Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Larry Winters (Author Name L.J. Winter) on air from July 23rd
I Am Both An Author And A Leader In The Field Of Mental Health. My Area Of Expertise Is Teaching People How To Recover From Severe Depression, Anxiety, Physical And Emotional Abuse, Addiction, And Trauma. My Own Lived Experience With A Mental Health Condition Has Given Me Valuable Insight Into What Works.
L. J. WINTER made a commitment at 30 years old to feel better Recovery is helping him heal from childhood physical and emotional abuse, living with a parent that suffered from bipolar disorder, his own suicidal ideation, and an eating disorder. He is uniquely qualified to guide others through their journey of healing. After a decades-long career in social work, he is now a Certified Peer Specialist who facilitates a weekly peer support group.
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.
‘for the LOVE of Music” with Sara Troy and her guest DEEANN, on air from July 23rd
It’s My Time. In 2015, years after setting aside her larger musical dreams to dedicate herself to raising a family, multi-talented singer/songwriter, DeeAnn is back to create her legacy. Her latest album It’s My Time, currently receiving National airplay with Neal Sapper, New World n Jazz and featuring three original songs amidst a mix of folk, pop and jazz classics, is the latest manifestation of the Niagara Falls, NY native’s renewed vision of her life.
The singer laid the foundation for her newly burgeoning career with her cleverly titled 2017 collection Desperately Seeking DeeAnn, which was produced by contemporary jazz bassist, RiShon Odel (Brian Culbertson, Najee). When her father, popular Buffalo area jazz performer Frank DiMeo, learned she was finally embracing what he felt was her destiny as a jazz singer, he was thrilled. Though she had previously sung pop and country professionally, he was the one who introduced her as a little girl to the music of Ella Fitzgerald and his favorite, Sarah Vaughan.
To pay tribute to her dad’s influence, DeeAnn invited him to sing two duets with her (“Unforgettable” and “Fly Me to the Moon”). The collection also featured the blues and jazz influenced original tune, “Everybody’s Got a Story”, whose chorus served as her life’s new mission statement: “Everybody’s Got a Story/Everybody’s got a cross to bear/Everybody’s got something to say/So shine the light and spread your love.” The following year, DeeAnn was honored to be inducted into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.
The singer soon had a painful story to tell. The tragedy of losing her 23-year-old son William Michael Tompkins to a motorcycle accident, after she and Odel had completed most of the tracks of “It’s My Time’ threw DeeAnn’s life into a tailspin and delayed the project indefinitely. Her original concept was to record an album of old standards, and the two had 90 percent of them.
When DeeAnn came back to the project she added a few new, very personal songs, starting with a heartrending, gospel-influenced version of “You Are My Sunshine”, a song she sang to William to put him to sleep when he was a child. Odel’s sensitive yet rousing and inspirational production features members of the Buffalo Philharmonic String Quartet (Roman Mekhulnov).
Another original tune she added, the soulful ballad, “A Little Romance,” is a homage to the “angels” who helped her during her lowest points: “You help me pray, when my faith is shaken/You give me hope, help my soul awaken.” The other originals are the passionate love ballad “Here to Stay” and “Writing on the Wall,” a whimsical, hard hitting, brassy blues-rock breakup song, a duet with Mick Hayes that balances the poignancy of the album.
The other tracks on It’s My Time reveal DeeAnn as a masterful song interpreter and storyteller who turns words and melodies of legendary writers and artists into her own emotional narratives. Drawing from a wide range of styles and eras, these include “Blue Skies,” “Summertime,” “Killing Me Softly,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Nearness of You” and “Fine and Mellow.”
Hailing from a small steel town outside of Buffalo, DeeAnn was raised in a musical family, learning standards that would eventually become part of her repertoire. In addition to the smooth vocal stylings of her father Frank, she was inspired early on by Buffalo Blue Note legend, DoDo Green and attended multiple jazz jams. During her early days as a pop/rock singer, she won Best Female Vocalist at the Buffalo Music Awards two years in a row. Her later success as a country artist earned her placements on numerous radio CD compilations, resulting in airplay throughout the U.S and Europe. When she returned to music as a jazz-blues singer in the mid-2010’s, she won Best Female Blues Vocalist at the Buffalo Night Life Music Awards and her 2019 EP Stay Here won Best Jazz CD from JazzBuffalo.org.
Tony Zambito, Executive Director of JazzBuffalo, says, “DeeAnn is not only a soulful powerhouse, but also a superb storyteller who’s emotionally charged performances create a deeply personal and wonderful listening experience for audiences. Whether interpreting timeless classics or presenting her own originals, DeeAnn captivates listeners with her heartfelt delivery and genuine connection, making each concert and listen truly memorable.”
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.
Ignite Your Heart and Soul with Sara Troy and her guest Radavie Riom, on air from July 23rd
Radavie is a devoted emissary of inner peace, bringing forth messages from the essence of our souls, the Divine Sparks that we are. Her life unfolds in three significant chapters.
The first chapter involved experiencing and understanding childhood wounds. She embarked on a profound journey of healing these wounds and learning how human conditioning affects humanity. For over 30 years, she has served thousands of clients, helping them clear childhood wounds that continued to impact their adult lives.
In the third chapter of her life, Radavie embraces her role as the messenger of the Divine Spark. She honors her soul’s contract by sharing these essential messages, now encapsulated in her recently published book on Amazon, “Awaken to Inner Peace in the Midst of Chaos.”
Radavie is dedicated to helping those ready to free themselves from human conditioning and embrace a life of inner peace every day.
I grew up in a remote village in the mountains of Jamaica, one child among ten brothers and sisters. I had little distraction in this tranquil setting. The simplicity of walking through the woods with my older brother left a memorable imprint on my heart.
I was deeply affected by childhood wounds. I was singled out by my mother who continually targeted me with judgement, blame, and threats. Mother even accused me of being responsible for her difficulties in giving birth to me. While growing up she would threaten to sell me in the local market. There was also physical abuse from her and sexual abuse from an older brother. I ended up withdrawing from my family, spending most of my early years alone.
All my life I have been attracted to the world of Spirit … that non-physical world that is cloaked in mystery. As a little girl, the mystery of God never failed to be alive in my thoughts. Intuitively I began walking a spiritual path that has continued for most of my life. I was very introspective and mainly stayed by myself. Thoughts would arise … Why am I here?Why was I born?
As time went by, the mystery of my soul’s journey unfolded.
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 July 23rd
Taking a day for yourself can be incredibly rejuvenating and grounding. It’s about prioritizing your own well-being and happiness without feeling guilty about it. This time allows you to reconnect with your inner self, recalibrate your thoughts, and recharge your energy.
When you dedicate a day to yourself, you can indulge in activities that bring you joy and peace, whether it’s reading a favorite book, taking a long walk in nature, practicing yoga or meditation, or simply lounging and enjoying some quiet time. These moments of solitude and self-reflection help you regain clarity and perspective amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Moreover, being selfish in this context isn’t about neglecting responsibilities or disregarding others; it’s about recognizing that by nurturing yourself, you can ultimately be more present and effective in your relationships and commitments. It’s like filling up your own cup so that you have more to give to others.
The joy that comes from taking a day for yourself is unique—it’s a blend of contentment, relaxation, and a renewed sense of purpose. It reminds you of your own worth and the importance of self-care in maintaining overall well-being. So, embrace the opportunity to be selfish in this positive sense, and allow yourself the gift of a day focused entirely on you.
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 guests Gina Cavalier on air from July 16th
Gina Cavalier or Dr. Amelia Kelley, coauthors of the new book, Surviving Suicidal Ideation:From Therapy to Spirituality and the Lived Experience. Gina is a healed suicidal ideation survivor and host of The Liberated Healer podcast and Amelia Kelley, PhD is a trauma-informed therapist and co-host of The Sensitivity Doctor’s Podcast.
In this interview, Gina Cavalier will talk about: Finding purpose, daily practices, and how to find support are crucial aspects of mental health and wellness. Myths surrounding suicide, self-injury, trauma, addiction, and depression often hinder effective understanding and support. Addressing issues like traumatized children, soldier suicide, and poverty can provide a more comprehensive view of these challenges. Understanding the phases of suicidal ideation and recognizing the 5 signs that a domestic partner or significant other may be suffering from suicidal ideation are critical in offering timely help. It’s also essential to know how and at what age to have healthy discussions with children about suicidal ideation, including how to recognize it in teenagers and young adults. Steps for healing, including alternative modalities, can offer varied paths to recovery. Exploring spirituality and mindfulness, along with practicing forgiveness of yourself and others, are powerful tools in the healing process. Finally, understanding the science and power of hope can provide a solid foundation for recovery and resilience.
Gina Marie Cavalier is a mental health advocate, author, filmmaker, artist, speaker and spiritual teacher. She is also the founder of The Liberated Healer, where she is building a 360º ecosystem in mental health with a focus on healing suicidal ideation through various products, meditation and healing courses, books, support groups, a six-part docuseries, and a mobile and web application that allows brands to cover fees for therapy and healing sessions. Gina Marie is a media veteran, former entertainment studio executive and technology enthusiast, having contributed to over 300 film/TV titles. As a public speaker, she has delivered talks on mental health and well-being in front of a live audience of over six hundred attendees at the Warner Bros. studio lot. Gina Marie has participated in several events, summits, and conferences as a speaker and has been invited to twenty-five podcasts since February 2024. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
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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