The Teaching Journeys Podcast

by Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts ,MSW, LMSW is an adjunct professor of psychology child life at Utica University, an author and a bereavement support specialist. He created The Teaching Journeys Podcast with one thing in mind: To have meaningful conversations with individuals , young and old, whose life journeys/challenges, can teach us something about addressing our own. It is Dave's hope that the teachings from these conversations live on in  ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Third Chances: Tyler Barkey's Path to Helping Others and Finding Meaning

    Third Chances: Tyler Barkey's Path to Helping Others and Finding Meaning

    In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts discusses with guest Tyler Barkey, who shares his life experiences and journey towards recovery from addiction. Tyler, a counselor with over a decade of experience working with different age groups, opens up about his struggles stemming from a challenging childhood, substance abuse during his teenage years, and his eventual path to sobriety. He highlights the importance of spiritual awareness and the role of community support in recovery. Tyler also talks about his work through Third Chance Services, where he provides coaching and counseling to individuals, focusing on empowering them to overcome life challenges. The episode sheds light on addiction, recovery, and the significance of holistic treatment approaches. Tyler's Bio and Contact Information Tyler has worked with adolescents, young adults, and adults for over 10 years in many different counseling settings. Tyler's goal is to meet people where they are and help get them to the place they want to be. He uses his own personal experiences and passion for growth to help motivate and hopefully inspire others to live a purposeful life. We all know life isn't always easy, but Tyler believes that everyone has the ability to grow into the person they aspire to be. Contact Information: Website: thirdchanceservices.com Phone: 720-655-3845 The Teaching Journeys Podcast can be found on your favorite podcast platforms. To find out more about dave go to : davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page at: psychologyprofessiorandminister.com

  • Unleashed Hearts: Victoria Volk on Grief Recovery and Energy Healing

    Unleashed Hearts: Victoria Volk on Grief Recovery and Energy Healing

    In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, Dave Roberts interviews Victoria Volk, owner of Unleashed Heart LLC, an expert in holistic grief recovery. Volk, who hosts the Grieving Voices podcast, shares her personal journey through immense childhood grief and trauma, including losing close family members and experiencing sexual molestation. She explains her pivot to energy work, becoming a Reiki master and biofield tuning practitioner. Volk discusses her unique approach by integrating the grief recovery method with YouMap assessments to help clients understand their strengths and align their life paths post-grief. Dave and Victoria also explore the impact of early experiences on adult life, forgiveness, the necessity of doing 'the work' for self-growth, and how individualized support frameworks can help people move from surviving to thriving.. Bio and Contact Info Victoria, the owner of The Unleashed Heart, LLC, is an Advanced Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Self-Published Author, Reiki Master, Certified YouMap® Coach, Certified Biofield Tuning Practitioner, and End-of-Life Doula. Through in-person and online evidence-based grief programs, life-path coaching, her podcast Grieving Voices, and in-person or distance healing sessions, Victoria offers holistic support to those who want to go from surviving to thriving. Website Podcast Instagram - @theunleashedheart Facebook - @victoriatheunleashedheart LinkedIn - Victoria Volk Newsletter - The Unleashed Letters, a bi-weekly e-publication My Book - The Guided Heart: Moving Through Grief & Finding Spiritual Solace YouTube Channel

  • Embracing Integrative Health Practices: A Conversation with Catherine Miller

    Embracing Integrative Health Practices: A Conversation with Catherine Miller

    In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Catherine Miller, an integrative wellness professional and Reiki master. They discuss Catherine's extensive background in wellness practices, including Reiki, yoga, and nutrition, highlighting her personal journey through significant health challenges such as hip surgeries and a brain tumor. Catherine shares how these experiences shaped her holistic approach to health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of spiritual self-care and intuition. The conversation delves into the role of Reiki in healing, its integration with Western medicine, and the impact it has had on patients, families, and healthcare staff at George Washington University Hospital. They also explore the significance of balancing inner and outer wellbeing, and the value of developing a personal toolkit for self-care. Catherine's Bio and Contact Information Catherine Miller, Integrative Wellness Professional and Reiki Master. She is a passionate wellness professional in the DMV area. She enhances corporate wellness by day and teaches Reiki and Yoga by night. Catherine's expertise spans Reiki, mindfulness, and trauma-informed practices. She is a Reiki Master Teacher at Four Directions Wellness in Alexandria, VA, and a 200-hour registered yoga teacher specializing in Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra. With an M.S. in Nutrition, Catherine is also a Certified Crystal Practitioner, Health & Wellness Coach, Energy & Sound Healing Facilitator, and trained in Holy Fire® Reiki. Honored as one of Alexandria's 40 Under 40 in 2020, she empowers self-awareness and healing through her integrative approach. Website: https://fourdirectionswellness.com/ Social link: https://www.facebook.com/fourdirectionswellness The Teaching Journeys Podcast is available on your favorite podcast platforms. To find out more about Dave, please go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

  • Rethinking Health and Wellness: A Conversation With Dr. Jacob Kendall

    Rethinking Health and Wellness: A Conversation With Dr. Jacob Kendall

    In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts talks with Dr. Jacob Kendall, who has a unique background in health care, including surviving two open heart surgeries and extensive training in gerontology, public health, social work, biology, and theology. Dr. Kendall emphasizes the importance of a four-dimensional approach to health care that integrates multiple perspectives beyond the individualistic medical viewpoint. The conversation also delves into the importance of spiritual care, societal views on aging, and the necessity of embracing one's mortality for a better quality of life. Dr. Kendall shares personal anecdotes, professional insights, and his thoughts on the future of integrative medicine. Bio and Contact Information Dr. Jacob Kendall demystifies health(care). He is the survivor of two open-heart surgeries in early adulthood and has formal training in gerontology, public health, social work, biology, and theology. Jacob believes the key to mastering health and being a savvy patient or caregiver is a convergent 4-dimensional approach, integrating multiple perspectives to show that health and healthcare are more than individualistic, medical, here, and now. He is a former professor of social work and global health. Socials and Website LinkedIn Website The Teaching Journeys Podcast is available on your favorite podcast platforms To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page, psychologyprofessorandminister.com

  • Grief ,Growth and The Magic of Connections

    Grief ,Growth and The Magic of Connections

    In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back Michael Gershe, a survivor of a drunk driving crash that claimed his mother's life and almost his own. Gershe shares his journey from trauma to triumph, detailing his accomplishments as a collegiate swimmer, comedian, speaker, author, college educator, and photographer. They discuss the impact of connections in Gershe's life, spotlighting his latest TED Talk 'Saved by Our Connections,' and highlight the role of humor and personal relationships in healing. Gershe reflects on his significant life events, including his work to prevent impaired driving through The Magic of Life Foundation, and he offers insights into male grief and the importance of asking for help. The episode wraps with a discussion of Gershe’s ongoing projects and the profound impact of connections on resilience and recovery. Michael's Bio Michael Gershe is a survivor of a drunk driving crash that killed his mother and nearly himself when he was 8 weeks old. Despite breaking almost all his bones in the crash, he went on to become a collegiate swimmer, comedian, speaker, author, college educator and photographer. Raised in Miami, Florida, he attended Ashland University on a swimming scholarship where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. Michael earned his Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Akron. He has been at Kent State University for 24 years and is the Senior Advisor for the College of Aeronautics and Engineering where he advises the Professional Pilot major. With over 25 years’ experience on stage as a comedian and speaker, Michael has presented his programs at schools, colleges, military bases and two TedxTalk presentations. Michael has been presenting his program for 11 years at the Stow Municipal Court for first time drunk driver offenders. He has been a guest on several national podcasts regarding grief and trauma speaking from the male’s perspective. In 2015 he founded The Magic of Life Foundation, a non-profit organization, that helps his mission in eliminating impaired driving making communities safer and empowering people to make better choices in life. In 2019, he published his memoir, “The Magic of Life: A Son’s Story After Tragedy, Grief and a Speedo.” One Amazon reader said, “This book will inspire any reader to be a better person! This is one of the best books I have read in a long time!” The book can be bought on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Contact Info: michaelgershe.com The Teaching Journeys Podcast can be found on your favorite podcast platforms. To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page, psychologyprofessorandminister.com