The Teaching Journeys Podcast

The Teaching Journeys Podcast

by Dave Roberts
Self-Improvement
Who Are You After Loss? Navigating Identity Shifts Through Grief
What happens to your sense of self when grief turns your world upside down? In this powerful follow-up conversation, host Dave Roberts welcomes back journalist, attorney, and author Ashley Jordan to explore one of grief's most overlooked dimensions: the deconstruction and rebuilding of identity after devastating loss. Ashley shares her deeply personal journey through repressed traumatic grief, which resurfaced unexpectedly at age 37, nearly 24 years after losing her childhood sweetheart Daniel at just 12 years old. Together, Dave and Ashley unpack what it truly means to "unbecome" — to shed the false versions of ourselves forged in the aftermath of tragedy — so that a truer, more loving self can emerge. In this episode, you'll discover: • What "deconstruction of self" and "unbecoming" really mean in the context of grief • Why relationships change after loss — and why that's not always a bad thing • How to set healthy emotional boundaries while at your most vulnerable (the armadillo lesson) • Practical, gentle strategies for navigating identity shifts: nature walks, journaling, movement, books, and transient angels • Why grief is ultimately an expression of love — and how to transmute it into a life of abundance Whether you've lost a child, a partner, a friendship, or a version of yourself, this conversation offers a compassionate companion for the journey into darkness — and back into light. 📖 Mentioned: Unhappy Achiever by Ashley Jordan | Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom | Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson | The Afterlife of Billy Fingers Ashley’s Bio and Contact Information Ashley Jordan has done many things throughout her life. She’s been a feminist activist, licensed attorney, public speaker, and a stay-at-home mother. Most notably, however, she’s a well-published journalist with her works appearing in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and HuffPost, among others. Today, she lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her three children. 🔗 Connect with Ashley Jordan: ashjordan.com | @msashjordan on Instagram Check out Episode 233 with Ashley on YouTube Apple, Spotify Tio connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com
E295
Aug 8, 2026
54:49
Suffer to Tougher: How Two Men Transformed Trauma Into a Mental Wellness Movement
What happens when suffering becomes your greatest teacher? In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Kelsey Dunbar and Marc Rogala — co-founders of the Suffer to Tougher resilience and mental wellness movement — for an honest, raw conversation about trauma, addiction recovery, and transformation. Kelsey shares how childhood abandonment, military school, and obesity-driven suicidal ideation led him to a 30-year career as a fitness and mindset coach. Marc opens up about battling alcohol and opioid addiction — including multiple overdoses, a near-fatal car accident, and losing his family — and how a 45-minute conversation from a stranger in psychiatric care changed everything. Together, they discuss: • How early childhood experiences shape mental health and addiction • Breaking the stigma around asking for help • The connection between diet, brain chemistry, and recovery • Why sobriety is a lifestyle — not just an absence of substances • Their best-selling book Suffer to Tougher and children's book You're Not Broken • The Rebuild and Fulfill Podcast and their growing coaching community Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply navigating life's harder moments — this episode is a reminder that if there's a pulse, there is hope. Kelsey Dunbar & Marc Rogala Kelsey Dunbar and Marc Rogala are the co-founders of Suffer To Tougher, a resilience and mental wellness movement dedicated to helping people overcome life's challenges and build stronger, healthier lives. Kelsey is a bestselling author, speaker, coach, and fitness professional with over 30 years of experience helping individuals transform their health and mindset. His personal journey from childhood obesity, addiction struggles (parents), and adversity fuels his passion for helping others discover that lasting change is possible. Marc's story is one of recovery, rebuilding, and redemption. After battling alcohol and substance addiction, Marc transformed his life and now uses his experiences to inspire others who are facing similar struggles. His authenticity and willingness to share both the victories and setbacks have made him a powerful voice for hope and resilience. Together, they host the Rebuild & Fulfill Podcast, where they have honest conversations about mental health, addiction recovery, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. They are also co-authors of the bestselling book Suffer To Tougher and are committed to helping people realize that their struggles do not define them—their response to those struggles does. Connect with Kelsey & Marc: Website: suffertotougher.org | Facebook: S2T Nation | Podcast: Rebuild and Fulfill (YouTube)(Apple) (Spotify)(Amazon) LinkedIn: Kelsey Dunbar • LinkedIn: Marc Rogala Marc Rogala, CIC, LUTCF To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com
E294
Aug 6, 2026
56:05
How to Redefine Success After Tragedy : Becca Pearce on Mourning the Past
In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back executive coach and former CEO Becca Pearce — author of You Don't Have to Achieve to Be Loved — for a raw, honest conversation about mourning the past, redefining success, and choosing who you want to be after tragedy. Becca survived a brain tumor that left her with lasting disabilities and forced her to walk away from a high-powered career. Dave lost his daughter. Together, they explore what it truly means to grieve not just people, but the versions of ourselves we can never return to. In this episode, you'll learn: • What "mourning the past" really means — and why it's a necessary phase of personal reinvention • How to release an old identity without losing the parts of you worth keeping • Why the people closest to you often can't give you what you need during transformation • How to redefine success on your own terms (and write it down) • Why failure is not the opposite of success — and how to fail forward • The surprising research on what Americans say success means vs. what they really believe Whether you're navigating loss, a career pivot, a health crisis, or simply feeling stuck, this episode will challenge you to stop chasing someone else's definition of success — and start building your own. Becca’s Bio and Contact Information Becca Pearce understands firsthand how hard change can be. Two life-altering events forced her to realize that what she once wanted no longer felt right. The resulting journey reshaped her path, upending everything she had believed about success and happiness. Over the last twelve years, Becca has learned the value of vulnerability, the importance of optimism and the imperative to find the life you want to live now because we're never promised tomorrow. A former CEO and state official, she is now the president of Extend Coaching & Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping people find the courage to live the life they've been dreaming of. Connect with Becca Pearce: morebekkapearcce.com | You Don't Have to Achieve to Be Loved available now. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccapearce/ Links to Episode 248 with Becca: YouTube, Apple, Spotify The Teaching Journeys Podcast | Hosted by Dave Roberts : Subscribe on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platforms. Dave's Personal Website: davidrobertsmsw.com
E293
Aug 4, 2026
33:01
Six and a Half Hours: A Mother's Fight to Ensure No Family Waits for News of a Loved One
In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Christine Olson, founder of TIFF's Initiative (To Inform Families First) — a program that has helped over 22 million people in Florida alone ensure their emergency contacts are embedded directly in their driver's license. On December 7, 2005, Christine's daughter Tiffiany was killed in a motorcycle accident. What followed was a nightmarish six-and-a-half-hour ordeal of fragmented communication, unanswered questions, and a law enforcement system unprepared to notify next of kin. That experience became the catalyst for a grassroots movement that is now before the U.S. Congress. In this episode, you'll learn: • The harrowing events of the night Christine lost her daughter • Why the national average for notifying families after a death or emergency is six hours • How a server on a tiny Florida island sparked a nationwide legislative movement • What TIFF's Initiative is, how it works, and why it costs taxpayers nothing • How to check if TIFF is in your state — and how to advocate for it if it isn't • The legacy of Tiffiany Olson and the love that drives this mission forward Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or someone who simply wants to make sure your family can be reached in a crisis, this episode will move you — and motivate you to take action. Christine's Bio and Contact Information Christine Olson was born in Milwaukee Wisconsin. But she heard the waves of change calling her to Florida in 1999 and joined her brother and son who already relocated to the beautiful island of Anna Maria. Tiffiany her daughter decided to stay in Milwaukee and finish high school while living with her father. In 2000 Tiffiany couldn’t wait any longer and the three of three of them started a new adventure of life on a beautiful seven mile long barrier island. Volunteering at Mote Marine Aquarium’s whale and dolphin program as well as the island turtle patrol Christine felt life just couldn’t get better. Then December 7th 2005 happened. Tiffiany was involved in a fatal crash with her boyfriend and in the blink of an eye Christine’s life as she knew it would be forever turned on its head. This is Christine’s story of how she was forced to make a choice. To literally die or do something so no one would have to endure the horrific events she did that night. Tiffs Initiative was born…………….. RESOURCES MENTIONED: 🌐 Register with TIFF's Initiative: https://toinformfamiliesfirst.org 📘 TIFF on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToInformFamiliesFirst Register your emergency contacts today: toinformfamiliesfirst.org To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com
E292
Aug 2, 2026
36:15
From Prison to Pardon: Perry Staples on 17 Years of Sobriety and Native American Healing
What does it take to go from prison to pardon — and build a life of purpose? In this powerful episode of Teaching Journeys, host Dave Roberts sits down with Perry Staples, a St. Croix Chippewa Indian of Wisconsin tribal member with 17 years of sobriety, a gubernatorial pardon, and a life devoted to helping others heal. Perry shares his raw, honest story: growing up on the reservation, the grip of alcohol and drugs, six DWIs, four felonies, and 33 months in prison — all the way to receiving a personal phone call from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers congratulating him on his pardon. Along the way, Perry reveals how Native American traditions, ceremonies, and culture became the foundation of his recovery — and how they continue to guide his work today as a certified peer specialist and founder of the Wings of Migizi Recovery Peer Support Group. In this episode, you'll hear: • How Perry found sobriety in prison — and nearly lost it the night he got out • The five goals that transformed his life after incarceration • The role of the Big Drum, sweat lodge ceremonies, and Native healing practices in long-term recovery • Why Perry believes addicts "aren't scared of change — they're scared of being changed" • How to approach addiction treatment with cultural sensitivity for Native American clients • The legend of chaga and what Native medicine really means Whether you're in recovery, work in addiction services, or simply want an inspiring story about resilience, faith, and community, this episode will leave a lasting mark. Perry’s Bio and Contact Information Perry Ginwedibik Staples is a St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Tribal Member who has worked as a Certified Peer Specialist for four years. He has been a small business owner of Two Feathers Construction for the past 28 years, where he provides carpentry services to Tribal elders and community members. He is a serving member of the Burnett County Drug Court, as well as a former participant on the Burnett County Drug Court. Alongside his work responsibilities, he manages the Wings of Migizi recovery/peer support group through the St. Croix Human Services Department. He has been sober for 16 years, enjoys playing golf, and is married with six children and nine grandchildren. Perry is proud to be a member of the Big Drum, which is one of the highest honors within his Tribe. Connect With Perry Wings of Migizi Recovery Peer Support Group Phone: 715-416-8796 (available 24/7) To connect with Dave , go to : davidrobertsmsw.com
E291
Jul 31, 2026
42:36
The Funeral Is Not the Finish Line: Kelly Edmondson on Grief Support That Lasts
What happens after everyone goes home? In this deeply moving episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Kelly Edmondson — nurse executive, certified grief counselor, and bereaved mother — to explore the one truth most people avoid: grief doesn't end at the funeral. It's just beginning. After losing her son Darius on January 3rd, 2023, Kelly founded A Timely Presence, a year-long grief support service designed to show up for the bereaved long after the flowers fade. Drawing on her clinical background and lived experience, Kelly shares how ongoing presence — not platitudes — is what grieving people truly need. Dave, who lost his daughter Jeannine to cancer over 23 years ago, brings his own profound perspective, making this one of the most honest, human conversations you'll hear on grief, mortality, and healing. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why society avoids talking about death — and why that silence harms the bereaved • What NOT to say to someone who is grieving (and what actually helps) • How grief peaks between months 3–6, long after support disappears • The 3 Rs of workplace grief support: Regulate, Respond, Remain • Why the second year of grief is often harder than the first • How reframing rituals around holidays and milestones can transform the healing journey • Kelly's framework for turning loss into legacy Whether you're grieving, supporting someone who is, or an HR leader navigating employee loss, this episode will change how you show up. Kelly’s Bio and Contact Information Kelly Edmondson is a nurse executive, certified grief counselor, and bereaved mother whose personal loss became the foundation of her life's work. After losing her son Darius on January 3, 2023, Kelly founded Timely Presence, a year-long grief support service built on a simple truth: the funeral is not the finish line. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and her credentials a nurse and grief counselor she helps individuals, families, and organizations show up for the grieving long after the flowers fade. Her mission is to make ongoing presence the standard, not the exception, in grief support. Connect with Kelly Edmondson & A Timely Presence: 🌐 Website: https://thetimelypresence.com 📷 Instagram: @the.kellyedmondson 💼 LinkedIn: Kelly Edmondson 📘 Facebook: Timely Presence To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com
E290
Jul 30, 2026
55:26
We Weren't Born to Be Average: Keith Mercer on Mindset, Mentorship & the Student Success Formula
What happens when a kid from one of America's most dangerous neighborhoods becomes a champion — on and off the field? Keith Mercer knows firsthand. Growing up in Capitol Heights, Maryland — once dubbed the "Murder Capital" — Keith Mercer made a decision early on: his circumstances would not define his future. That mindset took him from the streets of DC to back-to-back national championships at the University of Nebraska under legendary coach Tom Osborne, and eventually to founding Mercer Elite Academy, where he's helped over 200 student athletes earn college scholarships. In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Keith Mercer — leadership expert, professional speaker, consultant, and author of The Student Success Formula — for a raw, powerful conversation about resilience, mentorship, and what it truly takes to help young people thrive. In this episode, you'll hear: How growing up surrounded by violence and poverty shaped Keith's unshakeable mindset What Coach Tom Osborne taught him about leadership, character, and showing up for people The Four Bs of Success framework Keith uses to help students build belief, take action, and find balance Why life skills — not GPA — are the real key to student success How social media, identity struggles, and the "freshman fog" are driving a mental health crisis on campuses Keith's powerful message for any student (or adult) who feels alone, stuck, or like they weren't born for greatness Whether you're an educator, coach, parent, or someone still figuring out your path — this conversation will remind you that your current situation is not your final destination. Keith Mercer Bio and Contact Information Keith Mercer is a Leadership & Mindset Expert | Professional Speaker | Education Consultant | Author | who is Helping Teams, Leaders, Students & Organizations Build Confidence, Culture & High Performance . Connect with Keith Mercer: mercerelite.com LinkedIn: Keith-Mercer Instagram: @mercer_elite YouTube: @keithmercer3857 TikTok: @mercerelite X: @MercerElite 📚 Get the book: The Student Success Formula — available on Amazon To find out more about Dave go to : davidrobertsmsw.com
E289
Jul 28, 2026
59:17
Losing Two Sons 34 Years Apart: Deston Rogers' Journey Through Grief to Purpose
What happens when grief strikes twice — 34 years apart? In this deeply moving episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Deston Rogers — veteran radio broadcaster, law enforcement officer, international police advisor, and founder of the Eagle Freedom Presents podcast — to explore one of the most profound journeys through loss, faith, and radical resilience you'll ever hear. Deston lost his son Cody and Cody's mother Jodi in a devastating car accident in 1990. Then, 34 years later, he lost his second son Dakota. Rather than surrendering to grief, Deston leaned into his Christian faith, chose connection over isolation, and transformed his pain into purpose. In this episode, you'll discover: • How to navigate multiple child loss and complicated grief • Why your circle of influence is your greatest resource in dark times • The power of faith, family, and professional counseling in healing • What the eagle teaches us about resilience and rising above adversity • Deston's Rise, Inspire, Overcome (RIO) movement and the story behind Eagle Freedom Presents • His contribution to the international bestselling anthology Miracles Are Normal • Whether you're navigating grief, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking a message of hope and purpose, this conversation will leave a lasting mark. Deston’s Bio and Contact Information: Deston Rogers has spent over four decades mastering the art of connection. A veteran of radio broadcasting, law enforcement, and international police advising, his career has been defined by his voice and his commitment to serving others. But his most profound message wasn't forged in a broadcast booth or a briefing room—it was born in the fire of unimaginable personal tragedy. After enduring the devastating loss of two of his sons, thirty-four years apart, and their mother, Deston faced distinct seasons of profound, suffocating grief that challenged everything he knew. In his darkest moments, he leaned entirely into his Christian faith, trusting that God already has a purposeful path laid out and will not let us be defeated. Bolstered by the unwavering support of family and friends, he made the active choice to keep fighting the good fight, stepping fully into a lifestyle of "radical resilience." Today, that choice has become his calling. Deston is an international best-selling contributing author to the book Miracles Are Normal and the founder and host of the Eagle Freedom Presents podcast. Through his platform, he champions the "Rise, Inspire, Overcome" (RIO) movement, using his voice—and his deeply personal journey through pain—to guide and inspire others navigating their own darkest valleys. Favorite bible verse: 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith Website and Email eaglefreedompresents.com 📧eaglefreedompresents@gmail.com Social Media Links: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Podcast: Eagle Freedom Presents — available on all major streaming platforms To connect with Dave: go to davidrobertsmsw.com
E288
Jul 26, 2026
51:00
Scratches to Scars: Building Resilience After Life's Greatest Losses
What does it take to rebuild your life after unimaginable loss — and turn your deepest wounds into a source of strength for others? In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with author, blogger, storyteller, and mental health advocate Diana "Dinky" Smith for a deeply honest conversation about grief, resilience, healing, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward. After losing her daughter Lily to a drunk driving accident on her own birthday, Diana faced years of anger, depression, and isolation. But instead of letting tragedy define her, she chose to transform her pain into purpose — raising her granddaughter, writing books, and building a mission to help others feel less alone in their struggles. In this episode, you'll hear: • The heartbreaking story of losing Lily and its aftermath • How Diana raised her grieving granddaughter through trauma and self-harm • The "Scratches to Scars" framework for building emotional resilience • Why grief has no timeline — and what healthy, integrated grief really looks like • How creativity, storytelling, and kindness can be powerful tools for healing • Details on Diana's upcoming fantasy series Viridian and her brand, My Talking Eye Whether you're navigating child loss, grief, low self-worth, or simply looking for inspiration to keep going, this episode delivers raw honesty, hard-earned wisdom, and genuine hope. Diana Bio and Contact Information Diana “Dinky” Smith is an author, blogger, storyteller, and mental health advocate whose work is dedicated to helping people navigate grief, personal growth, and life's unexpected challenges with honesty, compassion, and hope. After spending more than 22 years as a successful realtor in Colorado, Diana's life changed forever following the tragic loss of her daughter, Lilly. The years that followed led her through a profound journey of grief, depression, healing, and self-discovery. Rather than allowing that experience to define her, she chose to transform it into a mission to help others feel less alone in their own struggles. Drawing from lived experience, extensive personal study, and a deep passion for understanding the human condition, Diana writes about resilience, emotional wellness, grief, purpose, and self-mastery. She is the author of multiple books, including works focused on personal transformation and healing, as well as Veridien, an epic fantasy series that explores themes of courage, sacrifice, redemption, and hope through a richly imagined world. She is also preparing for the future launch of Grief, Unfiltered, a new program under her My Talking Eye brand that will feature candid conversations about grief, healing, mental health, and the realities that many people face but few openly discuss. Known simply as "Dinky" to friends, readers, and listeners, Diana brings authenticity, warmth, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to every conversation. Diana lives in Colorado with her husband, Rick, and continues to write, create, and advocate for stronger emotional health through storytelling, education, and honest dialogue. Her message is simple: no matter what you've been through, your story is not over, and there is still purpose to be found in the chapters ahead. Connect with Diana Smith: 📧 dinkysmithauthor@gmail.com 📘 Facebook: Dinky Diana Smith 📸 Instagram: Dinky Diana Smith 🎙️ Podcast: My Talking Eye (available on Apple Podcasts) Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that their story is not over. The Teaching Journeys Podcast | Hosted by Dave Roberts | New episodes available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
E287
Jul 24, 2026
57:40
From Orphan to CEO: How Kora Franco Built a Luxury Wine Brand on Resilience
What happens when life strips away everything — your mother, your identity, and the father you thought you knew — all before the age of 12? For Kora Franco, it became the foundation for something extraordinary. In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Kora Franco, founder and CEO of Aesthetic Wines, a modern luxury wine brand rooted in resilience, bold self-expression, and intentional living. Kora shares her remarkable journey — from navigating grief and identity loss as a child, to a 15-year search for her biological father using AncestryDNA, to building a thriving wine brand and women's empowerment platform as a single mother. In this episode, you'll learn: • How childhood loss and identity struggles forged unshakeable resilience • What it's really like to break into the wine industry as a Black female founder • Why women drive the wine industry but rarely lead it — and how Kora is changing that • How Aesthetic For Her is creating a first-of-its-kind wine social club for women entrepreneurs • Why "shoot your shot" is the one mindset shift that can change your life Whether you're an entrepreneur, a wine lover, or someone navigating your own defining moment, Kora's story will remind you that luxury truly begins within. Kora’s Bio and Contact Information Kora Franco is the Founder and CEO of Aesthetic Wines, a modern luxury wine brand rooted in resilience, ambition, and bold self-expression. Guided by a deeply personal journey shaped by both triumph and personal loss, Kora believes that luxury is a mindset — one defined by intention, confidence, and the ability to appreciate the journey as much as the destination. Before founding Aesthetic Wines, Kora built her career in banking and consulting, working with top financial institutions and one of the Big Four consulting firms in New York City. Her experience navigating high-performance, male-dominated environments sharpened her strategic mindset, discipline, and leadership style, while reinforcing her passion for empowering women to move boldly, claim their space, confidence, and define success on their own terms. Wine became a natural extension of that philosophy. Through moments of reflection and celebration shared over thoughtfully curated tastings with friends and family, Kora recognized wine as more than a beverage — it is a symbol of mindset, milestones, and the perseverance behind every achievement. This realization became the foundation of Aesthetic Wines — a brand created for those who live intentionally, rise resiliently, and understand that true luxury begins within. Under Kora’s leadership, Aesthetic Wines continues to inspire a community that values confidence, connection, and empowerment — honoring not just where they are, but everything it took to get there. 🔗 Connect with Kora Franco: Website: aestheticwines.com Instagram & TikTok: @AestheticWines App: Aesthetic For Her (Apple & Google) To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com
E286
Jul 22, 2026
34:50
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