After overcoming childhood trauma, alcoholism, and a number of other challenges, Micheala Ross' biggest battle was still ahead. Following the loss of her beloved son Samson due to a car accident in late 2023, she was determined to not only maintain her sobriety, but to honor her son's legacy by creating a foundation to serve others in his memory. Live Live Samson has allowed Micheala and the others who lost Samson to transform pain into purpose.

In this episode, Micheala joins us to share her story, Samson's story, and the inspiring work being done in his memory by the organization that bears his name. This conversation will be especially relevant to those grieving a lost loved ones, individuals who have faced childhood trauma, and people in recovery.

Live Like Samson Website: https://www.livelikesamson.com/

Live Like Samson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michealasamson/

Silverladder website: https://silverladder.com/blog/

My story (Shane/host): https://silverladder.com/blog/?page_id=963

Intro voice-over artist: C. Neil Williams

Resources:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741741

Mental / Behavioral Treatment Locator: https://findtreatment.gov/

Send us a text

After getting caught up in an addiction to gambling as a young man, Saul Malek lost time, money, relationships, and nearly lost his own life. In this episode of Silverladder, he tells us how it happened, how he got out, and what works to keep him healthy and free of addiction today. He also discusses the work he does as a public speaker, and shares tips for parents to help keep their kids healthy and balanced.

This comeback story is ideal for those facing gambling addiction or individuals who have loved ones struggling with gambling or any other form of addiction.

Saul's Website: https://www.saulmalek.com/

Saul's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saulmalekspeaking/

Silverladder website: https://silverladder.com/blog/

My story (Shane/host): https://silverladder.com/blog/?page_id=963

Intro voice-over artist: C. Neil Williams

Resources:

Gamblers Anonymous (GA): https://gamblersanonymous.org/

Find a GA meeting: https://gamblersanonymous.org/find-a-meeting/

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741741

Mental / Behavioral Treatment Locator: https://findtreatment.gov/

Send us a text

How do you heal after loss? Bereavement Counselor Brent Thomas' life is dedicated to answering that question and helping to guide people to their own healing as they deal with grief. In this episode we discuss life and death, dying with dignity and choice, grief, memorializing lost loved ones, and healing.

This conversation is relevant to anyone who has suffered a loss, be it a person, a relationship, or a sense of purpose.

Brent's website: Holiday at the Sea

Book mentioned by Brent: Anne Roiphe.- "Epilogue: A Memoir"

Albums mentioned by Brent:

Eluvium - "An Accidental Memory in the Case of Death"

Trash Can Sinatras - "Cake"

Mike Doughty - "Skittish/Rockity Roll"

Song mentioned by Shane: Mike Doughty - "No Peace, Los Angeles"

Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning:

1. Accept the reality of the loss:

This involves acknowledging that the loss has occurred and that the person is physically gone. It can be a difficult task, as some denial may initially be present.

2. Process the pain of grief:

This involves experiencing and working through the emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual pain associated with the loss. Avoiding or suppressing grief can be detrimental.

3. Adjust to a world without the deceased:

This task involves adapting to a new reality where the deceased is no longer present, taking on new roles and responsibilities, and potentially redefining one's identity.

4. Find an enduring connection with the deceased while building a new life:

This task acknowledges that while the loss is permanent, the relationship with the deceased can continue in a different way, and one can still find meaning and purpose in life. It involves finding ways to honor the memory of the deceased while also moving forward and creating a new life.

Silverladder website: https://silverladder.com/blog/

My story (Shane/host): https://silverladder.com/blog/?page_id=963

Intro voice-over artist: Kevin Ohlfest

Resources:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741741

Mental / Behavioral Treatment Locator: https://findtreatment.gov/

Send us a text