Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy with Gwydhar Gebien, on air from December 3rd
Gwydhar (Gwed-ruh) Gambien, author of the new energized, character-driven book series, Enfant Terrible,which has been compared to a cross between Shameless and Californication. Diagnosed with depression, ADHD, and ASD being on the ADHD,spectrum, Gwydhar can talk about how she transfers her energies and wandering mind into her art and writing.
Enfant Terrible, a work of rollercoaster literary fiction that took 15 years to complete, got its name after an expression that is normally used to describe a person known for shocking remarks or outrageous behavior, which is appropriate because the story’s main character, Damen Warner, is the front man for a metalcore band.
In this interview, Gwydhar talks about: Writing about an anti-hero comes with unique challenges, especially when exploring themes like seeking career redemption, mending a broken family, struggling with belonging, and yearning for the unattainable. These narratives often resonate with the allure of rock stars—figures we admire for their brilliance yet see as deeply flawed. Through this lens, Gwydhar draws parallels to her own journey of understanding rejection, pursuing creative dreams, and navigating self-discovery. Diagnosed with depression, ADHD, and being on the ASD spectrum, she channels her energies and wandering mind into her art and writing, turning personal struggles into a source of inspiration.
Gwydhar may have a hard-to-pronounce name (Gwed-ruh, meaning girl with the red hair) and a book title equally as challenging to say (Ahn-fahnt-the-ree-bleh, which is French), but all of her books present a clear message with a witty voice, sharp observations, and more than a few human confessions. It is an intense, emotional journey, with elements of romance, subversive humor, and insightful commentary on the world of rock star train wrecks seeking redemption and renewal.
Gwydhar Gebien is a writer, artist, and award-winning filmmaker; originally from Chicago now transplanted in Los Angeles in pursuit of a career in film production. She is still *pretty sure* her subversive sense of humor would do well in a television writers’ room.
With a background in theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University (BFA in Fine Arts) and a Master’s Degree in film production from University of Southern California, she has worked for Paramount Animation as a production assistant and a production coordinator at Skydance Animation. She is putting her training to good use at Warner Brothers Animation on adult content that she is not currently at liberty to discuss.
Gwydhar began working at a commercial art studio as a sales representative. Still committed to pursuing filmmaking, she started a small production company called Blue Damen Pictures to make short films on nights and weekends. She has produced five short films, one mumblecore feature and won a Best Feature award for Dark Before Dawn and Best Experimental Short for Persephone.
An eldritch creature of introverted disposition, Gwydhar, lives a quiet life in a pink house with her husband, her cat and a minivan, but can occasionally be coaxed out into the open with music, snacks, or a single-malt whisky. She enjoys attending Renaissance Faires, as well as gardening and making miniatures. Diagnosed with depression, ADHD, and being on the ASD spectrum, Gwydhar transfers her energies and wandering mind into her art and writing.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Dave Tarnawski, on air from December 3rd
Dave Tarnowski, author of Disappointing Affirmations, which is based on his popular Instagram account? “It’s OK to not be OK” is the message of the Disappointing Affirmations book, based on Dave Tarnowski’s wildly popular Instagram (@disappointingaffirmations, 2 million followers). Known for pairing peaceful nature photos with sayings that are amusingly self-critical, encouraging, disillusioned, or all three at once, Tarnowski points to feelings often unacknowledged or hidden, and spotlights them with humor, wit, and empathy. Tarnowski’s willingness to approach depression and failure with humor and pragmatism has won millions of enthusiastic fans who bristle at the culture of relentless toxic positivity. Failure may be an option, but that’s okay. As a bonus, the book’s jacket unfolds into a poster bearing a message especially popular with his fans: “Have a panic attack. You’re earned it.”
Dave Tarnowski is the author of about a dozen unfinished novels. He turned to memes when he finally gave up his dreams of being a writer of anything longer than a few sentences. He lives in New York City with his neuroses.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from November 26th
This week, my show is focused on sisterhood and common-sense love. The wise Linda L. Nardelli, whom I’ve interviewed before, shares daily spiritual messages, and today’s message was incredibly timely. It speaks to the spiritual warrior within us, urging us to stand confidently behind our convictions, express ourselves honestly, and be transparent. These are powerful tools for overcoming adversity in our lives. Balance, integrity, and self-empowerment are essential in our journey to become spiritual warriors, and we must embody these qualities to create change.
You have been drawn to this entrance to become a devoted spiritual warrior. The cougar is a potent symbol of self-advocacy. You must stand behind your convictions with absolute confidence in your self-worth.Self-expression, honesty, and transparency are the gifts you need. These are powerful tools that can disarm any adversity in your life.
Masiandia, “The balance between all the bodies: physical, energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual is the way of the spiritual warrior. And integrity is the only way to bring balance into your life. You have chosen this entrance for one reason: to get real, be bold, speak up, say your truth, and do it with the utmost respect for your power. You have every right to how you feel, what you need, and what you see and sense.”
As I reflect on my own journey through podcasting over the last 12 and a half years, I recognize the importance of standing up for others, especially women, who are working to improve the world. Women are the true bearers of common sense and love. For me, common-sense love is about sharing solutions from a place of practicality and love. With everything happening in the world right now—elections, wars, and societal struggles—it’s clear that the time for women to rise and say, “Enough is enough,” is now. Common sense needs to prevail, and it’s up to us to make sure that happens.
Sisterhood is rising in response to these challenges. The Mission Accepted 262 book highlights 262 women who have shared their passions, convictions, and wisdom with the world. Through this book, we are empowering one another to step into our full potential, regardless of our backgrounds or circumstances. While we may not yet have a woman in the White House, we don’t need political office to lead. The world needs love and compassion, but it also requires accountability, common-sense action, and respect for one another.
As part of the Mission 262 project, I’m honored to be among the women sharing their wisdom and encouragement. This book represents a five-year journey to awaken people to solutions, and it’s been incredible to see the lives it has impacted. The journey continues, serving as a reminder that the time to uplift and support one another is now.
In these times, we must also be accountable for our choices. If we support actions that cause harm or do nothing to stop injustice, we are complicit in those actions. It’s essential to hold ourselves and others responsible for our choices and their consequences. We cannot allow ourselves to be passive bystanders—we must seek the truth, demand answers, and make informed decisions.
The world’s problems—ranging from political instability to environmental disasters—demand that we come together to support one another. We need to offer solutions and stand in solidarity. This means supporting all people—whether they are women, men, transgender, non-binary, or those who don’t fit into traditional gender norms. We all need to be in this together, regardless of our differences.
It’s time for a new kind of leadership grounded in love, compassion, creativity, and accountability. We must empower those around us, not by tearing each other down, but by embracing each other’s differences and working together toward common goals. This is not the time for judgment comparison or competition. Instead, we should focus on compassion, empathy, and strength, while recognizing that our flaws can be our greatest strengths.
The universe is shaking things up to wake us up, to help us grow vibrationally, spiritually, and consciously. Now is the time to stop complaining and start making a difference. We have the power to create peace, love, and equality in our world by being the change we wish to see.
In the face of natural disasters, political unrest, and widespread suffering, we must come together to rebuild, offer support, and help each other thrive. The true currency of change is common-sense love. We must take action from a place of love, compassion, and respect. This is how we will transform the world into a better place for everyone—one that is rooted in equality, kindness, and understanding.
We can no longer afford to engage in petty rivalry or judgment. Instead, we must embrace one another, celebrate our differences, and support one another with love and common sense. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and work together for a brighter future. Let’s plant seeds of compassion, empathy, and kindness and watch them grow into something beautiful.
We are going through a challenging time, but it is also a time of awakening. By standing up, taking action, and being responsible for our choices, we can turn this upheaval into an opportunity for growth and change. Let’s rise to the occasion and nurture the seeds of love and compassion, knowing that they will flourish and create a better world for everyone.
The time has come, my sisters. The time has come to stand together, not just as individual women, but as a powerful collective force for change. We are the answer to the questions that have plagued us for so long. The shift we’ve been waiting for—it’s happening now. But it’s going to take every one of us, every woman, to step into our power.
We are rising with love, compassion, and a fierce sense of purpose. It’s not about competing with one another. It’s about coming together. It’s not about perfection. It’s about commitment and courage. It’s about understanding that in this soil of love, we have the ability to nurture and grow—together.
For far too long, we’ve allowed hatred, control, narcissism, and power struggles to dominate our world. But that’s not the frequency we operate on anymore. We operate on the frequency of love—a vibration that transcends all barriers. This is the soil in which we plant our seeds—seeds of opportunity, hope, and transformation. We nurture them, we water them, and we grow them into something magnificent.
We will not be swayed by those who feed on division, cruelty, or insecurity. Their soil is dead; it will not grow anything of value. But our soil—our soil is rich with compassion, understanding, and possibility. Our soil will grow abundance. It will grow connection. It will grow a future that values every single person, regardless of color, creed, or background.
I’m calling on every woman to step into this movement. To rise up and support one another—whether through our businesses, our advocacy, our creativity, or our love. We are the changemakers, the ones who will create the foundations of this new world. And yes, it will be a grind. It won’t be easy. But this is the path we’ve chosen, and we are in it together, for the long haul.
I don’t care if you wear Chanel or if you shop at Old Navy. I don’t care if your hair is gray or if it’s blonde, red, or black. I don’t care about the labels society puts on us. What matters is our hearts. What matters is our compassion, our strength, our shared humanity. We will not compete. We will not tear each other down. We will rise together.
My platform is my podcast, my books, my voice. I’m here to amplify the voices of women who have stepped up to serve, to support, to inspire. What’s your platform? What’s your unique service to offer this world? What will you bring to this collective? Together, we’ll weave a tapestry of love, service, and community.
But it’s the women who must drive this change. We are the ones who will put this house—our Earth—back in order. It’s time to stop the wars, to stop the hate, and to start the work of nurturing, creating, and growing.
This is just the beginning. Over the next few years, you will see women standing up, each taking ownership of her own life, her gifts, and her responsibility. And together, we will rise. We will rise for the children, for the communities, for the world.
Let’s do this. Let’s plant the seeds. Let’s water them. Let’s grow this future. Together.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Their Story Matters with Sara Troy and her guest Amina Mohamed, on air from November 26th
My family and I came to Canada as refugees from Uganda when I was just three years old, fleeing the violence and uncertainty of Idi Amin’s regime. Growing up in Canada gave me opportunities and freedoms I’ll always be grateful for, and those experiences shaped my desire to give back to my home country.
I founded Cameras For Girls as a way to empower young women in Africa through photography and storytelling, giving them a voice and a means to step into media roles traditionally dominated by men. I’ve seen firsthand how these tools can break down barriers and open doors, enabling these young women to overcome cultural and gender biases and make an impact in their communities.
My “Why” is rooted in resilience, generosity, and social justice—values Canada gave to me and that I carry into this work. Through Cameras For Girls, I want to ensure that every young woman has the chance to realize her potential, regardless of her background. It’s about creating pathways to opportunity, breaking cycles of poverty, and showing that even the smallest gestures of support can transform lives.
Amina Mohamed, founder of Cameras For Girls, empowers young women across East Africa with photography and business skills, helping them secure jobs in male-dominated media. Her initiative provides cameras and a year-long curriculum, fostering ethical storytelling. Amina, a coveted speaker, champions gender equality and amplifies women’s voices.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Monica Kaufman, on air from November 26th
Monica is supporting individuals with special needs requires thoughtful planning to ensure their long-term well-being and independence. Families of individuals with special needs can take several key steps to help ensure a stable future, including:
1. Financial Planning: Setting up a special needs trust or utilizing government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid can protect assets while maintaining eligibility for assistance programs. Families should consult with financial planners experienced in special needs planning to maximize resources.
2. Legal Considerations: Legal tools such as guardianship or power of attorney can ensure that someone trusted makes decisions for the individual if they are unable to do so themselves. It’s crucial to designate legal guardians or advocates and review documents periodically.
3. Educational and Vocational Support: Planning should also include identifying the best educational opportunities and vocational training for the individual, from early intervention to adult services, in order to promote development, independence, and employment.
4. Health Care Needs: Establishing a comprehensive health care plan, including access to specialists and therapies, is essential to address both current and future medical needs.
5. Community Resources: Many communities offer programs and support networks for families and individuals with special needs. Connecting with local support groups, services, and advocacy organizations can provide invaluable resources. Early and ongoing planning ensures that special needs individuals are supported, and their families have peace of mind regarding their future care and well-being.
In Canada, families of individuals with special needs can access a variety of resources, programs, and financial supports to help plan for the future. Similar to other countries, early and ongoing planning is crucial to ensure individuals with special needs have access to education, healthcare, and financial security. Here are some key elements to consider when planning for individuals with special needs in Canada:
1. Financial Planning and Assistance Canada offers several financial supports for families with special needs. Key programs include: • Disability Tax Credit (DTC): This non-refundable tax credit helps reduce the amount of tax owed for individuals with disabilities. It is available to those with a significant impairment in physical or mental functions. • Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): This is a government-registered savings plan designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families save for the future. Contributions are eligible for grants and bonds from the federal government, making it an effective long-term savings tool for disability-related expenses. • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Available in Ontario, this program provides financial assistance and employment supports to individuals with disabilities who are unable to work or need extra help finding work. • Other Provincial Programs: Each province offers varying levels of financial support. For example, in British Columbia, the Disability Assistance Program offers monthly payments to individuals with disabilities, while in Quebec, the Programme de soutien aux personnes handicapées helps fund various services.
2. Government Benefits and Social Services • Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D): This program provides monthly benefits to individuals who have contributed to the Canadian Pension Plan and are unable to work due to a disability. It’s available to both the person with the disability and their family members if needed. • Specialized Support Programs: Each province and territory offers a range of services for children and adults with special needs, including educational support, job training, and community-based care. For example, Alberta has programs like the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program, which helps provide services and supports to adults with developmental disabilities.
3. Educational and Vocational Support • Inclusive Education: Canada emphasizes inclusive education in public schools, meaning that students with special needs are integrated into the classroom environment as much as possible, with individualized support plans. • Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs: Several provinces, like British Columbia and Ontario, offer specific programs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which focus on early intervention, behavior therapy, and specialized education.
At Harmony Wealth Academy, we’re not just about numbers; we’re about changing lives. With over 20 years of experience, we empower CPAs and Enrolled Agents to transform their clients’ financial futures. Our Behavioral Finance Program goes beyond the basics, teaching mastery over money and the financial system, from fundamentals to legacy planning. It’s your client’s path to financial freedom, guided by science and a passion for progress.
If they feel their goals are just out of reach, they are not alone.
Monica Kaufman is currently the director of Financial Planning at Harmony Asset Management as well as the creator of the Harmony Wealth Academy. She’s worked in Economic Research, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting for over 20 years. She is a CFP. She became involved in Special Needs financial advisory early in her Career while at Merrill Lynch with her deeper understanding because of her (brother in law). She is the mother of two adult sons (one a soldier in the US Army and the other a PhD candidate) and two rescued dogs.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
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