David Winter Episode 41

Raised in a loving family, David never imagined that being introduced to drugs at just 14 years old would change the course of his life. What began with experimentation eventually led to methamphetamine and later a devastating fentanyl addiction that kept him trapped for decades.

After years of homelessness and chasing his next high, a compassionate volunteer who consistently checked on him helped guide David toward recovery. Following rehab, David got sober, returned to school, and became a substance abuse counselor.

Today, David dedicates his life to helping others find hope and healing. In this powerful episode, he shares his journey through addiction, recovery, and redemption, proving that no matter how long you've struggled, it's never too late to change your life.

Hosted by Jori Kinney

Instagram.com/jorikinney

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Sponsored by Aspire Counseling Services

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Created and Produced by Citryn Marketing

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Music: https://elements.envato.com/emotional...

Content warning: This episode discusses addiction, mental health, trauma, and loss. The views and experiences shared are personal and not a substitute for professional advice. Listener discretion is advised.

In Episode 40 of the Shattered Silence Podcast, we sit down with Juanita Roland, whose journey shares many parallels with host Jori. After the podcast first launched, Juanita reached out to Jori after recognizing the similarities in their experiences with loss, grief, and addiction.

Juanita bravely shares the story of losing her husband to an overdose and reflects on the larger-than-life person he was. She opens up about his battle with addiction, the challenges he faced staying sober, and how setbacks often came when life seemed to be going well.

She also shares the unique and beautiful relationship she had with her husband's ex-wife as they navigated grief together, leaning on one another through unimaginable loss. Tragically, that bond was later tested by another heartbreaking loss when addiction claimed her life as well.

Determined to turn pain into purpose, Juanita now honors her husband's memory through a foundation created in his name. Through advocacy, fundraising, and community support, she works to help families affected by addiction while raising awareness about the devastating impact substance use disorders can have on loved ones.

This episode is a powerful conversation about grief, resilience, addiction, hope, and finding purpose after tragedy. If you or someone you love has been impacted by addiction or loss, Juanita's story serves as a reminder that healing is possible and that no one has to walk this journey alone.

Subscribe for more conversations that break the silence surrounding grief, addiction, mental health, and recovery.

In Episode 39 of the Just for Today Podcast, we sit down with Vee Carlson — a trainer, Pilates instructor, and mental health advocate — as she courageously shares her journey through depression, postpartum depression, isolation, and healing.

Vee opens up about moving to Alaska during her husband’s military deployment, navigating pregnancy far from family and support, and experiencing some of the darkest moments of her life, including a suicide attempt. Through honesty and vulnerability, she shares what helped her begin finding hope again.

She credits her husband’s training working with veterans, the importance of finding the right therapist (even when it takes multiple tries), staying active, and learning how to ask for support as key parts of her healing journey. Today, Vee uses her experience to help others through fitness, movement, and advocacy — reminding people they are never alone in their struggles.

This episode is a powerful conversation about motherhood, mental health, resilience, and the reality that healing is not linear.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7 in the United States.

You are not alone.

Guest: Vee Carlson Instagram: @veecarls

Sponsored by Aspire Counseling Services www.aspirecounselingservice.com Help available 24/7 1-888-585-7373 Instagram: @aspire_counseling_services

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In this powerful episode, Jori sits down with Tracy Embry-Hernandez, MSN, RN, Associate Patient Care Executive, and Mandy Herrera, Project Manager & Community Health Worker from Adventist Health in Bakersfield, California.

Together, they dive into the Adventist Health Bridge Model—a program designed to support individuals in our community as they recover from drug addiction. Through an honest Q&A conversation, they break down how the program works, why it’s needed, and the real impact it’s having on people’s lives.

Tracy and Mandy also share personal stories from their work on the front lines, giving a deeper look into the challenges, the victories, and the human side of recovery. Their passion and compassion shine through as they discuss how this program has become a vital resource in addressing the addiction epidemic in our community.

This episode highlights what’s possible when healthcare goes beyond treatment and truly shows up for people.

🎙️ Episode out now 📺 Watch on YouTube 🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

If you or someone you know is struggling, this conversation could be the start of hope and healing.

#ShatteredSilencePodcast #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #CommunitySupport #Bakersfield #AdventistHealth

Adventist Health Hospital www.adventisthealth.org Instagram: @adventisthealthcentralca

Sponsored by Aspire Counseling Services www.aspirecounselingservice.com Help available 24/7 1-888-585-7373 Instagram: @aspire_counseling_services

Shattered Silence Podcast Links

https://linktr.ee/shatteredsilencepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Produced by: Citryn Marketing

Website:

Instagram: @citrynmarketing

YouTube description for Episode 37 Lindsay Hackford

Episode 37 is one of the most powerful and heartfelt conversations we’ve had on the show.

Lindsey Hackford bravely sits down to share her story of surviving a domestic violence situation that began when she was just 16 years old. What started as a young relationship quickly turned into years of emotional manipulation, control, and psychological trauma. Lindsey opens up about how she was made to believe it was her responsibility to take care of her partner, while being told she shouldn’t expect loyalty or fulfillment from him alone.

Over time, that emotional abuse escalated into physical violence. Lindsey shares the reality of how difficult it was to leave, the many attempts it took, and the strength it required to finally break free.

This episode is not just about survival—it’s about rebuilding. Lindsey takes us through her journey of starting over, rediscovering her self-worth, and regaining her confidence. Today, she stands strong, supported by a loving husband who encourages her to share her story in hopes of helping others who may be going through similar experiences.

If you or someone you know needs to hear this message, please share this episode. You are not alone, and there is a way out.

#Podcast #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SurvivorStory #HealingJourney #Episode37

Lindsey’s Links:

Instagram: @living.inthe.aftermath and @lyndseyh6723

The Refuge Utah

Instagram: @therefugeutah https://therefugeutah.org

Resources:

National Domestic Violence Hotline

800-799-7233

Shattered Silence Podcast Links

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Produced by: Citryn Marketing

In Episode 36, Austynn Samarco shares her deeply personal story of losing her father to alcohol—and the complicated grief that followed.

Austynn reflects on the close bond she once had with her dad, from cherished memories to moments they shared that even went viral online. As she began her college journey, their relationship was still a strong and meaningful part of her life. But over time, things began to change. His behavior shifted—there was distance, confusion, and pain that Austynn couldn’t fully understand at the time.

It wasn’t until much later that she discovered the truth: her father had been silently battling alcohol addiction.

By the time she understood the depth of his struggle, Austynn was faced with unimaginable, life-and-death decisions no young adult should have to make. Now, she opens up about navigating the grief, guilt, and unanswered questions left behind.

This episode is a powerful reminder of how addiction impacts not only the individual, but everyone around them—even after they’re gone. Austynn’s story is one of love, loss, and learning to heal, and it serves as an important message for both young adults and parents about the lasting effects of addiction.

If you or someone you love is struggling, know that you’re not alone.

#AddictionAwareness #Grief #MentalHealth #AlcoholAddiction #HealingJourney

🎙️ Episode 35 | Shattered Silence Podcast

NOW STREAMING

In this episode, Jori sits down with our guest, Stephanie Grimsley, for a raw and honest conversation about her journey through severe postpartum depression.

What many expect to be one of the most beautiful seasons of life became a deeply challenging and isolating experience. Stephanie shares how her postpartum depression led her into a dark place, the moment she realized she needed help, and how seeking support from her doctor and therapist became a turning point in her healing.

She also opens up about the vital role her family played in her recovery and how she was able to overcome one of the most difficult seasons of her life.

This episode sheds light on the reality that postpartum doesn’t always match the “perfect” image we see online and that struggling doesn’t make you a bad mom, it makes you human.

If you or someone you love is navigating postpartum depression, this conversation is here to remind you: you are not alone, and help is available.

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#PostpartumDepression #MentalHealthAwareness #ShatteredSilencePodcast #MotherhoodUnfiltered #HealingJourney #YouAreNotAlone

Postpartum Depression: A Real Story | Episode 35 | Stephanie Grimsley Shares Her Story

In Episode 34 of the Shattered Silence Podcast, host Jori Kinney sits down with Scott Huhn, President of Aspire and proud sponsor of our show, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation.

Scott was one of Jori’s very first guests back in Season One — the episode where she bravely shared the story of losing Kyle, the inspiration behind Shattered Silence. In this episode, they reconnect, reflect on how far the podcast has come, and revisit the mission that started it all.

Scott checks in on Jori, acknowledging the emotional weight that comes with carrying so many stories of grief, addiction, and trauma. They talk openly about how Jori copes with the heaviness of the stories she holds, the importance of checking in on those who support others, how to help a loved one who may be struggling with addiction, and how to seek help for yourself — even if you’re not the addict. They also speak about the very real hope that exists, even in the darkest seasons, and the message they both continue striving to share.

This episode is honest, grounding, and full of compassion. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, that supporting others requires support too, and that hope is always within reach.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please know you are not alone.

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and continue helping us break the silence around grief, addiction, and mental health.