse.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Morgan's Story

01:37 Young Morgan: A Carefree Childhood

03:56 The Shift: Entering a Violent Home

06:56 The Cycle of Abuse Begins

12:35 The Escalation of Control

18:34 Breaking Free: The Decision to Leave

29:05 The Aftermath: Reporting the Abuse

38:19 The Trial: Facing the Abuser

44:03 The Impact of Silence: A Call to Action

44:09 Facing the Past: The Trial and Its Aftermath

46:56 The Verdict: A Survivor's Perspective

48:56 Life After Conviction: The Ongoing Struggle

51:31 The Impact of Trauma on Health

53:14 Education and Empowerment: Morgan's Journey

56:49 Finding Freedom: The Power of Storytelling

58:50 Destigmatizing Abuse: A Call to Action

01:05:07 A Message to Survivors: Speak Up and Be Heard

Keywords

#abuseawareness #advocacy #childabuse #childhoodtrauma #emotionalhealing #empowerment #healingjourney #inspiration #mentalhealth #morganscafe #overcomingtrauma #podcast #podcasting #podinterview #podmatch #raiseyourvoice #recovery #resilience #selfcompassion #selfgrowth #selfhealing #socialchange #speakout #storytelling #survivor #survivorstories #trauma #traumarecovery #wellness #womensvoices

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc