In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Joanna is bringing you a special parent series, where she interviews parents whose children have overcome a variety of mental health challenges. To kick off the series, Joanna sits down with "Dean," whose tumultuous journey began with his son's frequent and severe migraines, which caused him to miss a lot of school. From there, his son’s quality of life started rapidly going downhill with marijuana usage and an excessive video game habit. By the time he was a freshman in college, everything came to a breaking point. "Dean" shares what that pivotal moment looked like for their family, and how an unexpected recommendation by a therapist was the beginning of transformation.
Disclaimer: Please note that this special series by parents is the parent perspective sharing mental health and substance abuse crisis with their adolescent or young adult children. These episodes may include content or topics around suicide, overdosing, and other traumatic experiences. Listener discretion is advised!
Dean’s Resources
An Unchanged Mind: The Problem of Immaturity in Adolescence (book)
The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance (book)
Cornerstones of Maine (Transitional Living Program for Young Adults)
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
#therapeuticconsulting #lilleyconsulting #successful #youngadults #therapeuticprograms #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #therapy #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #studentmentalhealth #thejourney #successissubjective #theunpavedroad #wildernesstherapy
On this week's episode of Success is Subjective, host Joanna Lilley has Lea Anne Paskvalich on the show to discuss her journey to success within the neurodivergent community. Lea Anne is the founder of Next Step Consulting and a neurodivergent consultant based out of Superior, Colorado. Lea Anne has spent the last 24 years connecting neurodivergent individuals and families with education, employment, resources, and relationships they need in order to thrive as they become adults. She has extensive experience and understanding based on her journey with an autistic child herself and uses that to focus on the challenges the neurodivergent community faces. Listen as she shares her journey and steps to success.
Connect with Lea Anne Paskvalich
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
#therapeuticconsulting #lilleyconsulting #successful #youngadults #therapeuticprograms #nextstepsconsulting #neurodivergentconsulting #autisticcommunity #nextstepsresourcefair #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #superiorcolorado #autismsociety #autism #therapy #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #thejourney #successissubjective
On this week's episode of Success is Subjective, host Joanna Lilley has Molly Powrie on the show. Molly started in therapeutic programming in 2013 while working with young adults struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. She has made it her career to specialize in the personal and academic needs of young adults who encounter social and psychological struggles that deter them from success. She is currently the Director of Admissions and Business Development at Skyline Recovery Center in Bend, OR where she focuses on connecting families, clients, and referring professionals, by offering support and exploring what Skyline can offer based on individual needs.
Connect with Molly Powrie
Email: molly@skylinerecoverybend.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
#therapeuticconsulting #lilleyconsulting #successful #youngadults #therapeuticprograms #addiction #depression #substanceabuseaddiction #skylinerecovery #therapy #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #thejourney #successissubjective
On this week's episode of Success is Subjective, host Joanna Lilley has an amazing guest on the show, Lynne Pedersen. Lynne is a leader in the adolescent mental health field. She developed the foundation that enabled two adolescent residential programs to emerge as the largest and finest in the nation. She is passionate about the advancement of mental health services in teens and young adults. In this podcast, she talks about the void in the support landscape for our youth and shares about her journey to success and the events that lead her to where she is now.
Connect with Lynne Pedersen
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
#therapeuticconsulting #lilleyconsulting #successful #troubledteens #theraputicprograms #youngadults #depression #atcretreats #oneoncampus #adolescentmentalhealth #therapy #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #thejourney #successissubjective
On this week's episode of Success is Subjective, host Joanna Lilley has a great guest and good friend, Chloe Abedin-Kruskol on the show. Choe was actively involved with social justice at a young age. She volunteered at a camp for children and families affected by HIV/Aids. She has worked in many community mental health spaces focusing on court mandated clients and partnering in law enforcement offices to bring trauma informed services to Los Angeles' most vulnerable populations. She specializes in transgenerational trauma and has written a thesis about it. Listen as shares her incredible journey to success!
Connect with Chloe Abedin-Kruskol
Launch Centers
Email chloe@launchcenters.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
#therapeuticconsulting #lilleyconsulting #publicmentalhealthprograms #successful #success #theraputicprograms #nonprofit #socialjustice #communitymentalhealthprograms #familyprograms #therapy #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #education #intergenerationaltrauma #volunteer #familyintegration #successissubjective
This week Joanna is joined by Josh Miller, Director of Family and Referral Communications at Choice House in Boulder, CO on this episode of Success is Subjective. With over 11 years in the behavioral health industry and a person in long term recovery due to mental health struggles and severe substance abuse, Josh has dedicated his life and career to helping others and their families get the help they need. His greatest passion and purpose is seeing family systems move from chaos to solutions and matching resources with their needs.
Connect with Josh Miller
Email: josh@choicehouse.com
Phone: 205-306-3742
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
On this week's episode of Success is Subjective, host Joanna Lilley has special guest Vashti Summervill on the show to discuss how she created success in her life by setting goals and getting them done. Vashti has a long list of successes such as educator, PCI, certified parent coach, author, musician, therapeutic consultant, and a mindfulness based stress reduction instructor. Her passion is to help others cultivate resilience in the world we find ourselves in. She also shares how music helped her through the grief of losing a parent and how important it is to her.
Connect with Vashti Summervill
Vashti Summervill on Instagram
Album: Put My Love In A Picture on Spotify
Book: Letters From the Wilderness of Modern Parenting
Family Healing Pathways - Vashti Summervill
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
On this week's episode of Success is Subjective, host Joanna Lilley has guest Colin MacDonald on the show. From college, work in professional sports, tech sales and then he stepped into his passion by founding Not Therapy Life Coaching. His approach to mentorship is rooted in personal expertise and empowers young people because he can relate to them. In his adolescent life, Colin battled with severe depression, suicidal ideation, drug and alcohol abuse and failing out of school. He was sent to wilderness treatment and therapeutic boarding school. From that, he has made it his life passion to help others who are struggling with similar circumstances.
Connect with Colin MacDonald
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
On this week's episode of Success is Subjective, host Joanna Lilley has special guest Dr. Heather Tracy on the show. Dr. Tracy is the co-founder and executive director of Costa Rica’s New Summit Academy boarding school, the Bridge young adult program, the Pathfinder Gap program, and the Supportive Immersion Institute. She was a presidential scholar at St. Louis University where she received an honors BA in Psychology and French. She also attended Harvard graduate school and education and completed a Masters in education with a focus on Culture and Human Development specifically focusing on at-risk adolescence. She is passionate about designing effective learning experiences for non-traditional learners. She has also lived in Costa Rica since 2002 and is tri-lingual.
Connect with Heather Tracy
- Supportive Immersion Institute
- Supportive Immersion Institute on Facebook
- New Summit Academy
- New Summit Academy on Facebook
- New Summit Academy on Instagram
- New Summit Academy on LinkedIn
- The Bridge Costa Rica
- The Bridge Young Adults on Facebook
- The Bridge Young Adults on Instagram
- Pathfinder Gap Program
- Pathfinder on Instagram
- Pathfinder on LinkedIn
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Therapeutic Consulting Association
- Lilley Consulting Website
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Sponsored by: No one currently! Let me know if you're interested in sponsoring!
- Email joanna@successissubjective.org
#therapeuticconsulting #lilleyconsulting #pathfindercr #newsummitacademycr #youngadults #thebridgeyoungadultscr #supportiveimmersioninstitute #atriskteens #humandevelopment #psychology #podcast #podcastcommunity #thejourney #successissubjective
On today's episode, Bogie Foden joins Joanna on the show. Bogie grew up in a town where there were 160 people in his graduating class. In his community, it was expected that after graduation everyone would go to a 4 year college and get a good degree. After touring the campus at the University of Colorado in Boulder, he decided that this was where he wanted to be. During freshman year he ended up getting suspended and ended up attending a community college where he learned much about life. He shares that his classmates were adults and parents of all ages that were working full time and some multiple jobs while attending college to get their degrees. This was definitely an eye opening experience for him that helped shape him into the person he is today as well as his career path in clinical social work, residential treatment and wilderness therapy.
Connect with Bogie Foden
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
#therapeuticconsulting #lilleyconsulting #collegementalhealth #communitycollege #socialworker #wildernesstherapy #residentialtreatment #collegesuccess #colorado #psychology #podcast #podcastcommunity #youarenotalone #findingmyway
Today’s farewell episode of Success is Subjective is a special conversation, featuring Joanna Lilley’s personal story of how she got to where she is today. Joanna shares that while she was set on going to college, once there, she struggled to find what she was passionate about, until a professor championed her towards her current path. Working in numerous therapeutic capacities, Joanna had her sights set on eventually opening her own consulting firm. Reflecting on the last 199 episodes of this podcast, Joanna expresses her vision for what’s next on her journey.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
Today’s episode of Success is Subjective features a meaningful conversation between Joanna, and Danny Conroy. Danny shares what it was like for him to overcome numerous challenges, including childhood abuse, his parents divorce, plus losing a child and a best friend. While the odds have been stacked against him since a young age, Danny is here to encourage listeners that it’s never too late to lead the life you want. He explains the therapeutic work he has been involved with for a number of years, and how he’s helping young people overcome their life circumstances to define and achieve success for themselves. If you feel as though you’re facing an impossible situation, or you’re struggling to find your purpose, this episode will encourage you and will leave you feeling empowered.
Connect with Danny Conroy
danny@aimhouse.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Growing up in Long Island, New York, the academic heat was on for Brian. Attending a very competitive high school, then enrolling in a college that was even more academically rigorous, was only the very beginning of the challenges that awaited. Today’s episode of Success is Subjective features an honest look at the relentless pursuit of Brian Frumberg as he fully submerged himself in the world of venture capital. Brian shares his recipe for success with listeners, that took him from an inexperienced young man to a highly sought after businessman.
Connect with Brian Frumberg
Instagram: @ventureoutny
Facebook: VentureOut
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
From a young age, Amanda Koplin was highly ambitious, with a desire to pursue multiple career paths. While struggling in high school and only coming out with a 2.6 GPA, Amanda had to fight her way into college. Eventually realizing that she wanted to work in the therapeutic world, Amanda honed in on her studies, keeping the end goal in mind. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Amanda shares her various business endeavors with Joanna, and her tremendous heart for helping people heal and overcome. She encourages listeners with sage advice regarding a multitude of matters, including having the courage to try, the continual pursuit of success, and deciding your own fate.
Connect with Amanda Koplin
amanda@koplinconsulting.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
This episode of Success is Subjective features a conversation between Joanna and Will White. Will has worked in the mental health field for over 25 years. Today, he’s sharing with listeners how he got to where he is now as an author, mental health advocate and consultant. Will also describes how the modalities and methods used in the mental health profession are continually changing and evolving, and explains why it’s important to be open minded and grow with the changes.
Connect with Will White
Stories From the Field (book)
White Mountain Adventure Institute
will@storiesfromthefield.com
Additional Links
Stories From the Field, Episode 160 with Joanna Lilley
Stories From the Field, Episode 45 with Joanna Lilley
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Growing up in rural Utah, Brian came from humble beginnings. While hard working, his parents still struggled to make ends meet. Wanting a better quality life for their son than they could provide, Brian’s parents pushed him towards higher education. From a freak accident that cost his sports career, to serving a two year mission, to multiple attempts at college and everywhere in between, Brian shares his anything-but-linear journey. He explains how he eventually came to be a founder of At The Crossroads and shares the work they are doing to help young adults find their way in life.
Connect with Brian Virgin
Shannon: 435.862.0010
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Showing symptoms of ADHD and anxiety by 8th grade, it wasn’t long until Adam McLean’s educational journey came to an abrupt end. From dropping out of high school, to dependence on multiple drugs, to jail time and many other choices and challenges, Adam spent many years consumed by a life of trauma. Today’s episode of Success is Subjective shares the powerful story of one man who overcame impossible odds. Tune in to hear how hope can find its way into the most unlikely of situations through Adam’s inspiring testimony.
Connect with Adam McLean
Adam’s Cell: 928.600.5488
Instagram: @theguesthouseocala
Facebook: The Guest House Ocala
Other Resources:
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s episode of Success is Subjective is both a heartfelt and inspiring conversation between Joanna and her guest, Neal Williams. Neal shares openly about how his battle with addiction almost cost him his very life. Bouncing around from schools and treatment centers wasn’t enough to set him straight, but Neal explains the pivotal moment that finally changed everything. Tune in to hear how an unlikely setting was just what Neal needed to turn his life around, and also to learn about the incredible work he is doing today as he helps others who are struggling.
Connect with Neal Williams
Instagram: @elevatedlifestyle_academy
Facebook: Elevated Lifestyle Academy
YouTube: Elevated Lifestyle Academy
Book: Letters Home: A Journey Into Recovery
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Floating around, struggling to figure out what his purpose was, John’s friends jokingly nicknamed him “lost boy.” Which was fitting at the time, but also a moment that allowed John the gift of self-reflection. He started asking himself what he wanted to do with his life and more importantly, who he wanted to be. From boarding school, to private school, to substance use and fraternities, John slowly learned who he was by first learning who he wasn’t. Tune in to today’s episode of Success is Subjective to hear how fate can find you when you least expect it.
Connect with John Winton
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, Josh Flaherty knew from a young age that post-secondary education was a must. An addiction that first began in high school and continued through college, eventually caught up with Josh and forced him to face himself after he had an established career in the music industry. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Josh shares with listeners what that pivotal moment in his life was like. He also explains how choosing to heal led him down a different path than he ever expected.
Website: Adventure Recovery
Instagram: @adventurerecovery
Facebook: Adventure Recovery
Email: info@adventurerecovery.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Have you ever felt like there isn’t a job that’s just right for you? What if you could curate a career that’s perfectly tailored toward your unique strengths and interests? Today’s Success is Subjective guest, Andrew Tepper, did exactly that. Andrew shares how he merged his passion and curiosity to unlock his calling in the world of integrative therapy. He gives listeners his best advice for stepping away from societal pressure and tuning in to their unique passions.
Connect with Andrew Tepper
Email: info@bodatherapy.com
Email: atepper@bodytherapy.com
Website: www.bodatherapy.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s episode of Success is Subjective is a conversation between Joanna and sisters Sally and Lyle McClain. Sally and Lyle reflect on their individual journeys of overcoming trauma, which eventually led them to running a business together. They encourage listeners to lean into the discomfort of changing plans and close with a powerful message that even when life feels off track, you might be on the brink of something beautifully unexpected.
Connect with Lyle and Sally McClain
Mentoring website: bridgethegapservices.com
Phone: (805) 558-4599
Email: btg@bridgethegapservices.com
Instagram: @bridgethegapservices
Facebook: Bridge the Gap Services
Lyle’s therapy practice: https://www.therapywithlyle.com/
Lyle’s email: lyle@therapywithlyle.com
Sally’s therapy practice: https://sallymcclaintherapy.com/
Sally’s email: sallym@bridgethegapservices.com
Other Links:
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s episode of Success is Subjective is a conversation between Joanna and her guest, Cade Ruzzuto. Cade is the executive chef at a treatment facility geared toward trauma and addiction recovery. He shares his passion for food and the importance of people identifying the link between nutrition and their mental health. While mental health was historically seen as a segregated issue, Cade sheds light on the integral role food plays in aiding and upholding a person’s overall health, including their mental health.
Connect with Cade Rizzuto
Email: cade@cornercanyonhc.com
IG: @caderizzuto
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Most people feel some sense of urgency in their everyday lives: urgency to complete certain milestones in educational or professional settings; urgency to get married; to have children; and to climb the corporate ladder and beyond. Unfortunately, the pace of the western world doesn’t relent regardless of one’s personal season of life. Today’s Success is Subjective guest, Lu Vaughn, liberates listeners by sharing how she intentionally unhooked herself from this societal pressure she once lived under. Lu mindfully reflects on lessons learned over the years, that she wishes her younger self knew.
Connect with Lu Vaughn
Website: solutionsparentingsupport.com
Email: luvcounselingservices@gmail.com
Phone: (404) 558-8747
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Difficulty with executive functioning can be a significant obstacle in life for any person and Jake Tucker was no exception. While he had good intentions, Jake felt those rarely translated to the world around him that he was struggling to keep up with. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Jake shares how he overcame some of the challenges he faced in high school and college, and discovered his passion in therapeutic work.
Connect with Jake Tucker
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with Grant Leibersberger, the founder and principal of Focus Collegiate. Grant shares his journey of being a first generation college graduate, to working in wilderness therapy and now, running his own business. He is passionate about advocating for young people, and shares how Focus Collegiate supports college students with learning differences.
Connect with Grant Leibersberger
grant@focuscollegiate.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
After attending a vigorous, private high school, Hilary went straight into college and then graduate school, where she earned her master’s degree in social work. During her graduate program, Hilary discovered wilderness therapy and has continued working in that field ever since. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Hilary discusses what she hopes young people glean from wilderness therapy, how parents can support their children, and she also shares information from her recently published book, H.O.M.E.
Connect with Hilary Moses
H.O.M.E (book)
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with outdoor educator and recovery coach, Tim Walsh. Tim shares his story of overcoming trauma and addiction largely through mentors and the outdoors, and explains how he is now helping others do the same. Tim encourages young people who are struggling with mental health or addiction and inspires hope with the realization that it’s possible to thrive on the other side of some of life’s greatest challenges.
Connect with Tim Walsh
info@adventurerecovery.com
timw@adventurerecovery.com
Instagram: @adventurerecovery
Facebook: Adventure Recovery
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Growing up in a single-parent household, attending college was non-negotiable for Shannon. But by the end of her sophomore year, she had burnt out and made the decision to quit school and shelf her lifelong identity as a competitive swimmer. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Shannon shares how the tools of neuroscience helped her overcome imposter syndrome and establish a very fulfilling life that she previously could have never imagined. She also explains how she now utilizes those same tools in order to help her clients find satisfaction in their own lives.
Connect with Shannon Earle
Personal Coaching: Shannonearlecoaching.com
Athletic Coaching: Slingshotperformancecoaching.com
Email: shannonearlecoaching@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Getting through high school by the skin of his teeth, Shane knew his academic challenges weren’t due to laziness or lack of intelligence. Off to college for the wrong reasons, it didn’t take long before Shane’s world crumbled apart and the school asked him to leave. Eventually Shane’s struggles with school and substance abuse made sense with proper diagnosing and they dissipated as he committed himself to treatment. Today’s episode will encourage anyone who feels they are on the wrong path or those who are battling addiction.
Connect with Shane Currin
Email: shane@soulegria.com
Phone: (774) 823-5691
Linkedin: Shane Currin
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s episode of Success is Subjective features a conversation with Joanna and her guest, Cameron Cann. Cameron shares honestly what his journey of overcoming substance abuse has looked like and provides listeners with helpful insights gleaned through the recovery and healing process that Cameron himself wishes he knew sooner. While Cameron’s current job in the recovery field can be very emotionally taxing at tims, he shares why he ultimately finds it to be so rewarding.
Connect with Cameron Cann
Cameron: +1 (804) 381-1203
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
A dedicated dancer, Tara hoped her passion would turn into her future career. Her heart set on dancing, Tara didn’t give much thought to post-secondary education during high school, but eventually decided to apply to a few colleges. Having trouble with the application process, Tara thought everything would be smooth-sailing once she was accepted to a school in Philadelphia, but her problems were only just beginning. Tune in to today’s episode of Success is Subjective to hear how Tara overcame numerous challenges through college and beyond, that eventually led her to become a spiritual career mentor and international best-selling author.
Connect with Tara Hailsip
Website: www.groundedenergy111.com
Email: tara@groundedenergy111.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s episode of Success is Subjective features a conversation between Joanna and her guest, Emily Pyke. Emily is native to Tasmania, Australia but currently resides in New Zealand for her career. After finishing year 12 of her education, Emily didn’t have a good sense of who she was and therefore didn’t feel ready to attend University. Tune in to hear how Emily found herself as an entrepreneur today, by allowing her path to unfold naturally and without hurry.
Connect with Emily Pyke
Website: Bare Thrills
Tiktok: BareThrills_Underwear
Instagram: barethrills_underwear
Facebook: Bare Thrills Active Underwear
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Off to college, searching for her purpose, Ceallaigh quickly discovered she felt like a mere number in a sea of thousands of students. After attending two colleges that weren’t a good fit, Ceallaigh learned of a special outdoor school that gave her exactly what she needed in order to succeed in her postsecondary education and with the establishing of her nonprofit. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, you will learn about alternative college options that you might not have known exist, and you will be encouraged to continue advocating for yourself and looking for what you need.
Connect with Ceallaigh Smart
Website: Print the Love
Email: hello@printthelove.org
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Sometimes we fall into a way of existing out of perceived or unspoken expectations from others. That was the case for Dai Manuel, who started on a path of following the footsteps of his father who was a veterinarian. Not far into school, Dai realized he was seeking his father’s affirmation, more than he was seeking his own destiny. He wasn’t passionate about what he was doing and needed to make a change. Tune in to today’s episode of Success is Subjective to learn how to identify what is for you, and what ideals and expectations to unhook yourself from.
Connect with Dai Manuel
Website: https://www.daimanuel.com/
TEDx: Why Vulnerability is a Human Thing
FB: David Dai Manuel
IG: Dai Manuel
LinkedIn: Dai Manuel
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Description: Today’s Success is Subjective conversation is between Joanna and her guest, Caurel Richards. Growing up in Jamaica, Caurel felt a lot of pressure to go to college and was under the impression that an education was all she needed in order to achieve any goal she had for herself in life. Stumbling through college, unsure of what route to take, it took time for Caurel to ultimately discover a career that was in alignment with her unique personality. Caurel gives meaningful and applicable advice to listeners who are struggling to uncover their own calling.
Connect with Caurel Richards
IG: @InDivineThyme
Website: InDivineThyme.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Have you ever found yourself in a pivotal moment of not connecting with the career that you received training or an education in, but not feeling empowered to try something new? That’s the story of today’s Success is Subjective guest, Jess Diamond. Joanna and Jess talk through what that season of Jess’s life looked like, and the moment Jess decided to let go of all she had, to embrace something new. This episode will challenge the way you look at your career and life and will inspire you to make the changes you feel a stirring to make.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Connect with Jess Diamond
Website: jessdiamondcoaching.com
Today’s episode of Success if Subjective features a conversation between Joanna and her guest, Amanada Blau. Growing up in Canada, Amanda felt immense pressure to attend University. While she started off on that path, it didn’t take long for things to fall apart and for Amanda to realize that she needed to learn who she was, before deciding what to do with her life. Tune in to hear how Amanda went from a winding road of hardships and disappointments to full embodiment of who she is, which inevitably helped her uncover the career she feels in alignment with.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Connect with Amanda Blau
IG: @amandalaurenblau
Website: amandalaurenblau.com
Growing up in the suburbs, just outside of Philly, with supportive parents, Timmy’s academic success was off to a good start. While he saw school as a means to play lacrosse and hang out with friends, he was able to get by and fulfill his academic obligations. Tragedy struck just before highschool graduation, sending Timmy into an addiction that spiraled into media headlines. Tune in to hear how Timmy reclaimed his life and how he’s now helping others do the same.
Connect with Timmy Brooks
timmy@synergyhouses.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s episode of Success is Subjective is a heartfelt conversation between Joanna and her guest, Rachel Gutow-Ellis. Coming from a background of shame and perfectionism, Rachel struggled with her mental health from a very young age. From a suicide attempt at 11 years old, to getting engaged to a man 4 weeks after meeting him, Rachel’s childhood and young adult life were nothing but easy or predictable. In today’s episode, Rachel shares how she eventually was able to own her life and step into her calling.
Connect with Rachel Gutow Ellis
Newcastle Educational Consultants
(713) 569-4661
rachel@newcastleeducationalconsultants.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s episode of Success is Subjective is a conversation between Joanna and her guest, Alex Mufson. Alex has a diverse background working in many different helping professions. After being diagnosed with a chronic illness, Alex had to change career paths and take an alternative route that she did not expect. This episode is for those who feel life has dealt them a poor hand and who are struggling to find their way. Tune in to hear how Alex learned to trust her path and cultivate resiliency and how you can do the same.
Connect with Alex Mufson
Website: Aspen Growth Coaching
Documentary: America to Me
IG: @alex.mufson
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s “Special Parent Series” is a conversation between Joanna and CJ. CJ explains the journey of his daughter’s waning mental health, which eventually led to full blown addiction. With various counselors and sobriety programs yielding no substantial change, CJ and his wife made a reluctant decision to give their daughter an ultimatum. Listen to this episode to find out how CJ’s daughter went from addiction to sobriety, and from traumatized to emotionally stable.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s episode of Success is Subjective features a conversation between Joanna and Kyle. Kyle is a recovered addict, who has helped young adults overcome their own addictions. He talks about his journey of attending treatment centers, to working in sales and marketing, and to eventually settling into his calling when he launched his own recovery center for youth. Tune in to hear how Kyle overcame addiction and why he’s now so passionate about helping others do the same.
Connect with Kyle Carter
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s episode of Success is Subjective is another Special Parent Series between Joanna and the father of a boy named Pablo. Pablo’s dad talks about the early warning signs that Pablo was struggling mentally and emotionally, that he now sees in hindsight. He also shares what led up to one of the hardest decisions he ever had to make for Pablo, and how Pablo’s arrest was ultimately the beginning of healing for their family.
Resources mentioned:
Meyer Education & Family Services
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Struggling with regrets about the college she decided to attend, Trish launched into adulthood with a rough start. Eventually realizing Lewis & Clark was the college for her, Trish pursued her M.A. in Counseling Psychology. While still taking a light load of therapy clients, Trish launched her therapeutic consulting business in 2020 which has been her primary focus ever since. Tune in to today’s episode of Success is Subjective to hear more about Trish’s winding journey that eventually led her to exactly where she needed and wanted to be.
Connect with Trish Ruggles
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s Special Parent Series features a conversation between Joanna and a mother named Christina. Christina’s son has had a tumultuous journey of unsuccessfully self-medicating ADHD, anxiety and depression through alcohol. Christina shares what life was like during the thick of it, and how her son has found help, beginning with wilderness therapy. She also shares her best advice for parents who are going through a similar struggle with their teen or young adult, and encourages them to trust their own intuition.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
What leads someone to get involved in the mental health profession? Oftentimes, it’s that person’s journey of fighting for their own mental health that creates a desire in them to help others who are going through similar things. That’s the story of today’s Success is Subjective guest, Bob Hennen. Tune in to this episode to hear how Bob became a therapist after overcoming addiction at the age of 23, and how since then, he has dedicated his life to helping others do the same.
Connect with Bob Hennen
Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s special parent series features a conversation between Joanna and Rae. Rae is a single mom whose son Lucas struggled with mental health from early on in his childhood, which eventually led to substance abuse issues. From battling the school district in court, to eventually placing her son in a residential treatment program, Rae shares the arduous journey her and Lucas have been on. Tune in to be encouraged and find hope if you’re the parent of a child who struggles with their mental health.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Born in Alabama to parents who formerly struggled with addiction, Michael’s own addiction came to a head when he was a teenager. His first treatment program pulled him away from his education and his peers at age 16. After that, Michael struggled to feel like he could succeed both in high school and in college, until his journey with sobriety truly began in his early twenties. Tune in to today’s episode to hear how Michael eventually found lasting freedom from addiction, and how he is now using his life experiences to give back and help others.
Connect with Michael Fierman
IG: @mfierman
FB: Michael Fierman
Phone #: (205) 540-5147
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
On today’s Special Parent Series, Joanna talks to Stephanie Fierman about what it was like to parent her son Michael through his addiction. While Stephanie and her husband both had ongoing involvement with recovery support groups, they still were not prepared when their own son Michael began reaching for drugs as a teenager. With the gift of hindsight, Stephanie shares what warning signs they missed, and discusses the isolation and shame the family felt during that time. Tune in to hear how Michael eventually found lasting sobriety and what advice Stephanie has for parents who are walking the same road.
Connect with Stephanie
sfierman@cirquelodge.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with lifelong outdoorsman, Kareem Dieng. Kareen shares his journey of discovering his calling through trial and error. From playing football in college before dropping out, to working in corporate America, to joining the military and eventually running a guided tour and a photography business with his wife, Kareem shares the reality of what it was like for him to figure out his career path. Tune in to find out how Kareem ultimately realized what path he wanted to pursue, and to hear his best advice for young people who are trying to make their own way in the world.
Connect with Kareem Dieng
kareem@risingsonadventure.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s Special Parent Series features a conversation between Joanna and Sarah. As a young adult, Sarah’s son struggled with addiction, which left the whole family in a very fragile and painful season. Tune in to hear what it was like for Sarah and her family to live through that period of time, what resources they utilized, and how the entire family eventually overcame and healed together.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Watching her high school peers effortlessly determine what future careers to pursue, Noelle struggled to decipher what her ultimate goal was. From various sales jobs, to starting her own business, to enrolling and dropping out of college, all while processing major traumas, Noelle finally realized what makes her heart come alive. Join Joanna on today’s episode as she learns how Noelle has navigated issues surrounding self-esteem, career and grief, and how she ultimately became a published poet.
Connect with Noelle Rousseau
Tiktok: @loelle
Blog: trainofthought.ca
Book: Unpacking
Book: Metanoia
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
While showing tremendous academic promise from a young age, Michael and Shanna’s son was crippled by symptoms of anxiety and ADHD in high school, which ultimately led to him dropping out of college, struggling in the workforce, in relationships and with suicidal ideation. On today’s special parent series, Joanna talks to Michael and Shanna to learn how they were able to endure this time as a family, and ultimately get their son’s life back on track. If you have a teen or young adult who is struggling with their mental health, this is an episode that you don’t want to miss.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
After witnessing his mother’s overdose and suicide attempt, and then living in various hotels and shelters following his parents’ divorce, it’s no surprise that Charlie Van Leuven eventually spiraled into a life of substance abuse. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with Charlie to hear how he fought his way out of the pit of addiction and how he now supports others on their journey to sobriety. This conversation will give you a glimpse into the raw reality of how unresolved trauma can lead to addiction, and what it takes to achieve recovery. It’s a meaningful episode that you don’t want to miss.
Connect with Charlie Van Leuven
Independence Recovery Coaching
Association of Mediation and Transport Services (AMATS)
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
As parents, we’re committed to our children through the highs and lows, hoping and praying that if we do a good job, they will turn out alright. But what if you’ve done everything you thought you were supposed to do and things still misfire? On this Special Parent Series, Joanna is talking to Barbara, the parent of a daughter who spiraled out of control with alcohol dependency when she was a mere teenager. Barbara vulnerably discusses how those were some of the darkest days their family has endured and shares the keys that enabled her daughter to now be thriving, healthy and two years sober.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
For some, the road to success is linear. For others, it’s a winding road full of unknowns and setbacks. On today’s episode, listeners will hear from Christina Yun as she shares what her own path has looked like. From taking a gap year, to getting a degree she doesn’t use, to facing a layoff, to trying many career paths before finding the one that best suits her, Christina helps listeners understand that it doesn’t matter how long it takes for them to find their own way in the world. Instead of knowing exactly where a path will lead, Christina encourages listeners to identify what they are hoping to get out of any given opportunity.
Connect with Christina Yun
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Today’s episode of Success is Subjective continues Joanna’s Special Parent Series. This new series gives parents the opportunity to share their journey of helping their child navigate mental health and higher education. Today’s episode is a conversation between Joanna and Scott. Scott’s son struggled with anxiety in his teenage years, which later morphed into OCD, Body Dysmorphia and eventually, Rapid Cycling Bipolar. Listen in to hear how Scott’s son became stable enough to re-enroll in college, how the whole family has kept afloat during the ups and downs, and what advice Scott would give to other parents in a similar situation.
Resources Mentioned
Depression and Bipolar Support Aliance
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
With a mind wired for academic success, Amanda thought she was prepared to take on college. What she didn’t expect though, was that her underdeveloped social and emotional skills would push her towards substance abuse and addiction. After a near-death experience, rehab and a lot of self-reflection, Amanda eventually found her passion in helping teens and young adults recover from their own addictions. Join Joanna on this episode of Success is Subjective to hear how Amanda survived some of the darkest moments of her life and how she then co-created The Dorm, an organization that helps other young people do the same.
Connect with Dr. Amanda Fialk
afialk@thedorm.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Brenda Zane almost needs no introduction. She's a mother who’s been vocal about her experience dealing with her son’s struggles with substance abuse. So vocal, she created and launched an online community for moms. She’s also the host of the Hopestream podcast, where each episode is filled with resources and information from experts for parents of adolescents and young adults dealing with substance abuse. Although this series is anonymous, Brenda and I discussed that it was okay to have her “named” for the kick-off of this micro-series.
Connect with Brenda Zane
The Stream
The Woods
Hopestream Podcast
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Joanna Lilley is a therapeutic consultant who works with the families of young adults to help them get the various resources that they need. On this episode, Joanna sits down with another therapeutic consultant, Michael Collins. Michael talks about his journey of climbing the corporate ladder in one of the world’s largest contract research organizations. He shares how he eventually grew into a consultant role, which led him to open his own practice, Level Therapeutic Educational Consulting. Michael explains what a therapeutic consultant is and the heart and vision behind his business.
Connect with Michael Collins
Level Therapeutic Educational Consulting
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Other Resources Mentioned
Latticework (book)
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Some studies have shown that PTSD is most prevalent in 18-24 year olds; the same time frame when many individuals are transitioning into college, the work force, and a life of adult responsibilities for the first time. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with Grace Filiss, founding member of the Colorado Community Collaborative for Eating Disorders. Grace talks about how multiple traumas that took place during college, almost prevented her from completing her education. She shares how she was able to find help and get back on track to finish her degree, 4 years after dropping out. If you are a college student or know someone who is, this is a relatable message you won’t want to miss.
Connect with Grace Filiss
Website: Grace Filiss Recovery Consulting
Website: Colorado Community Collaborative for Eating Disorders
Email: grace@edrecoveryconsulting.com
Instagram: @edrecoveryconsulting
Facebook: Grace Filiss Recovery Consulting
Twitter: @EDrecoveryGF
LinkedIn: Grace Filiss
Other Resources Mentioned
The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals Foundation
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Growing up in a family of overachievers, some of whom had multiple master’s degrees, Valerie Milburn knew what was expected of her as she approached post-secondary education. While following the path paved before her, Valerie set out for college. While she was able to succeed and earned her undergraduate degree in journalism, Valerie was just beginning to realize how severe her issues with mental health and addiction really were. In this episode you’ll hear an honest conversation between Joanna and Valerie as Valerie describes the moment when her life collapsed around her, and how she was able to restore it back to something more beautiful than before.
Connect with Valerie Milburn
Mental Health Hope and Recovery Podcast
Email: mentalhealthhopeandrecovery@gmail.com
FB Page: Mental Health Hope and Recovery
The Myth of Maturity (book)
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
With the influence of highly successful family members exemplifying what traditional success looks like, it’s no wonder that Steven Angerosa had a hard time deciphering what career path was the one for him. After completing college, Steven knew he had to let go of what he thought he needed to do and discover what he was truly passionate about. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Steven sits down with Joanna and talks about the importance of letting go of all expectations that either we put on ourselves, or that others put on us, in order to find ultimate fulfillment.
Connect with Steven Angerosa
LinkedIn: Steven Angerosa
Email: sangerosa@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
While not receiving her ADHD diagnosis until halfway through college, Samantha Kolkey says it was so empowering when she finally did. On today’s episode of Success is Subjective, Samantha sits down with Joanna to share how liberating it was to be able to filter her life experiences through the lens of ADHD. She explains the freedom and fulfillment she now finds as the director of a nonprofit that works to support other neurodivergent individuals as they make their way through their educational careers.
Connect with Samantha Kolkey
Email: samantha@optionsforcollegesuccess.org
Website: www.optionsforcollegesuccess.org
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Everyone takes their own path in hopes of attaining success. Some effortlessly glide past the all too familiar and sometimes, stereotypical mile markers that society has held up to highlight the expected route. Others stumble down the road less traveled, looking for their own version of ultimate fulfillment. No matter one’s path, we’re all hoping to eventually attain our own idea of fulfillment.
Jill and Dave Henry were no exceptions. Jill, knowing from a young age what she wanted to do with her life, had a one track mindset as she graduated high school and worked through college. Dave on the other hand, was a late bloomer and it took him time to find what he was really passionate about. But even walking very different paths, Dave and Jill found their way to exactly where they needed to be. Now, as a married couple with kids, they never would have imagined they would be where they are today. They recently imparted their wisdom from the lessons they learned along their journeys into a book they wrote called, The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed.
Join Joanna as she talks to Dave and Jill and gets the inside scoop on how they found what they consider to be ultimate success. They also share more in depth with their listeners about their book.
What You Will Learn
Why your effort is more important than the outcomes
Why what college you go to matters less than what you make of your experience
Why there’s no one perfect path to follow
Why it’s okay to stumble to find your way in life
That it’s okay to try something and fail at it multiple times
Connect with Dave and Jill Henry
Instagram: @greatestcollegehealthguide
Instagram: @twocoachhenrys
Book: The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
Success is Subjective on Spotify
Success is Subjective on Stitcher
Success is Subjective on Amazon
Sponsored by: College Alternative
We all go through seasons where our mental health is suffering more than usual. It can come with the natural ebbs and flows of life and can serve as a reminder that when we have capacity, our minds need nurturing.
Jesse Cody, a successful student-athlete who earned a full ride athletic scholarship to Providence College, appeared to the outside world to have it all together. But as the saying goes – looks can be deceiving. Not long after his freshman year of college began, Jesse’s facade began to crack, and his mental illnesses came rushing to the surface. After years of quietly suffering and battling suicidal thoughts, Jesse made a drastic decision that changed his life forever.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, you will hear Jesse share how one decision altered the course of his entire life and provided freedom from wars that were constantly raging in his mind. He also explains to listeners the ways that his non-profit, Hike the Good Hike, is empowering others as they fight for their own mental health.
What You Will Learn
How to recognize that your mental health is suffering
How nature can positively impact your mental health
How society shames men when they show emotion or ask for help
How to separate your goals from the expectations others place on you
How to prioritize yourself and the life that you want
How small and big changes can help you reclaim your mental health
Connect with Jesse Cody
Instagram: @hikethegoodhike
Facebook: @hikethegoodhike
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
Success is Subjective on Spotify
Success is Subjective on Stitcher
Success is Subjective on Amazon
Success is Subjective on Audible
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Email joanna@successissubjective.org
Other Links
Book: A Walk in the Woods
Movie: A Walk In The Woods
While it may appear on the outside that someone has acquired great success, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are internally satisfied, or that their exterior status was worth the turmoil it took to achieve.
Tom Anderson started training for the Speed Skating Olympics at a young age. After struggling academically, this athletic endeavor felt like his big-break – a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a name for himself and do something really meaningful. Upon hitting various peaks and valleys in his career and after deep self-reflection, Tom was faced with the decision to retire his skates. Without a high school diploma, it took time for him to arrive where he wanted to be. But Tom eventually realized that he wanted to make his passions for coaching and woodworking his full time pursuits.
Join Joanna on this episode of Success is Subjective to hear Tom’s journey of training to be an Olympic athlete, then finding his way as a coach and business owner, even without a diploma.
What You Will Learn
How undiagnosed learning disabilities can affect your educational goals
The pros and cons of being a professional athlete
The commitment required to train for the Olympics
Why successful athletes still need a backup income source
Why and how to pivot in your career path
Learn to identify what sacrifices are worth it and which ones aren't
Connect with Tom Anderson
Instagram: @motsmetalandwood
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
Success is Subjective on Spotify
Success is Subjective on Stitcher
Success is Subjective on Amazon
Success is Subjective on Audible
Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
Sponsored by: College Alternative
The point of college is to pour into your studies, work hard and hopefully come out on the other end as an employable candidate, ready to achieve great success in the workforce. But at what cost? Surely not that of your mental health.
Sarah Ketchen Lipson is a dual-title PhD, the Principal of the Healthy Minds Network and the Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Law Policy and Management at Boston University School of Public Health. She has seen firsthand the impact on students who strive to achieve academic success, often at the cost of their mental and emotional well-being.
Tune in to today’s episode of Success is Subjective as Sarah tells listeners what strides have been made to help uphold students' mental health as they work towards academic success. She also shares resources to provide parents with the tools and information they need in order to support their college-aged students.
What You Will Learn
How to prioritize sports and academics
Warning signs of lapsing mental health
Options to pay for college tuition without debt
How to cultivate a good work ethic that promotes you in the workforce
Resources for students struggling with their mental health
How parents can support the mental health of their college-aged students
Connect with Dr. Sarah Ketchen Lipson
Twitter: @DrSarahLipson
Facebook: Healthy Minds Network
Instagram: @healthymindsnetwork
Boston University Parent Guides to Mental Health
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
Success is Subjective on Spotify
Success is Subjective on Stitcher
Success is Subjective on Amazon
Success is Subjective on Audible
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Maybe you’re feeling left behind and confused as all your peers head off to more prestigious colleges than yours. Or, maybe you’re feeling lost and alone in your battle with mental health. Whatever season you might be in, as frustrating as it can be, the unknown parts that don’t make any sense hold a purpose.
Tess Reardon’s academic and career story is a great example of this. From feeling like an outcast in college, working hard to stay sober during a pandemic, to feeling extremely lost after leaving her first job of six years, Tess has experienced her fair share of seasons of unknowns. Though, without these seasons, she wouldn’t find herself where she is now, working in Marketing & Business Development for Mare’s House, a recovery house for women.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Tess joins Joanna to share her journey going from an addict who felt alone and lost, to working with women in their own recovery journeys, allowing them to be seen and heard. Listen in to gain insight on the importance of seasons of unknowns and the truth behind them.
What You Will Learn
The toxic prestigious school comparison game
The challenging adjustment of moving to a big college after high school
Tess’s pivotal experience studying abroad in London
Tess’s delusional stage following graduating college
Tess’s interesting addiction journey in and out of college
The unexpected effect of leaving her first job after being there for 6 years
The uncomfortable stage of unknowns
How Tess’s job at Mare’s House came about and how it’s evolved
What success looks like for Tess and her personal journey
You are not alone
Connect with Tess Reardon
Mare’s House Recovery on Instagram
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
Success is Subjective on Spotify
Success is Subjective on Stitcher
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Let’s face it. Transitions are anything but easy. But, guess what?! You aren’t alone! We all go through them. Some, handle them better than others, though, that doesn’t mean you can’t too!
Halie Devlin, Founder of Embodied Recovery Community, has learned over the years to take transitions as an invitation to not take herself so seriously and as an opportunity to bring more light into her life. From struggling with addiction all through her college experience and into the beginning of her career, Halie had to really learn how to navigate not only difficult academic and career transitions, but all while in the midst of addiction. It wasn’t until Halie was introduced to the recovery and somatic world when she was able to bring more light back into her life and give back to other recovering women in return.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Halie joins Joanna to share her journey going from an art major, to eventually transitioning into doing a different type of ‘art’, supporting recovering women through somatic work. Listen in to gain insight on how Halie has managed to get through some of the most difficult transitions of her life and how she helps others fall in love with their own personal journeys.
What You Will Learn
Dealing with homesickness when moving away for college
The shame associated around the college you go to
College names don’t always match up to quality of education
Navigating academic transitions in the midst of addiction
What Halie did with her art major after graduating college
The different lane but same highway that Halie took with her career
Choose the things that keep you feeling truly alive
Bringing lightness into transitions
Connect with Halie Devlin
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
Success is Subjective on Spotify
Success is Subjective on Stitcher
Success is Subjective on Amazon
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Raising children into adults isn't a cookie cutter strategy. It’s about much more than taking certain steps –it’s about working alongside your child, with the future in mind.
Deana Thayer, co-founder of Future Focused Parenting, went into college thinking it was about graduating and becoming an adult as fast as possible. When she graduated college with a bachelors at age 20, she thought her career would be a linear pathway. Though, the direction life took her ended up being quite different. Deana ended up taking 7 years off after college to be a stay at home mom, receiving her masters 9 years later. Now, you can find Deana using both her bachelors and masters degrees to help guide parents as they navigate raising their children into adults.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Deana joins Joanna to share her journey going from thinking she’d never use her speech degree, to using her speech and education degree, and parenting experience to improve the lives of fellow parents and their children. Listen in to gain insight on why raising adults isn’t a cookie cutter strategy and how to set your child up for their own unique success.
What You Will Learn
Why college was so important to Deana’s parents
Going to college as the first born
Why Deana wouldn’t recommend graduating with a bachelors at age 20
The turn of events that ended up happening after graduating college
Navigating coming back to college after 7 years off as a stay at home mom
What made Deana get a masters in education
How both of Deana’s degrees ended up blending together perfectly
When Future Focused Parenting came about
Parenting with a long range view
Finding the sweet balance of passion and skill set
The different career routes that Deana’s five children have taken
Encouraging your child’s unique gifts
Connect with Deana Thayer
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Navigating school with learning difficulties is hard enough, let alone taking them to college and grad school. It can be easy to let fear take the reins and give up on the idea of success altogether. Though, what if you instead really leaned into the fear?
Paul Taylor, Founder of the Live Strong House, grew up with learning difficulties weighing him down for the majority of his academic career. In fact, it played such a big role in his academic career that he had to take the GRE five times before getting into grad school. Despite the trials he experienced, Paul decided to really lean in and work with his learning disabilities instead of against them, causing secondary education to be some of the best years of his life. Not only did leaning into his fear challenge him to grow as a person, but it also has allowed him to be a walking example to the young adults who now fill his residential support center.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Paul joins Joanna to share his journey going from struggling to get into college, to running his own residential support center for young men. Not only has he found his own sense of success within his career but he’s also been able to do so while prioritizing his six children and wife –showing that you really can make your dream life a reality. Listen in to gain insight on how Paul has overcome advisory in secondary education and how he is using his 28 years of experience in the residential treatment industry to guide young men over their own hurdles.
What You Will Learn
Growing up as one of the oldest of 7 siblings
Experiencing shame around special ED
Navigating learning difficulties in college
The challenges that Paul experienced with getting into grad school
How grad school took a 360 turn
Being young and married in grad school
Paul’s variety of experience in the residential treatment industry
Paul’s view on secondary education
The adversities that Paul has overcome in academics and life
Paul’s advice to parents on anxiety around academics
Connect with Paul Taylor
Email ptaylor@livestronghouse.com
Call 928-300-5699
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Whether it be your first nightmare of a job working at a flower shop or the many addiction treatment centers that were involved while in college –each and every experience you go through, positive and negative, are necessary. You never know how even the most not-so-great experiences have made an impact in where you are now and where you’re headed.
Alex Zemeckis, President & Owner of The Grounds & Mare’s House, grew up with school never being his strong suit, causing his addiction to set in at an early age. The following years involved many treatment centers and bumps in the road. It wasn’t until he started working in the treatment world when he decided to use his own personal experiences in recovery to help relate with other young men, eventually creating his own treatment center; The Grounds. Throughout the next eight years, he saw the need for more women-based treatment centers and decided to start Mare’s House. Now, Alex has been working in addiction treatment & mental health communities for over a decade, helping young adults find new ways to live and thrive.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Alex joins Joanna to share his journey going from in and out of treatment centers, to owning two treatment centers of his own. The path there was full of not-so-great experiences though, all imperative to the success he finds himself in now. Listen in to gain insight on Alex’s own recovery story, as well as how he now gives strength and hope to those still struggling with addictions.
What You Will Learn
Growing up as the only child
What Alex’s academic career looked like through adolescence
Going to treatment at a young age
How Alex got accepted into college despite his bad grades
Going to a big state school isn’t always the best option
When life really took off
The move to Boulder
When Alex launched The Grounds Recovery in San Diego
Why Mare’s House was started
Every experience, positive and negative, are imperative to your success journey
Connect with Alex Zemeckis
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
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Sponsored by: College Alternative
Some say, “The journey is the destination.” though, what if the struggle is the journey?
As a recovery advocate, Chris Kirby has personal experience with seeing how imperative struggle has been in his own journey, as well as a front row look at how important it has been for his recovering clients in treatment. Chris graduated from The Last House in 2014 and now works in direct client care as a counselor and in facility management. He brings a wealth of knowledge in encouraging clients and loved ones by using his own experiences from young adulthood, recovery and surfing; pulling parallels between riding the ocean waves and the waves of life and emotions in recovery.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Chris joins Joanna to share his journey from losing his dream job as a lifeguard, to going on to become a ‘lifeguard’ to young men and parents in their recovery journey. From how childhood shaped him, what it was like having an addiction in college, and all the way up to where he finds himself now: working in a treatment center, Chris’s story goes to show that a little struggle in every season of life is nothing but an accelerator on your path to success. Listen in to gain insight on embracing struggle in every season of your life and hear how Chris has been able to use his own challenges in developing himself.
What You Will Learn
What it was like being the first in the family to go to college
How important making others proud was for Chris growing up
How being hearing impaired prevented him from serving in the ways he dreamed of
When Chris turned to substances for a sense of fulfillment
When Chris left LA
Your past doesn’t always have a part in addiction
Running away from hometown
A time of desperation
Allowing your child to be uncomfortable
What brought Chris to work in recovery after years of saying he wouldn’t
What Chris has learned from working in the recovery world
Don’t use your experience as your first line of defense
The amazing life that he now gets to live
How Chris is now able to be a ‘lifeguard’ to young men and parents in their recovery journey
Connect with Chris Kirby
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Sponsored by: College Alternative
What are you going to do about it? That’s the real question. Whether you’re at a career crossroads or stuck in a 90-day treatment center, what are you going to do about your predicament? The answer might be simple.
Matt Nannis, Executive Director of PivotPoint WNC, had to ask himself this exact question multiple times throughout his young adult journey –from trying to reach never-ending unrealistic academic expectations, to getting through an intensive 90-day treatment program. Matt spent his first 30 years trying to figure it all out, annoyed at the idea that everyone else already had. A few decades in, and he’s learning to shift the doubts and fears into questions and action, helping others do the same in their own young adult journey.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Matt joins Joanna to share his journey going from excelling in school, to deep in addiction, and how he managed to find a new version of success for himself. Matt’s story will be sure to keep you on your toes and encouraged to take the more scenic route in your own personal journey. Listen in to gain insight on how Matt learned to pivot and lean into discomfort and how he helps others do the same; guiding them towards healing, equity, inclusion, and connection.
What You Will Learn
The intense academic pressure growing up
How Matt defined his success from a very young age
The never-ending academic competition between his brother
Why Matt didn’t last even a full semester at his first college
Experiencing social anxiety
Comparing other families' highlight reels to your own family’s bloopers
Teaching English in Spain in the middle of college
The toxic internal work journey
Matt’s time as a carpenter
The ability to reframe the facts of a situation into a more productive use
The crazy story on how Matt was able to graduate undergraduate school
The intervention that brought Matt to a 90 day rehab
What brought Matt to Asheville
How going on hikes in treatment eventually changed his life
Why Matt sees himself as 100% successful
Who are you making the decision for?
Connect with Matt Nannis
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Sponsored by: College Alternative
“When you compare, you lose.” It’s really as simple as that. Comparing adds nothing to your life or anyone else’s because your experience is yours and yours alone. Not your parent’s experience, not your teachers’ experience, not your best friend’s experience.
So, what would it really look like to live out a life without comparing?
Colin Cass, an Associate Certified Coach at Parent Coach Professionals, is a great example of what it looks like to stick to your own unique experience. Unlike many, Colin knew that he wanted to make a big difference at an early age. Growing up in a Therapeutic Young Adults Program allowed Colin to be exposed to the therapeutic world, getting a first hand look at what it would be like to work there himself. In fact, his first job was at a program and he hasn’t let anything stop him from continuing down that path ever since. Now, you can find Colin living out his purpose as a Young Adult & Parent Coach.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Colin joins Joanna to share his journey growing up in a Therapy Program, to paving his own path and making his own name in the therapy world. In Colin’s story you’ll see that you don’t need the best school or the biggest dream, to get to your own sense of success and purpose. Listen in to gain insight on how Colin managed to fully step into what he loves with little money and a vision.
What You Will Learn
What it was like growing up on a Therapeutic Program as a kid
How his environment helped him decipher what to do with his life at an early age
Colin’s first job at the therapeutic program
How helpful going to a smaller college was for Colin
There’s no such thing as a traditional college experience
When Colin decided to start coaching
Colin’s time at College Excel for 6 years
When Colin started at Parent Coach Professionals
The comparison game
The importance in allowing your child to experience discomfort
Connect with Colin Cass
Call or text 541-610-8109
Email colincass753@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on Amazon
Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
Sponsored by: College Alternative
We often think that in order to survive, we have to major in a career that we hate but pays well or work ourselves to the bone at the cost of time with loved ones. But, what if you could survive while still enjoying life?
Tracy Hopkins, Director of Business Development and Inclusion & Belonging Specialist at Outback Therapeutic Expeditions, grew up with an intense amount of pressure to make a name for herself and measure up to the success expected of her. This often meant pushing her own interests to the side and doing everything she thought she was supposed to do. It wasn’t until Tracy was challenged in college with a sense of freedom and new experiences when she started to step into her own journey, rather than following everyone else’s ideas for her. Now, Tracy finds herself thriving in her career: creating opportunities and changing lives in behavioral and mental health care.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Tracy joins Joanna to share her journey as she learned to pursue what she was passionate about despite growing up with intense academic pressure. Her lived experiences as a colored woman with a strict childhood have served as catalysts to creating platforms, opportunities and communities for others. Listen in to gain insight on Tracy’s unique story and how she uses it to make positive change in others’ lives.
What You Will Learn
What it was like living in South Korea as an adolescent
Growing up in a very structured household
Why academics were so important to Tracy’s family
Going from intense structure to a lot of freedom in college
What sparked Tracy’s love for the outdoors
Her experience stepping into wilderness therapy
We’re not meant to all have the same timeline!
How Tracy is focusing on improving diversity
The difference that Tracy is making at Outback
Creating a new definition of success
It’s okay to be messy
Connect with Tracy Hopkins
Outback Therapeutic Expeditions
Email tracy@outbacktreatment.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Sponsored by: College Alternative
How can you create meaning in your life? Sounds like a daunting question –a daunting task. When, in reality, it can be found even in the smallest things that bring you life. When you can find something that does that for you and lean into that, that’s when you lean into true success. Anything else, that’s definite or objective, can easily give you a false sense and fleeting sense of success. And, the beauty in creating your own meaning in life is that you can always change direction and still be “successful”.
It took David Weider, an adventure therapist living in Boise, Idaho, many changes in direction before he was able to find meaning in something that would last for 17 years. From sculpting, architecture, to outdoors, travel, adventure sports, and now wilderness therapy. Despite many challenges throughout his teenage and young adult years, David continued to push himself to fully explore his interests and continues to make sure that with whatever he does, he finds meaning in the process.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, David joins Joanna to share his journey going from studying to be an architect to eventually becoming a therapist in wilderness therapy. His journey has been anything near linear but has been entirely meaningful. Listen in to gain insight on the importance of finding meaning in everything you do, even if it’s simply in the process of making a mediocre sculpture piece.
What You Will Learn
David’s peculiar childhood story
How David almost didn’t go to college and what brought him to go
When he dropped out of college and changed directions
Losing a parent as a young adult
It’s okay to not have a linear path!
What pushed David to go back to school to become a therapist
Where David finds himself now in Boise, Idaho
The importance in finding meaning in what you do
Not everything you do has to provide value
Connect with David Weider
Email santafly@hotmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
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Success is Subjective on Audible
Sponsored by: College Alternative
What is driving your decisions? Fear? Your parent’s experiences? Greed? Your teachers’ opinions? When your life decisions are being made from any place other than your best self, you seek out disaster.
Brian Tierney, Clinical Outreach Manager for Red Rock Recovery Center, was told by many to put off college following high school but decided to go anyway in hopes to not feel less than his peers. After three years of trying to keep up with the crowd, Brian was forced by his addiction to drop out. After many long and difficult years of recovering and self-discovery, he decided to pick school back up 10 years later, finding his purpose in the addiction treatment space. Now, you can find Brian working at Red Rock Recovery Center where he works to create intentional spaces for people suffering from substance use disorder.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Brian joins Joanna to share his journey going from an addict and college dropout, to going back to school 10 years later to fulfill his purpose in serving individuals in recovery. Brian’s 360 college story goes to show the impact of knowing what’s really influencing your path. Listen in to gain insight on the importance of not rushing life decisions and Brian’s personal experience as he learned why and how to have a strong and personal why behind all decisions, big and small.
What You Will Learn
How private preparatory school affected Brian’s perspective on college
The different opinions Brian received regarding college
How college dramatically affected his addiction
When Brian decided to drop out of college and take a step back
How impactful taking a break from school can be
The importance in taking the time (no matter how long it takes) to fully step into recovery
The 360 experience that Brian had when he went back to college 10 years later
What pushed Brian to explore working in the Addiction Treatment Space
The importance in knowing which self you’re choosing to be and why
Connect with Brian Tierney
Email brian.tierney@redrockrecoverycenter.com
Contact 720-557-6180
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Sponsored by: College Alternative
Tried out a major that ended up not being for you? Try another one! Didn’t get the job that you wanted? Maybe it wasn’t meant for you. Time to pursue another option! It’s really as simple as that. Continue to shift gears and try different paths. Failure is never final as long as you continue to try.
Kaysha Sorenson has had her fair share of ‘failures’ in life but, she’s never let that stop her. From getting pregnant at 19, to getting a divorce at age 26 and taking a break from school, she could have let any one of these things stop her. Instead, she’s been able to use her own experiences to be there for her own children and for Evoke Therapy Programs.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Kaysha joins Joanna to share her journey as she navigated being a young mom in college, while also working to discover herself. Though there was plenty of pitfalls along the way, Kaysha has been able to find success in knowing that it’s okay to not always be successful; to rise and to fall. Listen in to gain insight on how Kaysha’s own young adulthood experience is allowing her to approach her own children's journeys with more excitement and confidence rather than fear
What You Will Learn
Growing up in a family of 6, being raised by a single mom
Being financially independent at a very young age
The unknown topic of secondary education
What caused Kaysha to get married at 19
What life looked like while getting divorced with 3 kids at age 26, no education and working at home depot
How working at Evoke Therapy Programs has impacted Kaysha’s life
The break that Kaysha is on right now and where she is headed
Coming from a place of excitement instead of fear when dealing with your young adults
Connect with Kaysha Sorenson
Email kaysha@evoketherapy.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
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Success is Subjective on Spotify
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Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
That’s the big question: will a degree really make your life more comfortable like your parents and teachers make it seem? Growing up, Brennon Moore had the idea that getting a degree would fix everything and had no question about whether or not it would be a part of his success story. Turns out, the key areas of his success story would involve his hardships, rather than how many degrees he earned.
Brennon Moore, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II), and a Nationally Certified Trauma Therapist (CTT) struggled in middle and high school, as he dealt with sexual and physical abuse. His academic experience turned out to be better in college though, the trauma followed him, leading him down a dark path with substance abuse. Once graduating from grad school and experiencing a life-changing car accident, Brennon was forced to make a change with his life. After finding the right treatment center for himself, he was then able to get his first job at a treatment center and ten years later, started his very own program for young men.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Brennon joins Joanna to share his journey as he navigated childhood trauma throughout his young adult years, sharing how the hardest time in his life with addiction brought him to his life calling, working with young men. Listen in to gain insight on how the smallest steps in life can lead you to the worst and best directions, and how Brennon works to guide his clients in better directions.
What You Will Learn
Growing up in a very small town in Eastern Oregon
How Brennon dealt with his sexual and physical abuse & trauma in junior high and high school
How PTSD can look like ADHD on the outside
The structured timeline that Brennon felt pressured to follow
How helpful moving away from town for college was for Brennon
The “delayed stumble” transition into grad school
The car accident that changed everything
When Brennon finally went to treatment and the process of finding a good treatment
How important enjoying your time during treatment is before getting back to real life
Brennon’s first big boy job at Refuge and what his time there was like for a decade
The launch of Skyline Recovery
How the smallest changes can make the biggest difference
Connect with Brennon Moore
Email Brennon@skylinerecoverybend@gmail.com
Call (541) 782-8882
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Finding your path doesn’t require having everything figured out. In fact, you don’t have to be anywhere near having everything figured out. Finding your own path simply requires being open and committed to your progress, allowing yourself to shift and pivot along the way. When you’ve committed to your own progress and sense of purpose, and no one else’s, that’s when you can be certain that you’re on the right track.
As the youngest of 2 siblings, with a brother who is five years older, Annie Gillis found herself comparing her academic and career journey to her brother’s from a young age, and carried this habit with her into college. It wasn’t until she realized that following the herd was getting her nowhere, when she decided to lean more into her own sense of purpose. Through much discomfort and a lot of faith, Annie was able to find a career that not only suits her and her purpose, but has also allowed her to grow even deeper within herself. Today, Annie finds herself at Redpoint Seattle, where she provides coaching services for young adults.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Annie joins Joanna to share her journey from majorly struggling in high school and college, to coaching young adults through their own journeys’ through adulthood. She went from not knowing if she’d be able to make it through school, to leading other young adults through their own academic challenges. Listen in to gain insight on how Annie managed to find her purpose even through many academic challenges, by learning to commit to her own progress and unique journey.
What You Will Learn
Annie’s difficult high school experience
Growing up with a brother who is 5 years older
The challenging college transition that Annie experienced
College campus resources for students
When Annie decided to step away from school
Following your own sense of purpose rather than just following the herd
What the transition outside of college looked like for Annie
How Annie became apart of Redpoint Seattle
The growth that Annie has personally experienced through working with her clients at Redpoint
Connect with Annie Gillis
Schedule a 15 minute Discovery Call with Redpoint
Email annie@redpointseattle.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
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Success is Subjective on Spotify
Success is Subjective on Stitcher
From the small town success on her way to a softball scholarship, to what seemed like the town degenerate who dropped out of high school as a sophomore due to drugs, Larissa Stone’s story shifted very early on in her young adult years.
In hopes to make a better life for herself and get away from her troubled teen years, she joined the military at the age of 18, requiring her to really learn how to grow up fast. Following the military, Larissa’s life became focused on healing from the war and learning to navigate school with PTSD. Now, through a lot of work and patience, she can successfully say that she’s been able to achieve the greatest accomplishment of her life and go from healing to healed.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Larissa joins Joanna to share her journey to healing from her young adult trials, with drugs in high school and PTSD in college. Her story is a light to those who are navigating their own young adult challenges and proof that going from healing to healed is possible for you. Listen in to gain insight on the reality of dealing with mental health challenges in college and how success doesn’t have to look like material items but rather all to do with you internally.
What You Will Learn
Navigating college without a good academic foundation
What brought Larissa to drop out of high school
Larissa’s time in the military and experience being deployed in Iraq for 3 years at the age of 18
Navigating PTSD and school following the military
It’s normal to feel alone in college
How Larissa has been able to successfully go from healing to healed
How Larissa’s studies helped her during her healing journey
It’s possible for you to create the life you want
Connect with Larissa Stone
Email behappy1024@yahoo.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
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Success is Subjective on Audible
No one knows exactly how their path to success will go. There’s always this underlying sense of discomfort regarding the future in anyone’s journey. Though, you can’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from exploring. Through trial and error, you allow yourself to find clarity in what makes you feel alive and what you’re willing to devote your life to. Each trial, even the messy, scary and difficult ones lead you closer.
Licensed social worker Julie Wolfson went through college and many jobs following college very uncertain about the path ahead of her. Through much patience and trial and error she was able to find herself in a career that allows her to feel lucky everyday as she works with so many incredible young adults as they navigate their own unique pathways.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Julie joins Joanna to share her journey as she experimented with different career paths and how she came to co-found Fountain House’s College Re-Entry program. Her story goes to show that there is no right way to find your purpose –it simply involves as much exploring as you need. Listen in to gain insight on the importance of a re-entry program and how it’s okay to go off the unbeaten path even when it’s messy, scary and difficult.
What You Will Learn
How Julie’s high school did a good job preparing her for the transition to college
The challenges that came with living away from home for college
How leaving college was a harder transition than leaving high school
The job experience Julie gained following college
How she got into working with young adults
What led Julie back to the mental health field and co-developing Fountain House’s College Re-Entry program
Trust the journey!
Connect with Julie Wolfson
Fountain House College Re-Entry
Email julia@collegereentry.org
Text 845-577-1661
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
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Success is Subjective on Spotify
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Success is Subjective on Audible
Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
Being neurodiverse can often be looked at as a major blocker for many people. Though, it doesn’t have to be that way! What may feel like a challenge to deal with in school could be what successfully sets you apart in the real world, if you learn how to discipline your gift.
Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, struggled with academics growing up, causing him to have an overwhelming experience in college. After getting diagnosed with ADHD, he began to figure out ways to implement habits, routines, and learning strategies that enabled him to succeed as a student. Even after his academic setbacks, Brandon has made it his mission to figure out how the ADHD brain works, now helping other students with executive functioning challenges discipline their gifts at Untapped Learning.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Brandon joins Joanna to share his journey as he dealt with ADHD in college and how his experience led him to start Untapped Learning. Through Brandon’s story you’ll get to see the reality of what it’s like to have a neurodiverse challenge and hopefully gain hope for yourself or a loved one of yours. Listen in to gain insight on navigating ADHD in college and the real world.
What You Will Learn
- The contrasting careers that Brandon was able to see growing up in his family
- Brandon’s overwhelming experience in college
- Having ADHD in college
- The importance of having good mentors as a young adult
- Brandon’s journey as he navigated career paths
- Life is not linear!
- The reality of what it looks like to work through executive function challenges
- The importance of having discipline and a routine
Connect with Brandon Slade
- Untapped Learning
- Email here
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Audible
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
You don’t need to immediately commit to something for the rest of your life straight out of high school. In fact, this is the perfect time to try anything and everything to see what you do and don’t like. Maybe it takes one random college class that sparks a life-long passion or requires taking a chance on the young adult group your friend keeps inviting you to. You never know what one thing you try will end up clicking and changing your life.
Megan Barker, actor and Director Digital Marketing of Launch Centers, didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life until she was forced to take an acting class. It was then when she fell in love with acting and hasn’t stopped chasing after her acting dreams since. From moving to LA, starring in a Lifetime movie, and numerous short films, Megan has definitely brought those dreams to life. Alongside her acting career she works at Launch Centers where she gives back to the young adult community, encouraging them to find and pursue their own passions.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Megan joins Joanna to share her journey as she pursues her passion for acting all while navigating the many challenges that come with adulting. Listen in to get a look at how success doesn’t have to look picture perfect and gain insight from Megan’s perspective on finding and pursuing your passions.
What You Will Learn
- What it was like growing up as a high achieving only child
- When Megan knew she wanted to pursue acting as a career
- Megan’s first job at a young adult program
- The major adulting learning curve that Megan had to endure when she moved away from home
- The reality of what it usually looks like coming out of high school. Trial and error is normal!
- The importance in having a passion that you’re actively pursuing in every stage of life
Connect with Megan Barker
Email megan@launchcenters.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
Success is Subjective on Spotify
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Success is Subjective on Amazon
Success is Subjective on Audible
Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
Where you are, is where you’re at, not who you are. It’s not about performative milestones as much as it is about the development process. The timeline you’re on right now doesn’t define you or the outcome of your life so throw the timeline out!
Jason and Debbie Grygla are the owners of TechieForLife, a specialized mentoring program for neurodiverse young adults. Both Jason and Debbie have quite different timelines from each other and have been able to see a vast variety of timelines with their own children and with the young adults at TechieForLife. While both of their journey’s look different, they both ended up in similar careers they have a huge passion for. Jason, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, got there faster after some trial and error, and Debbie took a much different approach, eventually becoming a Certified Life Coach and the Admissions & Marketing Director for TechieForLife, after years of cutting hair and homeschooling.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Jason and Debbie Grygla join Joanna to share their developmental timeline, as they like to call it. The differences in their stories goes to show that where you are right now truly doesn’t define you. Listen in on how Jason and Debbie encourage parents and young adults with stepping into adulthood and gain insight from their own personal experiences.
What You Will Learn
- The challenges Debbie experienced in school that resulted in her college dreams getting crushed
- How transformative Jason’s 2 year gap year was for him
- What brought Debbie to pursue cutting hair
- How Jason and Debbie met
- How both of their journey’s shifted once they got married
- The spontaneous move to China to teach English
- Jason’s journey as a therapist
- How fostering and adopting two austic boy encouraged Jason and Debbie to start TechieForLife
- Where Jason and Debbie have seen the most growth and experience in their lives
- What they’ve learned throughout their challenges as parents
Connect with Jason and Debbie Grygla
Autism and Neurodiversity with Jason and Debbie Podcast
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
Success is Subjective on Spotify
Success is Subjective on Stitcher
Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
Accept the call to adventure –that’s really all that being a young adult is. A time full of trial and error, exploration and growth. For many, these years are the foundation that transforms you as a person and impacts the trajectory of your life. So, take action and accept the call to adventure!
Licensed Social Worker, John Conway, did just that –accepted the call to adventure every chance he got. From taking advantage of just about every opportunity college had available, to traveling to adventure therapy programs all over the country, and internationally. John was even part of the founding team for one of the first transitional living programs located in a major metropolitan setting! You can now find him doing what he does best teaching and working with young adults as a therapeutic educational consultant.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, John joins Joanna to share the most transformational years of his life as a young adult and how they have shaped where he is now. From studying to be a marine biologist to working in psychiatric care, community mental health, wilderness therapy, adventure therapy for 25 years, John has quite the story! Listen in for insight on how vital embracing the adventure and trials of your young adulthood is on your future as a whole.
What You Will Learn
John’s high school experience and how it prepared him for college
How helpful having a good guidance counselor was on John’s college exploration process
What made John want to become a marine biologist
Why liberal arts schools can be so beneficial
What ignited John’s interest in psychology and adventure therapy
John’s first job after college as a psych tech at a psych hospital
What the next 25 years looked like for him in the psychology field
How the first ever city based program came about
Accepting the trials in life as a young adult and as the parent of a young adult
Connect with John Conway
Email john@conwaytherapueticconsulting.com
Call 815-814-1469
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
Success is Subjective on Spotify
Success is Subjective on Stitcher
Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
Your twenties are some of the MOST formative years of your life and possibly one of the most important decades of your life. From molding your character, to allowing you to explore career options and passions, and discovering the world. These years are full of discovery, exploration and growth.
Herb Crimp, owner of Desert Highlights, found his 20’s to be some of the most impactful years of his life, shaping where he is now. He went into college with no idea of what he wanted to do and it wasn’t until he was introduced to wilderness recreation by a friend when he found what lights him up day in and out. Now, Herb is running a guided canyoneering program where he shares his enthusiasm for traveling through remote canyons, for a living!
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Herb joins Joanna to share his journey going from lost in college and majoring in economics, to running a wilderness business that he loves. Through a lot of self discovery, hands-on experience and mentorship, he has been able to find a true sense of success for himself. Listen in for Herb’s insight on how he took advantage of the most formative years of his life and where it has taken him.
What You Will Learn
Growing up with the idea that the military or college are the only acceptable venues following high school
How Herb got introduced to wilderness recreation
Where his degree in recreational parks and tourism took him following college
The incredible business opportunity that Herb received after working in wilderness therapy for 8 years
How big of a role mentorship and hands on experience played in Herb’s education
The importance in being honest and real with yourself along your success journey
The canoe metaphor
Connect with Herb Crimp
Email info@deserthighlights.com
Call 435-259-4433
Desert Highlights on Instagram
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
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Your path doesn’t have to be perfectly linear to get to where you’re meant to be. You don't have to get a master’s degree by 25. You can take 10 years to graduate college or even longer, if that’s what happens to work for you.
Josh and Maureen’s young adulthood looked very different from each other yet, they both ended up at the exact same destination. Josh knew exactly what he wanted to do in college while Maureen figured out her purpose only after years of going to college, dropping out, traveling, and repeating. Now, they both are the Co-Founders and Executive Directors Red Mountain Sedona and Colorado where they bring both of their passions together and help young adults overcome emotional and/or behavioral challenges.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Josh and Maureen join Joanna to share their different college journeys and how their paths happened to cross, perfectly aligning. Listen in for their insight on how to take advantage of your young adult years and get a look at why it’s not important to have a linear path.
What You Will Learn
The high expectations placed on both Josh and Maureen around education
What it was like going to college at the early age of 17
The different childhood traumas they both had to learn to work through while in college
Maureen’s journey as she discovered what she is most passionate about
The huge play that studying abroad had in Maureen’s discovery
How Josh and Maureen’s paths’ crossed
How Red Mountain Sedona and Colorado came about
Your path doesn’t have to be linear!
How to achieve anything you want
Why it’s so important to be your own friend
Connect with Josh & Maureen
Email josh@redmountainprograms.com
Email maureen@redmountainprograms.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
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Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
You go to college and get a degree for a career that you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life. Then, suddenly the one thing you have experience in gets taken away from you and no longer becomes available. What do you do?
Jon Kaiman had this happen to him after years of enjoying his journalism career. So, how did he manage to find a new purpose and new sense of success after his dreams came crashing down?
Jon Kaiman is a law student at UCLA pursuing a career in First Amendment law. Before pursuing law, he was a journalist in China, where he wrote for several US media outlets. After an event when his journalism career came to a halt, Jon had to make the big decision to shift his perspective and entire life around.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Jon joins Joanna to share his journey as he navigated his passions in college and how he went from a journalist in China to a law student in the US. Listen in for Jon’s insight on how he has managed to shift his perspective of success as simply running and training for a marathon. The real feeling of success comes when you’ve outdone your past self and learned to enjoy the journey!
What You Will Learn
- The tough transition from high school to college
- The challenge of being in a long distance relationship while in college
- The different paths Jon explored after college
- How Jon’s experience studying abroad in China impacted him
- How Jon stumbled into a dream journalism opportunity
- When Jon’s journalism career suddenly ended
- What brought Jon to pursue law school
- Jon’s insight on success
- How persistence and the right perspective can improve your life
Connect with Jon Kaiman
- Email jrkaiman@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Audible
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
What if you were guaranteed immense clarity and direction just from taking a simple year off of school to travel abroad? What if it could propel you way farther than jumping straight into college? Would you do it without hesitation?
Danny Recio, a Director and Founder of The Bridge Gap Program, took a gap year in South Africa after highschool. It was during his time there where he had a “coming of age” experience and found his calling in working with people. All because of his time abroad, Danny went on to start a gap year program for young men in Costa Rica, guiding them along their own coming of age experiences.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Danny joins Joanna to share his journey as he traveled as a young adult, exploring different cultures and how his gap year experience has stuck with him, even a decade later. Listen in for Danny’s insight on the impact the right gap year program can have on a young adult, possibly changing the entire trajectory of their life.
What You Will Learn
- What it was like growing up and going to school in Costa Rica
- Danny’s gap year in South Africa
- How impactful and helpful taking a gap year can be
- When Danny became interested in psychology
- Danny’s experience in college in Costa Rica vs the U.S.
- Danny’s insight on what can be really helpful for young adults as they navigate their identity and the world around them
- How The Bridge Gap Program came about
- Danny’s advice on goal setting
Connect with Danny Recio
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Audible
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
What if instead of going to the school your parents went to or doing what you think your parents want you to do, you went after the things that interest you? It could look like trying many different routes before you figure out your purpose but in the end saving you a lifetime of regret and unfulfillment.
Brad Waldo, director of Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services, decided to go after his passions in college despite the heavy pressure around him to do otherwise. In high school he was pushed to pursue business at a prestigious university though, his journey looked different starting out. His journey started at a treatment center at the age of 17, causing him to put a pause on the idea of college for a few years. When Brad decided he wanted to explore his interests in working with people, he started out in community college and went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Berkeley University. After many different changes in majors and routes, Brad now finds himself working to provide families with clear guidance around the best services available before, during, and after treatment.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Brad joins Joanna to share his journey as he navigated college following treatment. He found throughout his journey that pursuing his interests rather than doing what was expected of him brought him the most reward and fulfillment. Listen in for Chris’s insight on the importance of pursuing your interests over expectations and how much that choice has impacted his life for the better.
What You Will Learn
What it was like growing up around the stereotype that community college isn’t good enough
Going to treatment at a young age
Navigating when to go to college after treatment
The transition from community college to Berkeley University
The journey Brad went through with exploring different majors
When Brad made the decision to get a Master of Business Administration degree and why he did
What Brad has learned throughout his professional journey in business
How Brad is now working to connect families and their children to the best treatment available
How pursuing interests instead of expectations has majorly impacted Brad’s life route
Connect with Brad Waldo
Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services
Email bradwaldo@me.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Success is Subjective on Spotify
Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
We get so caught up in the idea of education and college, but what if someone doesn’t even have the option to go to school or doesn’t think they do because of their upbringing? Is it possible to go to college after growing up in poverty, surrounded by drugs and hopeless people?
Chris Howard, the founder of Ethos Recovery and Lifestyle Interventions, knows firsthand the struggle of poverty, addiction and mental health. He grew up poor and living in a home with a mentally ill mother, causing him to turn to drugs and alcohol to help escape. After more than a decade of struggling with addiction, Chris was forced to make a change and go to treatment. After finding himself sober for over 6 months, Chris found his pupose in helping others take back their life. In his pursuit, he went to college and eventually created Ethos House, where he now helps walk young men through their challenges in sobriety.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Chris joins Joanna to share his journey going from growing up in poverty and planning to go to jail, to acquiring a 3.9 GPA in college and owning his own treatment center. His journey was nowhere near easy but the lessons he’s learned and growth he’s experienced doesn’t go to waste, as he gives back to young men at Ethos and Lifestyle Interventions. Listen in for Chris’s insight on the importance of traveling prior to college and the impact that third-world countries and college has made on him.
What You Will Learn
- What it was like growing up in poverty and with a mentally ill mother
- The route that Chris was set on at a young age and when that idea finally changed
- When Chris was forced to go to treatment for his addictions
- How Chris got past his self-doubt around college
- How school was able to help Chris with discipline and skills
- The journey to a 3.9 GPA while worked 50 hours a week managing a sober living and taking on a full course load of classes
- When Chris decided he wanted to start his own sober living
- Chris’s insight on treatment
- The importance of taking care of yourself - you are human!
- Chris’s insight on traveling and how it has drastically affected his life
Connect with Chris Howard
- Ethos Recovery: Los Angeles Sober Living and Mentoring
- Lifestyle Interventions
- Real Chris Howard on Tik Tok
Connect with Joanna Lilley
What if what everyone else expects of you or what you think will make them happy or proud, doesn’t make you happy and proud too in the end?
Tripp Johnson is the co-founder and CEO of Green Hill Recovery, a transitional living program in Raleigh, North Carolina and the founder of AIM: Advaita Integrated Medicine, an interdisciplinary psychiatric and primary care practice also located in Raleigh. Tripp’s journey started nowhere near where he is today. He started his young adulthood journey in the military and quickly found himself on a downhill trek with alcohol, coming very close to being kicked out. After a hopeless phone call made to his dad one night, Tripp decided to take his advice and try meditating. From there, Tripp began to grow more and better himself. Following the military, he still wasn’t sure where he was meant to be but decided to give law school a try as he figured it out. During his time there, he co-founded Greenhill recovery and eventually dropped out of school to go all in with the treatment program, and he hasn’t looked back since.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Tripp joins Joanna to share his journey going from an alcoholic in the military to a CEO. Instead of living a life focused on making others happy, leaving himself unhappy, he now prioritizes living a life where he takes care of himself well while also helping young adults in recovery do the same. Listen in for insight on how meditation flipped Tripp’s life around and how he is continuing to work towards where he strives to be.
What You Will Learn
- What it was like growing up seeing everyone go to college and the pressure Tripp felt to make others proud
- What made Tripp decide on going to Westpoint following high school
- The transition from barely graduating to becoming an officer in the infantry
- Tripp’s experience in the military
- When meditating was introduced to Tripp and how it drastically changed his life while in the military
- What made Tripp decide to go to law school after the military and ultimately drop out
- When Tripp helped co-found Greenhill Recovery
- How Tripp feels about success right now
- What Greenhill Recovery focuses on
- Tripp’s insight on keeping an open mindset when it comes to your passions
Connect with Tripp Johnson
- Green Hill Recovery
- The Business of Human Flourishing Podcast
- Email: tripp@aimwellbeing.com or tjohnson@greenhillrecovery.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
It’s not easy to rebuild your life after 7 years of dark battles. It’s not easy to rebuild your life after 7 years on substances and many relapses years after. In fact, it may feel impossible, especially if you started at such a young age where this cycle is all you’ve known for most of your adolescent years/early adulthood.
Jordan de Haan, owner of a behavioral health services company called The Recovery Guides, experienced just that. 7+ years of mental health struggles and substance abuse, starting at the age 14. His introduction to substances started as he searched for something to ease his pain in depression and escalated quickly from there. After a few years in recovery, Jordan got sober for the last time and has been working in the industry ever since. After helping start a behavioral health service company Jordan now owns his very own.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Jordan joins Joanna to share his journey going from planning to go to an IVY League school to losing all hope and failing out of college multiple times. Though, his journey doesn’t stop there. Listen in for Jordan’s insight on the process of recovery and how there is always success to be found even for the most hopeless people.
What You Will Learn
- The crisis that Jordan went through at 14 years old
- When smoking became an outlet during a depressing period in Jordan’s life and where that led him with many other substances
- The process of dealing with grief and trauma while being on substances
- When Jordan went to a wilderness program
- The importance in finding a trusted treatment center
- What Jordan’s journey post recovery looked like. Treatment isn’t a quick fix.
- How Jordan got into working in private behavioral health services and went on to start his own
- Why college didn’t work for Jordan. College isn’t for everybody!
- There is hope to be found no matter where you find yourself
Connect with Jordan de Haan
- The Recovery Guides
- Email jordan@therecoveryguides.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
The “fast track”: graduating high school, going to college for 4+ years, and finding a secure and successful job to work until you retire. Though, what may seem like the “fast track” isn’t always. For others the fast track can mean four college years surrounded by peer pressure and mental health challenges, causing them to have to leave the original track all together. For Guy Sutherland, his 20’s looked like a rollercoaster ride (fast, yes, but not linear).
Guy Sutherland, Director of Residence Life at Provenance Farm, envisioned his college journey to be smooth and the fast track to a lifelong, successful career. Little did he know what was really in store for him. In his junior year of college Guy was finally forced to face reality and deal with his mental health, getting pulled out of college, diagnosed with PTSD, and put into a wilderness retreat. After many ups and downs in his recovery journey, he was brought to Provenance Farm where he was able to get/stay sober and come back to become a mentor. Now, Guy works as a Director of Residence life, helping young men navigate life in early sobriety.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Guy joins Joanna to share how what he thought would be the fast track to a life of success turned into a decade of chaos. Though, because of Guy’s chaotic 20’s he was able to be molded into who he is today, working in his purpose unlike many of his peers. Listen in for Guy’s insight on how the fast track might not be how you expect it to be and why it’s important to be open to help along the way.
What You Will Learn
- The standard “fast track” expectation
- Being pulled out of school Junior year
- Getting diagnosed with PTSD
- What life at home looked like for a year with drugs, alcohol, and many jobs
- When Guy was first sent to a wilderness retreat in Utah and what recovery looked like for him from then on. Recovery is not linear!
- How Guy ended up working as a mentor and now a director at Provenance Farm
- How Guy’s decade of chaos has brought him more success and a sense of purpose than his peers who took the “fast track”
- It’s okay to ask for help as a man
Connect with Guy Sutherland
- Providence Farm Extended Care Sober Home
- Guy Sutherland at Providence Farm
- Email guy@pfcommunity.org
- Phone 847-239-0792
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Whether it be coming out of high school or after a major life event, the process of finding a sense of self and direction at any age can be very challenging. The hardest step is taking the next step. Though, when you do take action, whether it be having a career assessment, getting a life coach, etc, you can then develop the necessary things that will take you to the next chapter in your book called, Life.
Bernie Zimmerman, Executive coach and Leader, went into college feeling very uprooted. After many trials and errors with different career paths, Bernie met his mentor, Dr. Greenwood, and through her he found his calling in career planning for adults. Now, Bernie works with many organizations providing career counseling, assessments and help wherever he can doing what he likes to call, “root work”, helping people find direction, take action, and enjoy their next step in life.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Bernie joins Joanna to share his journey going from lost and confused in college, to finding his roots in a field that provides him endless fulfillment. It took trying different things to get Bernie where he is today and hopefully you can find encouragement in his story. Listen in for Bernie’s story and his insight on creating a roadmap that allows you to establish your roots in life.
What You Will Learn
- What it was like growing up in a family full of engineers
- The different routes Bernie took in school his first round of college
- The pivotal time in Bernie’s life when he met Dr. Greenwood
- The passion and direction that was found in career planning for adults
- Going back to school after 25 years. It’s never too late!
- The work that Bernie does in mentoring people in new positions
- What root work is and how to establish deep roots in your life
Connect with Bernie Zimmerman
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
It might take 2 tries, 3 tries, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10+ to figure it out. Maybe it’s taking that many breaks from school or making that many efforts at recovering from an addiction. Whatever it may be, it doesn’t matter so much about the amount of ‘attempts, pauses, breaks, or setbacks’ in comparison to the end goal. It matters more about the journey, the lessons along the way, and the growth gained. That’s what creates more meaning and purpose in life - not achievements.
Cole Szabo, Admissions and Outreach Specialist at Cumberland Heights adolescent program, ARCH Academy, spent many years in a continuous cycle of overdosing, treatment, relapsing, becoming homeless, repeat and repeat. Every time this cycle repeated itself Cole wanted better for himself but it wasn’t until the final time when he was willing to truly fight for the good of himself and his life instead of just achieving what sounded like the right thing to do. That simple shift broke the dark cycle that controlled Cole for years and allowed him to discover his calling that had been right under his nose all this time - substance abuse counseling. Now, Cole works as a licensed substance abuse counselor helping young people discover their meaning and approach life in a creative, non-conforming way, while also living a life that he, himself is truly proud to live.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Cole joins Joanna to share his journey going from what seemed like a never ending cycle of overdosing and treatment centers, to finally hitting a wall and discovering his calling in life. There were many dark moments in his journey though, he is now able to fully LIVE a life exploring and enjoying with family, friends, and his dog. Listen in for Cole’s insight on the importance of focusing on the journey rather than the destination and see how that plays a role in his own inspiring and raw story.
What You Will Learn
- The two sides of education that Cole got to see growing up with his mom not having gone to college and with his dad who did
- Why Cole barely made it into college out of high school
- Getting into college can be the easiest part. The commitment is where it can get tough!
- How things declined freshman through junior year
- The relapse roller coaster Cole experience for 6 years
- When Cole was able to go to treatment and stay sober and how that opened his eyes to his calling in life
- The second time Cole took a break from school. It’s okay to take a break more than once!
- Focusing on the journey rather than destination or goal
Connect with Cole Szabo
- Arch Academy
- Call or text 615-390-9824
- Email cole_szabo@arch.org
Connect with Joanna Lilley
After losing a father, getting deep into drugs and alcohol, and finding no hope in school or life, life seemed pointless. Though, after experiencing genuine people and help at a treatment center, there was a sense of hope that began to grow. From a kid who flunked out of college, became an addict, and lost a parent, to someone who is more than their struggles and who can make a better name for themself. That’s the life-changing effect that a sober living center can have on many men and women, which is why Jack and Zack decided to pay that forward and do their part in their own town.
Owners of Hyperion Sober Living, Jack Shain and Zach Young, both have similar backgrounds that brought them together but their journey’s there were a bit different. Jack went on to college, eventually flunking out due to drinking and partying, while Zack on the other hand didn’t go to college and pursued construction and drugs instead. Jack ended up going on to become a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor and Zack continued to recover while working in treatment centers. It wasn’t until a treatment event where Jack shared his recovery story and how he lost his father at 16, that brought them two together, as Zack had a similar story with losing his father at a young child. Fast forward to today, they now own a sober living 12-step program where they give back, helping men live a life they never thought possible.
In this episode of Success is Subjective, Jack and Zack join Joanna to share their journey going from losing their fathers, struggling in school, and ending up in rehab, to go on to make a better name for themselves and use their recovery experience to help others in recovery. Listen in on how Jack and Zack’s journey’s intertwined along the way, allowing them to come together and start Hyperion Sober Living.
What You Will Learn
- How college was never a question for Jack growing up but not even a thought for Zack
- Losing a parent at a young age
- The difficult transition of moving away for college
- How getting kicked out of college helped Jack take some time off to focus more on structure both in treatment and in his everyday life
- Fear of being ‘behind’
- Zack’s journey with treatment and working as an intern
- How Jack and Zack bonded over similar struggles
- What caused Jack and Zack to want to start Hyperion Sober Living
- It’s okay to take a break and do what you need to do for yourself
Connect with Jack Shain and Zack Young
- Hyperion Sober Living in Culver City, LA
- Hyperion Sober Living on Instagram
- Hyperion Sober Living on Facebook
- Email info@hyperionsoberliving.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
A person’s life path isn’t any different to building a structure. You first need to know its specific function before you can successfully build. Yet, we work backwards and try to envision the form of a person’s life and skip over their unique function. How can there be a successful form (life) without first knowing the function? What if instead we first understood their unique purpose and where those gifts and strengths make a unique impact?
Zach Mercurio is an author, researcher, and consultant specializing in purposeful leadership, meaningful work, mattering, and positive organizational development. Though, he didn’t always have this clear idea on purpose and success. His story started like many others —go to college and pursue something that makes money rather than what suits you. Zach’s journey started with working in advertising and it wasn’t until an experience with an inspiring cab driver when he decided to make a change. This change led him to pursue a life of service and meaning, starting in a masters in higher education, to speaking to employees, acquiring a phD, and now owning his own business where he helps cultivate purposeful leaders.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Zach joins Joanna to share his journey going from miserable in an unfulfilling job to now bringing clarity and unique perspective to people on how to avoid the route he was once on. Zack works to redefine peoples’ destructive definitions of success while providing them a sense of true meaning and purpose. Listen in for Zach’s perspectives on how you too can redefine success to meet your unique function (be prepared to be mind blown!).
What You Will Learn
- What it was like growing up as the youngest of 3 brothers
- The problem with tying success to achievement
- The wrong questions being asked in schools
- Why Zach faked being interested in advertising
- The cab driver that changed Zach’s life and caused him to make a change
- The impact he made by helping students and employees unlearn destructive definitions of success. Start somewhere!
- The important shift from learning to value who you are now and where you are now rather than glorifying a certain destination ahead
- How to create “mattering” through small acts and better questions
- Where Zach finds himself now as an author, researcher, consultant, and speaker
- Some of the most important questions you can ask to find your purpose and acquire the evidence that you matter now
Connect with Zach Mercurio
Connect with Joanna Lilley
“I have no idea what my purpose in life is.” “I don’t think I have a purpose.” A common trend with people who feel lost is the question of purpose and a sense of purpose usually strongly correlates with the feeling of success for most people. But, how do you come to identify your purpose and in return feel closer to your own version of success?
Andrew Bryan, Educational Consultant, Guide, and Poet, believes that all human beings have a purpose and works to help students from all walks of life discover theirs. His journey in mentoring started before even stepping foot into a college classroom though, he didn’t know it at the time. It wasn’t until one friend after the other encouraged him to pursue teaching and working with people, when he finally decided to lean into his gift. Andrew now has 30+ years as an educator mentor and isn’t stopping anytime soon.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Andrew joins Joanna to share his journey as he navigated finding his own purpose in life and how he now helps emerging adults do the same. He does this by encouraging young adults in their journeys to explore the world around them through mentoring, career assessment, guidance, and international treks.Listen in for Andrew’s insight on purpose vs success and how you can find your own sense of both.
What You Will Learn
- What it was like growing up with high achieving parents
- What made Andrew decide to go to Alberque, NM for college
- Andrew’s mentoring journey started before he even stepped foot in a college classroom
- How college was a time for him to fully explore and try out many different opportunities
- How Andrew eventually got into teaching
- Where Andrew finds himself now with Emerging Young Adults and TrekEpic
- How a gap year can be looked at as simply apart of the college path
- It’s more about getting closer to your purpose than it is about just finding ‘success’
- The importance in creating concrete goals, no matter how small
Connect with Andrew Bryan
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Getting all A’s, being on the Dean’s list, going to law school, etc, etc. All of these metrics that make it appear that you have it all together and are doing ‘enough’. Though, does it all really mean anything? Sure, they might make your parents content but is that enough to stick with something you hate for the rest of your life?
John Tucker, Academic Director and Admissions Director at Wisdom Ranch Vocational Gap Year Program, started his career journey nowhere near where he finds himself today. All throughout school, John felt the need to constantly prove himself to his parents and make them proud. He went on to take that huge pressure into college, getting on the Dean’s list and going to law school. It wasn’t until he was randomly introduced to a wilderness program and offered to take a much needed break when John finally found something that made him happy and proud to the extent that for the first time it didn’t even matter what anyone else had to say.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, John joins Joanna to share his journey going from law school to working in wilderness therapy. John’s trajectory was nothing near what he imagined yet everything he could’ve wanted. Listen in for John’s insight on how his life and career trajectory has taught him how there is no end all be all, and how much pressure that has taken off his shoulders after a life of trying to prove himself.
What You Will Learn
- The pressure John felt growing up to be good enough for his parents
- Why John went to law school
- When he decided to become a professor instead
- How John got introduced to wilderness therapy which at the time was a foreign world to him
- The complete 360 career change he decided to make after exploring wilderness therapy
- Career paths are not always linear and that is okay!
- The work that John does 25 years later now at Wisdom Ranch
- The importance in learning to keep moving literally and figuratively
Connect with John Tucker
- Wisdom Ranch
- Admissions: Call: 208.352.2676
- Email john@wisdomranch.org
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Audible
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
Your dad thinks you should be an engineer, your neighbor thinks you should study math, your childhood friend thinks you shouldn’t study in the field you’re interested in because it won’t make you good money. What if none of that matters? What if instead, you looked within at what lights you up and went after that?
Career Coach, Kaylyn Blair hopped from job to job during college finding it difficult to find one she was happy at. After finishing grad school and experiencing a job that was detrimental to her mental health, Kaylyn decided to take a different route. Instead of going back to an environment that pulled her down, she decided to start her own business using the knowledge and experience she has to help students in their career journey. Now, Kaylyn is on her way to Costa Rica for a month to explore the culture, while also serving others in a field she thrives in.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Kaylyn joins Joanna to share her journey as she navigated finding a career that worked for her without sacrificing her mental health and enjoyment of life. The changes that she decided to make in her life has allowed her to travel and explore the world while working remotely in a job she loves. Listen in for Kaylyn’s insight on how important it is to prioritize passion in your career choices over money, societal standards, etc.
What You Will Learn
- There emphasis on finding success in a 4 year college
- Why Kaylyn chose to go to school out of state
- How the college transition was for Kaylyn and her parents
- How helpful it was to find a community within college
- When depression and anxiety really set in
- Deciding to transfer closer to home because of mental health struggles
- Kaylyn’s time studying abroad
- The move to Colorado
- The range of jobs that Kaylyn had before she started her grad program
- When a job becomes detrimental to your mental health, it’s time to leave
- Career paths are not always linear and that is okay!
- When Kaylyn decided to start her own business
- How Kaylyn is using her skills to help people while also being able to prioritize her own well being and happiness.
- It’s important to take the time to make sure to redefine success in your own eyes
- Why passion is so crucial when deciding on a life career
Connect with Kaylyn Blair
- A Ok Resumes on Instagram
- Email aok.resumeconsulting@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
You are not a piece of clay that is meant to be formed into something someone else wants you to be. You are a human being. A human being with dreams, goals, passions, interests, talents...You’re not a drone, a puppet, or a dog on a leash. You are whatever YOU want to be and feel called to be in this world.
Julie Lythcott-Haims, a New York Times bestselling author and a speaker, didn’t always see her work encompassing writing, speaking, mentoring, and activism. She went into college unsure on what to do but curious on how she could make an impact; a good impact in the world. She started with studying American Studies, shifting to Law and eventually finding herself working in higher education, serving college students. As she worked with students, she found a huge passion for leading young adults and parents of young adults, so much so, she decided to write a book and go on to write two more: Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, Real American: A Memoir, and How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Julie joins Joanna to share her journey going from failing communications class to now making a living as a communicator with 3 books and a TedTalk. Her story of overcoming challenges as a woman of color working to make a name for herself, will be sure to inspire you to take action today on your passions. Listen in for Julie’s insight on how imperative it is to figure out what you’re good at, what you love, and where you feel a sense of belonging in the world and to not let anyone stop you. You CAN live the life you want to lead, despite what anyone else has to think or say about it.
What You Will Learn
- What it was like being raised knowing that higher education was imperative
- How going through school was for Julie, as a woman of color
- How Julie’s relationship with her mother really drove her actions in school
- What sparked Julie’s interest in studying American Studies
- How American Studies got her to pursue Law
- When Julie realized that corporate Law wasn’t right for her
- When she decided to pursue bigger passions with serving students
- The recurring micromanaging she saw from parents of college students which led her to write her first book
- What Julie has learned from working in higher education and how she uses that experience in her work now, as an entrepreneur
- The Venn diagram of a fulfilling life
- How important it is for parents to learn to let go of the reins in their young adult’s life
Connect with Julie Lythcott-Haims
- Julie Lythcott-Haim’s Blog
- Julie Lythcott-Haims’s Social Media:
- Tiktok
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Most young adults aren’t good with money. Throw them into college and student loan debt is sure to pile up VERY high once they graduate. For some students that could look like $300,000 worth of debt! Who wants to deal with that?!
Josh Hastings, owner of Money Life Wax, found college to be a time where he really thrived. He was even able to find a job as soon as he graduated as a result of some great connections he made while in school. Though, during college and after, Josh found that debt was a huge question for many people including himself. After paying off $300,000 in student loans with his wife in less than five years, they both decided to take it a step further and started Money Life Wax, where they now share how to make money, pay off debt, and improve as a person.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Josh joins Joanna to share his journey going from $300,000 in student debt, to now teaching others how to pay off debt while still being able to have a good college and career experience. Listen in for Josh’s insight on the importance of making the right decisions now, whether that be friends wise or going to community college instead of a 4 year school. The decisions you make now can easily impact you for years to come.
What You Will Learn
- The struggle that Josh had with the lack of support in picking a college to go to
- How the college transition was for Josh
- How impactful healthy friendships can be in college
- How Josh got his first job after college
- The struggle that Josh experienced as a male teacher
- How his mom made him aware of student loans and paying those off
- What Josh learned about loans and payments when he got married
- Why Josh and his wife started their blog called Money Life Wax
- Your impact will give you a much greater sense of success than finances and titles
Connect with Josh Hastings
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
If you wait around for something to pick you up and take you exactly where you need to be, you’ll be waiting for the rest of your life. You decide where your life goes by the actions you take right now.
Enzo Narciso, spent the majority of his emerging adult years waiting around for things to change in his life naturally. Instead of taking action himself, he found himself dropping out of high school and doing drugs. His drug use eventually led to an overdose that changed his life. After coming out of a coma, Enzo had to not only re-learn how to do simple tasks but also how to redirect his life. After a lot of hard work and trial and error, Enzo finds himself in a much better place and back in school.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Enzo joins Joanna to share his journey going from a high school dropout to studying Clinical Psychology to help anyone who may be on a similar path to the one he took when he was younger. Listen in for Enzo’s insight on how important taking action is, no matter how small it may be or how many tries it takes.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up with college being the norm that everyone did after high school without question
- How the fear of disappointment caused Enzo to stay in high school longer than he wanted to be
- When Enzo dropped out of high school
- Enzo’s experience in a wilderness therapy program and in border school
- How an overdose impacted Enzo
- Waiting for things to just come to you won’t get you far
- You attract what you avoid
- How Enzo had to start from scratch after his overdose and what that process looked like
- Don’t wait around to make a move. Trial and error is the best way to learn!
Connect with Enzo Narciso
- @vt.narciso on Instagram
- Email sciencewithchen@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Audible
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
Everywhere you turn, someone will have something to say. Sometimes nice things, other times not so nice. Regardless of what someone has to say, what really matters is whether you choose to stay true to yourself and continue to unapologetically shine your light.
Andre Wright, National Director of Professional Relations, didn’t realize the bright light that he had within him growing up. It wasn’t until a guidance counselor encouraged Andre when he decided to pursue college and his potential. Now, Andre works to help others find their light within and learn to embrace it even through mental health challenges.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Andre joins Joanna to share his journey going from living in poverty to now working with professionals and executives in their mental health journeys. His story and energy provides a lasting impact on each client he works with, which you’ll be sure to feel through hearing Andre speak. Listen in for Andre’s insight on how important it is to let your light shine even when others think it’s too bright. At the end of the day, they can learn to deal with it and grab a pair of sunglasses ;)
What You Will Learn
- Growing up in poverty and with a single mom
- How sports seemed to be the only outlet
- How a guidance counselor helped Andre see his potential and brought college into the picture
- How the college transition was for Andre as an athlete
- The process of trying to find a job during the recession
- The many hats that Andre wore for 12 years at a mental health program
- The work that Andre does now and is so passionate about
- Let your inner light shine through unapologetically
Connect with
- J. Flowers Health Institute
- Andre Wright on Facebook
- Andre Wright on LinkedIn
- Email andre@jflowershealth.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
You may not have control over life circumstances, but you do have control over your perspective. What if instead of operating in a mindset of, “Why is this happening to me?” you shift to, “How can I use this to help others?”
Wendy Adamson, author of Mother Load and Incorrigible, found herself stuck in the “Why is this happening to me?” mentality for most of her early adulthood. Much of her adolescent and young adult years were spent searching for anything to help her cope with childhood trauma, causing a lot of struggle in her life. It wasn’t until Wendy noticed the same patterns in her children when she decided to make a change and not allow life to get the best of her, but rather allow her and her family finally get the best out of life. Today, she finds herself working in Business Development at Polaris Teen Center, a treatment center for adolescents struggling with mental health issues.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Wendy joins Joanna to share her journey as she navigated childhood trauma as she went into adulthood on her own, and how she chose to use her battles as a source of hope for others. What once felt like a negative thing in Wendy’s life, she now uses to connect with parents and youth. Listen in for Wendy’s insight on how she’s managed to shift her perspective despite her past and helps others do the same. You can hear more about Wendy’s journey in her books, Mother Load and Incorrigible.
What You Will Learn
- Wendy’s time in the juvenile justice system as an adolescent
- How labels are put on youth and adolescents and how that can affect them
- How trauma wasn’t talked about at the time which resulted Wendy to resort to substances to self medicate
- Wendy’s time in and out of jail
- When Wendy realized she was not only hurting herself but everyone around her and she needed to make a change
- How Wendy was able to see her son follow her past behavior
- The huge perspective shift that Wendy made from “Why is this stuff happening to me, to how can I use this experience to help someone else?”
- What motivated Wendy during the process of writing both of her books
- How Wendy has changed her generational trajectory
- How helpful other people’s stories can be in providing hope
Connect with
Connect with Joanna Lilley
There will always be plenty of time for work but there will never be enough time to explore all that the world has to offer. Instead of rushing into completing college, which will always be available, what if you allowed yourself to embrace the time you have now to explore life —something you might not always have the opportunity to do?
Shayna Abraham, a Consultant at Prepare to Bloom, went into college with no idea that it could wait or that there were any other options. In her many years of school she eventually found herself wanting to work as a Therapeutic Consultant and over the past decade, Shayna has worked with hundreds of families. Because of her own experience with the heavy pressure to rush into a lifelong career, she now encourages others to know that college can wait.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Shayna joins Joanna to share her journey as she navigated college and how she came to find her career as a Therapeutic Consultant. Listen in for Shayna’s insight on how important it is to know that college will always be there but the time you have to explore and play won’t always be.
What You Will Learn
- How much pressure Shayna felt growing up around the idea of college and a career
- How Shayna’s family reacted to some of her early adulthood choices
- How moving away for college can cause culture shock
- Looking at grad school as a break from having to work full time
- How Shayna co-founded College Parent Survival Network (the sponsor of Success is Subjective!)
- The rewarding work that Shayna does with families as a Therapeutic Consultant
- The importance of allowing yourself to explore life instead of rushing into a lifelong career. College can wait!
Connect with Shayna Abraham
- Prepare to Bloom Treatment Consulting Firm
- Call 650-888-4575
- Therapeutic Consulting Association
- College Parent Survival Network
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
Feel the pressure to make sure your young adult goes to school, gets a good education and finds a lifelong career? Do they feel as passionate about that route? Because in reality, no matter what your child chooses to do whether it’s college or starting a dog grooming business, life will still be there to teach them new things and help them continue to grow in the path that they choose. If they aren’t as passionate about the mainstream route as you are stressed about it, is it worth pushing?
Robert Trout, Director of The Experiential Healing Institute, went into college thinking it was the only route to take at the time. That route ended up leading him into experiencing depression in college and really not enjoying what he was doing with his life. After discovering a program called Outward Bound, Richard found a passion in wilderness therapy, eventually leading him to hike the Appalachian trail where he spent over 1000 days in the wilderness. That experience has still to this day been one of the most remarkable opportunities and has led him to everything he does today as an entrepreneur, wilderness guide, wilderness therapist, and father.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Robert joins Joanna to share his journey going from hating school and being miserable, to finishing out college strong in something he absolutely loves. The wide range of experience that Robert has built over the years is amazing to hear about and even more amazing to hear how he uses it to help young adults and their families. Listen in for Robert’s insight on the concept that life is school and how he encourages parents of young adults to explore that idea together.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up with no other discussions besides the idea of college
- The stigma that Robert experienced around special ED in elementary school
- Finding an extra curricular that you find exciting while in college
- Dealing with depression in college
- Robert’s experience with Outward Bound
- When Robert decided to go to school to work in wilderness therapy
- How Robert managed get full credit while doing the Appalachian trail
- How the Appalachian trail led Robert open up opportunities for him
- When Robert became fed up and decided to start his own business where he trains parents
- Robert’s advice to parents on how to encourage their young adult
Connect with Robert Trout
Resources
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sometimes just going to college because you were told to or because everyone else is, or because it’s what you just do, isn’t enough. Applying and getting into a college is a completely different thing from completing a degree and finding your own success in that career path.
Dr. Sarah Parlier, Director of Student Development at Trails Momentum, had a very concrete idea on what her academic and career journey would look like as a teacher. While a lot of it looked like her plan, a lot of it didn’t as well. After years of working as a teacher, Sarah was introduced to the world of wilderness therapy and has been engulfed in it ever since. In this interview you will be sure to hear how passionate she is about the work she does at Trails Momentum, a co-educational, young adult therapeutic adventure program.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Sarah joins Joanna to share her career journey as a teacher and how that shifted for her into something she never imagined. Now Sarah gets to incorporate all of her passions in the work she does with young adults and their families. Listen in for Sarah’s insight regarding college and how oftentimes a shift in your original plans can turn into something better than you would’ve imagined.
What You Will Learn
- College not being an option and something you just do
- Deciding to pursue being a teacher because it was a family tradition
- Sarah’s positive experience at a private college
- Where Sarah has worked as a teacher and the experience she’s gained
- Sarah’s time in grad school while having a family
- When Sarah got introduced to wilderness therapy and decided to make a shift in her career
- How Sarah has found a career where she can incorporate all of her passions
- What all Trails Momentum provides for a young adult
- Sarah’s advice to parents navigating changes in their young adult’s path
Connect with Dr. Sarah Parlier
- Trails Momentum Young Adults Wilderness Therapy Program
- Sarah Parlier at Trails Momentum
- Email: sparlier@trailsmomentum.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
Young adults make some of their biggest life decisions between the ages of 18 to 24. As a parent, it’s easy to feel so much pressure to not let your young adult mess up during this time and to make sure they ‘succeed’ in life. Though, that pressure doesn’t have to be all on you. As some of the most crucial times of their life, it’s so important that your young adult has other mentors in their life besides just you. You as a parent can only do so much of that.
Andrew Chapman, founder of True North and Belay Wellness, works to mentor college students and their parents. His goal is to fill in the gaps that many colleges have regarding guidance and direction. When Andrew was a student he longed for adventure and excitement and made sure to prioritize that in every route he took. As college continues to change for young adults, Andrew works to navigate them through the most exciting and fulfilling routes unique to each individual.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Andrew joins Joanna to share his journey as he navigated his passion for adventure and thrill, and how he turned that into a full time career in wilderness therapy. His story is nothing but exciting and empowering for not only you as a listener but also the many clients he works with, including young adults and their parents. Listen in for Andrew’s insight on how important it is for young adults to have mentors and people alongside them as they navigate early adulthood, and how that can affect their sense of success tremendously.
What You Will Learn
- Going to college because it’s what everyone else was doing. College can wait if it needs to!
- Taking the time to traveling and explore during college
- Learning to ask the right questions
- How Andrew would look at other people’s experiences and learning from them and created his own path with that knowledge
- The push from Andrew’s parents that helped him start searching for something where he could make more of a difference with people
- Andrew’s time in wilderness therapy
- Going back to school to become a therapist
- When Andrew started mentoring college students and parents of college students
- How the pandemic can be causing more stress for students
- The importance in parents allowing their young adult to have a mentor that’s someone besides them
Connect with Andrew Chapman
- Belay Wellness
- Call (619) 721-9610
- True North Wilderness
- Call 802.583.1144
- Email info@truenorthwilderness.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sometimes life causes us to have to start over. Sometimes in small ways and other times, in big ways. It may be from growing up in an abusive home and having to rebuild a life for yourself or losing yourself in addiction and having to make the choice to make a complete change.
Ginny Burton, college graduate, a Truman Scholar, and mother, had to make the choice to make do both and rebuild her life from living in a drug addict home and from becoming an addict herself. At a young age she knew that she needed to make a different life for herself but as she continued to be surrounded by toxic addict environments, she began to spiral herself as an early adolescent. Despite growing up with almost nothing and falling down many times herself, Ginny managed to turn her life around years later and be the mother she longed for as a child.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Ginny joins Joanna to share her story going from an addict to a 2X college graduate and an amazing mother. Ginny is truly the voice for the voiceless, she's the epitome of change, and she is proof that you can overcome any challenge. Just wait until you hear her story. Listen in for Ginny’s insight on how she managed to turn her life around and the amazing wisdom she’s gained from her trials in life.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up with 2 addicts as parents
- Finding school to be a safe haven away from home
- When the realization that college most likely wouldn’t be possible occurred for Ginny and how heartbreaking that was for her
- Using substances to cope with abuse and trauma
- The struggle Ginny experienced of having to figure out how to take care of herself alone at such a young age
- Dropping out of high school in the 9th grade
- Becoming a crack addict by 17 years old
- Not having the power to stop drug use on her own and the lack of guidance that Ginny found
- How going to jail for the 4th time in 2012 allowed Ginny to make the decision to make a change
- When Ginny made the decision to go to college
- Ginny’s advice to parents on teaching kids to be comfortable with being uncomfortable
Connect with Ginny Burton
Resources
- The Redemption of Ginny Burton on KOMO News
- Ginny Burton in the University of Washington Magazine
- Ginny Burton in The Washington Times
- Ginny Burton on KUTV News
Connect with Joanna Lilley
We aren’t able to choose the life we grow up in and that can bring a lot of baggage into the adult years. But what if it didn’t have to be that way forever? What if there was hope to be able to find a new way of life that doesn’t revolve around past trauma?
Mike Zweifel, founder of Archways Recovery Center and Life Guide Consulting, LLC, went into his early adult years with a lot of childhood trauma and baggage buried deep down inside. This quickly turned into an alcohol addiction and continued traumatic experiences. It wasn’t until a parole officer intervened when Mike was 28 years old when a miracle happened. From then on Mike came to find a passion in helping young adults dealing with addiction and now owns a behavioral health firm and a healthcare consulting firm.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Mike joins Joanna to share his journey going from a homeless and traumatized teen to acquiring a masters in social work to further help young adults in recovery. Mike’s vulnerable story is proof that no matter how difficult life may get, it does get better. Listen in for Mike’s profound insight on how the low times in his journey have brought him so much closer to the young adults he works with, bringing them to a new way of life.
What You Will Learn
- Weighing out whether college was even worth it because of the cost
- Dealing with a lot of trauma as a teenager and how that affected Mike
- The negative ways Mike found to express his emotions
- Finding relief in substances
- How treatment wasn’t a topic at the time
- Dealing with childhood trauma into early adult years
- It wasn’t about education, it was about survival. College isn’t going anywhere!
- Feeling handicapped by life to even pursue passions
- The miracle that happened when Mike was 28 years old
- The job that made Mike realize he had a passion for helping kids that are in the shoes he was once in
- Mike’s journey going back to school at 31 years old to pursue his passion
- From a homeless IV drug user to a masters in social work
- How the fear of failure can cause young adults to not make moves at all
- How societal pressure has increased dramatically over the years for generations
- You don’t have to be afraid to live out your life fully
Connect with Mike Zweifel
- Archway Recovery Centers
- Call 602-531-109
- Email info@archwaysrecoverycenters.com
- LifeGuideConsulting.com (under construction right now)
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sometimes the job or experience that once was scary and exciting might eventually come to be boring and exhausting. And that’s okay. Though, it’s important to adjust with that growth instead of limiting yourself by staying in what feels comfortable.
Erica Nelson, a co-founder of REAL Consulting, an Orvis endorsed fly fishing guide in Colorado, and the host of the Awkward Angler Podcast, has really allowed herself to explore the idea of what limits her in life. Starting at the age of 18 Erica uprooted from New Mexico to Utah alone and hasn’t stopped saying yes to adventure ever since. Along the way, Erica had her fair share of corporate jobs and while they all brought their own experiences, some good and some bad, Erica always knew she was meant for more. Each time she felt that urge for more, she said yes to it. In each step of her journey Erica hasn’t allowed herself to be limited, no matter the circumstance. With that, it’s brought her to a life she’s proud to live, owning her own business and helping others.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Erica joins Joanna to share her journey as she dove head first into her many passions as a young adult and how it all has molded her into the person she is today: a business owner and an inspiration. Erica’s story will be sure to keep you on your toes and encourage you to take a chance on your dreams, no matter what they may be. Listen in for Erica’s insight on how important it is to be sure that you aren’t limiting yourself in whatever you choose because life is far too short to be miserable.
What You Will Learn
- The pressure that Erica felt from her parents to make a better path for herself with college
- The time Erica took to explore herself before going to college. College isn’t going anywhere!
- Uprooting to Utah alone at the age of 18
- How Erica’s job as an HR gave her an interest for working with people
- When Erica decided to go to college at 20 due to FOMO
- Leaving college after graduating with an associates degree to travel and work seasonal jobs
- What having a supervising job in Alaska taught Erica
- How a mentor in Oregon majorly impacted Erica and became someone she worked with for 5 years
- How Erica’s work experience has taught her a lot more than college has
- When Erica decided to quit corporate and become a river guide
- Getting a thirst to learn more and go back to college
- What sparked REAL consulting
- How COVID caused Erica to lose her job but also allowed her to put energy back into her own business
- Life is too short to limit yourself and be miserable
Connect with Erica Nelson
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Whatever you find passion and fulfillment in won’t always be easy. It might even turn out to be more difficult than the average college path, though that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Whether you want to be a musician or an aerospace engineer, you have the choice to make it work out well in your life —only you.
Steve Leonard, banjo player of Serene Green, found a huge passion for music at a young age. If it weren’t for his huge passion he quite possibly could’ve found himself where he sees many of his peers; unfulfilled and drowning in student debt. Steve decided not to go to college and explored his interests instead, which has been one of the greatest decisions in his life. Steve has now been a touring musician for 10 years and is more rich in life than most people.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Steve joins Joanna to share his journey going from growing up struggling with ADHD to finding music as a huge outlet and eventually a career. Steve’s story is proof that through hard work and dedication, you don’t have to live at the expense of your passions. Listen in for Steve’s insight on how different his life looks from his peers that went to college and how much that’s taught him.
What You Will Learn
How the common topic of college never involved how much debt it can include
How being on medication for ADHD seriously impacted Steve growing up
How Steve got into music
The benefits that welding school brought Steve in comparison to how college has impacted some of his peers. College isn’t going anywhere!
The amount of work Steve has put into making his music career work
What Steve has learned throughout his music career
The importance of having a community that you can connect with
The pressure to live by societal standards
Making sure that whatever you do in life doesn’t sink you financially
Is college worth it anymore?
Connect with Steve Leonard
- Serene Green Blue Grass Band
- Serene Green on iTunes
- Serene Green on Spotify
- Serene Green on Youtube
- Serene Green on Instagram
- Serene Green on Facebook
- Video of Serene Green at DelFest 2019
Connect with Joanna Lilley
What if you’re a square that is trying to fit into a round hole? Whether that be trying to fit into a corporate job or into a single identity for the rest of your life.
Jake Summers, the Development Director of Green Hill and entrepreneur, first found himself in the corporate world straight after college. It wasn’t until his boss at the time sat him down and told him that he was meant for more, when Jake decided to lean into his advice and take a risk. That risk turned into more and more risks that brought him a passion for young adults, traveling, and running businesses.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Jake joins Joanna to share his story going from an alcoholic to a passionate entrepreneur. Once Jake decided to lean into his authentic self he was able to start living a life and career full of beautiful adventure. Listen in for Jake’s insight on what he’s found to be the most impactful steps in his journey and how he is continuing to find his own version of success.
What You Will Learn
Growing up in an area where college was shown to be the only option
How Jake’s dad allowed him to have an open mind around college
How not being in a structured home environment affected Jake’s academic life
Going from a home life that was not structured to the most structured university
Dealing with addiction in college
How Jake wrapped up his identity in being an alcoholic
The finance job that Jake got where he started taking sobriety seriously
How the corporate world isn’t for everyone
How having a support system and a mentor helped Jake along the way
Jake’s experience as an entrepreneur
Living as an expat in Cambodia for almost 2 years
Learning how to still live a fun life in sobriety
Taking risks while you’re young
The benefits of a gap year
Connect with Jake Summers
- Greenhill Recovery
- Jake Summers on LinkedIn
- Call 610-999-4966
- Email jsummers@greenhilrecovery.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Just because your path doesn’t look like theirs doesn’t mean you aren’t as capable as them. Whether it’s to be a doctor or to simply be a college student. The only thing that doesn’t make you ‘capable’ is whether or not you choose to believe in yourself.
Natalie Real is a first generation college student who originally dropped out of high school at the age of 16, leaving school with an eighth grade education. For the longest time Natalie didn’t even feel like she had what it took to get her GED, let alone go to college. It wasn’t until she had her biological son when she decided to challenge what she believed she was capable of. She ended up going on to receive a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in School Counseling. Natalie strives to help people not only in a logical way with college processes but also in an emotionally supportive way.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Natalie joins Joanna to share her story going from doing substances and dropping out of high school, to coming to find a determination to figure out college processes and graduate all while being a mom. You will be sure to feel the emotion and passion radiate from Natalie and her beautiful story. Listen in for insight on how Natalie made what seemed impossible, more than possible for her and her family, and works to make it possible for others as well.
What You Will Learn
Growing up without the conversation of college
The struggle of growing up with parents who are having trouble with their marriage
How family struggles caused Natalie to check out of school and obtain zero credits in high school
Becoming self sufficient at the age of 15 causing academics to become irrelevant
Dealing with substance abuse issues
The turning point that Natalie had after having her first child
The courage it took for Natalie to go to college and get past her imposter syndrome
The struggle of finding a job after graduating
Being in school while being a mom
The journey of navigating college on your own
The passion that Natalie has for helping others with college advising
How Natalie plans to tremendously help people in the next few years
Connect with Natalie Real
- Call or text 719-238-0013
- Email natalie.real@yahoo.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
No matter what cards you have been dealt in your life, you have the choice of whether or not you will conform to that path or make a better one for yourself. Is this what you feel you were built to do? Not what Bobby next door was made to do. You. What if you were built for something different? What if you were built for something amazing?
It took Mike Segovia, owner of PFCAudioVideo, time to realize that he didn’t have to conform to what everyone else was doing as a young adult. Growing up without a father figure, Mike found it difficult to not want to push academics away and self sabotage instead. After some life changing conversations with his mom and a mentor of his, Mike began to step into what he really wanted to do in the media industry and hasn’t stopped since.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Mike joins Joanna to share his inspiring story going from growing up trying to fit in and filling voids, to eventually turning his life around and finding his own version of success. If it weren’t for the people who planted seeds of wisdom in his life, he might not be doing what he does best today. Listen in for insight on what Mike has learned to be the most impactful things that have brought him to a life of success not only in his business but within himself, allowing him to make an impact on others.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up with family dysfunction
- College not being expected in the family
- How growing up without a male figure affected Mike
- Trying to fit in highschool
- The respectful way Mike’s mom reacted to his bad grades in highschool that really changed his perspective with academics
- The life changing moment for Mike where he decided to change his path
- Jumping into broadcasting school right after high school
- Mike’s mentor that helped him to learn how to be a great editor
- The journey of starting his own media business
- Mike’s advice to a highschooler who is intentionally self sabotaging
Connect with Mike Segovia
- Get a free 45 minute call with Mike at PFCAudioVideo
- PCFAudioVideo on Instagram
- PCFAudioVideo on Facebook
- Email mike@PFCAudioVideo.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
Taking that step outside your comfort zone can feel like the scariest thing. But once you take it, you open yourself up to new opportunities within yourself and in the world around you.
Kellyn Smythe, Admissions Director at Pacific Quest, built a lot of his self identity as an emerging adult through pushing himself to be a beginner at new things. This not only really humbled him and allowed him to explore himself, it allowed him to explore the world around him. Through that, Kellyn found his passion for teaching and working with young adults.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Kellyn joins Joanna to share his story coming from family dysfunction and how he learned to find his own identity as he grew up and became an adult. Despite the ups and downs of his journey, he was able to find himself in a space where he can now help other young adults in their life journeys. Listen in for insight on how Kellyn continues to push himself in his everyday life, constantly growing and working to be the best dad he can be.
What You Will Learn
- Dealing with family dysfunction
- Growing up isolated from traditional education
- Kellyn’s interesting academic timeline
- Kellyn’s challenging experience in grad school
- Having a relationship as a young adult while in school
- Experiencing an existential crisis from lacking certain life skills
- Having a community to lean on
- Going back to work at the community college he went to
- Kellyn’s passion in teaching
- How Kellyn started working at Pacific Quest and
- Pushing yourself to be a beginner in something
Connect with Kellyn Smythe
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Audible
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
At the end of the day, you have to live with yourself. If you don’t choose to prioritize what fills you up instead of focusing on what everyone else has to say, you’ll reap those outcomes and have to live with them —those people won’t.
Cassidy Brown has learned from their young adult years to not settle for anything less than what lights them up. From studying Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources, traveling to Australia to be an outdoor education instructor, and recently quitting their job to pursue working at the fire department in Melbourne, Australia. Cassidy is an example that you don’t have to be miserable to make a living.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Cassidy joins Joanna to share their experience going from working to become a doctor since they were a kid, to going onto work in a completely different field in outdoor recreation. Cassidy’s story shows how opening up to new experiences can open you up to a whole new world of passions and excitement. Listen in for Cassidy’s insight on the importance of taking a chance on pursuing what makes you happy, no matter what it takes. Whether that’s becoming a doctor or freelancing, or even becoming a firefighter!
What You Will Learn
- The heavy pressure to do well in school
- Wanting to be a doctor from an early age
- The outdoor orientation program that changed Cassidy’s mind about their career
- Being opened up to the world of outdoor recreation
- The hard work Cassidy put into making her career work for themself out of excitement and passion
- Traveling to Australia after college to work as an outdoor education instructor
- Recognizing when something isn’t right for you and when to move on
- How Cassidy is navigating being in a career transition period
- Pick a direction, not a destination
- If you want something bad enough you can definitely make it happen
Connect with Cassidy Brown
- Cassidy Brown on Instagram
- Email cassidyleighbrown@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
It takes a lot of courage to step away from society and make your own path. It takes bravery to show up with your differences and challenge them. Even though it’s scary, what if you did step off the traditional conveyor belt path and into something different? What if the fear attached to the unknown is an invitation to take that leap?
Kai Johnson, Director of Ingenuity Year, found himself stuck on the conveyor belt of life in his emerging adult years. It wasn’t until he got fed up and decided to do a study abroad program while in college where he was able to connect with the world and get back to himself. Kai’s gap year experience impacted him so much that he now helps run a gap year program designed for students with learning differences and ADHD.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Kai joins Joanna to share his experience where he was able to really connect with himself through his time studying abroad during and after college. Stepping into something different allowed Kai to find what lights him up and has directed his entire life. Listen in for insight on what Kai has learned through the ups and downs of his journey.
What You Will Learn
- Society’s standards around college
- Feeling completely lost in college
- Kai’s life changing experience at a study abroad program in Fiji
- How Kai’s parents were supportive when he got off the traditional conveyor belt path
- The new sense of appreciation Kai developed when he came back to college
- How Kai changed things around with the rest of the time he had in college
- Traveling to India in his last semester of college
- The differences between the cultures in Fiji and India
- How Kai got started in his career with experiential education
- The twists and turns in Kai’s career journey
- It’s okay to not be okay
- The important of learning to trust your intuition
- Fear can be an opportunity and an invitation
Connect with Kai Johnson
- Ingenuity Year
- Ingenuity Year on Instagram
- Ingenuity Year on Facebook
- Email kaijohnson@formanschool.org
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
If you live life off of what others have told you or what they think is a good idea for you, how will you ever find what really works for YOU?
Danielle Ryan, yoga teacher, podcaster, TV Host and founder of Lifestyle by Design, went through her emerging adult years doing all the right things, yet still feeling so lost. It wasn’t until she decided to take the leap and quit the corporate job that was holding her back, that she started to step into her full potential. Danielle now works to help people navigate life with yoga and coaching.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Danielle joins Joanna to share her story going from working a full-time corporate job to quitting her job on a whim to start her own mobile yoga studio. Danielle’s leap of faith has allowed her to really step into her unique purpose and feel the passion she lacked when living for others. Listen in for Danielle’s insight on why prioritizing your own unique desires and values is vital to live a fulfilling life.
What You Will Learn
- Going to college without question because of the expectation placed on Danielle
- The red flags that Danielle experienced during her time in College
- How doing an internship in Vietnam shaped Danielle
- Doing all the right things and still feeling unfulfilled
- The challenge of getting a job after college
- When Danielle decided to quit her corporate job and start her own business
- How Danielle’s parents reacted to her quitting her corporate job
- How Lifestyle by Design helps people navigate the challenging emotions life can bring
- What Danielle values for her life
- The importance in getting clear on what you want for yourself and your life
Connect with Danielle Ryan
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Audible
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
Your differences don’t make you any less than the person beside you. It might be a journey navigating those differences and working through them, though there’s people willing to support you.
Gerene Keesler, a college counselor and founder of Admissions Untangled, grew up feeling less than for the majority of her life. That increased dramatically when she went to college. Through it all she still managed to push through and get 2 degrees. It wasn’t until she was recognized as neurodiverse that everything started to make sense in her life. Gerene now works to help make the college experience for students a much easier and enjoyable process.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Gerene joins Joanna to share her experience going through school feeling alone and confused in her struggles. The persistence that Gerene has shown through her journey will be sure to inspire you. Listen in for more insight on Gerene’s story as she navigated life before and after a diagnosis.
What You Will Learn
- The expectation and doubt put on Gerene regarding college
- How Gerene felt different from her peers
- Not having the academic support Gerene needed in school
- Getting misdiagnosed in college to eventually find out years later that she is on the autism spectrum
- Managing to get 2 degrees while overcoming neurodiversity
- Trying out different jobs after college to explore where she fits and what she’s good at
- Gerene’s job working for herself
- The importance of confiding in the mentors you trust
Connect with Gerene Keesler
- Admission Untangled
- Call 813-285-0077
- Email gerene.admissionsuntangled@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Audible
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
Not everyone does one thing for the rest of their life and that is okay. Holding yourself to that standard will do nothing but hold you back. Living without taking any risks and exploring other options would be cheating yourself of all that life has to offer. In that risk taking and exploration, you might just stumble upon your calling in life.
Jillian Allen, Director of Business Development of Brightstone Transitions, had no idea that psychology and the mental health space was even an option to explore in school, but she was able to stumble upon it by exploring options throughout her journey. Through taking those risks, along the way Jillian found a huge passion for working with young adults and now works to improve the quality of life for many people, not only young adults but also the staff of Brightstone Traditions, Wisdom Ranch and Point School Puerto Rico.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Jillian joins Joanna to share her experience going from having her career dream crushed coming out of high school, to finding her true passion in life through exploring many other options. It was by taking the risks that Jillian was able to get to where she can wake up everyday with excitement, purpose and value. Listen in for Jillian’s insight on how imperative it is to be open while exploring what will get you out of bed day in and out.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up in a very small town
- The public pressure from high school on where to go to college
- The difficult transition from high school to college while dealing with an injury and dreams being crushed
- Jillian’s experience with having a guidance counselor in college
- How transferring colleges without help might not change your academic experience
- The process of changing majors multiple times
- Joining a rugby team in effort to find a tribe
- The struggle of trying to find a job after college
- How Jillian’s first job helped her discover the people she loves to work with
- How Jillian didn’t even realize there was a whole world out there in psychology but ended up stumbling into it and finding a huge passion in the space
- Jillian’s many roles with Brightstone Traditions, Wisdom Ranch, and Point School Puerto Rico
- The importance in being open to options and exploring them
Connect with Jillian Allen
- Brightstone Traditions
- Email jill@brightstonetraditions.com
- Wisdom Ranch Vocational Gap Year
- Point School Puerto Rico Hybrid Gap Year
Connect with Joanna Lilley
What if college was instead given to high schoolers as an option out of many other choices that they can choose from? Instead of paying for college to find themselves, they are given the option to take a gap year program or to put college aside for as long as they need to while truly discovering themselves. How would that change things for their overall academic experience, career and life?
Julia Rogers, founder of Enroute Gap Year encourages young adults to explore the idea of a gap year before college and actually took one herself before college and after. She found that the 2 gap year experiences she had were both some of the most transformational times of her life. They allowed Julia to explore different cultures and strengthen her relationship with herself. Julia now uses her impactful experience abroad to help make gap years more accessible to people.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Julia joins Joanna to share her life changing experiences with gap years and how they propelled her to find a huge passion in encouraging young people to explore the idea as well. If it weren’t for the time Julia took away from school, she wouldn’t be where she is today, leading others through once in a lifetime experiences. Listen in for Julia’s insight on the importance of talking more about other options besides college for students coming out of high school and making that the new norm.
What You Will Learn
- Feeling led to other options after high school besides going to college straight away
- Doing a study abroad gap year before heading to college. College can wait!
- Studying English Literature because Julia’s mom encouraged her to, not because she was passionate about it
- Taking another gap year after college to really get immersed into different cultures
- How transformational Julia’s gap year after college was in her life
- How Julia wished she had explored more cultures before college
- How it’s okay to bounce around after college
- Operating a business without a business degree
- The ways Julia supports people in taking a gap year
- How important it is for parents to have conversations with their young adults about different options for after high school. Life isn’t a linear line from A to B
Connect with Julia Rogers
- Enroute Gap Year
- Julia Rogers at Enroute Gap Year
- Enroute Gap Year on Instagram
- Enroute Gap Year on Facebook
- Enroute Gap Year on Twitter
- Julia Rogers on Youtube
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Raw talent will only take you so far if it isn’t backed up by any passion. And who knows, the thing you think you aren’t even good at might turn out to be the thing that changes your entire life. There’s always room to learn and grow in something so who says you have to be talented to pursue an interest? Whether that’s majoring in a degree or pursuing a passion as a hobby. You don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it and make a difference with it.
Lexy Spett, an Educational and Therapeutic Consultant, found out that the one thing she wasn’t good at in college is the thing that is now her drive in life. Feeling lost after college, Lexy felt like there was more to life and decided to get a career counselor. The one thing that Lexy tested strongly in that she failed in college was psychology. Because of that test, she decided to take the leap and pursue the field, and get her Master’s in psychology. Now she runs her own business called Spett Consulting where she provides crisis intervention and treatment planning for families dealing with issues ranging from psychological and behavioral problems to substance abuse issues, and more.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Lexy joins Joanna to share her story going from failing all her psychology classes in college to eventually coming back years later and getting a Master’s in psychology, developing a huge passion for the mental health space. At first psychology was ruled out because she wasn’t good at it, but Lexy quickly found that she didn’t have to be perfect at it right off the bat to be able to enjoy it. Listen in for Lexy’s insight on prioritizing passion to set yourself up for a life that feeds your soul. Not that it will always be easy, but it will always be fulfilling.
What You Will Learn
Education being a huge focus in the family
Going to boarding school in highschool
How boarding school helped prepare Lexy for college
Going to a smaller college and feeling more comfortable with a smaller school environment
Lexy’s biggest regret with not exploring the world after graduating college
Feeling lost after graduating college
How getting a career counselor opened up Lexy to get a Master’s in psychology. Assessments can be beneficial!
How much of a learning curve owning a business has been
You don’t have to have the same job for the rest of your life
Passion over talent
Connect with Lexy Spett
Call 805-233-3445
Email lexyspett@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
There’s so much pressure to go to college at 18, graduate at 21, get married at 23, have kids at 25, and the list goes on. These expectations are unrealistic for each person. It’s so important to remember that every single person’s timeline is different and what works for one person will not always work for you. If that means you need to take your 20’s to figure out life and not go to school until your 30, then do it.
Ashley Dickson, Recovery Program Coordinator for Tompkins Cortland Community College, didn’t find their path until they were 28 years old. Many would think that means their entire 20’s were a waste, but really, Ashley’s 20’s is what prepared them to be able to enjoy the rest of their life. When they graduated high school they decided to go straight to college in the summer because that was what everyone was doing. After 3 months, Ashley left college feeling lost and with a substance abuse addiction forming. Fast forward 10 years later, after a friend stepped in and encouraged them to get therapy, Ashley was finally able to find the direction they had been lacking. Through treatment they discovered their passion for helping others and couldn’t be happier with the job they have now. If it weren’t for that time off school in her 20’s, Ashley wouldn’t find themselves in the career they are now.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Ashley joins Joanna to share their journey going from a college dropout to coming back to work at Tompkins Cortland College to help students find the direction they longed for. Ashley’s timeline wasn’t anywhere near society’s standards, though they finds themselves so much happier and fulfilled in themselves and in life than most do at their age.
Listen in for Ashley’s insight on focusing on doing what works for you, rather than following a set timeline, as it only wastes more of your time in the long run.
What You Will Learn
- Dropping out of college 3 months in
- How college can feel like an extension of high school when you don’t know what you want to do with your career let alone your life. College can wait!
- Trying to make ends meet after dropping out while having no direction
- Going back to school at 28 with the sense of direction that Ashley longed for at 18
- How Ashley now works at the college they originally dropped out of and helps students find the guidance that they were missing in school
Connect with Ashley Dickson
- Tompkins Cortland Collegiate Recovery Community
- Tompkins Cortland Wellness on Instagram
- Ashley Dickson on LinkedIn
- Email address: afd004@tompkinscortland.edu
- Ashley Dickson on Instagram
Connect with Joanna Lilley
When you go into life with an open mind that’s eager to explore and learn, you’re automatically open to more opportunities, insight and an overall more exciting life experience. Through that there’s the ability to find what makes life worthwhile and more rewarding, internally and externally.
Jeremy French, a Director and a craftsman at The Whole, had to go through a huge learning experience throughout his young adult years. In high school he began to use substances, resulting in him dropping out twice. Jeremy’s academic experience is unlike many of our podcast guests as he did not attend college, though the philosophical insight and advice he shares from his personal experiences is so profound. When he went to treatment he found many things lacking that he longed for and that he saw many others long for. After leaving treatment and exploring the world more, Jeremy found a passion in people and developed a sense of curiosity. With that sense of curiosity and his personal experience in treatment, he decided to create an environment where men can develop a sense of depth and challenges that stretch them by incorporating his passion for architectural concrete.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Jeremy joins Joanna to share his story going from a high school dropout with no real passion for life, to a business owner who wakes up eager to bring something meaningful to people. Through Jeremy’s story, it’s evident that his passion is to make an impact on peoples’ lives rather than push them to conform to a way of life. Listen in for Jeremy’s insight on how asking better questions brings a more fulfilling life, which is what Jeremy has found and works to help men find in their own journeys.
What You Will Learn
The overwhelming feeling of needing to fit in, causing Jeremy to resort to drugs
Dropping out of high school twice
The struggle that Jeremy’s parents experienced because of Jeremy’s decisions
Not going to college is an option!
How different treatment was in the 90’s compared to now
How well Jeremy’s parents have handled parenting Jeremy and dealing with his struggles
The importance in taking care of yourself to be able to take care of loved ones in the way they need
What owning a business as a young adult taught Jeremy
Shifting from landscaping to architectural concrete and exploring that new world
What all has motivated Jeremy in creating his program for men
How much life can provide when you show up curious and ready to ask questions
Connect with Jeremy French
Come to Jeremy’s shop and eat lunch with him @ 12:30pm M-F!
Shop Address:
745 Biltmore Ave
Suite 001 Lower Level
Asheville NC 28803
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
“You make the path by walking.” You create a path by going through it first hand. Exploring the world either in your own community or traveling abroad can open you up to many different opportunities, interests, passions, allowing you to explore your identity. If you don’t get exposed to different things, people, cultures, experiences, how do you expect to know what you really want to do in life when you’re limited to so little personal experiences?
Dr. Christine Norton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Board Approved Supervisor in the State of Texas, credits where she is now to the exposure she received growing up in public schools. Even though Christine grew up in a sheltered home environment, being in public school all her life really allowed her to be exposed to different worldviews. Once she went to college she was then able to explore the world abroad and gain even more insight. This exposure and insight really allowed her to get a sense of passion for people and education at a young age. This passion fueled her hard work as she acquired two Master degrees and a Ph.D. Dr. Christine now has over 25 years of experience working with youth and young adults in a variety of settings including therapeutic wilderness programs, juvenile justice, schools, mentoring and campus support programs.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Christine joins Joanna to share her journey coming from a very sheltered childhood, to being opened up to a whole new world in college. Christine found that by being exposed to a wide range of perspectives she was able to find her own strong passions in life at a young age. Listen in for Christine’s insight on the importance of exploring the world and being exposed to different worldviews to help one grow as a person and how she works to give her own students that experience.
What You Will Learn
Growing up in The Way International, Christian evangelical group
The religious expectation put on Christine growing up
How Christine’s dad losing his job allowed Christine to have college as an option
How higher ed brings people with different worldviews together
Studying abroad to be exposed to the world
Taking 3 years off in between undergrad and grad school
Majoring in interpersonal communications in undergrad and going on to get 2 Master degrees
Taking education even further and getting a PHD in a clinical social work
How Christine now teaches social work students at Texas State University
The importance in prioritizing trauma informed higher education for foster care students
Christine’s work as a professor for social work students at Texas State University
Trusting the process on the path you’re on
Connect with Dr. Christine Norton
Dr. Christine Norton, Professor at Texas State University
Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Center (OBH Center)
Dr. Christine Norton on Twitter
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network
To go into the real world and fend for yourself as an emerging adult is one thing. To go into the real world, let alone college with social anxiety is a whole other ball game.
Mike Swenson, Clinical Director at The Recovery Academy, battled with high social anxiety as a young adult. His social anxiety caused him to avoid college and decide to join the marine court instead. Mike’s time in the marine court allowed him to gain a new perspective on life and gain life experiences that brought him back to college with a new mindset. Though with that, he also brought back baggage that he struggled to cope with. Mike managed to go through undergrad in a matter of 2 years even while struggling to cope. It wasn’t until he found a job at an addiction center where he was really able to work with his mental health instead of against it. Mike now finds himself at Recovery Academy where he helps men dealing with addiction and mental health
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Mike joins Joanna to share his experience going from barely being able to step foot on a campus, to getting a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. Mike’s challenging experiences with his anxiety, the marines and academics all molded his unique perspective on life and a passion that his younger self wouldn’t have been able to fathom. Listen in for insight on Mike’s inspiring story as he dealt with the realities of life as a young adult and how he now works to share his story to help others.
What You Will Learn
- College not being talked about growing up and just being expected
- Having high social anxiety
- Choosing to join the marines instead of college because it seemed less scary for Mike and his anxiety
- What the Marine Corps taught Mike and how it shifted his social anxiety
- Experiencing a different culture while being deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and the identity crisis that Mike had during that
- Leaving the Marine Corps and dealing with the impact of war while in college
- How Mike decided his major based on his social anxiety
- How having a lived in experience before college made Mike more hard working and engaged in class
- Finishing undergrad in 2 years even while struggling with coping with PTSD
- The goal isn’t to get rid of your social anxiety, but to have one win a day
Connect with Mike Swenson
The Recovery Academy
Email mike@recoveryacadamymn.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
It’s okay to question if you want to be an athlete, if you want to be in college, if you want to live where you are. It’s okay to question all of this stuff, whatever it is.
Michael Gilpin, Community Outreach Specialist at Red Oak Recovery, has had his experience with questioning many areas of his life growing up. From deciding between becoming an athlete or an artist, to dropping out of college 3 times and transferring to 4 different colleges and dealing with heavy substance abuse. There wasn’t one thing that gave him all the answers. It was the experiences he built over the years, the people around him and the moment he decided to make a nonjudgemental choice for himself to take the chance on getting help. Since he took that chance on recovery, he’s been a wilderness guide, worked in collegiate recovery, helped start programs, and started working at Red Oak Recovery where he helps young adults find their voice.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Michael joins Joanna to share his experience going from a college dropout and addict, to a proud dad and mentor for young adults who are in the shoes he used to be in. The questions Michael had along the way eventually brought him to the help he needed and to his purpose in life. Listen in for Michael’s insight on how having a level of curiosity and questioning can allow you to truly engage in life, learning from experiences and opening up your perspective to new exciting things.
What You Will Learn
The different voices Michael had to balance from his parents regarding college
Going to school for soccer since his interest for art wasn’t looked at as practical
Staying in college to be supported by his parents
Transferring to 4 colleges before finally going to rehab
When it dawned on Michael to reach out for help
Hitting pause on college to figure out life and figure out himself
Michael’s job as a wilderness field guide
Being ready and excited to go back to school
Trying to catch up for lost time in the first semester back while also working
The difference between sobriety and recovery
Michael’s mission to help others find their voice
Treatment is about more than just going to a center for a certain amount of time
It’s okay to question things as you go
Connect with Michael Gilpin
Call 828-674-5915
Email michaelg@redoakrecovery.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
Success is Subjective on Spotify
Success is Subjective on Amazon
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
Life is a constant journey. With it comes many experiences, some good and some not so good. Yet, each experience has something to add to your life in some way.
Claire Chase, the Creator of the Resilience Thinking Method™ and Founder of Resilience By Design Consulting, LLC teaches people resiliency thinking, which is very similar to the way that she views success; as a constant process of transformation. Growing up Claire believed her set path would be to grow up to be a lawyer. It wasn’t until she stepped foot into that career, that she realized she much rather enjoyed the research side of things, deciding to change her direction. Claire now specializes in helping people and teams make better decisions, cultivating easier pathways of innovation and creativity.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Claire joins Joanna to share her journey as she navigated her career path throughout college and came to find her passion in research. Each experience and path in Claire’s journey brought her to the work she does today. Listen in for Claire’s insight on resilience thinking and how it has brought her an inspiring look at success and life as a whole.
What You Will Learn
- Being involved in post secondary education growing up
- The process of finding a college and getting settled in
- Claire’s experience her freshman and sophomore year
- When Claire realized that her career path didn’t connect with who she is
- The start of Claire’s path in research
- Claire’s 12+ year of experience in research
- The Resilience Thinking Method™ and Resilience By Design Consulting, LLC.
- The never ending journey of growth and transformation
- The piece of advice Claire received from her nana that has stuck with her
- Claire’s advice to a parent questioning their child’s path
Connect with Claire Chase
- Resilience By Design
- Resilience By Design on Instagram
- Author of The Resilience Reader
- Co-host of Meet The Moment Podcast
Resources
- Curious about Resilience Thinking? Click here to watch Dr. Claire Chase introduce Resilience Thinking
Connect with Joanna Lilley
There is no set path that you need to follow. Whether that’s going straight to college out of high school. Not making it to college at all. Maybe not even getting the chance to finish high school because of a mental illness. Whatever the path is that you decide to take, make sure you’ve taken the time to dive into a range of things and have leaned into everything your heart feels led to. You don’t have to limit all of you and all you have to offer to one basket for the rest of your life.
Nick Bonin, a young music artist, felt the pressure from an early age to make high school and college work. Though, in the beginning of his junior year of high school, his plans quickly changed when he was diagnosed with a panic disorder called agoraphobia. During Nick’s time recovering, he found music to be a helpful creative outlet and began to really pursue that passion. It turned out that his music would end up helping 100’s of 1,000’s of people around the world too. Nick now does music full time and is working to continue to impact peoples’ lives with his powerful works of art.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Nick joins Joanna to share his journey going from not even being able to leave the house, to moving to California as a music artist with 100,000 + monthly listeners. Nick’s story wasn’t anything near societal standards, yet it continues to surpass more than most peoples’ impact even at his young age. Listen in for insight on how prioritizing himself allowed Nick to be led to pursue a passion that not only helps himself but also deeply impacts others around the world.
What You Will Learn
- Hearing about college from a very young age
- The pressure Nick felt growing up regarding high school
- Dropping out of high school due to being diagnosed with agoraphobia
- Prioritizing mental health
- How music became Nick’s outlet
- How much Nick’s music has impacted himself and so many others
- The importance of exploring yourself
Connect with Nick Bonin
- Nick Bonin
- Nick Bonin on Instagram
- Nick Bonin on Spotify
- Email MGMT@Nickbonin.com
Resources
Connect with Joanna Lilley
You might have many linear plans and goals, though life is not linear. Life isn’t designed to go according to plan. You may not have control of that, but you do have the ability to lean into the process and to continue to move forward. When you continue to move forward and grow, you give yourself the chance to bring change and impact wherever you have the opportunity to.
Being a type A planner, Chriss Gillispie went into college with many linear plans. Some that she made happen, like graduating in 3 years and some were left upended. From being laid off within 6 months of graduating, being diagnosed with Celiac disease, and losing friendships. Throughout school Chrissi did everything she felt she was supposed to do, yet life still didn’t go according to plan. After losing her job during a rough time, she was forced to find a sense of rest that she hasn’t experienced since she was 15. After some sharp turns and bumps in the road, Chrissi found herself back at the college she graduated from, now working as an External Communications Coordinator. Chrissi’s postgraduate journey got off to a rocky start, but she now finds thrill in where the journey took her.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Chrissi joins Joanna to share her journey as she navigated the challenging stages of college and post graduation. Many of her linear plans took unexpected turns and required a lot of uncomfortable growing. Listen in for insight on how Chrissi continues to learn through the ups and downs of life, and uses her talent in writing to make a difference wherever life takes her.
What You Will Learn
- The two very different ways of life Chrissi was surrounded with growing up
- Making college work with FAFSA, scholarships, loans, etc
- How impactful being a student mentor was for Chrissi
- The major life events following graduation
- Taking time off
- The journey of finding a job related to your degree
- When Chrissi discovered she had Celiac disease
- The importance in trusting the process
- Life is not linear
Connect with Chriss Gillispie
Resources
- Foothills Gateway
- The “Why We Do It” page is my favorite on the whole site – you will see five videos listed, which I directed with a video crew, and I love every single one of them!
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Whether it’s the pressure from family to finish school ‘on time’, the pressure you might be putting on yourself, or the expectation that you should be tough ‘enough’. Mental health and one’s overall wellbeing can be so overlooked when it’s put under a timeline. There is no set timeline on getting well. When that’s understood, real change is able to happen.
Robert McCaslin, director of business development for Alta Loma and founder of Sunlight Sober Living, dealt with addiction and mental health struggles from an early age. Not only was the transition into college hard enough, but everything that he was going through at the time, weighed him down even more and completely changed his outlook on life. Robert had tried to go to treatment many times throughout college always with big expectations for himself. It wasn’t until his senior year that he decided to put a hold on his degree and take a year off to really commit to treatment. After taking a side job at a sober home he had an amazing experience at, instead of going back to his degree right away, he went off to find a huge passion working in recovery and mental health, and now finds great joy in his work.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Robert joins Joanna to share his rocky college experience and how he came to be vulnerable in his challenges, coming to find a passion through his own struggles. Robert’s story shows how important it is to always value yourself before focusing on any academic or societal rating. Listen in for insight on Robert’s journey as he finds the importance of mental health and now uses that to help individuals and their families find recovery themselves, from their issues with mental health and addiction.
What You Will Learn
- College was never a question growing up
- The very difficult experience with losing a close friend in Robert’s senior year
- The mental health struggles Robert tried to ignore in college
- The LEP program
- What caused Robert to drop out with only a quarter left for his degree
- Where Robert found himself after becoming sober
- Your health matters. College can wait
- Where Robert finds himself now and how he can’t think of anything better
- The biggest measurement of success for Robert
- The importance in taking as much time off as you need
Connect with Robert McCaslin
- Alta Loma Transformational Services
- Robert McCaslin at Alta Loma Transformational Services
- Admissions for Alta Loma:
- Call 866-810-6877
- Contact Robert::
- Call or text 737-444-5900
References
- Success Is Subjective EP24 with Elliot Andre
- Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) at University of Denver
Connect with Joanna Lilley
An end goal isn’t always going to be what leads one to the path they are meant to be on. Things change. You change. Passions change. Ideas change. Goals change. Life is an adventure, especially when trying to figure out your career path. Instead of putting the pressure on yourself to have a concrete end goal, allow the journey you’re on to take you there. By embracing the adventure and sticking to the journey, the right path will find you.
Joshua Cluff, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, has an unusual narrative. His narrative wasn’t anything like his high school friends who chose to believe that they would fall into their place and ended up miserable in their jobs. His narrative also wasn’t to be a doctor or a lawyer, or follow the footsteps of his parents. Joshua instead got really courageous in his journey and took on the adventure. He took five years of time in between high school and college to really have an adventure. Those five years that he took to figure himself out before jumping onto a path, was the best decision he has made in his entire life. By staying true to the adventure, Joshua found himself in something he truly loves, with therapy and psychology, and is now a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Clear View Psychology Services. He works with a team of experienced clinicians to provide progressive, evidence-based assessment and consultation services to adolescents and adults in wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment programs, and in the community, to improve client care and treatment outcomes.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Joshua joins Joanna to share his clumsy and unscripted journey that led him to a life he loves and wouldn’t trade the world for. Joshua, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist for young adults believes that he would not be where he is if he were to have gone straight to a degree after high school. Listen in for insight how Joshua’s glass half full outlook and dedication to the adventure allowed him to find work that he couldn’t be more happy with, and be able to bring a wide variety of unique life experiences to his clients seeking to navigate and find balance, and peace in life’s journey.
What You Will Learn
- How college was never a topic growing up
- What led Joshua to join the military straight out of high school
- What led Joshua to join wilderness therapy straight out of the military
- How a clear vision of his passions helped Joshua tremendously in college
- How 5 years in between high school and college was the best decision Joshua made
- Joshua’s shift from therapy to psychological assessments
- How trusting the adventure now still motivates Joshua even in his career
- The importance of keeping strength and digging deep in what you desire to do in life
Connect with Joshua Cluff
- Dr. Joshua J. Cluff at ClearView Psychological Services
- Call: 385-414-4644
- Email drcluff@clearviewclinical.com
- ClearView Psychological Services
- Call: 801-708-0788
- Email info@clearviewclinical.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Everyone seems to have their say in other people's lives. Whether it’s family, society, teachers, or peers. That push will only get you so far. At the end of the day if you don’t want it for yourself, the spark to work for it won’t be there. You have to want whatever it may be, more than the influence of being told by your parents, society, teachers or peers. There’s something about coming to want more for yourself instead of rushing into things due to pressure, that organically brings you where you’re meant to be on the path of life.
Cannon Kristofferson, Program Director of The Grounds Recovery, went back to school at the age of 31, not because he was influenced to, but because he really wanted to. He uses that learning experience and his decade’s of experience working within the recovery community, to bring in the idea of education and school, when it’s appropriate for the men at The Grounds. He focuses on meeting them where they are, instead of being concerned about their age. Cannon’s personal journey of a long recovery as a young adult offers him a unique perspective and understanding that provides hope and encouragement to The Grounds members and their families. His extensive experience includes direct work with at-risk young adults through the city of San Diego, supporting veterans suffering with co-occurring substance abuse, PTSD and other mental health issues, and individual client work within the LGBT community.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Cannon joins Joanna to share his journey going from a young adult who couldn’t seem to get out of the repetitive cycle he felt trapped in, to now using his personal journey of recovery as a young adult, to encourage young men and their families. He has helped design The Ground Program by referencing what he needed so badly as a young adult, himself. Listen in for insight on Cannon’s empowering story and how he works to help many young adults change their trajectory to a life of purpose and happiness, avoiding the path he was once on.
What You Will Learn
- The black and white mentality Cannon was surrounded with growing up
- How early Cannon got into substance abuse
- Cannon’s experience in High School
- What brought Cannon to his first experience in a wilderness program
- Cannon’s experience with different colleges
- When Cannon’s experience with drug use increased after treatment
- How Cannon ended up in jail for a year
- Cannon’s 5 years sober
- How overworking brought Cannon to relapse
- When Cannon went back to college at the age of 31
- Cannon’s time in Hawaii doing what he enjoyed
- What Cannon did after he finished his bachelor's degree
- What led Cannon to help start a program for men
- What they implement at The Ground Recovery Program
- Cannon’s advice to parents with at risk youth
Connect with Cannon Kristofferson
- The Ground Recovery Program
- Email cannon@thegroundsrecovery.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
2-4 years. That’s all it could take for a young adult to fully step into who they are after high school. Though, society says you’d be behind. Your peers are ‘ahead’ of you. This and that. When in reality, those few years that were taken to really emerge into all you are, what you love and who you are made to be, could save you 10+ years in something you were never meant to be in, in the first place.
Sheri Gallaghar, mom of 6, grew up when a college degree was considered a necessity to survive in the real world. College started out as a miserable experience for Sheri until she found her life-long passion and acquired a masters degree in Recreation Administration. Throughout college and the years following, she was able to be a part of many recreational activities. She now uses her degree and experience to help at-risk youth discover themselves through time in nature. Sheri’s time around young adults and her experience with navigating helping her children through early adulthood years, has shown her the major importance for young people to have time to get out before stepping into college, and emerge into who they are going to be.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Sheri joins Joanna to share her journey from being miserable in school, to gaining a masters degree in what she absolutely loves and has been using ever since. Her story shows the importance of the time needed for someone to fully know themselves before heading straight into a lifelong career. Not only is her story evident of this, each of her six children and all of their different experiences with school, are perfect examples that every path is different and sometimes that path changes. Listen in for insight on Sheri’s ambitious life story and how she now leads other people to their path, literally in nature and figuratively in life.
What You Will Learn
- How college was viewed in the 70’s and expected of everyone who wanted to survive in the world
- What Sheri originally majored in
- Why Sheri wasn’t doing well in school at first
- Feeling out of place in school
- Taking a semester off of college
- What made Sheri change her major and improve in school
- How Sheri got started in the recreation industry
- How important racking up experience is
- When Sheri met her husband
- What it’s like watching her 6 kids in school and all of their very different experiences
- Learning that peoples’ paths will be different based on who they are and what they want in life
- The importance of being okay with changes in the path of life
- How the work industry is changing
- What Sheri has in mind for her future endeavours
- Why the most important thing someone can do always be themselves
Connect with Sheri Gallagher
- WindGate Wilderness Therapy
- Sheri Gallagher at WindGate Wilderness Therapy
- Email Sheri@windgatetherapy.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
The number of people who don’t get the treatment they need, who are pushed aside, and the amount of suicide calls that happen daily, all because of the lack of conversations going on around mental health, substance abuse and recovery, is far too many. Just because mental health is less visible pain than physical health, doesn’t make it any less important. This is YOUR health we’re talking about.
Jay Shifman, mental health advocate, holds an intense story with over a decade of substance misuse, in effort to help his mental health issues growing up. The misuse got to the point where he was consuming what's considered the lethal dosage, every single day, even under the consent of his therapist. This caused his mental health to become worse and worse, and it wasn’t until Jay attempted to take his own life, when people started to take it seriously. From his own personal experience, Jay now strongly believes and encourages people that they deserve to reach out and have access to mental health resources, allowing themselves to live a fulfilled life.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Jay joins Joanna to share his journey from barely being able to function and surviving the impossible, to getting straight A’s for the first time in his life and getting certified in psychiatry and coaching. His captivating story is a powerful example that mental health holds just as much importance as physical health, to the extent where it also deserves that second, third, fourth, fifth opinion when it comes to diagnoses, etc. Listen in for insight on how Jay has now managed to reach over 19 million Americans who also struggle with addiction and works to change the way the world treats addiction, substance misuse, mental health, and recovery.
What You Will Learn
- Jay’s experience growing up in a Jewish community
- The expectations Jay’s family had of him and his brothers
- When Jay was diagnosed with ADHD
- The ‘perfect storm’ that happened in Jay’s life after the diagnosis
- When Jay was then diagnosed with Bipolar disorder
- Failing out of school for the first time
- The amount of medication Jay’s therapist was approving him to take every day
- Jay’s story with attempting suicide twice
- Becoming sober after a decade on meds
- How long it took Jay to physically and mentally recover
- When Jay went back to school and graduated
- The first opportunity Jay had to speak on his story of addiction and recovery
- What pushed Jay to make speaking his full time gig instead of just a side gig
- The journey of Choose Your Struggle
- The importance of getting a second opinion with anything regarding your health
Connect with Jay Shifman
- Jay Shifman
- Choose Your Struggle Podcast
- Jay Shifman On Instagram
- Jay Shifman On LinkedIn
- Jay Shifman On Facebook
- Jay Shifman On Tik Tok
- Email Info@jayshifman.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
The unknown can be a scary place. It’s natural to want to be in control and know the next step in just about every situation. Being confused with so many things in life, whether it be with your career, in your sexuality, with mental health...The unknown can cause so much stress, weighing you down, if you don’t eventually learn to be okay with it.
Kevin Molloy, 3x college dropout, a former client at a residential treatment program, and a recovering alcoholic/addict. You could say that Kevin has had his fair share of confusing battles in his life. Instead of wishing for anything different, Kevin is happy for those experiences because they taught him to see the world in a different light and take advantage of what’s been given to him. In fact, he’s learned so much that he now leads others through similar battles he once faced. Learning to come to terms with the unknown has brought Kevin to the life he never really believed he’d reach.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Kevin joins Joanna to share his journey with what felt like a life of never ending self destruction, to a life of true healing. He shares the crash and burn cycle he experienced throughout school, substance abuse and mental health, that never seemed to end until he was placed on a 200 acre farm in Arizona. Listen in for insight on how Kevin comes to find out that the one thing he was avoiding for years and years, turned out to be the one thing he needed the most, and where he would find his gift to the world.
What You Will Learn
- Kevin’s childhood experience with constantly moving from state to state
- How successful Kevin’s parents were and the impact that had on him
- How important school was to the family
- The high expectations that were placed on Kevin from a young age
- When Kevin stopped getting straight A’s in school
- The escalation that occured in Kevin’s later years of high school
- The devastation that came with applying for colleges
- What the transition into college was like
- What brought Kevin back to Arizona
- The unhealthy cycle Kevin had in college
- When Kevin finally reached out to family
- The mental health spiral Kevin would experience over and over again
- The last time Kevin withdrew from college
- When Kevin started to finally prioritize his well being
- The decision that changed everything for Kevin
- What life was like at Spring Lake Ranch
- How Kevin’s view of college shifted after recovery
- What Kevin has learned from his heartaches
- What brough Kevin back to Spring Lake
- The people Kevin now impacts
- How the one thing that hurt Kevin the most is now one of the most important aspects of his life
- Finding comfort in not knowing everything
- The importance of having a good community around you
Connect with Kevin Molloy
- Call Admissions line 24hrs a day at Spring Lake Ranch Admissions Line at 802-772-8350
- Spring Lake Ranch
- Kevin Molloy on LinkedIn
- Email kevinm@springlakeranch.org
Connect with Joanna Lilley
From the day a student steps foot on a high school campus and for some, even their entire childhood, they are told, “Where are you going to college? What are you going to major in? Take as many AP classes as you can, take as many activities that would look good on a college application, and get your GPA up as high as you can.” What about, “What do you enjoy? What are your career aspirations? What do you think you want to do?” Where is the concern for their overall well being and desires in their life, as a whole?
Betsy Jewell, with a path unlike many others, experienced this herself throughout her entire career and sees it first hand with her children and the young adults that she works with, where college is pushed more now than ever. Without even a degree in hand, Betsy worked for many large companies such as, Colgate Palmolive, Disney, Warner Brothers, Nestle USA, etc. While working with all of these successful companies, Betsy continued to be asked, “Where did you go to school?” and “What is your degree in?”, leaving her feeling as if she wasn't good enough without a degree. This caused her to decide to go back to community college while she continued to work, and she eventually received a 2 year degree after 10 years! Even through all her hard work and achievements, she never quite felt the fulfillment she longed for. After Betsy had children and saw the intense pressure on them that she once had a taste of in her past, she left her job and became a thought leader and a much needed voice for parents of career confused teens.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Betsy joins Joanna to share her journey as she went from making a lot of money in the corporate world, to leaving it all behind to bring fulfillment in her life, the feeling of impact and the ability to use her gifts wholeheartedly. She shares her own personal experience with the topic of college throughout her life and the huge increase in pressure that she now sees on children. Listen in for insight on how Betsy has always managed to make her own path and how she continues to fight for what she believes in, without leaving any lost parents or teenagers behind in what she calls, the “high school hamster wheel”.
What You Will Learn
- Why Betsy left after not even a year of community college
- Betsy’s experience in corporate America, working for many large companies
- Why Betsy went back to school while working
- What made Betsy want to help other parents and teenagers, regarding the topic of college
Connect with Betsy Jewell
- High School Hamster Wheel Podcast
- High School Hamster Wheel on Facebook
- Life After 12th Facebook Group
- Betsy Jewell on Instagram
- Betsy Jewell on LinkedIn
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
Resources
The stress of falling in line with family’s expectations mixed with the struggle of mental health, AND topped with the uncertainty on what to even do in life, as one transitions into adulthood, is all really heavy to deal with. How can I soak up my 20’s with all this weight on my shoulders? Do I have to do this all alone? Is it all even worth it?
From hating school and only gaining 30 credits in a span of 5 years of college and 5 colleges, to eventually being recognized as an All-Conference and MVP, graduating summa cum laude, being awarded the entrepreneurship student of the year and being a recipient of the President’s award. Ethan Fisher’s journey has been nothing near easy. As a child, he always felt pushed to fall in line with the expectation of graduating high school, going to college, getting a degree, starting a 9-5 and living the white picket fence life. This expectation never fully aligned with his journey and the pressure caused him years of substance abuse. After a life changing event under the influence, Ethan quickly decided to make a change and use his story to impact individuals’ lives.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Ethan joins Joanna to share his story of adversity and the lessons that have come out of his many challenges. Going from a prison inmate to a keynote speaker, Ethan has become a huge inspiration for over 100,000 young adults. Listen in for insight on Ethan’s motivating life experience on how he has managed to take a hold of his life and pursue his dreams full heartedly, leading struggling individuals to a life where they can thrive, no matter where they may find themselves.
What You Will Learn
- The pressure Ethan felt during his childhood
- Ethan’s view on school and how that impacted him over the years
- The journey of receiving a matter of 30 credits in a 5 year span
- The life event that changed Ethan’s life forever
- Ethan’s view on college now
- The many accomplishments Ethan persevered to achieve in a matter of only 5 years
- When Ethan knew being a keynote speaker was his life mission
- The importance of discussing tough topics
- Ethan’s personal experience with mental health
- The importance of always working for more
- How much the simple act of asking for help has helped Ethan tremendously
Connect with Ethan Fisher
- Life CONsequences Non Profit Organization
- Ethan-fisher.com
- Ethan Fisher on Instagram
- Ethan Fisher on Twitter
- Ethan Fisher on Youtube
- Ethan Fisher on LinkedIn
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
All the noise and opinions surrounding any given person in this world can become so loud to the point where extreme overwhelm and mental paralysis can occur. “Do this. Take this route. Go to this college. Take this course. Stay on this path.” Before you know it, you don’t even know what you’re passionate about, what you love to do—who you really are. You might even start to lose sight of a sense of purpose for yourself.
Bekah Puccia, the youngest of four in her family, was the first to drift away from the main career path the majority of her family took, leaving her with a stressful weight on her shoulders. She was able to acquire a bachelor's degree in writing from the University of New York, which she now uses purely as a hobby. She began to find her true path when she decided to get away from her hometown to be a wilderness guide in a young adult program, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her personal experiences and many roles in programs over the years ultimately formed her vision for the Ember Lodge Recovery Community For Women. She now owns and operates Ember Lodge along with its sister program, the Cairn Outpatient Program, and is a drug and alcohol counselor herself. Happily married, with a beautiful family, and doing all she loves, Bekah finds herself in one of the most enjoyable times of her life, thus far.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Bekah joins Joanna to share her story of her challenging journey through college and how she managed to finally find her true purpose, that she finds sincere passion and fulfillment in. She is a true example that it’s okay to not have everything figured out, for as long as it might take. Listen in for insight on Bekah’s career journey where she discovers some of her lowest moments lead her to the most profound transformations and the best time of her life...and this is just the beginning for her.
What You Will Learn
- Bekah’s siblings’ and peers’ life paths in comparison to hers
- The expectations Bekah has of college and what it would bring her
- How Bekah treated college social life as an escape from her reality
- When Bekah had a rude awakening in school
- The challenges that came with Bekah’s decisions
- When Bekah finally found her academic path
- The unexpected life after college that Bekah experienced
- The familiar challenges that resurfaced after college
- The importance of making mistakes
- How losing expectations of outcomes helped bring Bekah to her purpose
Connect with Bekah Puccia
- Ember Lodge Recovery Community for Women Website
- Ember Lodge Recovery Community for Women On Facebook
- Blue Bird Recovery Coaching
- Cairn Outpatient Program for Young Adult Women in Recovery
- Email admissions@emberlodge.com
- Bekah Pucia on LinkedIn
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Immigrating to the U.S. as a child and being surrounded by a predominantly white area all your life is already challenging enough. Now, add the pressure of being expected to be the first generation in the family to attend college into the mix of things. Is it possible to find what you love to do with so much pressure from family? Are the only professions that would appear successful is to become a nurse, a doctor, or an engineer?
Nikki Navio, a Phillipian immigrant, is now a transportation planner for metropolitan organization planning, for Utah’s Wasatch Front Regional Council; one of the fastest growing regions in the country. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a masters degree in City and Regional planning from Clemson University. Culturally, growing up, Nikki was always told to strive better for her family and had a lot of expectations put on her at an early age. Though, she never let that intimidation stop her and let her curiosity of all the world had to offer, along with some hard work, lead her to where she is today.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Nikki joins Joanna to share her story of how she found herself in the urban planning world after previously dropping out of her Master’s degree program, out of uncertainty in what she wanted to do with her life. She explains how her many passions eventually led her to what she loves to do and how she continues to strive to find fulfillment in all she does. Listen in for insight on Nikki’s inspirational and rocky career journey and how she stays focused on striving to be successful in her own eyes, and no one else’s.
What You Will Learn
- Nikki’s childhood background
- What Nikki’s family’s expectations were around post secondary education
- What Nikki’s community’s expectations were, in which she was raised, around post secondary education
- Nikki’s education journey through grade school and college
- Where Nikki is now in life
- What Nikki does for a living and all that it entails
- How Nikki views her ‘success’
- What success means to Nikki
- How important prioritizing fulfillment and happiness is in anything you do
- How to navigate the struggles that come with being a first generation college student
- The importance of valuing yourself, no matter your background
- How to narrow down and make sense of it all, when being multi-passionate
Connect with Nikki Navio
- Nikki Navio on Instagram
- Email nikki@wfrc.org
- Nikki Navio at Wasatch Front Regional Council
- Nikki Navio on LinkedIn
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
There’s this heavy fear that if you don’t conform to the social conditioning around school, then you’ll automatically get outcasted. At times that may become true, but why care about what others may think about you? Not many 17 year olds even know what they want to do for the rest of their life. You have the choice to not take on that pressure of what other people say you need to do. Nobody is going to die your death and nobody is going to live your life. Get out there, try things, and take a massive amount of action because the chances of you finding out what you want to do with your life without doing anything out of fear are zero.
Weston Robbins, Founder and President of Eternal Strength Experiential Youth Center and Zac Sweat, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Eternal Strength, both have very different stories, yet similar paths. Wes and Zac have learned through their experiences in their young adult years, that it’s better to take big chances instead of shrinking small to placate others. They grew up together in middle school and reconnected in their mid 20’s to start what is now one of the most important things in their lives. When they took on the adventure of creating Eternal Strength, there was never a question. They were going to make it work because it was what their heart and soul wanted. They believe in how important Eternal Strength is for young adults and nothing can stand in between that mission and a purpose they hold.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Weston and Zac join Joanna to share their journey, going from lost young adults, to starting a successful youth center during the pandemic that they find complete alignment in. Weston and Zac’s stories show that by leaning into yourself and owning your own path, you will find everything you need embedded in you. Not drugs, family, friends, or the world. Listen in for insight on how Weston and Zac have found themselves rich in life by pursuing their passion daily in providing youth and young adults a sacred space to unleash their true potential, through experiential therapeutic support and guidance.
What You Will Learn
- You'll learn a ton, so you just have to check this episode out!
Connect with Weston Robbins
- Eternal Strength Experiential Youth Center
- eternalstrengthatl, knowledgeofselfdetermination
- eternalstrengthatl, wes_robins, esyouthcenter, eternalstrength, Eternal Strength
- Eternal Strength Pirate Radio on Spotify
- weston.robins@eternalstrengthatl.com
Contact with Zac Sweat
It is a privilege to experience life, the good and the bad. Sarah Watkins’ story is a beautiful reminder of that privilege and example of how to take life’s hiccups and turn them into motivators, and into a powerful story.
Sarah Watkins, program manager for political party development at an international development nonprofit in Washington, DC, dealt with a huge hiccup in her early adulthood. Not only was early adulthood and college a struggle to navigate, dealing with losing her mom was one of the hardest things to deal with for Sarah. Though, Sarah didn’t let her biggest challenges stop her from achieving her goals and making her mother proud. Sarah now helps nations across the world with democratic norms and standards and is a mentor at the Black Professionals in International Affairs.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Sarah joins Joanna to share her journey as she navigated a huge family loss while also navigating a life long career path. Sarah’s strong and powerful story will be sure to inspire you in the hiccups you find yourself in. Listen in for Sarah’s insight on how she managed to carry on her mother’s legacy even as a young adult and how she continues to do so today.
What You Will Learn
- She grew up in Hyde Park, IL which is the homelands of Barack Obama, where post-secondary education was expected!
- How Sarah grew up attending her mom’s lecture at Indiana University (this was her childcare!)
- Dealing with losing her mom at a young age
- Senioritis + trauma is a painful experience to have to navigate! Her mom’s legacy helped her to heal, and she’s since expressed significant gratitude towards her mom.
- Sarah taught herself Hebrew, has worked at a non-profit helping African refugees access social services, worked at the Democratic Party of Illinois, the House of Representatives, and now for a nonprofit in DC that helps nations across the world with democratic norms and standards.
- How losing a parent at a young age has affected her life and career journey
- Your process and growth in life isn’t linear!
- The importance in being kind to yourself and practicing radical rest
- She’s a mentor at the Black Professionals in International Affairs
Connect with Sarah Watkins
- Sarah Travis out of Washington, D.C.
- Contact information: email s.elizabethtravis@gmail.com
- Sarah Travis on Twitter
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Whether your passion is art, music, or even skateboarding, it’s worth fighting for. Wouldn’t you rather work hard to make your passion work instead of giving up early because it’s not ‘easy’ or traditional, and wonder for the rest of your life if you could’ve made it work?
Zoe Bentyne is a yoga teacher, an artist, and an enthusiast of all things creative. Her passion for creating really grew in high school when she knew she wanted to pursue her passion for art as a career. Though, she was conflicted with whether she’d be able to find success in that route. As she continued to pursue art as a career she was introduced to art therapy and fell in love with the idea. Now, Zoe can be found constantly creating and cheering others on in their own creative abilities.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Zoe joins Joanna to share her journey as she learns to navigate how to pursue what she loves while also making a career out of it. Zoe’s determination and story is proof that no matter what others may say about your dreams and interests, the only one who has the true say and impact is you. Listen in for Zoe’s insight on how she’s managed to make her passions work as a career and hasn’t settled for anything less.
What You Will Learn
- Zoe’s experience growing up going on tour with her mom who was a successful musician and how that affected her view on college
- Zoe’s passion for art
- The many life events that happened during high school
- The mental health challenges that Zoe experienced in her early adult years and how she learned to navigate that
- Feeling conflicted with what to do post graduation and how to navigate it all
- When Zoe was introduced to art therapy
- Zoe explains how beautiful Multi Concept Recovery is as a program
- How helpful visualizing your older self can be helpful during tough times
Connect with Zoe Bentyne on Facebook
- Admissions for Multi-Concept Recovery (MCR) : 1-866-574-8814
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Audible
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
Maybe figuring out one thing to do with your entire life isn’t the goal. Perhaps it’s to find what you find passion and purpose in now and the rest will come together.
John Sykes, Director of Marketing and Business Development at The Recovery Academy, found college to be one of the most exciting times of his life where he felt like he could really explore himself and life as a whole. Eventually that exploration turned into drugs and alcohol abuse that would fill his life for years to come. It wasn’t until John’s early 30’s when everything caught up with him and he had no choice but to find recovery. Now, John finds himself sober, with a Master’s degree, and back at a recovery center but this time working there. He’s not sure if he will be doing this work for the rest of his life but for now he finds his own sense of success and fulfillment in it, which is more than he could ever ask for.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, John joins Joanna to share his journey as he navigated college, addiction and how he came to find recovery and a sense of purpose. If it weren’t for the years of struggle in addiction, he wouldn’t find himself working with young men in their own recovery journeys. Listen in for John’s insight on how it’s okay to not know what you want to do with your life no matter your age.
What You Will Learn
- “Going to college is just what my family did.”
- How exciting of a time college was for John
- “I had the real silver-spoon, bohemian college experience; studying abroad a few times, and just enjoying every moment.”
- How impactful studying abroad was for John and being able to fully embrace the collegiate experience
- In 1995, High Times Magazine spotlighted Appalachian State as a great school!
- After many years of reflection, he identified that he was a functioning addict because every decision he made was influenced by alcohol and drugs
- When everything caught up with John in his early 30’s
- There’s no such thing as an “aristocratic addict”
- The true surrendering and understanding that recovery from substance abuse takes a long time!
- When John got his Masters degree in a path he’s passionate about, and how he’s now been living in Minnesota for over 10 years!
Connect with John Sykes
- John Sykes of The Recovery Academy (Minnesota).
- Contact information: call 651-587-8029 or email john@recoveryacademymn.com
- Social Media for John: LinkedIn or Facebook
- Social Media for The Recovery Academy: LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Better to take action and mess up than not do anything at all.
Guy Dumas, has been working with young adults in wilderness therapy for over 30 years but his journey didn’t start out there. Following high school, Guy joined the military but after a misdiagnosis he was kicked out and left to figure out what to do next. Instead of choosing to sit in that defeat he decided to take action and try out a job in wilderness therapy where he ended up finding his own sense of recovery. Now Guy finds his purpose in working with young adults in their own journeys in wilderness therapy.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Guy joins Joanna to share his journey as he learned how to build himself up and find a new sense of purpose after being kicked out of the military. If it weren’t for a misdiagnosis and a time of defeat, Guy wouldn’t find himself right where he feels called to be. Listen in for Guy’s insight on how learning to take action has affected his own life and the lives of others around him.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up with different academic perspectives from both sides of the family
- His dad went blind when he was 10. He watched his dad struggle and adjusted!
- His dad said, “if you’re going to join the military, at least get an education.”
- He is proud to say he’s a “fine product of North Carolina public education!”
- He was on the Dean’s List – the list of people that needed a kick in the pants!
- The whole plebe experience is meant to stress you out. He believes that he might have been a better academic student at another institution.
- After that shock, he decided that he wanted to be of service, and was looking for a sense of purpose!
- What it was like getting kicked out of the military due to a misdiagnosis
- How Guy got into wilderness work
- He’s done all sorts of fun stuff that boils down to experiencing a challenge (like biking across the country, or driving a VW bus through 48 states, etc.).
- His days are spent coaching young men as they transition from wilderness therapy and launch into adulthood
- The inspirational way Guy looks at success and struggle
Connect with Guy Dumas
- Guy Dumas of Continuum Coaching and Origins Wilderness
- Contact information: call (435) 820-4500 or email guy@guydumas.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
There are so many things that can happen that are completely out of anyone’s control. The only thing that you will always have control of is your reaction to what happens to you. When you do that, finding a sense of success usually comes naturally.
Emma Byers, Community Engagement Coordinator at Turing School, didn’t envision her life to go the way it has. As she went into college, she was deceived by an easy freshman year that everything was going to be great from then on. Though, in Emma’s sophomore year, she found herself really struggling with her mental health causing it to be difficult to function. Luckily through support from staff, friends, and family, Emma was able to come out stronger and continue her college journey. Now, Emma is able to use her story to connect with students in their college experience.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Emma joins Joanna to share her journey going from struggling to live life, to now using her story and the support she has experienced to pay it forward to struggling students. Even though Emma finds herself on a different success trajectory than where she envisioned herself, she wouldn’t have it any other way. Listen in for Emma’s insight on the idea of being flexible with the idea of success and how that’s improved her own personal journey.
What You Will Learn
- Freshmen year was “too easy” and by Sophomore year she couldn’t get out bed due to mental health
- How Emma had to find a new idea of success
- Shout out to Nancy Bristow, Jill Nealy-Moore, and Debbie Chee for being the “dream team” of supporters that she leaned heavily on!
- How important having a support system was for Emma’s mental health journey
- Being misdiagnosed with depression and anxiety
- In hindsight, she said that taking a break could not have hurt, especially because college isn’t going anywhere
- Where Emma finds herself now and how it’s a different success trajectory than what she pictured but she wouldn't have it any other way
- She brought up this Maya Angelou’s quote, “I can be changed by what happens to be, but I refuse to be reduced by it,” saying that’s become nearly a mantra for her in her adult life.
- The importance of being flexible with the idea of success because life isn’t linear
Connect with Emma Byers
- Emma Byers of Turing School out of Denver, CO.
- Contact information: email emmabyers1@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Is it something that you love? Is it something that the world needs? Is it something that you can be paid for? Now, go do it. Decide on a dream you have, make it reality and inspire others with it.
Wayne Watts, co-founder of The Dream Create Inspire Tour, does just that, dreams, puts it to action and inspires others to do the same. In each step of Wayne’s journey he hasn’t let others define success for him and instead has found his own unique sense of success. With over 10 years of experience working with youth, he is committed to empowering young people by providing them with transferable skills in order to thrive in the real world. His Dream Create Inspire Tour builds supportive networks among up-and-coming musicians and songwriters by hosting collaborative songwriting workshops, open mics, and creative networking events in each city they go to.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Wayne joins Joanna to share his journey as he navigated his passion for music in college and defeated all odds to make his dreams reality. Listen in for Wayne’s profound insight that he’s gained throughout his journey and hear more about the amazing work he does with young people on their journeys.
What You Will Learn
- “I don’t care what the grades were on my transcript, because I got a 4.0 in college!”
- Understanding what opportunities the college experience and community actually provides
- How impactful mentoring and student leadership experiences can be
- The Purpose Venn Diagram and how it has spoke to him
- Follow your own definition of success and no one else's
Connect with Wayne Watts
- Wayne Watts who is a Co-Founder of the Dream Create Inspire Tour
- Contact information: email wayne@dreamcreateinspiretour.com
- Hear more about the tour by checking out the 9 News Visual Mixtape Story or 303 Magazine Article!
Resources
Wayne did a ton of #shoutouts during his interview, and so we wanted to make sure that any listeners can follow up with everyone:
- Destiny Hardney who is a Co-Founder of the Dream Create Inspire Tour
- His UMD Teachers - Dr. Joseph Richardson, Dr. Jared Ball, Dr. Ric Winston, Dr. Jo B. Paoletti, Dr. Solomon Comissiong
- Nymburu Cultural Center Staff: Arron "Rin" Mcgrew (Mentor), Ms. Anne Reese Carswell, Dr. Ronald Zeigler
- Juke Joint
- And Terp Shoutouts in the Episode: Dr Chanel Tanner, Joshua Lamont, Jason Reynolds, University of Maryland Black Alumni
Usually a career turns into something that consumes a big chunk of one’s time and entire life. Whatever you choose to pursue, ask yourself, is this something that I love enough to spend that much time doing?
Kelly Dunbar, Director of Business Development at SUWS of the Carolinas, surely found a career that she finds joy in. Her career journey got interrupted more than once in college by lack of support, finances, and growing a family. Kelly didn’t let any of that stop her from returning to college at 30 to continue pursuing her passion in the therapeutic field. She now has over 30 years of professional experience in assisting families and students in residential settings and applies her wealth of knowledge at SUWS of the Carolinas.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Kelly joins Joanna to share her journey going from extremely poor and struggling to make college work, to earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Human Behavior. Kelly’s journey wasn’t easy but she preserved and made sure that she prioritized what she finds true joy in. Listen in for Kelly’s insight on how important it is to prioritize finding something you love to do and not settling for anything less.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up without an education support system
- In her early college years, she experienced food insecurity, so she dropped out of college to ensure she had money to eat.
- Although she didn’t restart college until she was 30, she has been working in therapeutic schools and programs for a long time!
- College isn’t going anywhere, and it will open doors for you when you’re ready for it
- She talks to parents daily about wilderness therapy
- She’s still going back to school and constantly learning! What better time than now!
- The importance of doing what you truly love because you’ll find a lot of your time spent doing it
Connect with Kelly Dunbar
- Kelly Dunbar of SUWS of the Carolinas in Old Fort, NC.
- Contact information: call 828-668-759 or email kelly.dunbar@suwscarolinas.com
- Admissions for SUWS of the Carolinas: call 866-516-0910
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
Whatever you choose to do as a profession, whether it includes college or not, there’s going to be some type of work required to get where you want to be. Are you willing to run, not walk, to make it work?
Shayne Gallagher, co-founder and executive director of WinGate Wilderness Therapy, has done everything possible from the very beginning of his career. From being a field instructor trainer , program developer, field director, family workshop facilitator, program director, and now, co-founder and executive director. With his years of experience and insight, Shayne now runs Wingate Wilderness Therapy and has a book The Way with Children: Ancient Wisdom for Leading Modern Young People.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Shayne joins Joanna to share his journey as he learned how to make his goals reality through a lot of hard work and experience. Shayne’s dedication and drive will be sure to motivate you to do what it takes to go after your passions. Listen in for Shayne’s wise insight on how young adults and parents can make the most of not only wilderness therapy, but the journey of early adulthood as a whole.
What You Will Learn
- How losing his father at a young age and having a step dad gave him different perspectives on academics and careers
- How a wilderness therapy summer job got Shayne started in the industry
- He married at 21, had 6 kids before he turned 30 years old, and still felt like he needed to “get it together” with school, as his wife had a master’s degree.
- When Shayne realized he wanted to pursue psychology
- He’s worked in Wilderness Therapy for over 31 years – in every possible position he could have
- Listen to Shayne talk about Arbinger Institute!
- Check out Shayne’s book: “The Way with Children: Ancient Wisdom for Leading Modern Young People”
- His advice, specifically for parents, is to not rescue their child!
- As a fellow podcaster, you’ve got to check out his channel to listen to his wise ways!
Connect with Shayne Gallagher
- Shayne Gallagher of WinGate Wilderness Therapy in Kanab, UT.
- Shayne Gallagher on Instagram
- Contact information: call 435-817-1520 or email shayne@wingatetherapy.com
- Admissions for WinGate Wilderness Therapy: call 1-800-560-1599
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Just because everyone else seems to have everything together in college, doesn’t mean they really do and it doesn’t mean that you have to. Everyone’s journey looks different and what works for one person might not feel like a fit for you, which is okay!
Aubrey Sutton, Admission and Development Coordinator at Building Bridges Treatment, spent most of her college experience feeling like it just wasn’t for her. It wasn’t until a college advisor stepped into help when Aubrey began to experience more clarity and direction in her college journey. After learning to ask for help and be vulnerable in her struggles, she managed to graduate college and now finds herself working in the behavioral health field.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Aubrey joins Joanna to share her journey going from struggling in college to graduating with a degree in psychology. Even though her college experience wasn’t everything she wished for, her story is proof that struggling in college is normal and not something to be ashamed about. Listen in for Aubrey’s insight on how she managed to make college work even at times when it didn’t feel like a right fit.
What You Will Learn
- College wasn’t an if, but a when and where
- What it was like being thrown into a culture shock in college
- What happens when you get in trouble with Student Conduct before the semester even starts!
- When homesickness becomes something more
- Going from a successful high school student to struggling in college
- Transferring colleges without help will not change your academic experience
- Sometimes saying “stick it out for the rest of the semester” may be moot point
- How a college advisor helped Aubrey find clarity in her career and pushed her to pursue the path she had been avoiding
- How earning college credits from multiple colleges means nothing, as long as you get a degree from somewhere!
- How important asking for help is when you feel stuck
Connect with Beatrice Naujalyt
- Aubrey Sutton of Building Bridges in Thompson Falls, MT.
- Contact information: call (406) 370-7412 or email asutton@buildingbridgesinc.net
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Don’t give up. Don’t give up on yourself. If you choose to not give up on yourself and you continue new things, you are dramatically increasing the chances that things will get better in whatever circumstance you are in. There’s no guarantee that things will always work out but if you give up, you’re dramatically increasing the odds that things might not improve. There’s a balance that can be found in that fear, but many times it can be self destructive and painful to allow consume you.
Eric Rydzewski, Primary Therapist at Elements Traverse Wilderness never had the goal to be in Wilderness Therapy. It was where Eric found himself led to. He didn’t know what that pull meant, but he followed it even through the fear and pain throughout his journey. Eric’s goal was ultimately to help others figure out how to manage their emotions and become more resilient and handle their fears that don't do them a disservice, because of his own experiences with substance abuse, anxiety, panic attacks, and an overwhelm of stress. One summer off school on the Appalachian trail and the many pivots in his journey, all led him to the world of troubled young people, therapy, and wilderness combined.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Eric joins Joanna to share his journey going from feeling very trapped in school, and in himself, to coming to learn to follow the pull he felt to nature and providing people the experience of something really new and exciting. Eric’s perspective shows that success can be something that is always changing and in order to see it and feel it more often for yourself, it’s more about going where you feel led, rather than focusing on an end, life goal. Listen in for insight on how Eric’s choice to not give up in his struggles has brought him to now be able to work with struggling adults to take the chance on themselves as well.
What You Will Learn
- What it means to be the “man of the house” when you have a temporarily unavailable male parent
- The reason Eric choose college
- How having parents who “pay attention” can proactively help their young adult with academics, and unhealthy coping skills
- The powerful intervention that happened at one of Eric’s lowest moments
- In reading Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods,” he took the spring semester off and hiked the Appalachian Trail.
- What all led up to Eric finding Outward Bound
- Where Outward Bound took Eric and where he finds himself now at Elements Traverse Wilderness
- The importance of not giving up on the journey
Connect with Eric Rydzewski
Eric Rydzewski of Elements Traverse Wilderness
Call 866-542-2252
Email eric@elementstraverse.com or john@elementstraverse.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
Gone are the days where someone has to get a job immediately after college and work that career for 30+ years. Many young people hold onto this idea that they need to stay in college because it’s what they are told they need to do. Success and failure are temporary, so just go do the thing.
Andrew Taylor, Founder and Executive Director of Pure Life Adventure, once found himself back and forth between the default life. One school trip in Venezuela brought him to the world of outdoors. What he then thought was going to just be this fun summer job, became a huge passion and that’s when he caught the vision that college wasn't everything and that it was actually getting in the way of where he felt called to be. Andrew now finds himself running Pure Life Adventure, a Wilderness Adventure Therapy program in Costa Rica for young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Andrew joins Joanna to share his journey going from living by default because he didn’t know any better, to flying to Costa Rica one random day in 2004 to live out what he felt called to do. The pauses he put on college and leaps of faith Andrew has taken throughout his years are what led him to where he is today, and he couldn’t be happier. Listen in for insight on how Andrew now helps support and challenge young adults, giving them the advice he once needed in college. No poor, default advice.
What You Will Learn
How Andrew navigated being involved with college while still living in his hometown
Academic Advisors giving advice
Demystifying what it means to be a Peter Pan
Connect with Andrew Taylor
https://andrewtaylor.io/
In The Trenches Podcast
Pure Life Adventure in Costa Rica
Andrew Taylor at Pure Life Adventure
Email info@purelifeadventure.com
Call 801-896-9490
Octagon Mentoring in Salt Lake City
References
In The Trenches podcast EP36 - Emerging Adulthood: The Winding Road from Late Teens Through 20's with Jeff Arnet, the author of Emerging Adulthood book, How to Raise An Adult
Andrew’s interview with Ethan Knight, founder of the Gap Year Association
In The Trenches podcast EP33 - The Young Adult College Experience and Common Mistakes Made In the Process with Joanna Lilley
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Lilley Consulting on Facebook
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
The idea of taking a gap year can already be intimidating. Now, add in COVID to the mix and the idea of taking a gap year can seem even more scary.
Beatrice Naujalyt, creator of Bliss Bean, had the plan to travel during her entire gap year but COVID had other plans. Once the pandemic hit, she had to find alternative ways to fill her time including social media, blogging, vlogging, etc! Even though her gap years didn’t go as planned, Beatrice found ways to be creative with her time while building a fun job for herself. Now, she plans to go to school to study Digital Media and Communications, and continue working on her blog.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Beatrice joins Joanna to share her journey as she learned to navigate a gap year during uncertain times. Listen in for insight on what Beatrice has learned as she explored creative outlets during her time away from school and how helpful a gap year can be, even in the craziest of times.
What You Will Learn
- We talked through the cultural differences between taking a gap year as an American student, vs. EU resident.
- Understanding that the “typical college experience” does not exist right now, and the decision that young people are making to change course
- How it is okay to invent or reinvent your gap year experience!
- What it takes to acknowledge that college can wait, and what to do it in the meantime
- She dove head first into the creative content world by bloggings, creating videos, and just learning to love what fills up her cup!
- What caused Beatrice to decide to take a 2nd gap year
- The college decision process
- Beatrice’s advice with taking a gap year and how she has navigated it herself during these uncertain times
Connect with Beatrice Naujalyt
- Beatrice Naujalyte of The Bliss Bean in Madison, WI.
- The Bliss Bean on Youtube
- Beatrice Naujalyte on Instagram
- Contact information: email hello@theblissbean.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Many go through life with a set idea on how things will go, hoping that everything will go as planned but sometimes life has other plans that are unavoidable.
Johnnie Alexander, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Therapist, Life Coach, and Therapeutic Mentor for Elevated Genius Solutions, LLC, experienced a huge life interruption his sophomore year of college. At first he thought he’d have the normal college experience with hopes to become a doctor. Though, life had other plans. After Hurricane Katrina hit, Johnnie’s college experience got majorly shifted. Even though the journey was tough, he managed to get through it with the support of others, coming out of it stronger. Through his experience he realized that he wanted to pursue social work instead and now works as a Therapeutic Mentor for Elevated Genius Solutions, LLC, a mental health practice focused on helping people elevate their genius through mental and emotional well-being.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Johnnie joins Joanna to share his journey as he escaped poverty and homelessness and is now working to start his own private practice. Even with a huge interruption in his college journey, Johnnie managed to not give up and was able to make a new life for himself. Listen to how Johnnie’s life experiences and persistence has brought him to where he is today and the insight it all has brought him.
What You Will Learn
- A post-secondary path was expected because of his academic career at Milton Hershey School
- When Johnnie knew he wanted to go to school to be a doctor
- Although he was applying to “the ivys,” he landed on Xavier University, a HBCU, for a very, specific reason
- How Hurricane Katrina really shook up Johnnie’s college experience
- How in hindsight, he’d wish he’d taken a break after Hurricane Katrina
- The fear that Johnnie had around taking a break during his academic experience
- The importance in finding a close knit group of friends to lean on during difficult times
- How he was bearing the burden of shame after ending up on Academic Probation
- His persistence and life experiences are what led him to Atlanta – where he hangs his hat as a photographer, videographer and therapeutic genius.
- It’s okay to not be okay
Connect with Johnnie Alexander
- Johnnie Alexander of Elevated Genius Solutions in Atlanta, GA.
- Contact information: call 914-391-0376 or email ElevateGeniusSolutions@gmail.com
- Elevated Genius on Instagram
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Just because the idea of success seems ‘perfect’, the road there might not be, and that’s okay!
Jared Stewart, Program Director for Provo, Utah’s Scenic View Academy and adjunct professor at Utah Valley University, had his fair share of crashes on his way to success but that didn’t stop him. From navigating a learning disability that he was unaware of through college and navigating college alone and lost. It wasn’t until Jared began his work with people in adversity when he discovered he himself had autism. Jared’s diagnosis only increased his passion for the subject and he now gets to share his own personal story as encouragement for others dealing with their diagnosis.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Jared joins Joanna to share his journey going from a high school dropout to a college graduate who has spent almost two decades working with autistic adolescents and adults. No matter how many crashes he found himself in, Jared managed to come out with a story that he now uses as a light for people in similar situations. Listen in for Jared’s insight on how there is untapped greatness in everyone, regardless of their so-called “disabilities”.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up in Kodiak Island in Alaska
- Not knowing anyone who had gone to college
- How you must wear a (metaphorical) helmet for all that crashes that exist in life!
- Dealing with learning disabilities in school
- How Jared landed in Utah for college
- How being a 6-year college student is more common than we talk about
- How the weight of academic stress can crush a young person, especially if they’ve been non-stop forever
- For those with and Autism diagnosis, often thinking is an “all or nothing”
- We talked through how life has some serious ups and downs! His mantra was “just keep adjusting!”
- How Jared got started at Utah’s Scenic View Academy and has now been there for 20 years
- When Jared realized he has Autism and how important it was to share that story with the clients he works with to encourage them in their journey
- The class that Jared teaches called Life is Not a Label
- Life is just filled with data points! Life isn’t a linear line from A to B
Connect with Jared Stewart
- Jared Stewart of ScenicView Academy in Provo, Utah.
- Contact information: email jareds@svacademy.org
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Whether it’s a career field that seems like it will never work out or the dream that seems too big after getting a diagnosis. When things don’t go as planned, what if instead of seeing it as something gone wrong, you take it as a sign that there is just more personal growth needed? Maybe it’s not that you’re not good enough for it, but instead not quite ready for it yet.
Maria Heilner, a registered nurse at the dermatology center of Steamboat springs, didn’t think nursing was going to work out at first. After multiple attempts and people telling her it would never work out, Maria began to lose hope but she still decided to try one more time. Now, she’s a registered nurse and living out what didn’t seem possible.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Maria joins Joanna to share her journey going from struggling for years to make her dream to become a nurse come true, to now working a job she enjoys as a registered nurse. When things didn’t go as planned, Maria persevered and didn’t let anything stop her from achieving her goals. Listen in for Maria’s insight on how she managed to get up after being knocked down time after time and how you can too.
What You Will Learn
- Looking at college as just another transition like elementary, middle, and high school
- What it’s like when your parents are the ones who play a large role in making the decision of where she went to school
- Finding a new sense of independence in college due to having a strict childhood
- How a first-year student who focuses on social life only, ends up with bad grades
- Because she didn’t know what anxiety was, she mistook her panic attacks for asthma attacks
- After being diagnosed with ADHD, she started to lean on the university accommodations
- How your Academic Advisor can really make or break a college experience, especially around feeling a sense of belonging
- Feeling devastated and ashamed when one career path doesn’t go as planned
- Identifying one college as not being a good fit, is a great realization! Not returning is totally a choice!
- How she didn’t get accepted into two nursing programs, and that didn’t stop her from applying to a third program. Third time's a charm!
- Her advice at the end is so important that everyone needs to hear it!
Connect with Maria Heilner
- Maria Heilner of Steamboat Springs, CO.
- Contact information: email aspenheilner@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Maybe college worked out in the beginning and then turned out to be something that isn’t for you right now. What if instead of trying to force something that isn’t working anymore, you decided to embrace what is?
Pete Kadushin, Mental Performance Coach, found himself planning on going to college to get a PhD because it worked out for his dad. By the end of his college experience, he was left feeling lost and struggling with imposter syndrome, which caused him to slow down and really reflect. With much reflection, Pete decided to change the course from what used to work and focus on what really works for him now, which is spending time with athletes and teams, helping them find meaning in their life and achieve their goals.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Pete joins Joanna to share his journey going from avoiding adulting and forcing himself down a path, to now embracing what he truly loves. Pete’s goal is to help fellow athletes find their own sustained success, no matter their goals. Listen in for Pete’s insight on how choosing a simpler life has benefited him and his life as a whole, and how he shares that growth with his clients.
What You Will Learn
- When you are the child of a parent with a PhD in Neuropsychology, higher education is the unspoken and spoken expectation
- He’s a self-identified former contrarian and simultaneous rebel, who chose his undergraduate experience based on school spirit!
- When he graduated from undergrad, he did what terrified his family most: he took a year off to work a part-time job so he could “avoid growing up.”
- How comparing yourself to others can translate to perceiving oneself as an imposter within your community
- How he found himself feel lost and experiencing shame when he reached his goal and found himself teaching out of convenience
- It’s okay to reflect on where you are in life, whether you’re a 22, 32 or 42 year old and understand that you can change the course of your life. For all your outdoor lovers out there, he used the metaphor of bushwhacking. His advice: Stay on the trail!
- Check out a recent article he wrote about building a trusting mindset. His writing is as witty on paper as he is in person!
- How terrifying taking the leap to launch your own business can be. Stay the course, Pete! This is a long race and you’ve got the mental toughness to succeed (see what I did there?!)!
- The doors that open when you get out of your own way
Connect with Pete Kadushin
- Dr. Pete Kadushin of Dr. Pete Kadushin: Mental Performance Coaching
- Pete Kadushin on Instagram
- He's now the Mental Performance Coach for the Chicago Black Hawks
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Imagine having trouble with your memory, flexible thinking, self-control, and with simply just executing tasks through to completion. These skills are used every day to learn, work, and manage daily life. Without these essential mental skills, it can be very difficult to handle emotions, focus, follow directions, achieve goals and even set them, and the list goes on and on. Life wouldn’t be very easy and might end up even feeling not worth living.
Seth Perler, Executive Function, ADHD and 2e coach, started out as a struggling student himself. He struggled with school since the first grade and it was a downhill slope from there. Growing up, Seth never quite felt like he fit in and eventually lost motivation to continue to try to.
After a serious conversation with his family, something changed in Seth and he decided to push himself to finally reach out for help. After years of working with children at a minimum wage job, he ended up falling in love with his work and that’s when his journey of helping people all began. His mission now is to give parents, educators and others who help kids, honest, practical and unconventional approaches to helping complicated, struggling students.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Seth joins Joanna to share the journey of his challenges he faced day to day for years, up until he learned what is at the root of student struggles; Executive Function. He has dedicated his life to educating others on this topic in hopes that one day education will become successful at empowering all students with everything they need to live a well-rounded life. Listen in for insight on Seth’s discovery of Executive Function and how he uses his struggles growing up to now help kids overcome Executive Functioning challenges, leading them to have great futures, despite the outdated educational systems failing to teach these things.
What You Will Learn
- What school was like for Seth growing up
- The culture Seth grew up in
- Seth’s experience going to college straight out of high school
- What caused Seth to leave school for years
- Seth’s self talk and mental health battles
- What made Seth decide to finally reach out for help
- When Seth started getting good signs
- How Seth found what he wanted to do for the rest of his life
- Seth’s empowering story of how he now helps kids with his story
- How going to school with your peers isn’t as great as it might seem
- How helpful a pause and growth in maturity can be before going to college
- The importance of mindful moments and how they can bring you closer to what truly brings happiness
Connect with Seth Perler
- Seth Perler
- Seth Perler Youtube Channel
- Seth Perler on Facebook
- Executive Function Summit
- Executive Function Facebook Group
- Email: seth@sethperler.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
“I’m doing everything right. Being a hard working student, a good daughter/son, a helpful friend...Yet I still feel like I’m falling apart.” For many the biggest thing left behind or put aside is what’s going on internally and can oftentimes be the missing puzzle to bring everything back together.
Ken Gilbert, Lead Therapist at Evoke Therapy Intensives, found that things didn’t fall into place until he really put his mental health and treatment first in college. After many attempts at treatment, Ken finally found Evoke Therapy where he was able to make a change. Now Ken finds himself back at Evoke Therapy working with adolescents and young adults struggling with substance abuse disorders, trauma, attachment issues, and a variety of co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Ken joins Joanna to share his journey going from feeling hopelessly sick in addiction, to being able to wake up everyday healthy and pull out young adults feeling the same way he once did. Ken’s personal experience and hardships allow him to really connect and impact the young adult in ways that leave him feeling deeply rewarded. Listen in for Ken’s insight on how important internal work is for not only young adults, but also parents.
What You Will Learn
- Going to college was not a matter of “if,” but “where.”
- Not being socially and emotionally ready for college
- Transferring colleges without help will not change your academic experience
- Finding a hobby in college
- How a valued education can be unspoken.
- The path of trying to find a job that Ken enjoys post college
- The logic of “the geographical” in 12-step can really keep us in a place of denial indefinitely.
- He had multiple treatment experiences in his young adult years before he was a participant in wilderness therapy himself where he was able to truly lay the foundation for his recovery
- When he internalized “I don’t need to be my parents” he was able to create his own expectations
- The impact that Ken has been able to make
- The importance for parents to do their own internal work
Connect with Ken Gilbert
- Ken Gilbert of Evoke Therapy Programs in Bend, OR.
- Contact information: email ken@evoketherapy.com
- Admissions Contact: call 866-411-6600
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
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Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
A young adult barely knows what to do on a Friday night so how do we expect them to know what to do with the rest of their life by the time they set foot on a college campus? College should be a safe place to learn from experience, good and bad, but that’s not the message that students are getting.
Jeff Ederer, co-founder of College Route Map, started his journey in higher education by being the first generation college student in his family. At first Jeff didn’t feel cut out for college but once he ended up staying for 41 years, working at public and private institutions. In Jeff’s time in higher education, both personally and professionally, he saw a huge need for college planning assistance and decided to create College Route Map, an educational consulting firm that provides services to clients and families.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Jeff joins Joanna to share his journey going from not interested in college, to working in the industry for 41 years. Jeff’s mission is to help families and students find a great college fit for their ongoing success. Listen in for insight on Jeff’s perspective on college and how it has tremendously helped his clients in their journey.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up with the idea of college not being the norm
- When Jeff decided to give college a chance
- He went to college and liked it so much he stayed there for 41 years!
- How applying to colleges in the 21st century has tremendous pressure
- College should be a safe place to fail
- Jeff’s work experience in
- The approach that Jeff learned to take in life while in college
- What I personally appreciate about Dr. Ederer is that he’s a candid realist when working with families when discussing college timeline, expectations, and graduation statistics.
- How, when checking in with your college student, that parents need to ask more than just “How are you doing?”
- Sometimes your expectations for your child might be setting them up for failure
Connect with Jeff Ederer
- Dr. Jeff Ederer of College Route Map in Denver, CO.
- Contact information: call 720-422-7676 or email jeff@collegeroutemap.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Instead of success being something looked at as an end goal or an end all be all, what if you looked at it as something that grows and ages like a fine wine or cheese? Something that you are always working on within yourself.
Lily Wilkinson, member of the business development team for Legacy Treatment Center, grew up thinking that in order to be successful she would need to reach a certain perfection. As she navigated that internal pressure, she found herself dealing with crippling anxiety and addiction in college. After going to Colorado for a transitional living program, Lily found a passion for working with people in nature. Now, Lily finds herself at Legacy Treatment Center, which features wilderness therapy programs for young adult men and women.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Lily joins Joanna to share her journey going from navigating college with crippling anxiety and mental health struggles, to now attending and hosting conferences and events nationwide in efforts to help young adults with their own struggles. Listen in for Lily’s insight on how she went from wearing herself out trying to achieve an unachievable idea of success, to now taking that pressure off of herself and instead finding success as a work in progress.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up with two parent teachers
- Going from a big fish in a small pond to a small fish in a big pond
- Dealing with crippling anxiety
- Making the decision to take time off school. College can wait!
- What Lily did during her gap year
- Lily’s experience in a wilderness program and transitional program that helped her grow
- How being in a transitional program in Colorado gave Lily a huge passion for the area and sparked new passions in her life
- How Lily’s journey in college shifted in a positive way from her gap year
- Lily’s work experience after college that led her to where she is now
- Internal struggles don’t invalidate your success on paper
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
Being a student athlete can easily become one’s identity. From working to get good grades mainly for sports, to working day in and day out with a team for years that become like a family. When that gets taken away, it can be devastating learning how to live life outside of being a student athlete.
Conor Baucum grew up playing lacrosse and continued to play all throughout college. Not only was the sport basically his entire life, it was his identity. When he graduated college, navigating life and not being a student athlete wasn’t easy. After college, he started out working in the finance industry and went on to find the team environment he longed for at a tech company. Most recently, Conor has been consulting with entrepreneurs helping them to scale their businesses.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Conor joins Joanna to share his journey going from a premiere men’s lacrosse program to navigating life outside of being an athlete. Even when it didn’t seem possible or worth it, he managed to find a new sense of success for himself. Listen in for Conor’s insight on how he’s managed to navigate finding passion and purpose outside of sports and what the journey has taught him.
What You Will Learn
- The expectation to go to college to pursue lacrosse
- Conor’s experience as a student athlete
- Being in a NCAA school
- The transition post college as a student athlete
- Losing the identity of being a lacrosse player and how that devastated Conor
- How a not so great job can still teach you a lot!
- Desiring to be apart of a team environment again and how a tech company helped Conor find that
- How COVID has allowed Conor to slow down
- Navigating learning disabilities in school
- It’s okay to not know what you want to do and it’s okay to take time to figure it out
Connect with Joanna Lilley
- Lilley Consulting
- Lilley Consulting on Instagram
- Lilley Consulting on Facebook
- Success is Subjective on Apple Podcast
- Success is Subjective on Google Podcast
- Success is Subjective on iHeart Radio
- Success is Subjective on Spotify
- Success is Subjective on Stitcher
- Success is Subjective on Amazon
- Success is Subjective on Audible
- Success is Subjective on Tune in Radio
- Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
- Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
The path to making your goals reality won’t always be pretty. It might involve working at Kentucky Fried Chicken or maybe even working two minimum wage jobs while being in school full time. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make your desire a reality?
Lisa Sutton, founder and CEO of Sutton Enterprises, took every chance she got to work to make college work. Even though she had to manage making school work without any help, she didn’t allow that to be an excuse. Instead she worked multiple jobs while going to school full time and continues to put the same hard work and dedication into her business, Sutton Enterprises, a company that consults with programs and schools to aid in several departments according to their needs.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Lisa joins Joanna to share her journey going from working multiple jobs to make college work, to now owning her own business. Lisa’s story of dedication and no excuse mentality will be sure to inspire you to take action in your path. Listen in for Lisa’s insight on what it took to make her goals a reality and how she encourages her own children and clients to do the same.
What You Will Learn
- What happens when an older sibling goes to college and does not succeed; the pressure is on for the younger sibling!
- How common it is to pick a school because it is the “furthest you can get away from your family.”
- Life as a student athlete
- How college is about making friends and learning who is not a friend!
- The importance of having good work ethic and work experience in all types of jobs. Every job builds character!
- How she worked on a wagon train, therapeutic boarding school, Admissions, etc.
- Lisa is not afraid to tell you how it is! Her direct nature is something people love or leave. She’s not afraid to not be liked.
- Be willing to put in the hard work day in and day out
Connect with Lisa Sutton
- Lisa Sutton from Sutton Enterprises. Lisa is currently supporting the following programs:
- ● Bodhi Casa in Venice, CA
- ● Building Bridges in Thompson Falls, MT
- ● Passages Alaska in Klawock, AK.
- ● And working behind the scenes for a couple other programs…
- Contact information: call 208-610-8265or email lisasut1@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
What if instead of looking at a challenge as just another thing to deal with, you looked at it as an opportunity to reveal the next step. Whether it be a challenge with a college major or a business, many times what comes out of a challenging situation may shed clarity on the next move to make and whether or not the original situation was even meant to be.
Darrie Burrage, leader, educator, facilitator, and innovator, experienced his fair share of challenges in college and at times it felt like school wasn’t fit for him. Despite the imposter syndrome that Darrie battled with, he learned to work through it and stay committed to his goals. Through racial representation as well as setbacks and breakthroughs, Darrie managed to acquire a bachelor's and master's degree in the study of Communication and Community Studies.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Darrie joins Joanna to share his journey going from failing school, to acquiring two degrees and changing the narrative of his upbringing. Darrie’s testimony will be sure to motivate you in preserving through the challenging times. Listen in for Darrie’s profound insight on how his challenges have taught him to look at life through new eyes.
What You Will Learn
- How the media caused Darrie to have a robust vision of college
- What it means to be a first generation college student, and the cultural capital around what it means to “go to college”
- The transition into college as a student athlete
- The imposter syndrome that Darrie experienced
- How a professor made him really rethink his place in college
- How college changed for Darrie when he got determined and involved
- Having a mantra is important. You will hear Darrie say “God is Dope” more than once!
- The struggle can be real in undergrad, and grad school, and in the work world!
- The importance of self-efficacy as a college student, and thriving young adult
- The difference between success and significance
Connect with Darrie Burrage
- Darrie Matthew Burrage out of Milwaukee, WI.
- Contact information: call 909-223-2996 or email d.m.burrage@gmail.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
College can put this heavy pressure on young adults to have everything figured out right away in their 20’s. The truth is, that things take time to come together for most people. Being 100% sure about your passions and what makes you happy at a young age isn’t necessary, since it will most likely continue to change. Experiences allow everything to come together in a way that you wouldn’t expect, so it’s better not to rush that process.
Vania Matheus, founder of V. Matheus Therapeutic & Educational Consulting, has acquired multiple degrees in her life as she figured out what she really wanted to do as a career. Each step of her journey wasn’t planned but it all brought her to where she is now, and it couldn’t have been laid out better. One random masters in school counseling led to another masters, which led to something that confluence together so well in her life today. In her fourteen years of practice as a consultant, Vania has helped hundreds of families find appropriate treatment options for their teens and young adults struggling with mental and behavioral health issues. Her experience eventually led her to found V. Matheus Therapeutic & Educational Consulting where she helps families from the beginning of the process through completion and recovery,navigate the challenges young people and their families face.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Vania joins Joanna to share her journey as she navigated the expectations she had on herself as a Seventh-day Adventist and how she eventually found herself in the field of Therapeutic and Educational Consulting. Vania shares the importance of allowing yourself to experience different things and say yes to opportunities, rather than be caught up in finding the perfect path. Listen in for insight how Vania’s experience working in a variety of therapeutic settings as she navigated college, led her to start her own program where she thrives and brings young adults and their families on the path to a thriving life too.
What You Will Learn
- How Vania was raised and the expectations in her culture
- What post-secondary options look like for a Seventh-day Adventist
- What led Vania to began her master’s degree in school counseling
- What led Vania to go back to get another master’s degree this time in Marriage and Family Therapy
- How Vania discovered the world of Wilderness Therapy
- How it’s okay to switch your career path, even more than once
- How Vania’s clinical expertise background has been a blessing in what she does now
- How many families (and therapists) still don’t know that Therapeutic Consultants exist
- The importance of taking care of yourself and prioritizing your well being
- It’s perfectly okay for your path to look different from everyone else’s
- Vania’s advice to parents to not enable your young adult and allow them to put in the work
Connect with Vania Matheus
- V. Matheus Therapeutic & Educational Consulting
- Call 415-547-0123
- Email assistant@vmatheus.com or vania@vmatheus.com
- Vania Matheus on LinkedIn
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Even in suffering, in pain, in hardships, in grief...everything is made beautiful in this time. Just because something may seem rough and imperfect, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have something amazing to bring you, whether that be growth, experience, a lesson, or a powerful story.
Judith Sadora, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, didn’t have academics come easily to her and had to work hard to change the narrative for her life and her family. In that came many hardships and mental health struggles. Though, Judith managed to preserve and believe that things would turn around for her. And she did just that, managing to build a career and a life that she finds joy in.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Judith joins Joanna to share her powerful story coming from poverty to building a new life for herself where she now builds up clients of color, specifically transracial adoptees and multiracial families. The journey wasn’t easy but Judith is proof that with determination and perseverance, you can build the life you desire to live no matter what life throws at you. Listen in for Judith’s profound insight on how she views each hardship as something beautiful that has brought growth and experience. She is truly a role model to the clients she works with.
What You Will Learn
- Feeling the need to change the family narrative by going to college
- How the transition into college can be rocky for even those that feel the most prepared
- How sometimes parents don’t understand mental health struggles
- Hospitalizations during college are more common that we talk about
- Taking a break from college is okay, because college isn’t going anywhere!
- Credits from multiple schools = a single diploma!
- How Wilderness Therapy rocked her world once she learned about it!
- Judith’s incredible work with black and indigenous people of color, specifically bi-racial adoptions, brings real joy in her life!
- Life is a process, not linear.
Connect with Judith Sadora
- Judith Sadora of Evoke Wilderness Therapy and Triune Health and Wellness out of Bend, OR.
- Admissions Contact information: call 866-411-6600 or email kaysha.evoke@gmail.com.
- Direction Contact: email judith@evoketherapy.com or judith@triunehealthandwellness.com and call (702) 523-0228.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
So many try to fit in. Fit in with their peers, fit into expectations, into society’s standards. When most of these things were never meant for you to fit into in the first place. You can’t expect the letter A to fit into the letter B spot on an alphabetic puzzle mat, so how do you expect yourself to fit into someone else’s path?
Sean Tomkinson, owner of Passages Alaska Wilderness Therapy, realized while in college that he couldn’t bear to force himself to stay where he didn’t feel he belonged at the time. During his time off he decided to go to the air force and allow himself to explore himself and life as a whole more before returning back to school. During his time away from college Sean discovered wilderness therapy and was motivated to go back to school to pursue that passion. Now he finds himself doing work he loves, connecting with students.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Sean joins Joanna to share his journey as he navigated life as a young adult and where he finds himself today. The decision Sean made to take time off school instead of forcing himself through it allowed him to find a career where he was definitely called to be in. Listen in for insight on Sean’s inspiring story and how he’s come to realize that sometimes it isn’t you but instead the fit that isn’t what it necessarily needs to be.
What You Will Learn
- Going to school with a class of 8
- The lack of social life that Sean had growing up
- Not returning to college after sophomore year. College can wait!
- It's okay to take a break from college. A lot more people do it than we realize!
- Sean’s time in the air force
- When Sean got serious about school at 34 years old
- Getting introduced to wilderness therapy
- The phenomenal work that Sean does in Alaska
- Stop trying to fit yourself into a poor fit
Connect with Sean Tomkinson
- Sean Tomkinson of Passages Alaska
- Call 907-821-8092
- Email seant@passagesalaska.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
It can be easy to put blame on what life you came from. Maybe from alcoholic parents or a blue collar family who didn’t go to college. But, what if you were the one who went against all odds and changed the narrative?
Gail Curran, an Educational and Therapeutic Placement Consultant, came from a family of 8 with little money for college. In fact, Gail was the first of her siblings to make it to college. From almost failing her freshman year and having a child her senior year, Gail still managed to graduate and even go back to school in her 40’s. Now Gail has a private practice where she works with students in their own struggles.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Gail joins Joanna to share her journey going from a blue collar family, to creating a different path for herself, acquiring multiple degrees and coming to work for herself. Gail has achieved what was considered all odds. Listen in for insight on Gail’s amazing story that’s filled with perseverance and determination that will be sure to encourage you.
What You Will Learn
- Being the youngest of 8 siblings and first to go to college
- How being away from home for the first time was for Gail in college
- Becoming a mom while in college and how Gail managed to work through it
- The importance in asking for help
- How much Gail’s college advisor helped her
- The challenges that Gail experienced after having her son her senior year. College can wait!
- Going back to college in her 40’s to get a master’s degree
- Gail’s private practice working as an educational and therapeutic placement consultant
- It’s okay to fall down! Life isn’t a linear line from A to B
Connect with Gail Curran
- Optimal Edu Options
- 602-904-1282
- Email: gail@optimaleduoptions.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
COVID has taught us that plans can be completely ripped from our hands at any moment. What you thought you’d be doing for the rest of your life could completely change and plans might need to be shifted.
Aaron, Director at Spruce Mountain, went into college with a completely different idea than where he now finds himself. At first he thought he would pursue music but after working with people in the restaurant industry, Aaron discovered his passion for people, causing him to change his degree in college. At the time it might’ve felt like a big and scary change, but now Aaron finds himself right where he needs to be, helping young adults find a successful life of their own.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Aaron joins Joanna to share his journey going from a music major to getting a degree in counseling to work with people. Sometimes big changes need to be made in order to get to where you need to be. Listen in for Aaron’s profound insight on how he’s learned to look at day to day life and how he encourages young adults and parents in their journeys.
What You Will Learn
- The importance in keeping your options open
- What playing chess as a child taught Aaron. Life isn’t a linear path!
- Aaron’s start in a music major
- Aaron’s experience in the restaurant industry that eventually led him to change his career path to counseling
- How Aaron found himself at Spruce Mountain Inn Residential Treatment & Transitional Living Program
- A day is only a day and it’s okay to have a bad one. Trust the process!
- The importance of being vulnerable with your young adult
Connect with Aaron Aldridge
- Aaron Aldridge of Spruce Mountain Inn
- Contact information: 802-454-8353 (Office) or email info@sprucemountaininn.com
- Aaron’s contact: 801-910-5896 or email aaldridge@sprucemountaininn.com
Resources
Successful People Who Failed At First Article
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sometimes things don’t always work out. Whether that’s being vulnerable with someone or taking the risk on a career path. Though, what if you didn’t let that one situation that went sideways dictate your life from then on? And instead continued to take risks, using each outcome as a learning experience.
Joshua New, Executive Director for an addiction treatment center, could have stopped trying many times throughout his journey in addiction. His journey with substances started at a young age and it wasn’t until his 5th time in treatment when he decided to make a lasting change. Instead of giving treatment one last try and taking the chance to connect with new people, Joshua could have let his past experiences dictate his future. It wasn’t easy, but Joshua continued to take risks and is now celebrating 20 years sober.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Joshua joins Joanna to share his experience going from an addict who couldn’t seem to make a change, to now working with addicts. Joshua’s story will be sure to inspire you that no matter how many times you fall, there’s room for change and to create a better future for yourself. Listen in for Joshua’s insight on how much connection and choosing to continue to take risks for himself, has impacted his life forever.
What You Will Learn
- Moving every 3 years while growing up
- Joshua’s decision to move away from home to be able to party in college
- Living 2 lives in college
- When Joshua got pulled out of college due to his substance use
- The fear that Joshua felt about finding an alternative to substances. College can wait!
- How shame can play a powerful role in fueling addiction
- When Joshua went back to school
- What relapsing taught Joshua after being sober for awhile
- Opposite of addiction is connection, not sobriety
- Going to grad school to get a degree in social work
- Don’t let one thing dictate the rest of your life
Connect with Joshua New
- Joshua New of Burning Tree West
- Contact Admissions: 866.287.2877
- Burning Tree West
- Burning Tree Programs
Resources
Joshua’s Blog about Recovery called The Mix Tape Diaries.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Maybe you’ve relapsed after getting sober, maybe even managed to relapse more than once or maybe even 7 times. Just because your journey might include some or many bumps in the road, that doesn’t disqualify you from the life you think isn’t in the cards for you anymore.
Ryan Silberberg, Director of Admissions at Jaywalker Lodge, had to go to inpatient treatment 7 times before he was able to truly make a change in his life. Each time Ryan was sent back to treatment, it felt more and more useless to continue trying. It wasn’t until the 7th time when he was sent to Jaywalker Lodge when he was able to find recovery exciting. His experience at Jaywalker Lodge was so impactful that he decided to come back and work there as the Director of Admissions.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Ryan joins Joanna to share his journey going from a hopeless addict to working with addicts. Ryan’s story shows that no matter how many times you fall, it’s never too late to get back up and get to the life you desire. Listen in for Ryan’s insight on the change that he’s experienced with his definition of success and how he helps families and young adults navigate the path to their own success.
What You Will Learn
- Starting to drink in high school
- Being sent to a Catholic high school and how that affected Ryan
- Dealing with losing someone to an overdose
- The struggle to find residential treatment that worked for Ryan. Not all treatment is equal
- The difference between sobriety and recovery
- The wilderness therapy treatment center where Ryan felt excited for recovery for the first time
- Ryan’s journey going back to the treatment center that changed his life to work there
- You don’t need to have plans for the rest of your life. Life isn’t a linear line from A to B
- No one is meant to do this life alone. Ask for help
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Your path is yours for a reason. It’s yours to do as you please with and make the most out of. Maybe add some flowers on part of your path or take a rest at a bench somewhere down a little ways. Maybe even abandon your original path and start a new one! It doesn’t have to be the prettiest path, it just needs to work for you.
Cynthia, an elementary school social worker, had to take a handful of detours throughout her early adulthood. From dealing with trauma, grief, mental health, etc, Cynthia persevered but eventually had to decide to reach out for help and take a break from college. It was when she had the courage to confront her not so pretty path and talk it out, when she was able to open up more to what life has to offer. In that journey Cynthia found a passion for social work and now works with elementary students, guiding them through these difficult times.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Cynthia joins Joanna to share her journey going from dealing with trauma and suicide loss, to using her experience as a drive to help other. For Cynthia being successful means making a difference and that’s exactly what she does. Listen in for Chelsea’s insight on how she manages to find such light in her struggles and the steps that’s gotten her to this point.
What You Will Learn
- Living in an area where college is very competitive
- Losing a family member during high school while also working really hard in pursuit of college
- Experiencing serious trauma while in college
- Transferring colleges without getting help can lead to more struggles
- When Cynthia reached out to a college counselor and how much it helped her
- Talking about unhealthy relationships in college and the ways to identify signs (refer to The Red Flag Campaign).
- Being closely impacted by suicide. It’s important to learn the facts about suicide, and know that if you lose someone to suicide, know that you aren’t alone.
- Taking time off school
- When college students compare themselves to others it can lead to self-deprecating thoughts, when in reality it’s uncommon for someone to graduate within four years!
- What does it really mean to be off-track to graduating college “on-time?”
- How when you finally get your degree, it doesn’t matter where all the credits came from!
- College isn’t going anywhere! Returning to college post-treatment is okay!
- Your path doesn’t have to be pretty and perfect. Life isn’t a linear line from A to B
Connect with Joanna Lilley
“You have to have your career figured out as soon as you start high school and be perfectly on your way there by high school graduation. You have to go through college straight through.” You might have heard these things from others or even from yourself. But what if you didn’t have to be what everyone else says you need to be or wants you to be? What if you didn’t even have to come close to what others are doing and instead took a detour?
Chelsea, STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) Program Coordinator at iFLY Indoor Skydiving, felt plagued by perfectionism as she tried navigating college and her life as a whole. The pressure to amount to what everyone expected of her and the high expectations she had of herself caused her to self medicate with alcohol and drugs in college. This quickly turned into an addiction and a break in college. Even though the road bumps she experienced weren’t in her college plans, Chelsea has come to find great gratitude in her journey.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Chelsea joins Joanna to share her journey going from an alcoholic struggling to live a perfect life plan, to finding a whole new outlook on college and life. Chelsea’s detour from college has brought her profound insight that she now gets to share with young adults. Listen in for Chelsea’s insight on how much of an impact simply asking for help made in not only her academic journey but also within herself .
What You Will Learn
The expectation to have a career chosen by the 8th grade
How perfectionism is plaguing young people today!
Having an OCD diagnosis related to perfectionism can help provide resources for a young person
Transferring colleges without getting treatment can lead to more struggles.
Taking a break from college is okay!
When college students compare themselves to others it can drive perfectionism, and ultimately unhealthy coping skills. Life isn’t a linear line from A to B!
The importance of extended care after completing a residential treatment program
Chelsea’s experience with Georgia Tech’s Collegiate Recovery Program
Fun in Recovery is a thing! Check out what Georgia Tech is doing to connect with students around this topic!
College isn’t going anywhere! Returning to college post-treatment is okay!
The opposite of Addiction is Connection
Connect with Chelsea
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
Mental health and college don’t always mix well. You might find some people get through it even while struggling but at the end they usually crumble big time. You aren’t meant to push through that pain just to graduate. College can wait, but help should never have to.
Jeremiah Reiner, cyclist and Mental Health Recovery Coach at CooperRiis Healing Community and founder of Ride Above Depression, went to college with no idea what was in store for him. After what seemed like a perfect freshman year, things began to spiral downhill as he began to struggle with mental health. The road navigating mental health in college might have been long and rocky, but because of his experience Jeremiah now gets to encourage others through their mental health journeys.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Jeremiah joins Joanna to share his story going from barely being able to step foot outside due to mental health, to now being a voice and coach for people struggling with their own mental health struggles. His journey was nothing but easy but it has been nothing but worth it. Listen in for Jeremiah’s insight on how finally learning to ask for help changed a lot for him and how surprised you might be by the amount of positive response you receive on the other side of asking for help in your journey.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up in an area where college is just what you did
- Going to college as far away as possible from home
- Doing a wilderness based orientation freshman year
- The importance in finding a school that you resonate with
- When Jeremiah started to feel “off” and started struggling with school
- Transferring colleges without getting treatment can lead to more struggles.
- Taking a break from college is okay. Not having a plan is not okay!
- The mental health battles that Jeremiah found himself in
- How we may not always agree with our diagnosis!
- The 4 month bicycle tour that Jeremiah and his ex-girlfriend took for Ride Above Depression
- It’s normal to take a break from college while navigating mental health
- When Jeremiah realized that he had trauma around school.
- College isn’t going anywhere and when he’s ready to return, he will!
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Connect with Jeremiah Reiner
- Jeremiah Reiner of CooperRiis and Jeremiah Reiner Photography in Brevard, NC.
- Email jeremiah.reiner@cooperriis.org or contact him through his website.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Whether it’s mental health, drugs, alcohol, negative people, a toxic environment...Through perseverance, it is possible to get past what’s holding you back and create the life you desire. Things get better when you choose to persevere through the blockers.
Victoria Olson, founder of Expand Mentoring, LLC, found herself on the ‘right’ career path in college but lacked the drive buried inside due to many distractions such as drugs and partying. It wasn’t until her husband intervened when she had to make the decision to face what was holding her back in life and make a change. It was then when her life transformed and she found a drive for her career that she didn’t have before.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Victoria joins Joanna to share her journey going from an alcoholic struggling to get past her addiction, to graduating with a masters and starting her own business in the mental health space. Victoria’s perseverance is proof in the pudding that you can get past whatever is holding you back, no matter what stage of life you’re in. Listen in for Victoria’s insight on how she managed to get past the hurdles in her life holding her back and how life radically changed when she did.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up with college not even being an option but just what you did
- How we’re trained to think that going to college is the only option. Not going to college is an option!
- Starting out college at home
- Having a boyfriend who lived 4 hours away during college causing Victoria to not be invested in college. Dating in college has its challenges!
- Transferring colleges without getting treatment can lead to more struggles
- Getting into an older group of friends in their late 20’s as a 19 year old
- Dropping out of school as a Junior to primarily party instead
- Taking a break from college is okay. Not having a plan is not okay!
- Moving from Austin to Atlanta to get away from the drug scene. Moving locations doesn’t always help!
- One degree from coursework at multiple colleges is more common than we know
- Working in the mental health industry even while being caught up in self medicating
- What it looks like to be a high excelling alcoholic
- How it is never too late to get sober
- How getting sober really turned around Victoria’s life and gave her a drive for her career
- Perseverance will get you through whatever life throws at you
Connect with Victoria Olsen
- Victoria Olson of Expand Mentoring in Boulder, CO
- Call 303.945.3007
- Email hello@expandmentoring.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
College might be something that gets you exactly where you need to be in a career that fits you perfectly. It might be just a stepping stone to allow you to realize that you want to pursue something else that doesn’t require college. Or you might even find that college isn’t in the equation at all.
Carsten McCarter, an LCDC-II, co-founder of Lean In Recovery and founder of Fireseed Adventure Therapy Guide School, finds his sense of bliss in helping young men who find themselves lost and stuck in launching back into their life after addiction. And that sense of bliss didn’t come from a college degree. Carsten once found himself in the same shoes as the young men he works with and found a passion for working in the field during his time in treatment. It was at that time when he decided to put the rest of schooling aside and dive fully into what he finds purpose in. As you can see, Carsten is staying very busy in his field creating many resources for young adults and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Carsten joins Joanna to share his journey going from a lost addict to a founder of multiple treatment centers for young men. If it weren’t for Carsten’s own experience with addiction, he wouldn’t have found such a huge passion for working with young men in treatment and might still be lost in a career/degree. Listen in for Carsten’s insight on how important finding your bliss is, whether that means college is the answer or not.
What You Will Learn
- The expectation put on Carsten to do all the college things after high school
- The rebellion and lack of direction that Carsten felt following high school graduation
- Not going to college is okay!
- When Carsten decided to go to college
- Struggling with substance abuse and being distracted
- Transferring colleges without getting treatment can lead to more struggles!
- Getting introduced to a treatment center that caused Carsten to change his major to counseling
- How the idea of Fireseed Therapeutic Adventure Guide School came about
- Understanding what it means to be in recovery as a young person
- The reason his extended care program, Lean In Recovery, matters!
- How he’s never been accused of being called a genius – but he totally is! 😊
- Why you need to hire a Therapeutic Consultant [no-so-shameless plug!]
Connect with Carsten McCarter
- Carsten McCarter of Lean In Recovery and Fireseed Adventure Therapy Guide School
- Email carsten@leaninrecovery.com or info@fireseedguideschool.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
The expectation to have everything figured out way before high school graduation is beyond unrealistic for a young person. What if instead of going down a path because it seems ‘right’ or ‘successful’, you allowed yourself to explore life and allowed that exploration to naturally guide you? Sometimes the most reward lies in doing the things that are looked at as risky and leaning into all that the world has to offer.
Mike Balotti, founder of Redwood Educational Services LLC, knew when he graduated high school that he was not ready for college but everyone urged him to go anyway. Once he got to college, his efforts quickly sizzled out. After some random jobs and life questioning, Mike realized he wanted to pursue academics but with a twist than the regular college setting. After being introduced to a therapeutic consultant and an experiential education program, Mike was finally able to step into something that worked for him. Now Mike gets to guide students like him and families through their personal and academic journeys.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Mike joins Joanna to share his journey going from getting kicked out of his parents house and lost, to traveling the world guiding lost students and their families. Mike’s determination to find something that works for him in his life paid off and is proof that it can work for you as well, wherever you find yourself. Listen in for Mike’s insight on how patience and good people has brought him to a life that works for him instead of against him, and how you can do the same.
What You Will Learn
- Education being seen as a key to success in the family
- What going to a Quaker high school means
- Not feeling ready to go straight to college after high school
- Leaving college is okay. Not having a plan, is not okay!
- How Mike’s parents reacted to him leaving college
- How Mike’s parents referred him to a consultant when he asked for help. It’s okay to not have all the answers yourself!
- Why you need to hire a Therapeutic Consultant [no-so-shameless plug!]
- The experiential education program that allowed Mike to really explore his interests while still being involved in academics
- Being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 26
- The big move to Costa Rica to start a school
- Having people to look up to and be surrounded by
- There are more options besides just college! College isn’t going anywhere
- The world will present what you need when you need it if you’re patient and are surrounded by the right people. Life isn’t a linear line from A to B
Connect with Mike Balottie
- Mike Balotti of the Redwood Educational Service, LLC
- Email mike@consultredwood.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
It can be hard enough going into college at a young age wondering what you’re going to do for the rest of your life. With that comes many opinions being thrown out from every direction while also being surrounded by many other young adults, each on their own unique journey. It can be hard to not compare or question your own journey and passions. Though just because there might be doubt or question, doesn’t mean you aren’t fit for whatever you’re interested in pursuing!
Kim Nelson, a mom, wife, artist and National Outreach Coordinator at CooperRiis Healing Community, struggled to believe that she could pursue her passion for art as a career. With a little bit of encouragement from her high school teachers and a mentor in college, she managed to get past her imposter syndrome and receive a Master’s degree in Art Therapy, all while being a full time mom and wife! Although Art Therapy is her passion, she is beyond happy to be spreading the good "CooperRiis word" as she calls it, from coast to coast as their National Outreach Coordinator.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Kim joins Joanna to share her journey going from a lost student, to a driven mom and an inspiration. Kim’s story and work helps those experiencing mental health challenges to find hope, believe in their dreams, and live out their passion. Listen in for Kim’s insight on how she navigated getting past imposter syndrome in college and how important it was for her to have the right people encouraging her along the way.
What You Will Learn
- Having a drive to make college work
- Growing up focused on the arts!
- Having high school teachers who encouraged Kim to pursue art in college
- Being the first of 5 siblings to go to college
- After researching Imposter Syndrome, it was a huge “ah ha!” moment for Kim
- Feeling rushed to graduate but College isn’t going anywhere!
- Getting a job after college unrelated to her degree
- Getting back to Kim’s art roots
- The gratitude Kim has for Lesley University's Art Therapy Program
- Going to school while being a mom
- The importance of finding a mentor and seeking advice
Connect with Kim Nelson
- Kim Nelson of the CooperRiis Healing Community
- Email kim.nelson@cooperriis.org
Connect with Joanna Lilley
It can be so easy to take on everyone’s ideas and opinions. Do this, do that, work here, don’t go there...It can be good to hear different ideas and backgrounds but at the end of the day it’s your life to live and not theirs. Their definition of success and fulfillment might not be what works for you.
Ethan Knight, Founder and Executive Director of the Gap Year Association, grew up thinking he needed to follow a set path to ‘succeed’ in life. It wasn’t until Ethan’s first gap year while in college when his idea of success for himself really changed and allowed him to realize that he was living someone else’s definition of success. His journey really took off from there and his passion for gap year experiences and traveling has never stopped growing. He’s since then traveled to more than 50 countries, co-authored the Fair Trade Learning Standards and the Gap Year Standards, launched two nonprofits, one college, and three for-profit organizations. Not only has Ethan helped lead students while traveling abroad, he also has professionally supported more than 2,000 students on their own gap year experiences.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Ethan joins Joanna to share his journey going from following the herd in college, to coming to find his own version of success through his gap year experiences. Ethan’s time off of college led him to the amazing work he does now helping students from all backgrounds. Listen in for Ethan’s insight on going against the herd mentality and living out your own definition of success.
What You Will Learn
- What it means to be raised “educationally affluent”
- Dealing with parents getting a divorce at the age of 12
- How Ethan got introduced to the idea of a gap year for the first time
- “Mom, I want to go on a gap year.” How parents can respond when their adult child says I want to defer to take a break from college.
- What it means to “follow the herd” in going to college
- How shocking it’d be if you calculate the amount of money per minute for a college instruction, especially if a student isn’t taking their studies seriously!
- When Ethan decided to take a gap year in college. Taking a break from college is okay, but you must have a plan!
- How to properly take a gap year abroad in the middle of college
- Being introduced to different ways of life
- You cannot live out someone else’s definition of success. That is not success.
- How much ownership Ethan had coming back to college after his gap year experience
- Going on to do a study abroad program junior year
- What it means to go from park to drive in your life
- The Gap Year Association’s collection of the College Deferral Process
- The major benefits that most people see from a gap year. College can wait!
Connect with Ethan Knight
- Ethan Knight of the Gap Year Association
- Contact: ethan@gapyearassociation.org
Connect with Joanna Lilley
As much as you might think you can do anything and everything on your own. That’s just not the truth. At some point we all fall short because we aren’t meant to be everything.
Eliot Andre, Recreational Therapist and owner of Connected Roots Therapy, grew up with academics not coming easy. From dealing with Dyslexia and the heavy pressure from his parents, he found himself hitting a wall where he needed to learn to live for himself. In that, Elliot made the choice to explore life and travel during college and through hard work he was able to graduate early in the midst of it all. From traveling and exploring different careers, Elliot found his passion in working with people and works as a Recreational Therapist at Connected Roots Therapy with his wife, Lauren.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Eliot joins Joanna to share his journey as he traveled around the world during college and how his experiences led him to a life he finds success in, as a business owner, a mentor and a husband. The choice Eliot took to travel during college while working to graduate early, has been one of the most impactful experiences of his life to this day. Listen in for Eliot’s insight on how imperative not only hard work is but also having a community of people is, anywhere life takes you.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up with success being determined by college
- Growing up with Dyslexia
- The struggle to find a college that could support him and using a guide to help
- How important it was to participate in the IEP program at DU
- How dating in college impacted Elliot’s academics
- Taking time to travel to Niagara and Guatemala sophomore year and how it affected Eliot Taking a break from college is okay!
- Traveling abroad to Southeast Asia for 16 weeks his Junior year
- How transforming cultural immersion was as a young adult
- The growth and independence that comes with traveling and making the choice himself
- How Eliot managed to do all this traveling and still graduate early
- The struggle Eliot had finding a job after college
- The quarter life crisis that sent Eliot back to school to become a Recreational Therapist
- The business that Eliot and his wife own now
- Eliot’s experience with how important hard work and community has been in his life
Connect with Elliot Andre
- Eliot Andre of Connected Roots Therapy out of Boulder, CO.
- Hatted Therapist Podcast
- Contact information on Psychology Today, or email eliot@connectedroots.net
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Growing up, we develop these dreams that we can easily become attached to, forgetting that life doesn’t always play by our rules. Learning to become open minded to what life has in store can potentially allow those dreams to become even better than you would ever expect.
Nikki Bruno, an Academic Performance Coach and a sailor, always dreamed that she would become a Marine Biologist and travel the world. That dream didn’t come true though, she now gets to be a scientist and sail the world which has turned out to be even better than she dreamed.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Nikki joins Joanna to share her story going from the kid who dreamed to be a dolphin trainer, to becoming a sailor and scientist who encourages her students to be scientists themselves. Nikki’s dreams changed but she found more fulfillment in the change and is an example to her students that you CAN do what makes you happy no matter what life throws at you. Listen in for Nikki’s insight on how she has learned to keep an open mind on her life journey, leading her to a life that she can truly live.
What You Will Learn
- Nikki putting a lot of pressure on herself with academics from a young age
- How Nikki’s parents were supportive in academics but lacked in support in other areas
- Wanting to be a dolphin trainer as a child and pursuing that vision
- The importance of being engaged in college, but also finding balance as a healthy college student
- Knowing that you have undiagnosed ADHD, and getting the accommodations needed to be successful
- Knowing college will be stressful, but taking steps to limit your stress
- How even the strongest academic students can struggle socially in college
- Having a back up career plan
- Nikki leaving the back up plan of teaching in order to prioritize mental health
- Starting a coaching business from scratch
- Having a super cool side-job sailing around the world
- Being okay with the path now, rather than the path she thought she’d have
Connect with Nikki Bruno
- Nikki Bruno of Student Coaching Services
- Call 732-903-5327
- Email info@studentcoachingservices.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
There’s the saying by Mark Twain, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That statement can sadly be hard for many to believe. Is it truly possible to make a living doing what you thoroughly enjoy?
John Cohen has built up quite a bit of experience in his life. From volunteering at a psychiatric hospital, to working at the first mental health unit serving juvenile offenders for 18 years, to eventually finding his path in Wilderness Therapy, and recently started 2 young adult wilderness programs. In every step of John’s journey he has made sure that he enjoys what he is doing, prioritizing his well being. After he found out about Wilderness Therapy, he decided to combine his love for the outdoors with his passion in working with kids and young adults. John now finds happiness as an Expanse Clinical Director at WinGate Wilderness Therapy.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, John joins Joanna to share his journey going from a lost student with a 1.1 GPA in his freshman year college, to now wearing that as a badge of honor, as it shows the experience he’s gone through to get to the place he’s at now, living his best life. John’s journey shows that it is possible to do what you enjoy for a living, and is someone who always prioritizes that in his life. It might not always be an easy ride, but it will always be worth it. Listen in for insight on how John uses passion as his drive and stays dedicated in providing young adults and their families, effective therapy through genuine connection.
What You Will Learn
- What John thought college was going to be like
- How much John wasn’t mentally ready for college
- The importance of growing up before going to college, rather than following the herd
- What made John leave after his freshman year
- What John did after his freshman year
- When John went back to college
- How one professor profoundly impacted John’s life and career path
- What led John to start volunteering at a psychiatric hospital
- What the years after he received his bachelor's degree looked like
- John’s experience being apart of the first mental health unit, serving juvenile offenders
- What brought John to leave the the juvenile justice system and pursue wilderness therapy
- How wilderness therapy was an awakening time in John’s life
- The lessons that John learned at the first program he worked for
- What eventually led John to Wingate
- The importance of making sure whatever you do makes you happy
- How the experiences John has gained is what brought him to his best life
- John’s advice to parents and the importance of being vulnerable with your young adult
Connect with John Cohen
- WinGate Wilderness Therapy
- John Cohen at WinGate Wilderness Therapy
- Admissions Contact: (800) 560-1599
- Email admissions@wingatetherapy.com
- John’s coaching program: Momentum Coaching
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Usually what’s going on the outside is a mirror with what’s going on the inside. Whether it’s not performing well in school, work, etc, those outcomes usually are because of something else going on. How do you expect yourself to give A+ work if you feel like a D-?
Ryan Potter, Clinical Director at Voyage Recovery, found himself struggling with school and drugs while in college and it only worsened as he continued to neglect his own health. It wasn’t until his parents stepped in and got him in treatment that he developed self care for himself, transforming his life. Having the time to focus solely on his wellbeing was crucial for Ryan’s recovery process, allowing him to step back into his true self. From there he went back to school with a strong work ethic and drive. After over a decade of work in substance use disorder treatment, Ryan now works with young adults and their families, guiding and supporting them throughout the treatment process.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Ryan joins Joanna to share his journey going from being kicked out of college, to having a fast career rise after treatment with a huge passion and work ethic. Once Ryan took the time to work on himself, everything took off from there in his life.
Listen in for Ryan’s insight on the importance in prioritizing your wellbeing in order to show up well in life and how he helps people in treatment do the same.
What You Will Learn
- College not being an option growing up for Ryan
- Joining a fraternity freshman year of college
- Landing on Academic Probation in first semester of college
- Cognitive Dissonance, not making changes to be successful, and being kicked out of school
- Having to leave school after building a social network
- How transferring without getting help will only produce the same results but on a different campus
- Having blind optimism with school
- How it is okay to take a break from college to go to treatment
- Why it was so important for Ryan to not focus on school in extended treatment
- What happened when Ryan got back to himself and his passions
- Becoming a student with a really strong work ethic
- The very fast career rise that Ryan had because of his work ethic and mentors
- What makes Voyage Recovery so special
- You are only as good as how well you take care of yourself
Connect with Ryan Potter
- Ryan Potter of Voyage Recovery
- Admissions Contact: Call 772-245-8345 or email admissions@voyagerecovery.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
What do you want to do with your life? Do YOU want to do that or is that what your parents want, your friends are doing, or because you were handed an offer that looks like it’d save you money? Is there an external motivator pushing you to do something or do you truly want it for yourself?
Angie Shockley, a successful entrepreneur with several businesses for young adults, had an idea on what she wanted to do with her life coming out of high school but she felt like she had to go to college immediately in order to make that happen. Her intention behind starting school immediately led her to many learning experiences, as she lacked the life skills she needed in her early adult years. It definitely caused a more strenuous path for her while in college, though she preserved with her passion for teaching and used the growth she’s gained to lead young adults who are in the same shoes. She has founded Q&A Associates and Saddles and Smiles to help young adults gain life skills, confidence, experience and maturity as they transition into independent living.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Angie joins Joanna to share her experience as she navigated college and her early adult years without the life skills she really needed. Angie learned a lot as she explored life as a young adult and she wouldn’t be where she is today without each experience. Listen in for Angie’s insight on the importance of preparing young adults with the social and life skills they desperately need for the real world, in order to self-advocate in their own unique path.
What You Will Learn
Collegiate Athletics and what can happen when you have a major injury
Having a serious relationship during college
Getting married young
As a parent, how you respond to your kid choosing not to return to college after their first semester
Going back to college to finish her degree in education
Going through a divorce at a young age
Moving back home and pursuing a master’s degree while being a single mom
How high school isn’t preparing young people for the college experience
It’s okay to not go straight to college after high school
The importance of gaining social and life skills
Angie’s focus when working with young adults
Getting in tune with the intention you have for yourself
Connect with Angie Shockley
Angie Shockley of Q&A Associates
Call 304-704-6383
Email astarnes@qa-associates.com
Email ashockley@qa-associates.com
Resources
A shameless plug for West Virginia University (since we’re both graduates!); and specifically, the Dr. Jennifer Randall Reyes’ program that she’s creating.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
Have you ever felt a strong pull towards something? Yet, you’re still unsure whether you’re just thinking things or if the feeling is something worth listening to? In this fast paced world, always going, going, going, it’s easy for all the noise to quickly cloud those gut feelings, in return, losing a lot of time and money.
Ty Maves, co-founder and Executive Director of True North Wilderness, knew he needed something different in his life than the standard path. From originally being a Russian and an International Relations major, to eventually working at a wilderness therapy program, Ty has learned that stepping into your complete interest takes time. Going from thinking wilderness programs were insane, to working at one for 4 years as a guide and then going back for another several years as a therapist, Ty has found wilderness therapy to be, by far, the best education he has ever received in psychology. Ty now runs his own business in wilderness therapy and continues to step into further interests, in leadership and optimizing business.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Ty joins Joanna to share his journey on how he managed to find his path in the field of wilderness therapy for what turned out to be 20 years. He shares how he learned to trust his gut on what he needed in life, which eventually led him to co-found True North Wilderness Program with his wife. Listen in for insight on Ty’s story of how he learned to listen to his gut and grow that feeling into something meaningful, where he now works to provide an inspiring experience for positive change in nature for adolescents, young adults, and their families.
What You Will Learn
- The expectations Ty’s parents had on him growing up
- The tough choice of moving schools due to feeling out of place
- How Ty felt about school
- Ty’s determination to make things work when deciding to drop out of college
- What Ty did during his year off of school
- What made Ty fall in love with working with people and interested in psychology
- How different college was for Ty once he had a passion for what he was studying
- What led Ty to use his degree in wilderness therapy
- What led Ty and his wife to start their own business in wilderness therapy in Vermont
- How Ty’s business has led him to new interests that he’s exploring
- The importance on how parents respond to their kids and the paths they choose to take
- Why trusting your gut is one of the most important things you can do
Connect with Ty Maves
- True North Wilderness
- Ty Maves at True North Wilderness
- True North Wilderness on Instagram
- True North Wilderness on Facebook
- Email ty@truenorthwilderness.com or info@truenorthwilderness.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
There is no set timeline that you are supposed to be on in the grand scheme of things. Maybe from your parent’s point of view, or your peers, or your teachers but in reality, there isn’t one linear path you should be on. So what’s the rush? Academics will always be there. Though, your mind and body won’t last forever.
Nick Slovak, Executive Director of Green Hill Recovery, has a position that comes with a lot of stressors that would have been very difficult to deal with before recovery. Starting in high school, Nick was kicked out for substance abuse and even though he had a taste of change in boarding school, his drug use continued through the years and into college. He eventually found out that sobriety and school were not a good mix for him and chose to focus on his recovery, which is one of the best decisions he made for himself. Recovery ended up providing Nick the emotional and life skills he had been longing for. When Nick decided to go back to school after recovery, he started his work at an extended care program and has been working in the field ever since and is in the process of getting his Master’s in Business Administration.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Nick joins Joanna to share his experience as an addict in college and his journey of sobriety that eventually led him to work with emerging adults going through early recovery. Nick’s non-linear experience has allowed him to show his clients that there is no set path, opening up a whole new world to them. Listen in for Nick’s insight on the importance of advocating for yourself in order to save your own life and live it to the fullest, instead of waiting for the ‘right’ time because time runs out.
What You Will Learn
Being an Adult Child of an Alcoholic (ACOA)
Getting kicked out of high school
Being kicked out of college a semester in
Transferring colleges without help will not change your academic experience; and a checkered academic past is more common than we talk about
College can wait! It’s more important to get help rather than soldier on in higher education
Understanding the difference between sobriety and recovery
Feeling so far behind and hopeless
Why extended care and easing back into academics will set a person up for success on campus
The importance of having a support system
Life isn’t a linear line from A to B
It’s okay to take a break to work on yourself
Connect with Nick Slovak
Nick Slovak of Green Hill Recovery
Email nslovak@greenhillrecovery.com
Call 984-204-1106 or Email info@greenhillrecovery.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
The things you feel. The things you have experienced. What seems to overwhelm you and weigh you down. All of that isn’t you. The anxiety, the depression, the trauma. It doesn’t define you.
Shahara Crist, founder of STRiV Forward, grew up with a heavy pressure to gain a good education and do well in life. That plan seemed to be right on track when she received a full ride scholarship to college, until she had a traumatic experience in the beginning of her freshman year. From then on, things began to unravel quickly and that trauma stuck with her in the years following. She tried coping with substances, finding friends, transferring colleges, and nothing changed. It wasn’t until she got a job at a residential recovery center when things turned around for Shahara and her passion for young adults sparked. After years of working with clinically complex adolescents and young adults, Shahara started her young adult transition program called STRiV Forward.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Shahara joins Joanna to share her experience as she dealt with intense trauma with the added pressure of college, to eventually find herself at a job that would help her find the healing she longed for, allowing her to give back to others. Shahara is proud to say that the break she took in college to pursue her passion allowed her to not only change the lives of others but also become a business owner without a college degree. Listen in for Shahara’s insight on the importance of not allowing your struggles define you and silence you.
What You Will Learn
The big emphasis on education in the family
The expectation to have a full ride to school
Dealing with a traumatic experience while in college
The struggle of not having the necessary life skills needed to live away from home
Getting into the wrong crowd
As a parent, the importance of trusting your child, and still verifying grades
Shame and hiding the truth of the struggle
The process of Shahara telling her parents how things have unraveled in her life
Transferring colleges without help
Academic Advisors as resources
That life isn’t a linear line from A to B
Taking a break from college to pursue her passion with her job
Shahara’s life changing experience in the wilderness
Becoming a business owner of a young adult transition program
Mental Health off-campus
Connect with Shahara Crist
Shahara Crist of STRiV Forward
Call 385-283-1100
Email Info@strivforward.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
The power in asking for help is often overlooked or pushed to the side when you’re in the midst of something. Will I look weak? What’s wrong with me? Is there anyone who can actually help me? Do I deserve help? Or it might simply just feel embarrassing to reach out and admit your struggles. Though, every human struggles which is why there are numerous people who have a career in helping people. The consequences of you not asking for help are far greater than the fear you have in admitting that you’re not living up to your expectations.
Aaron Oliver, National Clinical Outreach for The Mental Health Collective and co-founder of Leadwell, struggled with asking for help for the majority of his young adult years. He started using substances in high school out of a lack of interest in school and feeling like it wasn’t for him. That substance use increased throughout the years and became an addiction in his mid twenties. It wasn’t until Aaron got arrested when he decided to give into getting help. The decision to get help has been one of the best choices he’s made in his life, leading him to not only a better life but also allowing him to lead others to their better lives.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Aaron joins Joanna to share his journey going from a college dropout who struggled with addiction, to now working with young adults in their own struggles. Aaron used to never feel like school was for him and now has a huge interest and goal to go back to school to continue his education, and continue bettering himself. Listen in for insight on how reaching out for help was one of the best things to happen for Aaron and how he works to encourage others to their full potential.
What You Will Learn
Saying “I don’t think college is for me” is totally normal. College can wait!
Trying to make school work while keeping social life the main priority
Dropping out of college in the 4th semester
How a parent responds after their child withdraws from college can make or break what happens next.
It’s okay to take a break from school, you just need to have a plan!
Why hiring a Consultant would have been really helpful
How important it is for a family to also get treatment for themselves too
How going through the full continuum of treatment is paramount
It’s never too late to return to college
Connect with Aaron Oliver
Aaron Oliver of The Mental Health Collective
Call Admissions: 888-717-9355 or Personal: 804-916-0965
Email aoliver@themhcollective.com
The Mental Health Collective Admissions: Call 888-717-9355
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
Most people come out of their childhood with some type of trauma or unfortunate experience. That can cause a lot of baggage going into the early adult years, possibly leading to more hardships. Through every experience it can be so difficult to understand why you’re there and to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Though, each situation, whether good or bad, leads you to the next thing. The next opportunity that you can either choose to embrace or continue to question.
Bre Wolta, a Director of Business Development, grew up with her fair share of family struggles that stuck with her into her early adult years. Through all the hardships, Bre longed for a sense of belonging and control, which led her to develop an eating disorder while in college. It wasn’t until a networking event for one of her marketing jobs, where she felt led to a therapist and began her healing journey, uncovering the wounds of her past. Bre’s experience in her eating disorder recovery and being a family member of someone in long-term recovery has brought her to develop a passion for working with people of addiction. She works at NorthStart Transitions, educating people on the resources available on their journey to finding themselves.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Bre joins Joanna to share her story as she struggled with childhood trauma in her early adult years and how an unfortunate job experience led her to a path of healing. The path of healing that her hardships brought her to, has led her to work with people in similar hardships. Listen in for Bre’s insight on the importance of trusting that the hardships in life will all play out in your favor and how that is apparent in her own life today.
What You Will Learn
- The assumption growing up that college was the only option
- Homesickness in college
- How other girls’ obsessive behaviours started to influence Bre
- Eating Disorders on College Campuses
- Being the sibling of a young adult in recovery
- Dealing with layers of family struggles while in college
- Feeling lost after college
- Changing directions to the marketing world
- How an unfortunate job managed to lead Bre to her therapist
- Bre’s journey starting to work with helping people
- How Bre was led to where she is now, working with NorthStar
- The importance of advocating what you're worth
- Embracing the growth that hardships bring
Connect with Bre Wolta
- Bre Wolta of NorthStar Transitions
- Admissions: Call 303.558.6400
- Email bre@nstprogram.com
- Call 720.422.2998
- Bre Wolta on Instagram
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Growing up, family life plays a huge role in one’s emotional health and life steps as a young adult enters the real world. Whether it’s growing up being a child of an alcoholic, dealing with taking care of a sick relative, divorced parents, etc. Is it possible to not follow those footsteps and that path that feels like all you know?
Chase Sewell and Jessica Martindale both come from childhoods where the pressure for them to make better choices than their relatives, was very prominent. Chase grew up with an alcoholic dad and Jessica grew up in the middle of many family crises starting in high school. During school, Chase and Jessica found in their journey that their health was more important than school and had to find their own times to make that a priority. Chase's passion for working with people reignited when he went to treatment for substance abuse and Jessica found a similar passion when she found treatment for herself, as a sibling of someone recovering with addiction. They both find themselves now pursuing that passion wholeheartedly in the emotional health world where they work at Onsite, helping people find healing and connection.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Chase and Jessica join Joanna to share their journeys coming from difficult childhoods and how they came to use those experiences to help other people in similar positions. The moment both Chase and Jessica received help in their journey is when they were pushed to the career they both have come to love. Listen in for Chase and Jessica’s insight on dealing with family crises at a young age and on the importance of trusting the journey, with the help of others.
What You Will Learn
Being an Adult Child of an Alcoholic (ACOA)
Going to college just to go, and not being prepared for what “going to college means”
How back when Chase was in treatment, Collegiate Recovery wasn’t a thing
How treatment is not a quick fix, and the importance of participating in an Extended Care program.
Going against the grain (aka your parents) to pursue your dreams, especially when it comes to Jess’ musical career.
Having a Learning Disability and the importance in asking for help
Connect with Chase and Jessica
Chase and Jessica are no longer with Onsite. You can contact Onsite Workshops and Milestones at Onsite via their websites.
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
No one wants to hear that the most difficult storm they are going through will bring the biggest rainbow. Though, for many that may be the case. Whether that rainbow looks like simply just added growth to your bring or an entire transformation for the better, each and every challenge has something to add to your life.
Carson Pitts, an Outreach and Admissions Specialist at Momentum Recovery, wouldn’t be where he is today without the challenges he endured throughout his early adult years. School never felt like his thing growing up and starting in high school substance abuse became very prominent in his life. Throughout college, the substance abuse increased and only got worse following college graduation. It wasn’t until Carson’s family and friends intervened that he finally found a sense of clarity in his life while in treatment. Carson went on to do extended care treatment at Momentum and now works at Momentum Recovery helping young men start a healthy fulfilling life.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Carson joins Joanna to share his journey going from being absorbed into substances with school not being his thing at all, to now having interest in school and in fully enjoying his life. The journey to get to where Carson is now was a long and drawn out process but if it weren’t for his challenges, he wouldn’t find himself at Momentum. Listen in for Carson’s insight on the importance of valuing the challenging times in life and how he now works to bring that passionate way of living to struggling young adults.
What You Will Learn
- Being surrounded by family members who value secondary education
- The struggle of going to school with dyslexia and ADD
- The transition from a small, sheltered private school into a public school
- Carson’s experience in boarding school
- Substance abuse increasing in college
- The journey of finding a ‘real’ job after college
- How college drinking didn’t leave Carson after college and what addiction looks like for a college graduate in the work world
- Carson’s parents attempts to help him get sober
- The family intervention
- Carson’s life changing experience at Four Circles Wilderness Program
- How being in the wilderness was beneficial for Carson’s ADD
- Carson’s experience at Momentum aftercare program
- The importance of extended care treatment for long term recovery
- What Carson does now, working with Momentum
- The importance of realizing how much your actions impact your loved ones
Connect with Carson Pitts
- Carson Pitts of Momentum Recovery
- Call (910) 386-3608
- Email carson@momentumrecovery.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Life is not a race. College is not a race. The amount of accomplishments you have in life is not a race. The only race there is, is the growth within yourself. College isn’t going anywhere and life is long. Lean into the process. Enjoy every day. Take a break if you need to. It’s perfectly okay to take your time. In fact, it’s better to. Learn to sit with yourself and to be authentic and honest. That’s when you come to fully find yourself and find your tribe in life, and naturally allow the end of that process to be much more fulfilling than running a silly race.
Jake Weld, Vice President, Director of Admissions and Business Development for Mansfield Hall, had a sense of what he wanted to do when entering college, though never quite knew what to do with all his many passions, so he did what he knew best. He took on new adventures throughout his time going back and forth between college and explored himself and the world, which was exactly what he needed to create forward progress in his path. So much so, that he acquired many degrees as he went back to school 3 more separate times after his freshman year. The time away brought him to love academics and lean into his passions on a whole nother level. Now, Jake helps provide academic, social, and independent living skills support to students who are going to college.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Jake joins Joanna to share his untraditional journey as a young adult, through college and his adventurous gap years. Jake’s exciting and different path is what it looks like when allowing college to wait, becomes the best decision in the entire trajectory of one’s life. Listen in for insight on Jake’s journey to where he now supports students to achieve their maximum potential - wherever that path may lead.
What You Will Learn
The huge expectation about college that surrounded Jake growing up
How Jake’s parents reacted to him choosing to leave college after his freshman year
How the college that he refused to go to was where he ended up when plan A failed
Muddling through college and what it’s like telling your parents you are dropping out of school
What Jake did instead with a good friend for 4 months that allowed him time to self reflect
How important the time off was for forward progress
How different and interesting college became every time Jake would go back
Jake’s love for pursuing the education of his passions brought him to get multiple degrees, and going back a couple years after to get even more
Finding work you are passionate about!
It’s okay to struggle and ask for help
Connect with Jake Weld
Call (877) 205-3785
Email info@mansfieldhall.org or jake@virtuhall.org
References
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
At the end of the day, this life is yours. Not anyone else’s. What is YOUR purpose? What is it that YOU want to do? Not what your parents want you to do. Not what Johnny down the block thinks you should do. Not even what people think you can or cannot do. Where do you want to take YOUR life?
Lana Sackwild is a lucid dreaming and lucid living transpersonal life coach, research scientist and founder of Get Lucid With Lana, LLC. Lana’s journey to the transformational life she has now wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies. She had a rough start to her academic journey in London, UK, never feeling like she fit in, teachers telling her she wasn’t capable, always feeling behind, etc. Most people who knew Lana wouldn’t have thought she’d even make it into her 20’s with the downhill slope she was on. These battles she faced were nothing but easy, but she kept moving towards where she felt she needed to be, and that ultimately led her to where she feels she was designed to be. That journey took her from London, to Japan, and to finally finding a sense of home in Colorado. In Boulder, CO Lana stays busy working with clients from 30+ countries where she provides coaching that focuses on lucid dreaming for mitigating depression and its uses as a follow-up treatment in the mental health field.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Lana joins Joanna to share her journey going from a high school dropout to coming to own her own business where she brings transformation for 100’s of people around the world. Lana has managed to stay true to where she’s felt called despite the many battles she’s faced. Listen in for insight on Lana’s unique story going from London all the way to Colorado to help others break free from their own life barriers.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up in London, UK
- How prevalent gap years are in London
- Feeling out of place in high school
- Skipping school and falling behind
- When Lana’s got admitted to treatment
- The dangers of antidepressants and prescribed medication
- Going back to school and still feeling out of place
- What brought Lana to feel called to move to Japan
- Feeling born again in Japan
- How Lana ended up in Boulder, Colorado
- What Lana does now with Lucid Dreaming
- The importance of focusing on what resonates most with YOU
Connect with Lana Sackwild
- Lana Sackwild
- Dreaming Wide Awake Retreat
- Lana on Instagram
- Lana on Facebook
- Lana on Youtube
- Lana on Twitter
- Email admin@lanasackwild.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Some of the best things in life come about after multiple tries. It takes one step forward to get started with anything, but it takes continuous tries to excel at something. Giving up after the first try won’t get you anywhere.
Chris Blankenship, a clinical therapist at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, could have easily given up after a college suspension, though he instead chose nothing but resiliency and adversity. After continuously justifying his party behavior in his first semester of college, he was forced to leave for a semester. His semester off ended up being the perfect piece to his life puzzle, introducing him to a huge passion for the outdoors. When he returned to college, he found that the passion drove him even more in school and he even managed to still graduate on time, with honors in a degree of psychology, later continuing his education in grad school. Chris now finds himself 6 years into being a therapist in Wilderness Therapy, where he works with emerging young adults.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Chris joins Joanna to share his interesting story where a college suspension led him to a passion that would drive the rest of his life. The resiliency he had after getting suspended in college is truly motivating and goes to show that anything is possible with some hard work and dedication. Listen in for insight on how Chris found himself working with young adults who he personally relates with and works to bring them to find a sense of their best self.
What You Will Learn
- College feeling like a predetermined factor
- Chris’s college experience
- When partying started catching up with him that simply justifying couldn’t fix anymore
- Getting suspended at the University of Colorado
- Breaking the news to the parents
- The hard work spent on the semester off
- What Chris did differently when he went back to the University of Colorado
- Chris’s time at Teach for America in New Orleans
- Going from Hong Kong to London by train to learn more about countries’ juvenile system
- The importance of traveling abroad for people, young or old!
- How Chris ended up back at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy after grad school
Connect with Chris Blankenship
- Open Sky Wilderness Therapy
- Chris Blankenship at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy
- Admissions at Open at Sky: 970-759-8324
- Email Chris@openskywilderness.com
Resources
Connect with Joanna Lilley
No one can prepare you for what all life will bring. Each journey is different. The path can be as windy and bumpy as it gets, or it might be easier than most. Many things are learned through first hand experience and whatever the journey brings, it’s best to learn to take whatever comes your way as it comes and learn to work with it, while also working hard to get where you desire to be.
Angela Baird-Hepworth, clinical director and primary therapist for Aloft Transitions, has a very unique and rocky story. She seemed to experience hit after hit in her early adult years. From dealing with PTSD from the traumatic experience of 9/11 while living in NY, to dealing with attachment issues as an adoptee away from home, to losing a sense of joy in life, to being denied time after time in what she thought she wanted to do in life. The hits kept coming and things seemed to be working against her. Turns out the hits would come to drive her to make a difference in the world and bring her a passion in working with young adults, especially adoptees. Angela now works in mental health counseling and is working to get her PhD in psychology to further her passion and career.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Angela joins Joanna to share her story of dealing with hit after hit in her young adult years, to eventually finding healing for herself and clarity in her purpose. Angela’s perseverance throughout her journey will be sure to inspire you and show that sometimes the hardest times are simply building you up to a better version of yourself and your life. Listen in for insight on Angela’s challenges as she navigated the long, windy path and became a counselor for struggling young adults who are in a lonely place that she once found herself.
What You Will Learn
- Moving around the U.S as a kid
- College in NY
- Angela’s life after she experienced 9/11 from 20 miles away
- The mental health struggles that increased
- When Angela’s joys in life started drifting away
- What Angela originally wanted to do career wise
- College complications
- Dealing with attachment issues with being far away from family and being adopted
- Being in an abusive relationship
- The continuous hits Angela kept experiencing
- Taking a break from college. College isn’t going anywhere
- How a reality TV show completely changed Angela’s career path
- How Angela found herself in Idaho
- Pain is temporary
Connect with Angela Baird-Hepworth
- Aloft Transitions
- Email angelaaloftlpc@gmail.com, or Call 208-870-2069
- Jason Wood, CEO/Founder at jasonaloft@gmail.com, or Call 208-365-8049
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Whether you're a high school dropout, in addiction recovery, a single dad...whatever it may be. The past doesn’t take away the value and potential of your life. Don’t count yourself out just because you might’ve slipped up. Be open to a different path. From high school dropout, to doing really well in school. That’s something that anybody can do. Whatever your past is, is not a barrier to be able to achieve what you want in life.
Nico Doorn, Executive Director of Alpha 180 transitional program, had a fixed mindset in his early young adult years that there wasn’t much of a future for himself, which made it difficult to experience the growth that was possible. Nico’s journey started out as having a 9th grader education with no hope for himself and heavy mental health struggles. He went on to go to many treatment centers for mental health and substance abuse, but it wasn’t until he had his son when he decided to make a complete change and start a new life. After getting clean, Nico found a vision spark when he discovered the collegiate recovery program at Texas Tech and the fact that there was actually a chance for him there. After a lot of hard work and dedication, Nico made it into the Texas Tech program and later found himself graduating from grad school. The layout of Nico’s journey wasn’t preferred, but he made it work out in the end for him and his son.
Nico now helps run a transitional program for students that are leaving treatment, to bridge them back into college to be academically ready, providing a community and a platform to help navigate them to not be alone.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Nico joins Joanna to share his journey going from a highschool dropout, to graduating from grad school. Nico finds himself in a life that he never dreamed he’d ever find himself in. Listen in for insight on Nico’s inspiring story and how he has helped start and run a transitional platform for students where young men can find the support they need and deserve.
What You Will Learn
Dropping out of high school in 9th grade
The start of Nico’s mental health struggles
How Nico’s son was the motivation he needed to get better
The unexpected opportunity that never seemed possible at Texas Tech
The benefits Nico experienced in the collegiate recovery program
What life was like going to school, working at a treatment center, and having a 4 year old as a single dad
Connect with Nico Doorn
Call 833-257-4218
Email nico@alpha180.com
References
Collegiate Recovery at Texas Tech University
Contact for the Association for Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE)
Questions to ask when researching Collegiate Recovery Programs
Nuances in navigating the treatment and Collegiate Recovery worlds
Check out Nico’s TEDx talk from 2017 at Vanderbilt University
Importance of hiring a Therapeutic Consultant
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
The mind is like a GPS. If you lose sight of your passions, any type of vision —of something truly meaningful in your life, you’ll end up lost.
Growing up Patrick Balsley’s life looked a lot like basketball with a side of drugs and a dash of academics. As he grew older, Patricks passions started to drift and his life became mainly about drugs. He started experimenting with alcohol in middle school and progressed over the years into college. His healing journey was a back and forth cycle of interventions and rebounding. It wasn’t until he went to a 90 day program, when he felt his academic career truly began. In recovery Patrick found a deep responsibility to share what he had experienced and use his natural ability to connect with young men, to go on to work at a treatment center himself, which sparked a fire for him to become a clinician. Patrick is now a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and Structure Family Recovery© Counselor and has been working with individuals and families affected by substance use for nearly a decade.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Patrick joins Joanna to share his journey as he went from numbing his pain from a young age, to eventually come to use his impactful story to connect and support individuals in the same boat he once was in. He dedicates the life he has now to all of his experiences and the support system he found throughout recovery that pushed him back to a life of passion. Listen in for insight on Patrick’s drive to educate families at every stage of the recovery process and share how detrimental the family system is for early recovery.
What You Will Learn
- The idea of academics growing up
- Dealing with divorce at a young age
- Felt less than the other kids in school
- Went to college because classmates were
- How life shifted in college
- When things started taking a turn for the worst
- Getting kicked out of college
- A rough breakup and start of a heavy addiction
- When Patrick’s idea of academics completely changed
- The englighting experience Patrick had in a 90 day recovery program
- The miracle moment with Patrick’s transcript
- Patrick’s first job as a certified addiction counselor
- Patrick’s plan to eventually go back to school because he wants to. College isn’t going anywhere
Connect with Patrick Balsley
- Patrick Balsley
- Sana Counseling
- Voyage Recovery Center
- Herren Project
- Sana Lake Recovery Center
- Emerald School of Excellence
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Flunking out, suspension, dropping out, getting kicked out. All are very scary situations to be in for both parents and students. Though, they don’t have to be everything and high school and college doesn’t have to be everything. They can be used as launching pads to make the rest of life easier but they don’t have to be put out to be as crucial as they are usually expected to be. One bad thing or situation doesn’t doesn’t always mean one’s entire future and chance to get into what they want to do, is thrown into the trash. People get to the top of steep mountains all the time. It’s the question of how hard you’re willing to work at it and if you have the right support.
Hanna Stotland’s academic trek started when she flunked out of high school. Once she got her G.E.D, she managed to get into one community college and went on to pursue Harvard College. After a handful of attempts, Hanna got accepted into Harvard College, which was a huge turn around for her. The climb there wasn’t easy, but it was possible, which most would never think to be possible after flunking out of high school. Not only did Hanna get into Harvard, she went to their law school and graduated with a J.D. degree. As Hanna started to share her story with others, many were surprised and eager to ask her advice. She started to see the need for this type of support for parents and young adults and began her own practice. Hanna now works as an independent educational consultant specializing in crisis management, where she helps students overcome educational interruptions they are experiencing.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Hanna joins Joanna to share her journey going from flunking out of high school to getting into Harvard Law School all on her own. Hanna is an example to parents that the change they hope to see for their student, is more than possible. Listen in for insight on how Hanna has come to find something she finds rewarding in many ways and that her clients and students find completely transforming in their lives.
What You Will Learn
- How important education was growing up to Hanna’s family
- The experience of being a transfer student in Harvard
- High school and college isn’t as important as one’s health
- The struggles parents face with a troubled young adult
- Getting kicked out of College
- College Suspension: It Happens
- College isn’t Going Anywhere
Connect with Hanna Stotland
Call 312-404-2103
Email hanna@hannastotland.com
References
Appearance on Amanpour & Co., PBS: "Hanna Stotland on the Grey Area of Sexual Assault"
Radiolab podcast from WNYC: "Into the No Part 2"
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
Mental health struggles and addiction can cause a thick haze to be put over the film of life. In the journey of recovery and healing, it can be difficult to get away from that lonely place. Is it possible to completely get rid of that version of life? To be able to cut out the things that are weighing you down, instead of pushing it all away? To live a life worth living instead of a life in misery?
Marc Azoulay, a psychotherapist in private practice in Boulder, CO and the current President of the Four Corners Group Psychotherapy Society, had a college experience that really allowed himself to learn to uncover his childhood wounds and come to know himself better as a person.
Throughout college he found himself abusing substances and constantly trying to put on a new persona from his past. This pattern eventually resulted in an overdose that was a wake up call for Marc. Once Marc found a therapist he connected with and a profound class on mind and body practices, he began his healing journey. This time was pivotal and life changing for Marc, leading him to a 30 day silent meditation retreat and eventually to a Buddhist university where he found immense healing in his recovery journey. Now, Marc uses his personal struggles and experience to lead others in their journey. Marc’s mission is to help his clients recognize how to care for themselves in mind, body, and spirit and to develop a playful curiosity towards their internal experience.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Marc joins Joanna to share his experience with a drastic change in school environments and his addiction that eventually led to a life of practicing healing with himself and others. The courage it took to reach out for help and trust in that journey, was one of the most impactful steps in Marc’s recovery and to a life worth living. Listen in for insight on how Marc has come to build his own private practice where he helps people uncover and destroy the unconscious barriers that cripple them by aiming to give them what he needed most in his journey: the tools and the freedom to change themselves, instead of trying to be changed by someone else.
What You Will Learn
- Growing up in a rural school
- How a college breakup can throw you for a serious loop
- What Marc started doing in hopes to heal his wounds
- The toxic mindset Marc had about his decisions while in school
- Marc’s wake up call when he overdosed
- The impactful professor that brought a pivotal time for Marc
- 30 day silent meditation retreat that turned into being like rehab
- The importance of finding good mentors that you can open to
Connect with Marc Azoulay
Email marc@marc-azoulay.com
References
Iron John by Robert Bly
Hannibal and Me by Andreas Kluth
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com
1,000’s of students paired with one type of schooling system doesn’t always mesh well. Many students go through their entire education feeling less than and not smart ‘enough’. They end up getting left feeling discouraged, struggling to find passion and inspiration in life.
John Tobias, founder of Red Cedar Transitions, never quite felt ‘good enough’ for school until he was 32. As a young adult, John went into college with zero focus and direction, hoping it would all magically become clear one day. That outlook didn’t serve him very well in college. Once he failed out of three colleges, he was able to finally find true inspiration and passion in his years of work in Wilderness Programs. When he decided to go back to school in his 30’s, he was able to put to rest all of the deep self doubt he had of himself on whether he was smart enough to pull it all off. He ended up pulling it all off so well that he acquired a masters degree and became a young adult therapist for a Wilderness Therapy Program. John now works with young adults at his own Wilderness Therapy company, showing them how to apply their full potential and abilities in the real world.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, John joins Joanna to share his journey as he learned to navigate feeling like school would never work for him, to eventually getting his Master’s degree at the age of 32 to pursue his passion in Wilderness Therapy. John’s story is proof that there is no perfect time for college and that it can always wait. Listen in for insight on how John ended up starting his own company where he leads young adults into building life skills and shows that the main path, whether in life or in nature, isn’t always the only way.
What You Will Learn
- How school made Seth feel all his life
- How the mainstream path seemed to be the right one when going into college
- Seth’s 3 attempts at college
- The narrative Seth had of himself
- What Seth did after college with the wilderness
- When Seth found something he truly enjoyed in life
- What led Seth to go back to school at 32
- The difference in Seth’s perspective of school
- The importance of knowing that college isn’t going anywhere
- The narrative that changed for Seth
- When Seth found it clear that he wanted to be a therapist
- What led Seth to start his own company in the industry
- What things Seth wanted to bring to Wilderness Therapy for young adults and their families
- The importance of building life skills in the real world
- How Seth’s past struggles as a young adults now allow him to fully connect with the young adults he serves
- The importance of being flexible with the college narrative for yourself
- How valuable being active in the world and growing in experience is
Connect with John Tobias
- Red Cedar Transitions
- Red Cedar Transitions on Instagram
- John Tobias on Linkedin
- You can reach John by phone at: 801-209-8936 or email: john@redcedartransitions.com
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Adulting is REAL and it’s not easy. You may feel overwhelmed, unprepared, and hopeless. It might feel like hell and you may be questioning if you can even handle it all. Though, continue to move forward. Hold onto the fact that it gets easier. It gets better. Don’t lose hope on the light at the end of the tunnel because it’s there. The journey there might be tough, but so are you.
Brandon Poland, is the National Business Development Consultant with The Ranch at Dove Tree, one of the nation’s leaders in the treatment of substance use disorders and the facility of choice in west Texas. Even though Brandon’s parents worked to prepare him for life on his own, Brandon’s adulthood still wasn’t the easiest journey. His adulthood started with getting suspended in his first semester of college and after that things went downhill quickly. Brandon was still perfectly academically capable at the time but due to everything, he was heavily weighed down in school. It wasn't until he reached out for help, and went to a treatment center, that he started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Brandon now finds himself in long term recovery, and in one of the best times of his life, where he is able to give back to others who’s stories speak to his.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Brandon joins Joanna to share his road of recovery starting at a very early age and how those challenging early adult years brought him to find what he finds complete passion and love for. His perseverance and vulnerability that led him to eventually find the light at the end of the tunnel, shows how important it is to not give up on the journey. Listen in for insight on Brandon’s experience without collegiate recovery, that he now uses as his drive to work with education consults, therapists and universities talking to them about the importance of collegiate recovery and what that looks like.
What You Will Learn
- The expectation that was put on Brandon regarding college
- What caused Brandon to be asked to leave Sam Houston State University after only a semester
- College Suspension: It happens!
- What changed in school when Brandon was able to get sober
- Brandon’s bachelor's degree in sociology and psychology
- Coming full circle back to Sam Houston State University years later
- College isn’t going anywhere!
- The struggle in adulting and being prepared for that
- Brandon’s current work with Collegiate Recovery
Connect with Brandon Poland
- The Ranch at Dove Tree
- The Ranch at Dove Tree On Instagram
- Admissions for The Ranch at Dove Tree: Call 866-572-6065
Connect with Joanna Lilley
As a young adult, you don’t have to just ball up your fists, grit your teeth and try to make it through whatever you’re going through. It’s okay to take time for you. To work on yourself. To actually get to a place where you can come up with a plan and then execute that set plan. You don’t have to try to fake it until you make it all alone, just to get your degree ‘on time’ and that piece of paper because you were told to. Sending a kid out with a backpack and 1 therapy session isn’t always enough. Sometimes there needs to be more attention and a more family orientated program.
Tom Williams, Community Outreach Specialist for Red Oak Recovery, would have greatly benefited going to treatment and finding an alternate plan in his early adulthood. After Tom’s father passed at the age of 15, he quickly turned to substances to try to help him put on a mask and act like nothing was really wrong. He continued to do so through the rest of high school and for another 7 years in college. Looking back, Tim wishes that he had made the choice to take himself out of college and work on bettering himself, but sees it as an experience that brought him to where he is today. Tom started his career in the mental health field as an admission’s counselor for a Wilderness Therapy program. There Tom found himself in many different roles and ultimately as the Director of Admissions and Utilization Review. In 2019, he transitioned over to outreach for Red Oak Recovery, a trauma informed program that served adolescents and young adults. Through personal and anecdotal experience, Tom’s passion for people has compelled him to help others on their personal journey through recovery. There is nothing more special for Tim than getting the opportunity to help someone find peace and happiness in their life.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Tim joins Joanna to share his journey going from the troubled young person, who once needed something like Red Oak Recovery the majority of his early adult years, to now working at Red Oak, to help others, help themselves. Tom’s tough personal experience going through his hardships alone, allows him to be a light for young adults. Listen in for insight on how Tom’s passion for connecting with people has compelled him to help others on their personal journey through recovery, working to understand themselves and discover where their individual happiness lies.
What You Will Learn
- How college was expected for everyone growing up in Tom’s childhood
- The sudden death of Tom’s father while in high school
- The decline with Tom’s grades and mental health
- When drugs entered Tom’s life
- The experience with a girl that caused more pain for Tom in high school
- Muddling through college and what it’s like to get sober on your own
- Tom’s advice to a parent of a struggling young adult to have the tough conversations
Connect with Tom Williams
- Since this original recording, Tom has transitioned from working for Red Oak Recovery to now Sabino Recovery.
- Reach Tom at: 919-619-4199
Connect with Joanna Lilley
We are thrilled to introduce Success is Subjective, a new podcast hosted by Joanna Lilley, brought to you currently by Lilley Consulting. Much like Lilley Consulting, Success is Subjective is dedicated to all things related to emerging adulthood stories and therapeutic resources for young adults. Music to your ears!
This podcast is a work in progress. I will experiment with different formats, concepts, and interviewees until after working out the kinks we produce consistent high-quality interviews, advice, and entertainment that you have come to associate with Joanna Lilley. For this reason, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please send your comments to joanna@lilleyconsulting.com.
In this first episode, I delve into the “how” this podcast came to be, frontload some of the interviews coming up, and explain the hope for the future.
In this first episode, topics discussed include:
- How this series was born (Read Blog post about it here)
- What’s to come!
Subscribe…
Follow this series on Instagram, Facebook, and check out the Resources link on www.lilleyconsulting.com.
Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.com.
