Never Ever Give Up Hope

Deborah (Deb) Brandon, PH.D., is a brain injury survivor. She is also a professor in the Mathematical Sciences Department at Carnegie Mellow University. Deb has raised awareness of and improved understanding of brain injury. Deb is an award-winning author of two books: But My Brain Had Other Ideas: A Memoir of Recovery from Brain Injury and Threads Around the World: From Arabian Weaving to Batik in Zimbabwe." Deb's sheer stubbornness and determination got her through one of the greatest challenges anyone has ever encountered. In her interview, she shares her secrets on how to realize your gains instead of your losses through any adversity. When Deb Brandon discovered that cavernous angiomas―tangles of malformed blood vessels in her brain―were behind the terrifying symptoms she'd been experiencing, she underwent one brain surgery. And then another. And then another. And that was just the beginning. Unlike other memoirs that focus on injury crisis and acute recovery, But My Brain Had Other Ideas follows Brandon's story all the way through to long-term recovery, revealing without sugarcoating or sentimentality Brandon's struggles―and ultimate triumph.

Maureen Scanlon is the founder and CEO of Maureen Scanlon Life Coaching. She is a relationship expert, motivational speaker, and positive change integrator who has successfully helped people make positive changes to overcome past experiences and negative thinking. Most people go through their daily routines oblivious to the beauty of life and others around them. They often do not realize the impact they have on the world -- and miss out on so much. Maureen was in an abusive marriage to an alcoholic. While her young daughters were asleep in the next room, her ex-husband tried to strangle her. As she was starting to blackout, she realized she HAD to survive because no one could care for or love her babies as she did. It gave her the strength she needed to turn the situation around by inner strength. Maureen has lived the pain of having to admit her daughter to a mental health institution when she was suicidal and fighting drug addiction. This made Maureen feel like a total failure as a mother. Yet, through these experiences, she has learned coping skills that she can now share as a Life Coach. Her faith, stubbornness, and sheer determination helped her to realize that she was the only one who could change the circumstances of her life. This is when she recognized the ability her pet had to live life at the moment. If you like dogs, know a dog, love a dog, wish you could think like a dog, you MUST listen to this interview. You will thoroughly enjoy and relate.

Patricia Eagle was thirteen when the sexual relationship with her father - a relationship that began when she was four years old -- ended. Patricia's journey is one of courage and hope as she finds the strength to see what was unseeable - and finally speaks the unspeakable to help herself and others. For Patricia, shame became too great a burden. Not speaking up added to that weight. Sexual abuse is so prevalent - so many abused children, so many perpetrators injured in some way that leads them to inflict injury - and all this in our big world of secrets. How can anyone get help when we don't talk about this? Patricia decided to step into that pool of courageous survivors who have told their story. She believes that continuing to stay silent would have killed her. In Patricia's interview, she addresses the questions many people have regarding the sexual abuse of children. Have attitudes about addressing childhood sexual abuse changed? What can we do to erase the stigmas about openly discussing these issues? How can we protect children from sexual abuse? Are there signs to watch out for? How can our culture help perpetrators understand the harm they cause and get the help they need? Childhood sexual abuse survivors are at a greater risk of PTSD, depression and other mental health issues. How did your experiences with this affect your life?

Tina Yaeger is an author, podcast host, licensed counselor, life coach, and a speaker with a passion for encouragement. Tina teaches how to bust through common lies women believe and how to counter falsehoods. A self-image makeover helps women identify the issues which handicap them and how to recognize and refute negative self-talk. She will help you unlock the secrets to mental strength and to recognize common habits that can be toxic. Tina is 'wired' as an encourager and is passionate about helping others who struggle with low self-worth. As a young teenager, she felt unlovable which led to an eating disorder that lasted into her college years. During her third year of college, still in the grip of the eating disorder, she was assaulted and has vivid memories of shuffling along the gutter, leading for death after this attack. In her interview she discusses: the key ways to identify a lie specific lies about femininity and significance how to counter falsehoods

Darrick T. Miller Jr. is an author and motivational speaker who is reaching his generation -- black male and female millennials. His books are written with a two-fold purpose. First to inspire hope and faith to a generation of men and women who feel there is little hope for them. And, secondly, to anyone who wants to understand and relate with millennials. No matter what your age or race, Darrick has tremendous insight and passion to help others. His message: DARE TO BE YOU! and Do NOT allow circumstances to change you. Each of us can benefit from Darrick's books and this interview. Darrick's books are designed to guide and direct you as well as ignite your dreams despite any negative circumstances, age, or race. He discusses subjects that are taboo in many circles - but desperately need to be shared. Darrick believes that each of us has a message that can make an impact. All we need to do is find our gifts and calling.

Natalie Jenkins is from a small town in Kentucky. She has a bachelor's degree in foreign languages and enjoys writing. A simple life that she planned to share with the love of her life. She got engaged and 14 days later, her fiance was killed. Her story begins with his death. Not only did she have to cope with her grief but his accidental death was covered up by the authorities because it was a policeman who killed him. Her pain almost drove her insane and she struggled with living in the past while trying to look to the future.

Terry Tucker has had many challenging jobs during the course of his career including a SWAT Team hostage negotiator ….. but his greatest challenge was a personal one. Terry's story of overcoming this incredible challenge will encourage you on many levels. Terry is an author, a motivational speaker and his blog, Motivational Check, has daily posts of inspiration. During his time in law enforcement and over my years of battling cancer, Terry has seen many people die. He noticed that the people who died peacefully were the ones who were able to find their purpose and live it. Conversely, the people who begged for more time and fought their demise, where those who had never done much with their lives. In many cases, these people never even looked for their purpose. Battle Your Mind for Supremacy It Knows Your Fear, Your Weakness You will be captivated by his story and want to share it with anyone who needs a boost. When you are listening, pay close attention to what he says about the Forty Percent Rule:

Ken Rupert is an educator, a strategist, a life coach, a 2nd-degree Financial Black Belt and the author of The Financial Black Belt Academy's Financial Self-Defense Training Manual as well as the Financial Self-Defense Training program. As a first generation, self-made millionaire, Ken has built his wealth by practicing the financial strategies he developed and teaches. His innovative financial wellness program is designed to empower others to succeed financially. Ken always held onto the belief that things would work out. He uses what he has learned in helping people in his coaching practice by providing hope that anyone can overcome their financial struggles. Learning how to stay focused on the end goal Despite the noise and chaos of the current environment Helps maintain a level of HOPE The Financial Black Belt's Financial Self-Defense Program This innovative financial wellness program provides the knowledge necessary to be financially successful, and the strategic path upon which knowledge can be applied, and provides the predictive actions required to achieve the strategic goals set forth in the program. Those who internalize the lessons taught here will gain competency in financial matters, have a broader understanding about economic drivers, have a written strategic goal for life, make better financial decisions and will be better positioned to build wealth. The Financial Black Belt's Financial Self-Defense Program was developed over 25 years using strategic planning skills and life-tested financial literacy.

Dr. Diane Pomerantz is a clinical psychologist who has been in practice working with children, adolescents, and adults in the Baltimore, Maryland area for over 35 years. She has done extensive work in the area of trauma and child abuse and research in the area of personality development of abused children. She currently runs Healing Through Writing groups in her practice. She is a breast cancer survivor and has two grown children. She and her shaggy dog, Rug, live amidst tall trees on the outskirts of Baltimore, Maryland. Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times Best-Selling Author says "Diane Pomerantz's story of a punishing marriage may be an often-told tale, but she has a majestic talent for conjuring emotion and compelling the reader with an authentic and heartbreaking story." Lost in the Reflecting Pool A memoir and a psychological love story that is tender but, at the time, horrifying. Lost in the Reflecting Pool is a chronicle of one woman's struggle to survive within, and to ultimately break free of - a relationship with a man incapable of caring about anyone beyond himself. When Diane, a psychologist falls in love with Charles, a charming and brilliant psychiatrist, there is laughter, flowers.....and also darkness. After moving through infertility treatments and the trials of the adoption process, the couple is ultimately successful. However, in time, Charles becomes critical and controlling leaving Diane feeling battered. When Diane is diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, Charles' attentiveness quickly vanishes and is replaced by withdrawal, anger, and sadism. Diana recognizes these actions at pathological narcissism and emotional abuse that turns venomous.

Christophe Lafontant was a healthy little boy who had a near death experience due to sudden complete heart failure and blockage at the age of six years old. He has survived pacemaker implantation, TWO heart transplants, diabetes, dialysis treatment, a kidney transplant, a tracheostomy, and other life-altering procedures. Christophe's autobiography, 1 Man, 3 Hearts, 9 Lives, is an inspiration to anyone who may be facing a nightmare of their own. It is also a great read with all 5-star reviews. Christophe is the founder and president of The Christophe Lafontant Foundation for Myofibrillar Myopathies, Inc whose ultimate goal is to raise funds to provide medical care and supplies to patients afflicted by MFM and in need of financial assistance and also to further research.