Stay Connected“We all have two lives. The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
Stories of people who have faced darkness and how those moments transformed them.
2 Lives is hosted and written by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Pod art and website designed by Christian Arnder, music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Copyright: © 2021
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here.
Subscribe to Laurel's Substack here.
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Kiersten Parsons Hathcock became a medium after discovering an unexpected psychic ability. Today Kiersten helps investigators around the country solve missing children's cases, and the spirits have helped her uncover and heal from her own traumatic past.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Kiersten, her book Little Voices, and the National Institute for Law & Justice at her website.
When Heather Straughter’s son got sick, her perspective shifted. She discovered how fragile life is. She had to keep pivoting, when she was forced to change her expectations and recalibrate hope.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
When you become part of the 2 Lives Crew, we'll send you an uncut episode of your choice.
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Learn more about Heather Straughter, Jake's Help From Heaven, and her podcast A Place Of Yes on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
As a teenager Michael discovered he was a great tennis player. He fell into a flow state that he spent decades studying and striving to achieve again. He became a psychologist in the process. After years of telling clients to face their fears, Michael Brady has taken his own advice and confronted his perfectionism, but it’s still difficult to let go.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Michael Brady or M Brady's music on Spotify or our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
For years Sonia Kahlon succeeded by her parents’ and husband's standards, but it was only after getting sober and volunteering at a women’s prison that Sonia found her true calling.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Sonia Kahlon, Sisters In Sobriety, their substack, and ACE scores on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
After years of relying on cocaine and caffeine to focus Kathleen discovers she has ADHD. The diagnosis and subsequent tools help her achieve her dream of becoming a therapist.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Kathleen Killen and her podcast "Sisters In Sobriety" on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
After years of capture kill missions Kervin Aucoin now employs his military training to help people thrive. He says sharing his story keeps his PTSD at bay.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Kervin Aucoin on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
At 15 Meghan Callaghan was left alone with her grandfather for the day. What started out as a seemingly ordinary day became a defining moment in Meghan’s life.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about GUEST on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Rod Nordland, author of "Waiting For The Monsoon," doesn’t plan to die from an incurable brain cancer. He’s a survivor — of violence, war, and now disease.
"Although it's been terrible, I wouldn't change it back, his partner Leila Segal says. "Even though I was in love with him and I loved him before, I would never have got the relationship I now have with this man unless this had happened. Not only to him, to me too, because of course I've had to change."
"Learning to love and express love was a very important part of my second life," Nordland says.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Rod Nordland and his partner Leila Segal on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Shawna Beesley, known to most as Adaline, says there’s no dopamine hit like saving someone from hell. Today she finds that high performing on stage. She discovered she had to shed her golden child identity and reconcile with her evangelical upbringing to be true to herself and come out to her family.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Adaline on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
We’re working hard on season 10 of 2 Lives, which we’ll be bringing you just in time to kick off your summer. In the meantime I thought I’d share a bit about 2 Lives origin story.
The following is a speech Laurel gave at the Flagstaff Women’s Leadership Summit.
I love stories. I love listening to them. I love watching them. I love reading them. And I love making them. But when I’m consuming stories, I’m tuning out the world and my inner voice – my source of creativity. This a story about how I tuned back into my source.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
“The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
TW: We mention an assault.
Lauren’s heart stopped for 24 minutes. It took almost dying to realize she couldn’t get through life on her own.
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook or Instagram. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about GUEST on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Joshua "The Jedi" Loya lost his eyesight at 15, but that didn’t stop him from skydiving, surfing, Ju-Jitsu, and stand up comedy. Joshua says choosing sometimes the scary thing makes him feel authentically himself and helps him to live well with PTSD.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or X. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Joshua Loya on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
It took a life threatening situation to give Kafi Joseph permission to make her own rules about what she needs. She learned that burnout was a symptom of a deeper worry that she wasn’t valuable unless she was driving hard. Now this West Point grad uses her can-do attitude to take care of herself.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Kafi Joseph on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Morgan O’Kane spent much of his young life searching for meaning and a high. It wasn’t until he sacrificed alcohol for the love of his child that he reconnected with his true nature. Through train-hopping, mountaineering, music, fatherhood and two very special dogs, Morgan O’Kane found his way home.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Morgan O'Kane and his music on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Content Warning: We mention suicide in this episode.
After decades of telling people what she believed they wanted to hear, Helen Sneed shares openly her struggles with mental illness because it provides hope and ultimately saves lives, but it took many agonizing years of therapy, hospitalizations, and finally finding community to get here.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Or give a donation at paypal.me/2LivesPodcast
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn more how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Helen Sneed and her podcast on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Wenche Fredriksen is on a mission to help people accept they are enough after perfectionism took its toll on her. She suffered from years of chronic illness and back pain before a doctor told her she needed to recover from burnout.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Wenche Fredriksen on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Yohance Lacour creates luxury hiphop sneakers because they represent both his humble beginnings on Chicago's south side as well as the high fashion person he became, but it took a decade’s long prison sentence to learn how to make the shoes and to work toward the greater good.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Yohance Lacour, his leather label, and his podcast on our website.
2 LIVES - STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Valerie Milburn was getting help for her mental illness but it wasn’t until her husband told her she couldn’t come home until she found stability that she turned her life around. It was then she began to fight for her recovery and to find the right treatment for her bipolar disorder and PTSD. Today she’s been married 40 years and she’s close with her children and grandchildren. On top of all that she's helped many people with her story.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Valerie Milburn on our website.
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
“The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
After hating her body for 35 years Adiba Nelson became a burlesque dancer celebrating her curves and scars to show her daughter, who was born with a disability, how to embrace her own body. This episode won 2 Lives a 2023 Signal Award for best indie podcast (silver), as well as runner up for an International Women's Podcast Award.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Ruxandra Guidi edited this script and Lauren Vespoli was the assistant producer. Christian Arnder designed the show art and website. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Adiba Nelson at her website.
2 LIVES - Stories Of Transformation
Alex Reegan became a reverend after two decades of feeling disconnected from God and after rejecting his ultra conservative evangelical christian faith. Today he helps other LGBTQIA folks on their spiritual journey.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Alex Reegan and his book “What Needs To Be Said: Speak Your Truth, Release Shame, Find Oneness” on our website.
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
Beth Pizzarello’s blindness saved her life in a hurricane when she used her heightened senses to get to safety but she had to figure out a way to help herself before the Americans With Disabilities Act passed and when she didn’t qualify for disabilities.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and website designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Beth Pizzarello and her book at our website.
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
Mike Ivy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Yale New Haven Health, shares his story of burnout and suicide because its a crisis in the medical community and he wants to help other health workers but he fights taboos of shame around his perceptions of “weakness” and mental illness.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show or order merch here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
L. Nichols has boundless empathy for their Southern Baptist community but embraces their found family because they helped L. accept who they are. Now having kids of their own, L. shows up for them in a new way.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about L. Nichols and their graphic novel "Flocks" on our website.
After Jessica Waite's husband died, she was sent a box of his personal belongings that revealed one betrayal after another. But eventually with the help of a death doula Jessica was able to forgive him.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt helped produce this episode. Music from Blue Dot Sessions. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Originally Aired in May of 2022
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
Therapist Sarah White broke up with booze and what she calls her ‘booze bonds,’ friends and family who could only connect through alcohol, after seeing their impacts on her life.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
Simon Kent Fung devoted three years of his life to creating a podcast about an aspiring nun, whose life paralleled his own. He also sought out conversion therapy for nearly a decade to become a Catholic priest. Fung was compelled to understand the truth about what happened to her, and finally face what happened to him.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Simon Kent Fung and his podcast "Dear Alana" on our website.
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
After years of being forced to be a child bride in a cult and keep it a secret, today Tamara belongs to herself, but she still struggles with certain brainwashed beliefs and remains angry with Sufi leaders.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Tamara MC at 2lives.org.
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
Shamony Gibson died after giving birth from an issue that could have been prevented. Omari Maynard and the rest of her family have made it their mission to prevent more BIPOC women from dying preventable deaths.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about the ARIAH Foundation here and on our website.
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
I’d like to think every month is ‘Don’t Be a Bully Month,’ but the social media gods claimed August. Regardless it's a good reminder to listen to one of my favorite 2 Lives episodes featuring Coach Marty who has made it his life’s mission to put a stop to bullying.
Coach Marty Heilman has made an impact on thousands of kids. He knows all too well what lasting impacts teasing can have so he strives to put a stop to bullying.
Content Warning: There is some talk of self harm in this episode.
For more information about body image and eating disorders go to NEDA's website.
We’re working on a new 2 Lives season that will launch September 5. Keep listening at the end of today’s show for a preview.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Coming up this season on 2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
We’ll meet Omari Maynard who's helping other BIPOC families cope with the loss of a loved one and raising awareness about health care equality after his wife died in childbirth.
We’ll hear how Tamara MC is reclaiming her life after years of being forced into a cult and how she still struggles with certain brainwashed beliefs.
And we’ll meet artist L Nichols who could not imagine a future until he realized he was a trans man. It was through his drawing that he began to make it a reality.
That’s all coming up this fall in season eight of 2 Lives -- “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales. Valerie Belle Shively is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
You can learn how to support the show here.
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
Ian Goldstein has found comedy to be the best remedy for his Crohn’s disease and fear of aging because he discovered he wasn't alone but he had to get comfortable being completely vulnerable on stage.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Ian Goldstein on our website.
CW: A head’s up we discuss disordered eating and body dysmorphia in this episode. For information about eating disorders go to the National Eating Disorders website or 2lives.org
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
Stephanie Washington embraces her body and shows her daughter how to love herself because Stephanie wound up near death in the hospital after she tried to diminish herself and assimilate.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here.
Read the episode transcript and find out more about Stephanie Washington on our website.
2 Lives - Stories Of Transformation
Audra Travelbee has dedicated her life to connecting people who feel isolated because she felt alone much of her life dealing with complex PTSD, but it took COVID and getting laid off from her teaching job to realize her mission.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Audra Travelbee and Culture Connection AZ on our website.
TW: This episode deals with a stillbirth.
Katie Joy Duke is battling stage 4 metastatic breast cancer with grace and vulnerability because she’s survived the death of a child. It took relating to her daughter in a new way, accepting that she isn't perfect, and learning to surrender to the process.
Since the production of this episode we are thrilled to learn Katie's latest CT scan shows she is cancer free!
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted at 2lives.org
Find out more about Katie Joy Duke at our website.
Trevon Bosley has dedicated his life to protesting gun violence since his brother was shot and killed in 2006 but with the number of shootings he gets discouraged at times. That’s when he remembers historical events that have proven change is possible.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Trevon Bosley and the BRAVE youth leaders on our website.
TW: A heads up we mention an eating disorder and suicide.
For suicide prevention and mental health resources visit 2lives.org
Lisa Sorrell was raised by Evangelical Christians who preached God heals, not doctors. After losing her daughter and feeling abandoned by her church, she chooses to listen to her own inner voice for guidance.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted at 2lives.org
Find out more about Lisa Sorrell and her incredible boots on our website.
We’ve reached a milestone at 2 Lives of 150,000 downloads. June 15, 2023, marks our three year anniversary and to celebrate we’d love it if you’d help us reach 200,000. If there’s an episode that resonated with you, we’d love it if you’d share it with a friend. And thank you!
Her whole life Pardis Mahdavi tried to belong -- in the US, then in Iran. And finally she decided to be a bridge between two cultures but it took an arrest by the morality police and a crisis of identity to get there.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Pardis Mahdavi on our website 2lives.org.
Sisters Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile are carrying their mother's torch shining the light on the darkness after coming to terms with the fact that their great grandfather George Hodel was the prime suspect in the most notorious unsolved murder of the 20th century.
Their mother Fauna Hodel always told them: "You are not this supposed evilness that we come from. You are pure love and light because you come from me."
TW: Some material may not be suitable for young ears.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Learn more about Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile on our website 2lives.org.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here.
Sisters Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile have dedicated their lives to shining a light in the dark because that is what their mother deeply ingrained in them after she broke the shame cycle.
They’ve just released the second season of their podcast “Facing Evil.” The sisters are better known for their first true crime podcast “Root of Evil,” where they open up about their great grandfather’s connection to the Black Dahlia murder.
I think you’ll agree that 2 Lives and Facing Evil are kindred podcasts. I’m so excited to share their story with you in season 7 of 2 Lives coming up April 18.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
A nurse teaches health professionals how to orchestrate a death after her two year old son died. She learned she had to experience his death with all her senses before she could accept and believe it.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Jessica Diefenbach and Project 660 at our website 2lives.org.
Michelle Grua is a woman of science. As a pediatric anesthesiologist, for many years she believed only what she could see, hear, and touch. She trusted data and research. But when her dead husband reached out from beyond the grave in ways she could not deny, she had to reconcile science with the super natural.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions and in this episode two songs courtesy of Michelle and Kenton Grua.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
TW: Mention of suicide. The national suicide prevention lifeline is 988.
Czarina Salido helps Native girls get to space camp because as a child she found solace in the stars but no one looked like her in her math and science classes.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vespoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Czarina Salido and Taking Up Space on our website 2lives.org.
After hating her body for 35 years Adiba Nelson became a burlesque performer celebrating her curves and scars to show her daughter, who was born with a disability, how to embrace her own body.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vispoli is the assistant producer. Christian Arnder is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here.
Find out more about Adiba Nelson and her books at 2lives.org. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
This season is supported by the Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona.
Stephanie Keeler raises her two boys with fierce honesty after her own mother hid her depression. But it took facing her own suicidal ideations before understanding how her mom got to such a dark place.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. Go to 2lives.org for more resources.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vispoli is the assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
Kiersten Parsons Hathcock became a reluctant medium after she discovered an unexpected psychic talent. Today Kiersten helps investigators around the country solve missing children cases, and the spirits have helped Kiersten uncover and heal from her own traumatic past.
TW: We mention an incident of sexual abuse in this episode.
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vispoli is the assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Kiersten Parsons Hathcock and the Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona at our website 2lives.org
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.” Stories of transformation.
Just a few months before her baby was due Maria del Carmen’s own mother died. Still grieving the loss of her mom after her daughter’s birth she spiraled into postpartum depression. It was in a moment of despair that she realized she needed two things: to connect with other mothers and her mother’s recipes.
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vispoli is the assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about Maria Del Carmen Parra Cano, the Cihuapactli Collective, and the Arizona Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona at our website 2 Lives.org
2 Lives - Storytelling Podcast about the moments that transform us. "We all have 2 Lives. The second begins the moment we realize we have only one."
We kick off our sixth season of 2 Lives December 13 celebrating stories of Arizona women.
When Maria del Carmen Parra Cano cooks, she thinks of her mom. It was her mother who taught her to cook. When Carmen battled diabetes, liver disease, and postpartum depression she turned to her mother’s recipes -- corn mush and beans and cinnamon tea -- for comfort. Then she discovered if she tweaked the recipes just slightly, a miraculous thing happened. She could heal herself.
"At that point they took off the hyper tension medication and I no longer needed diabetes medication," María del Carmen Parra Cano said. "And it was just really, for me, it was an affirmation of food being used as medicine and healing my body. My husband, he's like, ‘we need to help other people. Like how can we help other people?’ And within a month we had a food truck and that was the birth of Sana Sana Foods and sanar in Spanish means to heal."
Season 6 is sponsored by the Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona. As a Nonprofit organization, WFSA invests in creating social, political, and economic change to achieve an Arizona where women and girls of all identities thrive. Learn more and donate at womengiving.org.
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Ruxandra Guidi. Lauren Vispoli is the assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
We’re busy working on the next season of 2 Lives which we will launch December 13. In the meantime we’re bringing you a podcast by Jay Shifman. You may remember we featured Jay on 2 Lives at the end of June. He shared his story of realizing he’d been overmedicated and how he overcame his addiction to prescription pills. Jay is the host and producer of a couple different shows including “Choose Your Struggle” and “Made It.” Today we’re bringing you an episode of “Made It: Stay Savage,” which spent four weeks on Apple’s Top 200 list in its category. If you like this episode look for: “Choose Your Struggle Presents Made It” wherever you get your podcasts. And Jay says go back and check out episode one to get the background.
TW: Mention of DV and suicide
Before she even knew the word for intergenerational trauma Manpreet Johal Bernie could see it in her own family. It wasn’t until her father died that Manpreet read a self help book about loving herself that she realized she didn't, and found help. Today Manpreet coaches people through their own intergenerational trauma using mind body techniques.
Manpreet Johal Bernie is a life coach and the host of Heart's Happiness.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Halle Hewitt. Lauren Vispoli is the assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Manpreet Johal Bernie on our website.
TW: Description of bombing
In her twenties Amy Downs was living what she called a complacent, shallow existence. She had flunked out of college and was sleeping on the floor of her sister's house. She felt empty and alone. When she discovered the man she married couldn’t fix her life, she coped by eating. It wasn’t until tragedy struck on April 19, 1995, that she turned her life around.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Halle Hewitt. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Amy Downs on our website.
Check out "Art Heals All Wounds" here.
Yuchi is one of more than 3,000 endangered indigenous languages. The United Nations estimates every two weeks a language is lost. Many Native American tribes offer language classes to elementary school students, but linguists say the best way to learn is starting at birth. Halay and Jiles have banned English from their home in an attempt to save Yuchi.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is created by Laurel Morales, story edited by Halle Hewitt. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about the Yuchi Language Project on our website.
TW: This story may not be suitable for young ears. We mention suicide and a sexual assault. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call the national suicide hotline 1 800 273 TALK.
Josephine Ensign has dedicated her life to improving health and social inequities for people marginalized by poverty but it was only after becoming homeless herself that she realized how she could work with people experiencing homelessness AND make a difference.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written, produced, and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Halle Hewitt. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Josephine Ensign and her work on homelessness at our website.
Marcia Tullous grieved her old life when she gave everything up to homeschool her highly sensitive kid but as she nurtures her son she heals herself as well.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Marcia, sensory processing issues, and highly sensitive people on our website.
For years Andres "Dre" Adauto created space for people to express themselves in Flagstaff through variety shows, urban flea markets, themed parties, and more, so when he was involved in a devastating bicycle accident, it was his community that showed up for him when he made a surprising comeback.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Halle Hewitt. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn more ways to support the show here.
Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Dre Adauto at https://www.2lives.org/.
This week 2 Lives brings you a podcast we've been listening to this summer. Vanishing Postcards is hosted by Texas native Evan Stern. Its latest season invites listeners to ride shotgun as he motors west, cross country on Route 66. From a dance in Tulsa, to an Amarillo eating contest and a morning on the Santa Monica Pier, Vanishing Postcards explores how the past, present and future of this most iconic of roads is revealed through the stories of people and places found driving it today. Perfect for when you need a breather, but don’t have the luxury of hitting the open road.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.” Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
When Kelly Vaughn was growing up she learned – as so many girls do – to always be nice. She was encouraged to be soft spoken, polite, and agreeable. It wasn't until a scary experience in college that she realized "nice" doesn't get you out of the worst case scenario.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. This is our last episode with Camila and we wish her the best of luck in grad school and beyond! Halle Hewitt is our assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Kelly Vaughn and Krav Maga at 2lives.org.
After two decades Miguel Gonzalez is speaking out about his family’s struggles to get asylum from Colombia in the United States, because he dreams of the day when he and his family don’t have to live and work in the shadows.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Please consider showing your support of 2 Lives by becoming a patron and among other things get some fabulous 2 Lives swag. That’s at https://www.patreon.com/2lives or make a one time payment at paypal.com/2lives and thank you so much!
TW: We mention suicide in this episode.
Jay Shifman has made it his mission to end stigma surrounding addiction and help people tell their own stories because he was over diagnosed and over medicated to the point of two suicide attempts before he told his story and found a way out.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Jay Shifman here.
We deal with some intense issues on 2 Lives. If you need to talk to someone, please visit Open Path Collective.
TW: Briefly discuss an incident of abuse
Annette McGivney was overwhelmed with grief when her dog Sunny died because she unconditionally supported Annette through divorce and complex PTSD but Annette discovered a new dog could honor Sunny.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
Find out more about Annette McGivney here or on our website.
This week 2 Lives brings you a preview of an episode from Well+Good.
You can listen to the full episode here and discover more from Well+Good on their website at http://wellandgood.com/
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
If you become a 2 Lives patron during the month of June (our anniversary month) at any level above $5 you can receive a T shirt and stickers! That's at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Life Coach Makini Smith created a podcast to amplify women’s voices but she had to find her own voice first.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
We are so grateful to our 2 Lives community that during the entire month of June we are celebrating 2 Lives first anniversary with a special offer. Become a patron during the month of June at any level above $5 and we'll send you a 2 Lives T shirt and sticker. That's at https://www.patreon.com/2lives.
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Learn other ways to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. While you're there please fill out a quick survey and help shape 2 Lives' future.
After Jessica Waite's husband died, she was sent a box of his personal belongings that revealed one betrayal after another. But eventually with the help of a death doula Jessica was able to forgive him.
2 Lives “The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on our website.
2 Lives - Storytelling Podcast about the moments that transform us.
“We all have 2 Lives. The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron or make a one time donation.
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on the website.
Growing up Jonah Hill was bullied for being half Hopi. So his dad taught him the ways of his Quechan ancestors and Jonah found a sense of wholeness. Those warrior teachings became crucial when once again he felt a part of himself missing.
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Find out more about Jonah Hill and his jewelry on our website.
This episode was sponsored by StoryCenter. Use promo code 2LIVES to get 10% off a podcasting workshop at StoryCenter.org/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on the 2 Lives website.
2 Lives - Storytelling Podcast about the moments that transform us.
“We all have 2 Lives. The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our new assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on the website.
Over the past few months I’ve been a bit stressed trying to get 2 Lives episodes in the feed every week.
The podcast started out as a passion project. One in which I gave myself space between seasons to find amazing storytellers and write and produce and honor their stories.
Then someone told me I have to put a show out every week in order to hold onto listeners, and get the download numbers I need to get sponsors. So I latched onto this idea like a dog with his favorite chew toy, even brought on an assistant producer to try to make that process more efficient.
While she has been incredible, I still find myself working nights and weekends and waking up in a panic thinking about what I need to do to get the next episode into your ears.
Thanks to some sage advice from a mentor, Elsie Escobar with She Podcasts. I’ve decided to change the schedule again and have an episode for you every other week.
I want to honor the storytellers – the people who are brave enough to share their most vulnerable moments. I also want to honor your time with the best story we can produce.
2 Lives - Storytelling Podcast about the moments that transform us. “We all have 2 Lives. The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
Katie Bannon hid her trichotillomania for years living a lonely double life because she was ashamed and thought wearing a wig was the only way to be accepted by the world. It wasn’t until she took her wig off that she discovered by revealing her vulnerabilities she could finally love and accept herself and help millions of others do the same.
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on the website.
2 Lives - A storytelling podcast about the moments that transform us.
2 Lives - The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.
Amy Green Smith felt silenced by guilt and fear as a kid growing up in a conservative evangelical Christian family. It wasn’t until she came face to face with her father’s dead body that she had the courage to leave her own religion, stop placating her family, and use her voice.
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our new assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Become a 2 Lives patron at https://www.patreon.com/2lives
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on the website.
2 Lives - Storytelling Podcast about the moments that transform us.
Rebecca Tolin cured herself of a disease that more than 50 doctors and practitioners had told her was incurable.
She discovered she could heal her Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or ME/CFS through mind-body medicine.
2 Lives is written and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Halle Hewitt is our new assistant producer. Annie Gerway is our illustrator and web designer. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
2 Lives - the second begins the moment we realize we have only one.
Drop us a note on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on the website.
This week 2 Lives brings you an episode from our friends at Shelter In Place called "Dancing Saved My Life."
Next week 2 Lives returns with more transformational stories of darkness to light.
2 Lives - the second begins the moment we realize we have only one.
Learn more about us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can learn how to support the show here.
Stories about the moments that transform us.
When Hunter Hansen found out he was autistic he hid it. Then in his 30s he came out about it in a youtube video that went viral. At first it fed his ego, and he felt he was helping people, but then he became so wrapped up in “The Life Autistic,” his actual life fell apart.
2 Lives - the second begins the moment we realize we have only one.
See original illustrations for each episode on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Hosted and produced by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, music from Blue Dot Sessions.
You can learn how to support the show here. Episode transcripts are posted on the website.
When it came time to ask for help, the very idea felt ridiculous and selfish to Monica, that she wasn't worthy. This is a story about how we resist help, even when the stakes are life or death.
This episode was produced and hosted by me, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, music from Blue Dot Sessions. Annie Gerway creates original illustrations for each episode. You can see them at 2 Lives or on our social sites -- Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @2LivesPodcast.
Learn more about becoming an organ donor here and find more information about Monica Brown's work at her website.
TW: Mention of suicide
Growing up Lisa Cooper Ellison was told she was the antidote to her family’s sorrow. But she realized the only antidote she can be is to her own suffering, and the only one who can revise that story is her.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by me, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, music from Blue Dot Sessions. Annie Gerway creates original illustrations for each episode. You can see them at 2 lives dot org or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @2LivesPodcast.
Lisa Cooper Ellison is a writer, editor, and coach.
This episode includes a promo of The Bittersweet Life, a podcast about the expat life.
TW: We mention suicidal thoughts and an incident that some may find disturbing.
After his father's death Aaron Johnson numbed his grief until his wife encouraged him to tap into his tears.
Aaron Johnson co-founded Holistic Resistance.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, story editing by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, music from Blue Dot Sessions. Original art by Annie Gerway can be found at 2Lives.org and on social media @2LivesPodcast
TW: A brief description of a violent attack.
We’ve changed the names of the people in this story. By the end of it you’ll likely know who we’re talking about because much has been written about this person but we wanted the focus of this story to be on Kate.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, story editing by Camila Kerwin if the Rough Cut Collective, music from Blue Dot Sessions. Annie Gerway creates original illustrations for each episode. You can see them at 2lives.org or our social sites @2livespodcast.
Kate wrote "Everything Is Perfect."
This episode also features a promo for The Bittersweet Life, a podcast about the expat life.
Sharmane Fury is mixed race. No one in her family looked like her. People often tried to make her feel different. So that made finding a sense of belonging hard. 2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective. Music from Blue Dot Sessions. Annie Gerway creates original illustrations for each episode. You can see them at 2Lives.org or our social sites @2LivesPodcast. Sharmane hosts the podcast Militantly Mixed. This episode also features a promo for Beyond 6 Seconds, stories of creativity, triumph, and struggle with a focus on neurodiverisity.
TW: Domestic violence
This is a story about unlearning the messages and behaviors we absorb as kids.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, visit thehotline.org or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). If you need to talk to someone, visit Open Path Collective.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, music from Blue Dot Sessions. Annie Gerway creates original illustrations for each episode. Special thanks to Daniel Weinshenker at Story Center.
We’re working hard to bring you a brand new episode Feb. 1. In the meantime here’s a show we produced last year that was selected as one of Spotify’s best episodes of 2021.
This episode of 2 Lives was hosted by me, and produced as part of the Transom Storytelling Mentorship. Special thanks to Yums the Word for letting us use audio from the show. Annie Gerway creates original illustrations for each episode. You can see them at our website or on our social sites @2LivesPodcast.
DARCY: I was like that kid that people would say, ‘oh, you know, maybe Darcy wants to stay over for dinner or maybe Darcy would like to go camping with us.’ I sometimes wonder about those parents, like if they had any idea of what was going on.
When Darcy Alexandra finally turned 18 she left behind the violence in her home for good.
DARCY: I'm going on without you. And it was just the sense of like, I've got to live my life. I need to go this way. And I would love for all of you to come with me, but I don't think you're going to come with me. So I'm going to have to go on without you.
Coming up this season on 2 Lives.
We’re working on season four and trying to keep our families healthy. In the meantime, we’re pulling back the curtain.
Recently I had the pleasure of talking with Laura Joyce Davis, the host and creator of "Shelter In Place." As Laura says "2 Lives" and her show are “kindred spirits.” We talk about how our shows came about, why we keep producing them, and our "2 Lives" moments.
We’ll be bringing you a sneak peak of season 4 next week, then the first official episode on Jan. 25. Thank you for your patience!
2 Lives comes from a quote by Confucius who said, “we’re all given two lives; the second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”
Over the last year and a half I’ve interviewed 20 people who have faced darkness of some kind – a scary diagnosis, a grizzly bear, a death of a child, addiction – and how those grizzly bear moments changed the trajectory of their lives.
With each interview I shared the 2 Lives quote and asked what it meant for them. A couple of those answers wound up in their episodes but many did not. So I wanted to share those answers with you today.
I’m constantly learning from and am inspired by the people I meet through 2 Lives. I hope you are too.
We hear from Shelli Welch, Duane Koyawena, Carol Smith, Jake Bacon, Stephani Lindsay, Keri Shaw, brothers Timmy and Sean O’Neill, Ross Schaefer Altenbaugh, Anna and Mike LaBenz, and Scott Stabile.
If you’re only now discovering 2 Lives this episode is a bit of a tease. You can go back and listen to all of their stories to find out how they arrived at this hard earned wisdom.
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This episode of 2 Lives was produced and hosted by me. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
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Connect with us at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, or email 2livespodcast@gmail.com.
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2 Lives is a fan-sponsored podcast. If you're enjoying the show, please consider sponsoring us at Patreon or PayPal. Thank you!
Activist Jennie Pearl, who appeared in episode 6, shares how her head trauma shook up her views of the world.
This bonus story was produced by Laurel Morales. Music comes from Blue Dot Sessions. The website and pod art were designed by Annie Gerway.
We’ll be working on season four over the next couple of months. If you or someone you know has a 2 Lives story, please contact us through the website.
TW: A heads up we mention an eating disorder and suicide in this episode. Also, we include a couple swear words.
Growing up Dylan Wilder Quinn didn't feel safe in their body, so they didn't explore their gender and sexual identity until much later in life. “I didn’t know how unwell I was until I wasn’t.” And when they did come into their own, they opened themself up to love.
Learn more about Holistic Resistance and Transintimate. If you need someone to talk to, go to Open Path Collective.
Shelli Welch realizes the ripple effects one individual can have when she chooses to give her baby up for adoption.
TW: Self destructive behavior
Go to MentalHelp.net or SAMHSA for more resources.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, music from Blue Dot Sessions. Annie Gerway is our web designer and creates original illustrations for each episode.
Coach Marty Heilman has made an impact on thousands of kids. He knows what lasting impacts teasing can have. So he strives to put a stop to bullying.
TW: talk of self harm, eating disorders
To learn more about eating disorders go to 2 Lives.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, music from Blue Dot Sessions. Annie Gerway is our web designer and creates original illustrations for each episode.
Carol Smith, author of "Crossing the River: Seven Stories That Saved My Life," learns how to deal with her own loss by reporting on people coping with challenges -- a life-altering accident, injury, or diagnosis.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, music from Blue Dot Sessions, original illustrations and website designed by Annie Galloway.
Ever since Keri Shaw was a kid she had an uncanny, fierce all or nothing personality. But when she was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease, she quickly learned no amount of determination could "fix" it.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, original artwork and website designed by Annie Galloway.
More information about Parkinson's can be found at the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Emergency helicopter chief flight nurse Jenn Killeen loves the adrenaline that comes with solving problems under pressure.
"We helped somebody on their worst day, in their biggest emergency on their worst nightmare."
But what happens when the nightmare starts right there, in the helicopter.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camilla Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, original artwork and website designed by Annie Galloway.
Next week on 2 Lives...
Jenn Killeen became a flight nurse on emergency helicopters because she’s good in a crisis.
JENN KILLEEN: Notoriously I perform very well under pressure. The more pressure I'm under, the better I perform. LAUREL: Is that why you do it? JENN KILLEEN: Yeah. I love it. I love it. Um, I love the adrenaline stress. It's not the adrenaline of the aircraft. It's the adrenaline of, ‘I think I just saved somebody. We just saved somebody.’ We helped somebody on their worst day, uh, in their biggest emergency on their worst nightmare. We helped.
But what happens when it's their worst nightmare kind of a day. That’s next week on 2 Lives.
Dustin Swanson didn't get it. He was in his thirties, healthy, in shape, didn't smoke or drink, even had low cholesterol. So why did his heart stop?
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales. Pod art and website is designed by Annie Galloway. A version of this episode first appeared on KJZZ's 2 Lives in November of 2020.
TW: Mention of sexual assault
Casey Merriman comes back from the brink of death three times and the lessons she's learned are critical.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales. Pod art and website is designed by Annie Galloway. A version of this episode first appeared on KJZZ's 2 Lives in November of 2020.
Anna and Mike LaBenz have endured great challenges, not the least of which was coming head to head with a grizzly bear.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales. Pod art and website is designed by Annie Galloway. A version of this episode appeared on KJZZ's 2 Lives in November of 2020.
An endurance athlete is someone who can run 50 miles and keep going despite the fact that blood is oozing out of his shoes. They’re really a breed unto themselves. But that’s just the sort of relentlessness you need to survive this ordeal that Tommy Rivers Puzey has gone through.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, pod art and website designed by Annie Galloway. A version of this episode appeared on KJZZ's 2 Lives. Listen for an update at the end of the show.
TW // Domestic violence
At one point in her life, Kambri Crews wanted nothing to do with her father. He was violent. And he betrayed her. Betrayed the whole family. But, while researching her memoir, Kambri discovered another side to her dad. One that almost brought them back together.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, pod art and website designed by Annie Galloway. An earlier version of this episode appeared on KJZZ's 2 Lives.
In Navajo culture you don’t talk about death. It’s considered taboo. To talk about death is to bring it upon you. But Marquerita Donald can’t help but talk about it.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales. Pod art and website designed by Annie Galloway. An earlier version of this episode appeared on KJZZ's 2 Lives.
Flagstaff photographer Jake Bacon has made it his mission to save wild animals until one puts his life in danger.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales. Pod art and website designed by Annie Galloway.
A version of this podcast originally appeared on KJZZ's 2 Lives.
TW // addiction, domestic violence
Stephani Lindsey has survived inherited addictions, a car crash, and the chronic pain that came with it. She credits yoga with not only her recovery but with transforming her life.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, pod art and website designed by Annie Galloway, music from Blue Dot Sessions.
The irony isn't lost on Flagstaff Shelter Services executive director Ross Schaefer Altenbaugh. Her job is to find people a home, when she herself longs to feel safe, tethered, and protected.
2 Lives is produced and hosted by Laurel Morales, story edited by Camila Kerwin of the Rough Cut Collective, pod art and website designed by Annie Galloway, music from Blue Dot Sessions.
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