The Rollercoaster Podcast

Tyler Hall

Some things break you open in a way you never fully close back up. The Rollercoaster Podcast lives in that space: the aftermath of loss, trauma, and grief, and what it takes to keep living after everything falls apart.

Host Tyler Hall sits down with people who've survived the unthinkable, from the death of a loved one to abuse, addiction, and mental health crises. No polished takes, no tidy lessons. Just honest stories of healing and rebuilding.

One of the top trauma and grief podcasts in the world. New episodes weekly. 🎢

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Yesterday · 6 min
Rollercoaster Story: He Was 17, Loved by Everyone. One Online Message Ended Everything
A quiet Thursday night. A 'hi' from a stranger online. And by morning, a family's whole world had changed forever. This is the story of a 17-year-old athlete, loved by everyone who knew him, and the conversation that ended everything before the sun came up. Two days later, one photo cracked open a case that stretched from a small Michigan town to Lagos, Nigeria, exposing a scheme that had touched more than 100 other families. His parents' fight led to new laws and a town that refuses to let him be forgotten. 'I got you.' This is a Rollercoaster Story from The Rollercoaster Podcast with Tyler Hall: a short, narrated, true story of loss, survival, and what comes after. For full-length conversations, listen to The Rollercoaster Podcast, new episodes every Tuesday. If you're struggling, you're not alone. Call or text 988 (US) or visit stayhere.live. If this episode meant something to you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps someone feel less alone.
Tuesday · 1 hr 2 min
He Showed Me His New House - Then I Was Fighting for My Life
What happens when the person you trust most as a child becomes the person who destroys your innocence? And how do you find your way back when that pain follows you into adulthood? I sat down with Micah and Diana LaCerte for one of the most powerful conversations I've had on The Rollercoaster Podcast. For nearly a decade, Micah endured childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted church leader who had become a father figure in his life. What followed was years of shame, depression, suicidal thoughts, and a desperate search for peace through fitness, success, and achievement. But behind everything he accomplished was a little boy who was still hurting. In this episode: How a trusted father figure groomed and sexually abused Micah The devastating impact of childhood trauma, shame, and suicidal thoughts Why success and fitness couldn't heal his deepest wounds How Diana helped him find safety, faith, and the courage to speak The journey toward forgiveness, healing, and breaking the cycle of trauma What stayed with me most was Micah's courage to confront the very thing he'd spent his life hiding. His story is a reminder that what happened to you doesn't have to define who you become. Key Moments: 00:00 The childhood abuse that stole his innocence 03:01 How a trusted father figure began grooming him 06:36 The night his childhood changed forever 09:00 Why returning to his abuser nearly cost him his life 12:09 The family that saved him from his darkest moments 15:42 The hidden pain behind his success 19:30 The grandfather who gave him a reason to keep going 23:07 How one MySpace message changed everything 26:43 The unexpected love story that led to healing 30:17 The moment he finally revealed his childhood abuse 33:49 The detective's phone call that brought everything back 37:34 How he learned to forgive the man who abused him 41:05 The moment he realised he wasn't alone 44:59 Why he wouldn't change his painful past 48:34 Why God allows pain and suffering 52:13 Was God responsible for what happened to him? 55:23 How childhood trauma creates lifelong wounds 59:17 Why success couldn't heal his deepest pain 1:01:07 His message to men suffering in silence Connect with Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/ Connect with Micah and Diana: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrhitchfit/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianachaloux/
November 3 · 45 min
I Didn't Kiss Him Goodbye - Now My Husband is Dead
What do you do when the person you love tells you “I love you,” and just minutes later, your entire world falls apart? On June 13, 2024, MaKela Allen lost her husband, Michael, to suicide. Just hours earlier, they were planning their future, preparing to move into a new home, and talking about having another child. There was no goodbye. No warning she could have recognized. Just a final text message that would haunt her forever. I sat down with MaKela for a deeply personal and emotional conversation about suicide, grief, domestic abuse, and the unimaginable reality of raising children after losing their father. In this episode: The final moments before Michael took his own life The warning signs MaKela never imagined could lead to suicide How she told her three-year-old son his dad was gone The complicated grief of loving someone who also hurt you Finding the strength to rebuild a life after unimaginable loss What struck me most was MaKela’s ability to hold love, anger, heartbreak, and compassion all at once. Her story is a reminder that grief isn't something we simply overcome. Sometimes, surviving means learning to carry what we cannot change. Key Moments: 00:00 My husband's final I love you before his death 03:42 The family tragedy before everything fell apart 07:42 The morning my husband took his own life 10:24 I found my husband's car surrounded by police 15:19 The moment doctors told me he was dead 18:22 Telling my three-year-old his dad was gone 21:14 The painful truth about our marriage and domestic abuse 24:08 The suicide note my husband left behind 27:59 Loving someone who caused you so much pain 32:05 Were there warning signs I missed before his suicide? 36:27 How I want my children to remember their father 40:15 Surviving the worst day of my life 43:00 Finding hope when grief feels unbearable Connect with Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/ Connect with MaKela: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makelaallen/
October 27 · 1 hr 17 min
She Buried Her Son… Then Went Looking for Her Husband
Britt Del Toro lost her 10-week-old son, Zeppelin. Later, she survived her own suicide attempt and then lost her husband, Troy, to suicide. Britt talks with me about organ donation, the depression that deepened after the funeral, reaching for help, loving Troy through mental illness, and parenting when you can barely get through the day. She doesn't pretend she has grief figured out, and that's exactly why this conversation matters. If you're struggling or thinking about suicide, you're not alone. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) or visit https://stayhere.live. Want to share your story on The Rollercoaster Podcast? Apply here: https://therollercoasterpodcast.com/guest-application If this episode meant something to you, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's the #1 way people who are hurting find these conversations.
October 20 · 1 hr 9 min
The Most Heartbreaking Story I've Ever Heard...
What happens to your faith when you witness suffering so horrific that you start asking God why He allows it? Alex Barbir, founder of Building Zion, has risked his life to stand with persecuted Christians in Nigeria, where families are being murdered and villages destroyed. He shares what he saw at massacre sites, the mother cradling her murdered son, and how rebuilding villages restores hope for survivors. Want to share your story on The Rollercoaster Podcast? Apply here: https://therollercoasterpodcast.com/guest-application If this episode meant something to you, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's the #1 way people who are hurting find these conversations.
October 13 · 59 min
He Thought it Was a Headache - Now My Husband is Dead
What happens when the person you've loved almost your entire life is suddenly taken from you? My guest today is Ashley Leatham, who lost her husband, Scott, a 39-year-old firefighter, to a rare and aggressive cancer called NUT carcinoma. What started as persistent headaches turned into a devastating diagnosis, and just five months later, Ashley was holding her husband's hand as he took his final breath. They had known each other since they were 12. They built a beautiful life, raised two children, and imagined growing old together. Then everything changed. Ashley opens up about the unimaginable pain of watching her husband fight for his life, the heartbreak of telling their children he was dying, and the final moments she'll never forget. In this episode: The warning signs before Scott's devastating cancer diagnosis How five months changed their family's lives forever The heartbreaking final days before Scott passed away Navigating grief, widowhood, and raising children after loss Finding purpose, faith, and hope when life feels unbearable This conversation is a powerful reminder that tomorrow is never promised, the people we love are everything, and even in our darkest moments, there can still be a reason to keep going. Key Moments: 00:00 The heartbreaking final moments of Scott's cancer battle 03:01 A childhood friendship that became a lifelong love 07:50 The headaches that revealed a deadly cancer diagnosis 12:44 The hospital visit that changed everything 16:14 The rare cancer diagnosis and desperate fight to survive 20:11 When chemotherapy led to a terrifying emergency 23:05 Seven organs failing and the fight to stay alive 27:28 The devastating cancer prognosis that shattered their hope 30:18 How facing death changes what matters most 35:16 The powerful life lesson Scott left behind 38:55 The suspected cancer risks inside the fire station 43:23 The heartbreaking news that Scott had weeks to live 46:16 The final family memories before saying goodbye 49:09 Holding her husband's hand as he took his last breath 52:35 The painful reality of grief after losing a spouse 56:06 Finding purpose and hope after unimaginable loss Connect with Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/ Connect with Nick & Cassie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsnyash/
September 29 · 53 min
I Was Almost a Killer, Here's How I Got There...
There’s a point where you can’t blame your past anymore. You have to look in the mirror and decide who you’re going to become. My guest, Shane Goodbar, has lived both sides of that truth. Shane was sexually abused as a child, learned to hide behind a mask, and eventually found escape through alcohol and drugs. What started as a way to numb the pain spiraled into addiction, broken relationships, multiple DUIs, jail, and a moment where he came terrifyingly close to taking another man’s life. But this isn’t just a story about addiction. It’s about accountability, recovery, fatherhood, faith, forgiveness, and what happens when you finally stop seeing yourself as the victim of your own life. In this episode: How childhood sexual abuse shaped Shane’s identity and need to escape Why drugs and alcohol became a way to stop feeling The rock-bottom moment that finally broke through years of denial How a two-year therapeutic community completely rebuilt his life Why recovery meant learning to love the man staring back in the mirror What stayed with me most was Shane’s willingness to own all of it. Not excuse it. Not hide from it. Own it. Because no matter how lost you’ve become, your past doesn’t have to be where your story ends. But eventually, you have to take the first step. Key Moments: 00:00 The man behind the mask 03:18 Hiding childhood sexual abuse 06:02 When drugs became the escape 09:41 Living two different lives 13:15 Addiction starts taking over 17:46 The relationship that changed everything 21:07 Becoming a father changes the path 24:49 The lie he told himself about fatherhood 27:07 His fourth DUI and arrest 30:04 Ten days after leaving jail 33:09 When rock bottom finally hit 36:03 Facing the man he had become 39:01 Learning to love himself again 42:03 The identity crisis facing men 45:12 Finding God after years of pain 48:26 Why surrender finally brought peace 51:03 His message to anyone still lost 53:02 What recovery actually gives you Connect with Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/ Connect with Shane: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sr_goodbar/
September 22 · 1 hr 34 min
This Voicemail is All I Have Left of My Mom
There are some phone calls that divide your life into a before and an after. My guest, Kylie Hammonds, was just 26 when she received one of those calls. Her mom, Tabitha, had died suddenly, leaving Kylie and her brother searching for answers about what happened that night. Kylie takes me inside the events surrounding her mother’s death, the fentanyl discovered during the investigation, the questions surrounding her father, and the painful reality of grieving her mom while also grieving a father who was still alive. In this episode: The phone call that changed Kylie’s life forever The unanswered questions surrounding her mom’s sudden death Why the investigation left Kylie and her brother searching for answers How she learned to release the anger she carried toward her father Why preserving the voices and memories of the people we love matters so much But this conversation became about so much more than loss. Kylie shares what three years of grief, anger, prayer and healing have taught her about forgiveness, giving yourself grace, and how easily we convince ourselves we’ll have more time with the people we love. Later, Kylie’s boyfriend Michael Curtis joins us to share how watching her navigate this unimaginable loss inspired him to create Forevermore, a platform designed to preserve the voices, stories and memories of the people we love. And at the very end, Kylie plays the only voicemail she has left of her mom. It’s only a few seconds long, but when it’s the only chance you have to hear someone you love again, a few seconds is everything. Key Moments: 00:00 The phone call that changed everything 05:13 Flying home without knowing the truth 10:03 Why her brother warned her at the airport 15:07 The heartbreaking scene inside the house 20:05 Strangers caught entering her mom’s office 24:48 Her father’s story starts falling apart 29:10 The addiction Kylie never fully understood 33:07 Fentanyl changes the entire investigation 38:22 The discovery that changed how she saw her dad 42:04 Grieving a father who is still alive 49:21 What grief taught her about surviving loss 57:30 The tragedy that shaped Michael’s view of loss 1:02:00 How Kylie’s grief sparked a bigger idea 1:12:00 Using AI to preserve a loved one’s voice 1:17:00 The questions that uncover your life story 1:25:16 Hearing a loved one’s voice after they’re gone 1:32:12 What she’d give to hear her mom again Connect with Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/ Connect with Kylie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylie_knh/ Connect with Michael: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelrrcurtis/
September 15 · 59 min
Two Spouses Lost to Cancer, One New Family | Nick & Cassie Rogers on Grief, Faith & Love Again
Nick lost his wife, Anna, to breast cancer. Cassie lost her husband, Cody, to pancreatic cancer just 66 days after his diagnosis. Then they found each other. Before Cody died, he told Cassie he was already praying for the man who would one day love her and help raise their kids. Nick and Cassie talk about losing a spouse to cancer, helping young children through grief, holding onto faith when nothing made sense, and finding love again. Want to share your story on The Rollercoaster Podcast? Apply here: https://therollercoasterpodcast.com/guest-application If this episode meant something to you, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's the #1 way people who are hurting find these conversations.
September 8 · 50 min
I Gave Him the Best Week of His Life - Now My Cousin is Dead
A few days before 16-year-old Landon took his own life, he spent what felt like one of the best weeks of his life with his cousin, Landon Ashworth. They ate way too much sushi, played golf, shot guns, laughed, talked about life, and dreamed about the future. When the week ended, Landon told him how much he needed it. He seemed happy. He seemed okay. Then came the phone call that changed everything. I sit down with filmmaker, actor, writer, and creator Landon Ashworth for an incredibly raw conversation about suicide, autism, grief, survivor’s guilt, and the things we sometimes don't see until it's too late. In this episode: Losing his 16-year-old cousin Landon to suicide The warning signs he wishes he had recognized sooner Growing up autistic, masking, bullying, and feeling misunderstood The survivor’s guilt he still carries after Landon’s death Turning grief into his deeply personal film Go On Landon opens up about experiencing suicidal thoughts himself and why he now isn’t afraid to directly ask someone if they’re thinking about taking their own life. We also talk about the painful reality of trying to help someone find their way out of the darkness, why emotional pain can feel impossible to escape, and the importance of finding something worth holding onto. This conversation is heavy. But more than anything, it’s about choosing to keep going. Key Moments: 00:00 The week before everything changed 03:03 When Landon’s future fell apart 06:25 The week that made him feel okay again 10:02 The phone call no one expected 13:43 The guilt of missing the signs 17:02 The suicide warning signs he missed 20:23 The reality of masking autism 24:00 Why other people’s opinions mean nothing 29:39 What an autistic brain can feel like 34:29 The Hollywood advice Landon couldn’t accept 38:00 Why vulnerable people started finding him 41:37 Turning Landon’s suicide into Go On 45:01 Finding a reason to stay alive 48:02 How to get out of emotional hell Connect with Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/ Connect with Landon Ashworth: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landonashworthdirects/ #SuicidePrevention #AutismAwareness #SurvivorsGuilt
September 1 · 42 min
I Found a Lump in the Shower: My Breast Cancer Story | Mya Ludwig on Fighting for My Life
When I called Mya Ludwig, she'd had a double mastectomy and was halfway through chemo. I hung up feeling like she'd helped me. Mya opens up about finding the lump, what treatment is really like, losing her hair, and refusing to let cancer become her identity. We also talk about the traumatic brain injury that taught her lessons she never expected, and finding joy in the hardest seasons. Want to share your story on The Rollercoaster Podcast? Apply here: https://therollercoasterpodcast.com/guest-application If this episode meant something to you, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's the #1 way people who are hurting find these conversations.
August 25 · 1 hr 6 min
The Call I Couldn't Save Him From: Matthew Griffin on First Responder PTSD & Suicide
As a young police officer, Matthew Griffin was first on scene and performed CPR on two-and-a-half-year-old Benny Jr., the son of a friend. Benny didn't survive. Matt spent 21 years in the military and law enforcement, and that one call followed him for decades: guilt, nightmares, drinking, and losing his marriage and his identity until he no longer wanted to live. We talk about first responder PTSD, police mental health, and what kept him here. If you're struggling or thinking about suicide, you're not alone. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) or visit https://stayhere.live. Want to share your story on The Rollercoaster Podcast? Apply here: https://therollercoasterpodcast.com/guest-application If this episode meant something to you, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's the #1 way people who are hurting find these conversations.
August 18 · 42 min
We Were So Proud He Lost Weight - Now My Dad is Dead
In this episode, I sit down with Olivia Burnett, who lost her dad, Kevin, to stage four colon cancer at just 24 years old. He was her Superman, the person who gave her confidence, made her feel unstoppable, and always reminded her that she was “golden.” Within months of his death, grief pulled Olivia into a darkness she never expected. She tried therapy. Medication. Exercise. Friends. Family. Everything people tell you to do when you're struggling with depression. But nothing seemed to break through. Eventually, Olivia found herself sitting on her bed with a bottle of pills in her hand, believing suicide was the only way out. Then two words entered her mind: Hold on. That tiny piece of hope was enough. In this episode, we talk about: Losing her dad to stage four colon cancer at just 24 years old The delayed grief that sent Olivia into a devastating battle with depression The night she believed suicide was her only way out and the two words that stopped her How tiny, everyday decisions helped her slowly find hope, resilience, and purpose again Turning unimaginable pain into a reason to help others hold on through their darkest moments This conversation isn't about pretending everything gets better overnight. It's about what can happen when you hold on long enough to see what comes next. Key Moments: 00:00 My Dad Was Healthy Then Everything Changed 04:06 The Signs of Stage 4 Colon Cancer We Missed 08:02 The Night I Watched My Dad Die 11:12 The Future Cancer Stole From Us 15:03 How My Dad Faced Death Without Fear 19:03 Finding Yellow Socks in the Darkness 22:09 Why “Choose Happiness” Isn't That Simple 25:16 When Grief Turned Into Severe Depression 28:03 The Night I Almost Ended My Life 31:16 Turning My Pain Into Purpose 35:46 How I Finally Climbed Out of the Darkness 39:34 The Small Decisions That Saved Me 41:06 What My Dad Would Say to Me Today Connect with Me: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/⁠ Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/twentysomething_podcast/⁠
August 11 · 1 hr 5 min
We Were Setting Up the Nursery, Then Our Daughter Died at Birth | Nathan Wieser on Infant Loss
Nathan Wieser sat alone in a hospital hallway, waiting to hear his daughter cry. The cry never came. Nathan and his wife, Lucy, endured loss after loss before their daughter Mary died during birth, while Lucy fought to stay alive. Years later came Otto, born at 26 weeks. Nathan, author of We Did It, talks about pregnancy loss, PTSD, a father's grief, and the courage to try again. Want to share your story on The Rollercoaster Podcast? Apply here: https://therollercoasterpodcast.com/guest-application If this episode meant something to you, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's the #1 way people who are hurting find these conversations.
August 4 · 1 hr 13 min
Suicide & Addiction Took My Uncle, Dad & Brother | Jaclyn Rose on Family Grief & Mental Health
Jaclyn Rose lost her uncle to suicide, her father to addiction, and years later her older brother to the same battle. Jaclyn is a mental health advocate who chose to understand grief instead of letting it harden her. We talk about the silence and shame that trap families, and how healing starts when you stop asking "How could you do this to us?" and start asking "What pain were you carrying?" If you're struggling or thinking about suicide, you're not alone. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) or visit https://stayhere.live. Want to share your story on The Rollercoaster Podcast? Apply here: https://therollercoasterpodcast.com/guest-application If this episode meant something to you, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It's the #1 way people who are hurting find these conversations.
July 28 · 1 hr 18 min
We Thought She Was Just Struggling With Friends, But It Was Something Much Worse
As a parent, there are certain things you never think you’ll have to face. Watching your child fight for their life is one of them. In this episode, I sit down with Jheri South, a mother of seven whose story is filled with heartbreak, addiction, mental health struggles, suicide attempts, and an unbelievable determination to keep fighting. Jheri shares how her seemingly picture-perfect life unraveled when her husband’s crystal meth addiction tore their family apart. Years later, she would face every parent’s worst nightmare when her daughter Grace attempted to take her own life and collapsed into her arms having seizures. What follows is a raw conversation about suicide, autism in girls, ADHD, neurodivergence, parenting teenagers, and what our children may be carrying without us ever knowing. In this episode: Addiction tearing apart Jheri’s family The warning signs she never saw coming The night she almost lost her daughter Discovering undiagnosed autism and ADHD How parents can truly connect with struggling teens This conversation gave me a lot to think about as a father. I think it will do the same for you. Key Moments: 0:00 I Thought My Daughter Was Dying 6:36 Leaving Home at Just 15 10:02 When My Kids’ Mental Health Changed 16:01 The Loneliness Nobody Saw 23:26 The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything 29:16 The Suicide Attempt That Haunts Me 35:22 The Night My Daughter Tried to Die 40:02 “Are We in Heaven?” 47:32 Parenting vs. Connecting With Your Teen 54:22 The Hidden Damage of Seeking Approval 58:02 Are You Borrowing Your Self-Confidence? 1:04:02 Your Thoughts Aren’t Always True 1:06:57 Breaking Free From External Validation Connect with Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/ Connect with Jheri: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jherisouth/
July 21 · 34 min
He Thought it Was a Stomach Ache - Now My Brother is Dead
In this episode of the Roller Coaster Podcast, I sit down with Rebecca Doyle, who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her only brother, Edward, to an unexpected complication from cancer treatment at just 28 years old. What started as stomach pain quickly became a Stage 3 cancer diagnosis, months of chemotherapy, and a phone call that changed her life forever. Rebecca opens up about watching her brother die over FaceTime, the grief she buried to stay strong for her young daughter, and how years of unresolved trauma, postpartum depression, and unimaginable loss eventually pushed her to the brink of suicide. This is an honest conversation about grief, survival, faith, and finding a reason to keep living when life feels impossible. In this episode: Losing her only brother to cancer just days after doctors said he was close to remission The FaceTime call where she watched her brother die and how that moment changed her forever How buried grief, postpartum depression, and trauma led her to two suicide attempts The moment she chose to ask for help, entered psychiatric care, and began healing Finding hope through therapy, faith, and rebuilding a life she never thought she'd want to live again If you've ever lost someone you love, struggled with suicidal thoughts, or wondered if healing is possible after tragedy, I truly believe this conversation will remind you that you're not alone. Key Moments: 00:00 The Phone Call That Changed Everything 03:39 "Edward Is Going to Die Today" 06:12 Why Her Brother Meant Everything 09:38 The Stage 3 Cancer Diagnosis 11:57 The Chemo Complication That Killed Him 16:02 When Grief Became Suicidal Thoughts 19:44 The Night She Tried to End Her Life 21:40 Her Second Suicide Attempt 24:51 How Does Someone Reach That Breaking Point? 27:55 Why She Couldn't Stop Blaming Herself 30:30 What Her Brother Would Say Today 33:28 The Truth About Therapy No One Wants to Hear Connect with Tyler : Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/ #SuicidePrevention #GriefRecovery #HealingAfterLoss
July 14 · 1 hr 8 min
I Was at a Sleepover When I Got the Worst Call of My Life...
Some stories leave you speechless. This is one of them. In this episode, I sit down with Kelle Bott for one of the most raw, emotional, and unforgettable conversations we've ever had on the Rollercoaster Podcast. At just 18 years old, Kelle watched her father take his final breath. In a matter of seconds, the person she believed was invincible was gone, and the grief that followed completely changed the course of her life. What started as a way to numb the pain through alcohol quickly became a devastating addiction filled with withdrawal, hallucinations, relapse, isolation, and the belief that she would never be okay again. But Kelle's story doesn't end there. She courageously shares her journey through addiction recovery, entering treatment, losing a baby through miscarriage, becoming pregnant again, and making the heartbreaking decision to place her son for adoption so he could have the life she dreamed of giving him. This conversation is about grief, alcoholism, sobriety, recovery, trauma, motherhood, open adoption, healing, and finding hope when life feels impossible. Kelle's vulnerability is extraordinary, and her story is one that will stay with you long after this episode ends. In this episode: Watching her father take his last breath in the ICU How grief turned into a life-threatening alcohol addiction Losing herself after the death of the person she loved most Why she almost chose abortion with her second pregnancy The heartbreaking decision to place her son for adoption Finding sobriety, healing, and hope after unimaginable loss If you've ever experienced loss, struggled with addiction, questioned your worth, or wondered if life could ever get better, this conversation is for you. Key Moments: 00:00 The Last Night I Ever Had With My Dad 04:27 COVID Took My Dad So Fast 09:00 The Impossible Decision to Let Him Go 14:00 The Promise My Dad Never Got to Keep 19:10 When Grief Turned Into Alcoholism 24:15 Alcohol Took Control of My Life 29:35 Detox Saved My Life 35:20 The Wake-Up Call I Couldn't Ignore 40:40 I Got Pregnant 90 Days Sober 45:30 I Almost Chose Abortion 49:20 Hiding My Pregnancy From Everyone 52:05 The First Time I Held My Son 53:30 His Father Overdosed in My Hospital Room 55:45 My Final Night With My Baby 58:10 The Hardest Goodbye of My Life 1:03:40 How I Found Hope Again 1:07:00 If You're Struggling, Hear This Connect with Kelle Bott: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellebott/ Connect with Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/
July 7 · 1 hr 12 min
We Had the Perfect Family - Now My Husband & Daughter Are Dead
Some stories stay with you long after the conversation ends. This is one of them. In this episode, I sit down with Julie Garlock to hear the unimaginable story of losing her husband, Troy, and their young daughter, Elsie, in a devastating car accident that changed her life forever. What followed wasn't just overwhelming grief, it was a journey through trauma, addiction, healing, faith, survival, and finding purpose when everything seemed lost. Julie opens up with incredible honesty about the years she and Troy spent battling addiction, the unconventional healing modalities that transformed their lives, the heartbreaking phone call that shattered her world, and the miraculous survival of their daughter, Mabel. We also have a deeply vulnerable conversation about suicide, meditation, grief, plant medicine, trauma, and the powerful role gratitude has played in helping Julie continue moving forward. Whether you agree with every perspective shared or not, I believe you'll walk away challenged, encouraged, and reminded that hope can still exist in the darkest moments. If you've ever lost someone you love, struggled with addiction, questioned your faith, or wondered if healing is possible after unimaginable pain, I hope Julie's story reminds you that you're not alone. In this episode: The final FaceTime call she'll never forget The phone call that changed her life forever Losing her husband and daughter in a devastating crash The miraculous survival of her daughter against all odds The addiction battle that nearly destroyed their family Julie's own suicide attempt and the lessons that saved her life The healing practices that gave her hope again This is a conversation about heartbreak, resilience, healing, and discovering that even after unimaginable tragedy, hope is still possible. Key Moments: 00:00 The Last FaceTime Before Everything Changed 03:00 How Addiction Nearly Destroyed Their Family 06:05 The Family Trip That Changed Everything 08:14 The Goodbye She Didn't Know Was Goodbye 13:20 Four Missed Calls Changed Everything 17:39 The Second Devastating Loss 21:15 The Miracle Doctors Couldn't Explain 27:00 The Father-Daughter Bond That Lives On 30:02 The Healing Tools That Changed Everything 33:17 Does Grief Ever Really Go Away? 36:52 Her Suicide Attempt During Addiction 41:12 How Plant Medicine Changed Troy Forever 46:45 The Ceremony That Gave Her Hope Again 50:28 What Really Led to Her Suicide Attempt 55:15 The Moment Everything Changed 1:00:05 Finding Hope After Unimaginable Loss 1:03:10 The Truth About the Fatal Crash Connect with Julie Garlock: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lettertomyloves/ Connect with Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/
June 30 · 39 min
We Put Seatbelts on Everyone Except My Daughter...
Some stories leave you speechless, and this is one of them. In this episode, I sit down with Janairy Quintero, whose life changed forever after what should have been a simple family camping trip. When an ATV accident left her hand hanging by only a few veins, she made one split-second decision that likely saved her daughter's life. What followed was nearly two years of reconstructive surgeries, relentless infections, unimaginable pain, and ultimately the heartbreaking decision to amputate her hand. But this conversation isn't about tragedy. It's about resilience. It's about perspective. It's about refusing to let life's hardest moments define who you become. Janairy shares what it was really like to relearn everyday tasks with one hand, how she navigated the emotional weight of losing part of herself, why she never blamed her husband for the accident, and the mindset that allowed her to find gratitude even in the middle of unimaginable suffering. Whether you're facing trauma, loss, chronic illness, disability, or simply walking through a difficult season, I believe Janairy's story will remind you that your circumstances don't have to determine your future. In this episode: The family camping trip that changed everything in seconds The terrifying ATV accident that nearly cost her life Enduring 20+ surgeries before making the decision to amputate Learning to write, eat, work out, and parent with one hand Why your greatest setback doesn't have to define your future Key Moments: 00:00 The ATV Crash That Changed Everything 03:45 My Hand Was Hanging by a Few Veins... 07:16 Why I Chose to Amputate My Hand 10:29 The Split-Second Decision That Saved My Daughter 12:25 Why I Never Blamed My Husband 14:21 Living Through 20+ Surgeries 16:35 Learning to Live With One Hand 18:18 The Everyday Things You Never Appreciate 20:39 What Everyone Takes for Granted 23:01 Did This Happen for a Reason? 25:10 Helping Other Amputees Find Hope 27:09 Why Losing a Limb Made Me Stronger 29:04 The Mindset That Changed My Life 31:17 Helping My Husband Let Go of the Guilt 33:19 Working Out Without a Hand 35:45 When Your Injury Becomes Your Identity Connect with Janaira Quintero: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janairy_q/ Connect with Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.hall/

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