Element Q Podcast: Empowering LGBTQ+ Voices, One Story at a Time

Element Q Podcast: Empowering LGBTQ+ Voices, One Story at a Time

by TJ Woodward

Self-Improvement Mental Health

Season 1

From Addiction to Awareness: LGBTQ+ Recovery, Conscious Healing & Self-Empowerment

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward speaks with Jon Larkin, CADC-II, a certified alcohol and drug counselor with extensive experience in both direct patient care and utilization review. Together, they explore the journey of moving beyond the compulsions of addiction toward greater self-awareness, consciousness, and long-term recovery. Jon brings valuable expertise in substance use disorder treatment, mental health care, and recovery support for LGBTQ+ communities, offering both clinical insight and practical tools for healing. Based in San Diego and originally from the East Coast, Jon is deeply passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces for individuals in recovery to thrive. 👉 If you find this conversation meaningful, please like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness about LGBTQ+ mental health, addiction recovery, and conscious healing. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com Jon Larkin: https://www.instagram.com/livinglarkin TJ Woodward: tjwoodward.com

Supporting Self Acceptance In The LGBTQIA+ Community With Ryan Strudevant

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with Ryan Strudevant, Founder and CEO of Chroma Wellness Center in Denver, CO, to explore how inclusive and affirming care is reshaping the future of mental health and addiction treatment. Drawing on his diverse background in clinical work, program leadership, and training professionals in LGBTQ+ inclusive practices, Ryan has made it his mission to expand equity, representation, and access to life-changing resources. Together, TJ and Ryan unpack why culturally competent care matters, how representation fosters true belonging, and the powerful ways Chroma Wellness is redefining compassionate, evidence-based treatment for the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, an advocate, or simply passionate about creating a more inclusive world, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight into what authentic healing can look like. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to spread awareness around LGBTQ+ mental health and healing. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com Ryan Strudevant: chromawellnesscenter.com TJ Woodward: tjwoodward.com

The Healing Power of Diverse Connections

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with Keoni Carthen, ASW—Director of Operations at Element Q Healing Center in San Diego—to explore The Healing Power of Diverse Connections. Keoni is a Trans, Non-Binary, Biracial U.S. Army Veteran whose path into social work is rooted in empathy, resilience, and a passion for advocacy. Drawing from their experiences in the military and their work in trauma-informed care, Keoni brings a powerful perspective on how authentic, diverse connections can foster healing, resilience, and belonging. Together, TJ and Keoni dive into the importance of equity, inclusion, and creating safe spaces where authenticity thrives—especially for the LGBTQIA+ community and those navigating life after trauma. The conversation highlights how meaningful connections can transform mental health, why representation matters, and the role of culturally affirming practices in supporting long-term healing. Whether you’re a mental health professional, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or someone seeking to deepen your understanding of human connection, this episode offers insight and inspiration for the journey toward wholeness. ✨ About Element Q: Element Q empowers LGBTQIA+ wellness by creating space for growth, connection, and renewal. Through trauma-focused, identity-affirming care, the center helps individuals embrace their authentic voice and inner strength. 👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread awareness around LGBTQ+ mental health and healing. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com

Say Yes To Just One Thing Success In The LGBTQ Community

On this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with leadership coach John Broady, who helps gay and queer executives step into leadership roles with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. John shares why leadership is often more than performance—it’s about navigating the layers many queer leaders have worn to survive, succeed, and belong. From being shapeshifters and peacekeepers to trailblazers and sometimes invisible, these experiences bring unique insight—but can also make leading from a place of truth feel complicated. Through his work at Broady Leadership, John empowers executives to shed roles that no longer fit and start leading as their true selves. He guides leaders through pivotal moments such as major promotions, overcoming imposter syndrome, and resisting the pressure to “code switch” to fit in. 👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread awareness around LGBTQ+ mental health and healing. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com John Broady: https://broadyleadership.com/

What if Loving Your Inner Child IS the KEY to Healing?

What if you could turn a moment of crisis into the first step toward lasting recovery? On this episode of the Element Q Podcast, TJ Woodward sits down with Ken Seeley—world-renowned interventionist and star of A&E’s Intervention—who has dedicated his life to helping individuals and families break free from addiction since getting sober in 1989. As founder of Intervention 911, Ken has led hundreds of interventions, trained over 450 professionals, and even addressed the British Parliament on his groundbreaking “Five-Year Plan” for sustained recovery. With a rare gift for uncovering what truly motivates change, he empowers families to play a powerful role in long-term healing—setting national standards in intervention and case management, and inspiring hope where it’s needed most. 👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread awareness around LGBTQ+ mental health and healing. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Ken Seeley:https://kenseeley.com/

Ancient Wind Wisdom for Healing, Clarity & Spiritual Awakening

In this episode of the Awareness Advantage podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with award-winning Hay House author and spiritual teacher Renee Baribeau—also known as The Practical Shaman—for an inspiring conversation on shamanic healing, spiritual awakening, and navigating life transitions with ancient wisdom. Author of Winds of Spirit and the Amazon best-seller A Pilgrim’s Guide to Walking Wisdom: 11:11 Insights, Renee reveals how wind spirit teachings and nature-based practices can help you find clarity, heal emotional wounds, and step fully into your purpose. She offers practical tools for overcoming fear, navigating grief, addiction recovery, and building emotional resilience through both indigenous wisdom and modern mindfulness. With over a decade of leadership in mental health and addiction treatment, Renee bridges spirituality and personal development, offering guidance for anyone seeking inner peace, personal transformation, and deeper self-awareness. As the creator of the Wind Walker’s Wisdom Oracle and co-host of The Shaman's Cave podcast, she shares actionable insights for living with courage, purpose, and spiritual connection. If you’ve been searching for shamanic guidance, spiritual tools for healing, or inspiration for life’s toughest challenges, this episode will give you the clarity and empowerment you need to thrive. 👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread awareness around LGBTQ+ mental health and healing. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Renee Baribeau: https://thepracticalshaman.com

A Candid Conversation on Mental Health, Healing, and LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy

In this episode, host @TJWoodward sits down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Michael Pezzullo for an honest conversation about mental health, trauma, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapy. Michael shares how his own healing journey began with doubt and transformed through the power of a genuine therapeutic connection. Now in private practice in West Hollywood, Michael specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction using EMDR, CBT, and attachment-based approaches. He’s passionate about helping LGBTQ+ individuals move from surviving to truly thriving 👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread awareness around LGBTQ+ mental health and healing. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Michael Pezzullo: https://www.michaelpezzullo.com/

Is the LGBTQ Community's RESILIENCE the Key to Overcoming Adversity?

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward welcomes Mell McCracken, Executive Director of No Matter What Recovery. Mell leads the organization’s clinical treatment program and developed its groundbreaking sexualized drug use curriculum, supporting clients at the intersection of chemsex, substance use, and LGBTQ+ identity. With nearly a decade of experience, Mell is a nationally and internationally recognized educator, co-author, and trauma-informed treatment provider specializing in inclusive care for the rainbow community. As a faculty member at the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), Mell is a fierce advocate for breaking stigma around queer mental health and recovery. Their work blends clinical expertise with activism, aiming to uplift marginalized voices and create safe spaces for healing. Originally from Ojai, California, Mell also finds joy and expression through painting, writing, pottery, and music. 👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread awareness around LGBTQ+ mental health and healing. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Mell McKracken: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/contributor/mell-mccracken/

What Does Inner Healing Really Mean for LGBTQ+?

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward welcomes Mely Quiroz, APCC—a dedicated mental health advocate specializing in gender-affirming care and trauma-informed therapy for trans and nonbinary individuals. Mely holds a Master's in Multicultural Counseling and Social Justice Education from San Diego State University and a BA from UC San Diego. Growing up in a mixed-status family and an underserved neighborhood, Mely draws from personal experience to support LGBTQ+ mental health and community empowerment. Now at UC San Diego, Mely helps trans and nonbinary students thrive academically, socially, and holistically. Outside of their work, they enjoy cycling, exploring food, spending time at the beach, and taking city walks with their dog. 👉 Be sure to follow the Element Q podcast for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Mely Quiroz: https://stride.ucsd.edu/about/team.html

CRUCIAL Things You Need to Know About Shame In Recovery

In this episode, TJ Woodward welcomes Tommy Rosen, a leading voice in the addiction recovery movement and founder of Recovery 2.0. Tommy shares deeply personal insights about growing up with toxic shame, including his experience of his father coming out, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of healing—particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. His approach redefines traditional recovery by embracing compassion, inclusion, and personal transformation. With over 30 years of continuous recovery and experience in health and wellness, Tommy has developed a holistic method that integrates yoga, breathwork, meditation, and nutrition to support lasting recovery. Holding advanced certifications in Kundalini and Hatha Yoga, he teaches worldwide at retreats, festivals, and online, inspiring others to move beyond addiction and thrive in body, mind, and spirit. 👉 Be sure to follow the podcast for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com Tommy Rosen: https://r20.com/

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