The Trusted Friend

Heartache to Healing with Tara Prater

Tara shares her powerful story in the form a testimony, appreciating and recognizing God in her journey of healing.  Through childhood sexual abuse leading to eating disorder to later on in life dealing with infidelity of her husband and later her personal journey with infidelity and working through even more family traumas.  Through all her peaks and valley's she came to understand the power of using God has her companion and help mate.  She's inspiring, funny and a truth teller in hopes of helping other women who travel her similar road.
Tara Prater is the creator of FUELED BY GOD coaching services as well as the FUELED BY GOD coach certification. As a faith based integrative health practitioner, Tara’s mission is to spread God’s truth and power to overcome emotional eating and hormone imbalances.  While spreading God’s truth, Tara guides women to holistic health, purpose and security.
With a Christ-centered focus, Fueled By God not only leads women to physical health but also spiritual, emotional and financial.
Personally through my faith based approach I have overcome emotional eating, adult onset bulimia, hormone imbalances specifically pre diabetes and insulin resustance, and continue to heal from childhood sexual abuse. 
FUELED BY GOD:  Preparing women’s earthly bodies for their heavenly bodies RAISED IN POWER.
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Double Exposure with Stephanie Shanks

In this episode, join Stephanie, a seasoned portrait photographer, as she opens up about the extraordinary journey that shaped her into the resilient woman she is today. Stephanie candidly shares the challenges of discovering her pregnancy with twins during high school, navigating the complexities of raising two children  —one of whom lives with the challenges of Cerebral Palsy.
As she weaves her narrative, Stephanie shares the chapters of her life, recounting the decision to marry, the eventual need for divorce, and the heartbreaking process of leaving behind the children she had come to love as her own. Through the highs and lows, Stephanie emerged from these trials stronger and more determined than ever.
Now a thriving professional photographer, Stephanie has found her sweet spot in life. Tune in to this inspiring episode as she reflects on resilience, personal growth, and the transformative power of pursuing one's passion against all odds. Stephanie's story is a testament to the strength that can be found within, even in the face of life's most challenging twists and turns, and the extreme importance of loving oneself.
This episode is such an example of we all need love, support and understanding and the people around us that believe in us and push us to succeed and love unconditionally.
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Beyond the Blueprints with Holly McNeill

Step into the architectural world of Holly McNeil, where at 26, she found herself at the helm of the largest historic preservation project in the state, navigating construction sites with a confidence larger than life. With projects from the cancer hospital in Stanford to the Holy Mosque hospital project in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where they literally moved a mountain to create a breathtaking view of the mosque from the hospital. Beyond the blueprints, Holly's life seemed picture-perfect—a beautiful home, loving husband, adorable children, and a circle of great friends. But behind the scenes, she was building a facade to conceal a profound void.At 34, the meticulously constructed world came crashing down, exposing the raw truth Holly had been hiding. As an architect, she had followed in her father's footsteps, unknowingly echoing the absence she felt since she was seven. Join us as Holly unravels the layers of her life, exploring the fallout of her parents' divorce and the attempt to fill the void with an alienated stepfather.The journey from a seven-year-old hearing the heartbreaking words "your father doesn't love us anymore" to seeking love from her stepfather who horribly crossed those boundaries, taking advantage of her vulnerability and desire to be loved.  Holly bares her soul, sharing the struggles of navigating familial alienation and the impact it had on her perception of love.Listen as Holly transforms her narrative from a shattered world to becoming the mindfulness architect she is today.
Follow her journey on Instagram (@perlovewhollymcneill), Facebook (@PERLOVEwhollymcneill), and YouTube (@PERLOVEwhollymcneill).

Unstoppable with Danielle Cobo

Join us for an extraordinary episode as we listen to the life’s experiences of Danielle Cobo, the former Fortune 500 Senior Sales Manager known for instilling grit, resilience, and courage in others. Beyond her professional success, Danielle opens up about the profound impact of her tumultuous childhood, including being kidnapped by her mother, which severed her connection with her father, shaping her unique perspective on love.
As we fast-forward through Danielle's journey, witness the highs and lows that shaped her indomitable spirit. From the joyous and dramatic birth of her twin boys to the challenges of postpartum struggles, Danielle faced an unimaginable series of events, including her mother's tragic suicide and her husband's deployment as a Blackhawk pilot in Iraq.
The intensity of these life-altering experiences reached a peak when a Category 4 hurricane struck, leaving Danielle without power in the sweltering heat. Amidst this chaos, her infant son required a heart monitor, adding to the already overwhelming challenges she faced. Discover how Danielle's resilience and determination shone through as she navigated this perfect storm of adversity.
In the midst of these trials, Danielle made a bold choice to prioritize her own happiness and embarked on an unstoppable journey of self-discovery. Fueled by her own experiences, she now dedicates herself to helping others reach their goals and discover their "why." Tune in to learn how Danielle's unwavering spirit transformed adversity into a catalyst for positive change, and how she emerged stronger, more determined, and committed to empowering others to overcome their own challenges.
Join us for this riveting episode of "Unstoppable" where Danielle Cobo shares her remarkable journey of resilience, her desire to share her experiences and knowledge in her new book Unstoppable Grit coming out Wednesday, February 21st.  See links below.
 
Danielle Cobo
Unstoppable Grit Book Buy HERE

Tackling Life's Challenges with Eileen Noyes

 
In this episode, we tackle the story of Eileen Noyes, a woman who has experienced the highs and lows of life in the spotlight as the wife of an NFL football player. From the glitz and glamour to the struggles of identity and purpose, Eileen opens up about her marriage and divorce, raising eight children, and blending her family with seven stepchildren.
As the author of "Sidelined No More," Eileen sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by wives of high-profile athletes, navigating fame, fortune, and the relentless pressure of the spotlight. Through her own journey of self-discovery and faith, Eileen offers hope and guidance to those who feel lost in the shadows of their spouses' success.
Discover how Eileen found her true identity beyond the role of a football wife, and learn how she helps others do the same through her mentoring, coaching, and the creation of Lady Bellator. From the ashes of a broken marriage to the redemption and renewal of faith, Eileen's story is one of faith, strength, and the power of living in alignment with God's purpose. Join us as we uncover the inspiring tale of a woman who refused to be sidelined by life's challenges and found her voice in the midst of adversity.
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Go to Lady Bellator to connect and for updates on events, podcasts, book releases.
 
Upcoming: 
 
Book Release: Rise Up, Lady Bellator— Calling women out of the shadows and into their place of purpose coming in spring of 2024! 
 
Live Event: Rise up and live in the fullness of all you are created for! February 23rd in Green Bay, WI.
 
101 Studios/ Sports Illustrated/ iHeart studios podcast production: 8 episode series of my side of the story — NFL living, cult involvement, escape and overcoming. Launching spring of 2024.
 
 

Breaking the Chains of Bullying with Kerri Jokala

In this episode, Kerri opens up about the relentless bullying she endured, facing exclusion from elementary school through college. She candidly explores the profound impact it had on her sense of self-worth and identity. From the depths of isolation, Kerri takes us on a transformative journey, sharing her 'a-ha' moments that became catalysts for change.
Discover how she reclaimed her power, reshaping not only her self-perception but also her perspective on others. Join us as Kerri's story unfolds, a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the triumph of reclaiming one's narrative.
Now a Reiki Master, a devoted mother of two active boys, and the insightful host of 'The Fire Within' podcast, Kerri has beautifully encapsulated the essence of becoming her true self.
More about Kerri
Website: https://kerrijokala.com
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-energy-within/id1471422658
IG: https://instagram.com/iamkerrijokala
FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/139561464060402
 
 

Shooting for Self-Love with Hannah (Helton) Sloan

Welcome to a compelling episode of the Trusted Friend podcast. In this deeply personal conversation, we sit down with Hannah, a remarkable individual who has not only excelled on the basketball court but has also navigated the challenging terrain of body image and eating disorders.
As a college basketball player, Hannah currently holds the prestigious title of the number 4 top player in all of Alberta for the ACAC (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference). Her athletic prowess has earned her the title of Athlete of the Week for not just Alberta but all of Canada. Throughout her basketball career at various schools, she has consistently demonstrated excellence, earning multiple Athlete of the Week honors.
Hannah's journey takes us beyond the basketball court, offering a glimpse into the challenges of body image and eating disorders that she's faced as a high-performing athlete. As the daughter of the host of the Trusted Friend, Hannah shares her story with candor and resilience, providing insights into the complexities of balancing athletic excellence with personal struggles.
For those inspired by Hannah's journey, you can follow her ongoing health and fitness exploration on Instagram at @sevenrollsdeep.
If you or someone you know is dealing with issues related to body image or eating disorders, please find helpful resources below:
In Canada:
National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC): www.nedic.ca
In Alberta:
Alberta Health Services Eating Disorder Program: www.albertahealthservices.ca
Alberta Health Services Eating Disorder Program: www.albertahealthservices.ca
Remember, you're not alone, and there is support available. Thank you for joining us on the Trusted Friend podcast, where we share real stories and cultivate understanding.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA):
Website: National Eating Disorders Association
NEDA Helpline: 1-800-931-2237
Eating Disorders Hope:
Website: Eating Disorders Hope
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD):
Website: ANAD
The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness:
Website: The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
Eating Disorders Coalition:
Website: Eating Disorders Coalition
Remember, you're not alone, and there is support available. Thank you for joining us on the Trusted Friend podcast, where we share real stories and cultivate understanding.
 
 
#bodypositivity #eatingdisorders #collegebasketball #athlete #mentalhealthmatters #womenempowerment #shareyourstory  #subscribe #impact 

A Working Mom's Sobering Reflection with Lynsey Retzlaff

Lynsey shares with us her journey in overcoming her battle with addiction to alcohol and completely changing the course of her life.  She is now a mindset and mental wellness speaker, working mom coach, and licensed therapist, Lynsey Retzlaff, LCSW shares her insights to impact lives near and far. 
She is a mother of two and has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Through this experience, she has found joy in helping working mothers redefine, renew, and reclaim their personal and professional lives by restoring inner peace, renewing relationships, developing realistic systems, and refining their life roadmap.
As a result of redefining her own life, she partners with companies on mental wellness solutions to address burnout, impacting every working person's bottom line.
Lynsey's most notable features to date have been in the well-known Parade, Authority, and Canvas Rebel magazines and her insights can be heard on multiple podcasts.
More about Lynsey

From Hell to Heaven with Lena Cebula

For about Lena and other guests go to: www.thetrustedfriend.ca
Lena shares her powerful story in this impactful episode.  Lena was born and raised in a post-USSR Ukrainian iron mining town. Her parents struggled in their marriage. Became an alcoholic, lost well paying jobs, eventually divorced losing custody of their kids.
She has struggled in poverty trying to survive and was abused and raped numerous times. After the loss of her first child at 15, drug addicted, alcohol dependent, she was twice trafficked to foreign countries, Israel, and Canada. 
More about Lena
If you or someone you know is struggling with addictions, trauma or concerned for their own safety.  Please reach out and get the help you need.   Lena's Resource page has some insightful tip and resources for sex trafficking.
Below are just a small portion of resources available.  Please search for help near you. 
Trauma Informed Care for Substance Abuse Counselling
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
 
 

Becoming Avery with Avery Thatcher

The Trusted Friend Website
Join Avery on a transformative journey as she shares the profound shifts that led her to redefine her identity. From the challenges of medical setbacks and a life-altering diagnosis to the realization that she was no longer the person she once knew, Avery takes viewers through the emotional process of shedding her former self.
Discover the courage it takes to rename and reclaim agency over one's identity, as Avery navigates through PTSD dreams, intrusive thoughts, and anxiety. With the support of loved ones and therapy, witness the beauty of finding solace and feeling at home in her body once more.
"Becoming Avery" is a touching exploration of resilience, self-love, and the transformative power that comes from embracing change. Join Avery in this heartfelt episode and be a part of her ongoing journey with gratitude and love.
https://becomingavery.comhttps://instagram.com/becomingaveryhttps://linkedin.com/in/becomingavery