Every once in a while you meet someone who's story is nothing short of a miracle, that's what we have for you this week. Matt Hales has beaten the odds time and time again he is the ultimate recovery success story. He now runs a non-profit that digs wells in Africa helping the most vulnerable of us get their most basic needs met. Matt also is a brilliant mind who is able to take us on a journey of soul searching deeper than we've gone yet. Enjoy this incredible episode of Finding Strength! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

Finding Strength

S3-E2: The Meaning of Recovery - Matt Hales

Jared Nesary and Jordan Lee are Matt's good friends and colleagues. Jared is a highly decorated veteran and retired police officer with an incredible story of recovery from PTSD. Jordan is one of the founders of Deer Hollow Recovery with an amazing story of recovery from addiction. Together, the three of them, Matt, Jordan, and Jared travel the Nation training and helping others to start their own healing journey from the darkness that is PTSD and addiction. In a powerful episode they explain what their trainings entail and talk about the ins and outs of recovery, and best of all Jared gives us a taste of his incredible life story, the story he shares in detail with audiences all over the Nation.  If you are interested in having a training in your area contact call Jared Nesary at 801-819-1249 or email him at jaredn@deerhollowrecovery.com  To get in touch with Jordan Lee call 801-833-6932 or email him jordan@deerhollowrecovery.com  If you or someone you know needs help finding treatment for addiction or PTSD visit https://deerhollowrecovery.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S4-E3: Understanding and Recovering from Trauma - Jared Nesary and Jordan Lee

Sam Young is the founder of Protect Every Child, "(His) original goal was to Protect Mormon (LDS) children.  During 2018 and early 2019, as scandal after scandal after scandal of child abuse continued to erupt, I realized EVERY CHILD is at risk.  Enough is Enough.  Adults need to stand up and shout from the mountain tops that abuse of children must stop.  We won’t take it anymore." Protect Every Child is calling on all of us: "WE CALL on parents: Require institutions where your children participate to implement strong child protection policies. WE CALL on all levels of government: Enact measures that will halt the epidemic of child abuse." In this episode Sam tells his incredible story of finding his calling in life and starting Protect Every Child. It's a powerful story with an even more powerful message.  Connect with Sam through his website: https://protecteverychild.com/ WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUNGER LISTENERS. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S4-E2: Protecting Every Child from Abuse - Sam Young

We're back with another season of the Finding Strength Podcast and we kick it off with a bang, Robbie and Annie Law visit the podcast again! Get ready folks, we cover a lot of ground in this episode. Buckle up for some heavy topics and some deep conversation. We dive in to relationships, parenting, love, mental health, and all sorts of good stuff. Most importantly we talk about the importance of gratitude and how is can change YOU! It's an incredible episode you don't want to miss Enjoy!!! If you want to connect with the the hosts of the Finding Strength Podcast, you can reach them through https://finding-strength.com/contact/.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S4-E1: The Laws - Gratitude and Love

Matt and Bethany sit down with their good friend Stephanie Christensen. She tell her story. opens up about her life journey of overcoming abandonment and abuse. She is a strong woman with an incredible story of strength. She teaches us all how to be more compassionate and loving toward others and most importantly, ourselves.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S3-E12: Independence and Perseverance- Stephanie Christensen

The show hosts talk about life and what it's been like to create the Finding Strength podcast over the last two and a half years. They reminisce  about past guests, where they're at now on their own personal journeys, and of course laugh a lot! Enjoy!!! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S3-E11: Matt and Bethany Fly Solo

Tamra has overcome a lot in life. She is an unstoppable force, and now she is sharing her story with World. For years she struggled to find the strength to leave an abusive relationship, finally she did. Now, she is stronger and happier than ever, and she's here to share with us how she was able to persevere and triumph over her abuser. Her story will move  and inspire you. If you want to connect with Tami reach out to her through Instagram @until_she_can --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S3-E10: The Powerful Voice of a Survivor - Tamra Jang

In this episode we talk with Chief Jeremy Craft of Lehi Fire. We get deep and address tough issues, what it's like to be in the fire service, how difficult it is to be a first responder, and how the issue of mental health awareness is on the rise. We also open up about our own individual journeys of finding who we are and how to embrace all the parts of us that show up from time to time. It's a great episode with lots of helpful tools and information for anyone! Here's a little about Jeremy: Jeremy Craft has been in the fire service for the past twenty seven years.  Jeremy began his career as a volunteer for the local ski patrol in Montana where he grew up.  After high school he moved to Utah to pursue a career as a paramedic.  He soon found that in order to be a medic he had to also be a firefighter.  It was as a part time employee at South Davis Fire District that he received his initial firefighter training. Jeremy also worked for Gold Cross Ambulance in the early months of his emergency medical services career.  It was through Gold Cross Ambulance that Jeremy was able to receive his Paramedic education at Weber State University.  Just after graduation from Paramedic school, Jeremy was hired by Provo Fire and Rescue.  Throughout Jeremy’s career he worked as a medic for the first eight years and then moved to the position of engineer.  After two years as an engineer he was promoted to Captain and served in that capacity for three and half years. One of Jeremy’s career goals as a Paramedic was to fly in an air ambulance for Life Flight.  He was fortunate to be able to fly with them for five years.  In 2007 Jeremy was accepted to Utah Valley University and began pursuing his educational goals.  Jeremy graduated with honors in April 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in public emergency services management.  He continued his education at Upper Iowa University.  In 2013 he graduated with a Masters of Public Administration. Jeremy took the fire chief job with Lehi City in December of 2014, and still holds that position today. Jeremy’s wife Kristen has been a source of much unselfish support as he continues to achieve his goals.  Jeremy and Kristen have 5 children: Ashlee, Jordin, Marlee, Kenedy and Terrence.  As a family, they enjoy anything outdoors. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S3-E9: One Man's Quest to Improve Firefighter Mental Health - Chief Jeremy Craft

Desmond and Alison Lomax are champions for the cause of LOVE!!!! Desi is a very successful police officer and therapist. They have started a movement, IlluminaTEEN Unity in honor of their son Mateen, who died by suicide last year. Mateen was bullied by his peers because of his skin color. They tell their story and share with us how they are sharing their message of love with the World. We dive into racism, equality, police culture and violence, social justice, and just how to be a better human. It's an awesome episode, please share away!!! To connect with the Lomax's you can find them on Facebook as Desi N. Alison Lomax or join their group IlluminaTEEN Unity --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S3-E8: Racism, Love, and Acceptance - The Lomax's

Thanks to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the World has gone to hell in a hand-basket and we're all a going little crazy right now!  The show hosts are back and they've brought their partners, Brindy and Kevin, to sit down and talk about how they're surviving quarantine, couples quarrels, cooped up kids, and more! Enjoy the return of the Finding Strength Podcast!!!! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S3-E7: The Corona Episode!!!!

Everyone has defining moments in their lives that change them forever. Nick Ozuna's is happening right now. He is finding the meaning in the midst of the most horrific tragedy anyone could ever go through, when someone you love is violently killed. Nick tells his incredible life story and the story of his sister Rachel and her son Kyrrus. We hope that as you listen to this episode, you are moved and inspired to find the meaning and purpose in your story just as Nick has done.  WARNING: Due to the graphic nature of this episode listener discretion is advised Also if you want to donate to Brighton a Christmas to help the Ozuna family visit: https://www.brightonaday.org/  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S3-E6: The Meaning We Can Find in Unexpected Tragedy - Nick Ozuna

Kathy Martella's story is incredible. She has found meaning in the loss of her son, found the strength to support her husband as he struggles with Multiple Sclerosis, and today is one of the strongest women you'll ever meet and you get to hear her story! This week hear we get to hear both Kevin and Bethany Tenney open up about their journey moving through the pain and grief of the loss of their daughter Brighton as they connect with Kevin’s Aunt who also lost a child. It’s an emotional episode you don’t want to miss! To donate to Brighton a Day: http://www.brightonaday.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S3-E5: Gratitude Amidst Tragedy

Firefighter Paramedic, Dani DeVos, tells her story of triumph over childhood trauma, trauma endured in her profession, and ultimately being diagnosed with PTSD. Dani tells the show hosts how she found the strength to work through being the adult child of addicts, abandonment, suicidal ideation, sexual assault, and rape. Dani has been faced with incredible challenges. She's taken those challenges and turned them around, becoming a decorated Firefighter Paramedic sharing her message of overcoming trauma. After attending treatment for PTSD, she is stronger than ever, sharing her unbelievable story with the World.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S3-E4: Trauma and PTSD as a Female Firefighter - Dani DeVos

Published author, Gina Crotts and the show hosts talk about how to find happiness in struggle. It is so important to make the time to find yourself, because you are the one who must fill your own heart. Gina's incredible book "A Seemingly Unfillable Heart" tells how her journey of self discovery began as a young girl when she made the choice to place her daughter for adoption. She tells her birth mom story and gives us all the exciting details of when she met her daughter for the first time since her birth. It's an incredible story you have to hear!  Gina's book is available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Seemingly-Unfillable-Heart-Adoption-Journey/dp/1689197323/ref=sr_1_1?crid=97D6QV3KPX58&keywords=a+seemingly+unfillable+heart&qid=1570852811&sprefix=a+seemin%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1 It is also available on Kindle, so you can read it right now! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S3-E3: Filling Your Heart - Gina Crotts

After Summer Break, Matt and Bethany are back and ready for season 3. In this episode the show hosts go guest-less.  They get deep, talk, catch up and exchange some really awesome ideas. Great start to an awesome season ahead!!! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support

S3: E1 - We're Back!!!!

Show hosts, Matt Quackenbush, LCSW and Bethany Tenney a survivor of trauma herself, interview guests with incredible stories of struggle and triumph. From anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and suicide to social justice and equal rights, Finding Strength helps its listeners to feel the power and emotion of each new story every week. All the while the hosts and guests help listeners to learn new, more helpful, concrete tools and skills to “Find the Strength” to overcome their own personal struggles. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/findingstrength/support