Podcast

EPISODE 11: BARRY ADKINS (THE DANGERS OF ALCOHOL – OVERCOMING TRAGEDY)

Barry Adkins lost his 18 year old son, Kevin, to alcohol poisoning on the day that Kevin moved out on his own. Since Kevin’s death, Barry has made it his mission to educate others about the dangers of alcohol abuse. After the loss of his son, Barry walked 1,400 miles from Arizona to Montana with Kevin’s, ashes in his backpack. Barry has shared his story with well over 150,000 students and parents. He’s also the author of the book “Kevin’s Last Walk: A Father’s Final Journey With His Son.”

This episode and all episodes of the Silverladder Podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and several other streaming services and podcast platforms. Just search “Silverladder Podcast.” Or you can visit the Silverladder Podcast hosting site at silverladder.buzzsprout.com.

EPISODE 10: RED LIGHT REBELLION (SEX TRAFFICKING PREVENTION)

In this episode, Brandon and Breanna Vales of Red Light Rebellion discuss the work they do to prevent sex trafficking through education, inspiration, and connection.

Breanna started Red Light Rebellion in 2010 during her senior year of high school after learning that her age group was the primary target for sex trafficking. Since then, she has served in aftercare programs for survivors both in the United States and Cambodia, as well as developed digital and live education programs resulting in direct prevention to sex trafficking.

After marrying Breanna in 2013, Brandon joined Red Light Rebellion to leverage his story of battling a 15+ year porn addiction and create a dynamic demand prevention program to help others break free and prevent the next generation of buyers of sexual exploitation. Together Brandon and Breanna are a dynamic force, not only providing powerful awareness information, but entertaining the 77,000+ people RLR has reached with over 2,900 high-energy, multimedia and interactive live presentations.

EPISODE 9: DEANA KAHLE (THE WOUNDED HEALER)

In this episode, therapist Deana Kahle shares her work as a counselor for first responders as well as her incredibly powerful personal story of addiction and recovery. From trauma to triumph, Deana uses her personal experience alongside her professional knowledge to help her truly connect with and help heal the first responders with whom she works.

EPISODE 8: VANESSA HANCOCK (FAMILY COMMUNICATION)

Nationally certified mediator, coach, and author Vanessa Hancock wants parents to be the first people their kids come to when they need help, not the last. She joins us on this episode for a conversation about family communication and connection, and how parents can become a trusted outlet for their kids.

EPISODE 7: LIEUTENANT BRIAN SANDERS (POLICE WORK)

Homicide investigations, gang infiltration, police work, and… punk? Brian Sanders has led an interesting life.

EPISODE 7: JILL AND MARY FROM GIRLS MENTORSHIP

The preteen and teen years can be a tremendous challenge for girls. But they can also be a time for incredible growth, learning, and empowerment. The difference-maker for young girls is often having a mentor to teach and guide them. Jill Petersen and Mary Frances, founders of Girls Mentorship, are two very powerful difference makers. Their workshops and programs have made a tremendously positive impact on attendees, including many who choose to come back year after year.

This conversation is ideal for parents and grandparents of preteen and teen girls, educators, mentors, and coaches.

EPISODE 6: MICHEALA ROSS (HEALING FROM TRAUMA AND LOSS)

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.

EPISODE 5: SAUL MALEK (GAMBLING ADDICTION RECOVERY)

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.

EPISODE 4: BRENT THOMAS (GRIEF, LOSS, AND BEREAVEMENT)

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.

EPISODE 3: JOSH ANDERSON (ADDICTION AND RECOVERY)

A near-fatal accident under the influence left Josh Anderson paralyzed from the waist down and changed his life drastically. But it isn’t what got him sober. In this episode, he discusses his challenges, his victories, his recovery, and the work he does now as a licensed therapist.

This powerful comeback story is ideal for those facing addiction, struggles with opioids, physical obstacles, and general life challenges.

EPISODE 2: PARKER ELLISON (RECOVERY AFTER TRAGEDY)

How do you get sober and stay sober after tragedy and loss? Parker Ellison had to answer that question for himself after losing his brother Chase to a fatal fentanyl overdose. In this episode, he shares his powerful story of faith and recovery, his insight, and hope.

This conversation is especially relevant to those in recovery, individuals with family in recovery or active addiction, individuals dealing with grief or loss, and anyone facing their own battles with substance use or life’s challenges in general.

EPISODE 1: MATT MILLER (SURVIVING A NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE)

Matt Miller slid 3,000 feet down Pico de Orizaba, an 18,491-foot volcano in southeastern Mexico, nearly died on the side of the mountain while waiting to be rescued by helicopter, lost all his fingers and most of his toes to frostbite, underwent 20 surgeries, and still his toughest challenge of all still awaited him. Yet through it all he refused to quit and found a way to thrive.

In this episode, Matt discusses his battles and victories, and how “GRITitude” is the key to overcoming life’s obstacles. This conversation is ideal for anyone facing addiction, tragedy, physical setbacks, or difficult life experiences in general.