Never Ever Give Up Hope

Kathleen Pooler spent the first 18 years of her life in a loving, supportive family. The next 25 years were engulfed in the abyss of two abusive marriages. Pooler rescued herself and is now dedicated to helping other women (and men) do the same. She hopes to help others find their inner strength through sharing her hard-earned lessons in her new memoir.  In addition to dealing with her two failed marriages, she was diagnosed with cancer and her son was abusing drugs. Hope is often the only thing between you and the abyss She sums up her message in these seven tips:  A loving family, solid career and a strong faith foundation do not guarantee a problem-free life. We all have everything we need within, but we need to claim and honor our own inner strength to get the life we want and deserve. Abuse, in any form, is harmful. Emotional abuse may not cause direct physical harm, but it can be damaging to your mind and your spirit. The very things you think are holding you back from having the

Kristen Harper is a speaker, entrepreneur, and health and wellness expert.   Kristen has a unique connection with her audience that derives from her own personal journey towards wellness and happiness.  Before becoming a success, Kristen struggled with health issues and an eating disorder.  Kristen founded her company Perfect Health Consulting Services, LLC in 2009, with the goal to help people all around the world become healthy.  She is a certified Nutrition Consultant, in addition to holding a Master of Administration, with an emphasis in Health Promotion, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She is presently studying to become a Registered Dietitian. Kristen Harper is a Health and Wellness Speaker.  She inspires audiences to keep Healthy, Happy, and Motivated!  Kristen Harper is the Founder of Perfect Health Consulting Services, LLC   Her company provides Hair Analysis and Increase Your Vitality Programs to clients worldwide to balance body chemistry naturally.   Kristen's interview

Susan Maccarelli created BeyondYourBlog.com and is a recognized expert on going from personal blogger to published writer. Beyond Your Blog offers tips for getting published, directories of writing opportunities, interviews with editors, the Submission Savvy e-course and more.  Susan’s interviews include editors from the New York Times, Chicken Soup For The Soul, The Washington Post, and dozens of other publications. She has been published in many websites and anthologies and spoken at conferences including BlogHer, BlogU, and Bloggers at Midlife.   In 2014 Susan created Beyond Your Blog to help other bloggers through the learning curve of getting published on sites beyond their own personal blog. It has since evolved as a central stop for writers of all kinds spanning a wide range of publication goals. Susan made BYB a place where you can get the info you need regardless of your connections. Directories of writing opportunities, tips and inspiration for writers, interviews with editors and more are all

Kristie Kennedy is a Licensed Image Enhancement Consultant and a Certified Women’s Worth and Wellness Expert, who provides confidence and clarity coaching to female leaders, executives and business owners who are exhausted from being the world’s best kept secret, ready to claim center stage as the leading lady of their own life, powerfully shift in mind and magnificently shine. Kristie is a contributing writer for a wide range of online publications including, Black Life Coaches, Identity Magazine, Self-Growth, Ezine Expert Author, beauty columnist for Amoize women’s magazine and Publishing Editor of Magnificent Living Magazine.  In life, we are constantly bombarded with challenges, obstacles, and disappointments that create internal conflict. An undisciplined mind often caves in under the pressure of negative circumstances. Kristie Kennedy has beautifully scripted words of wisdom and affirmation from A to Z to empower dreamers, leaders, and entrepreneurs who have a massive desire to impact the world on th

Chris Kidawski has a Bachelors in Social Science and a Masters in Kinesiology. He has been a strength coach for 18 years and has trained Navy SEALs and professional athletes.  He has more than eight certifications related to health and wellness and is the author of two books. Chris came to a crossroads in his life when it felt like the world around him was crashing.  He hit a low when his wife left him right after he had major surgery, his mother passed away and his good friend was committed for a mental illness. He had to make some serious changes and started with his thought patterns, digging himself out of that deep emotional state. Today, Chris is committed to consulting and speaking on all facets of health and wellness to help people live and feel better. His new goal is to never stop helping people open up their hearts, their minds, and ultimately their lives.       In his interview, he shared many tidbits of truth that certainly stimulates thought including: It's not happening TO you, it's happen

Kristen Craren is a relational expert with a Master's in Counseling and the founder of Craren Mediation Services.  She educates the public by providing resources that can help people going through a divorce and specializes in helping people adjust to leading happier lives.   Her story starts in her childhood which prepared her with the expertise that comes not only from education but from being on both sides of a divorce.    As a mediator, her passion is to help people understand and be educated in their options during this often difficult time.   Kristen has the educational, professional and life experience on the subject of families.  She will work with you in your reality to reach the goals YOU desire.  She listens with her heart and does not come across as 'therapist-y'.     She offers:   Marriage Counseling Premarital Counseling Mediation for Divorce, including options to create solutions for the family   In her interview, you will enjoy her objective, yet heartfelt tips and coping mechan

Lindsay Gibson is a writer, speaker and Joy Coach. Although she experienced intense trauma in her life, she has learned how to choose joy after grief. You will be drawn into her story as she shares how her life dramatically changed when she was raped at 16 years old.  She was in complete denial of the event and covered her hopelessness with bad habits and unhealthy comfort zones. It was not until she gave birth to her stillborn son that she was able to start living again.  His birth and death created a new life in Lindsay.   Her story is one of courage, hope and finding a Higher Love through the darkness of grief and sorrow.  Hope led her to Love and Love Never Fails. Lindsay has learned to forgive her attacker who tried to kill her.  This happened when she opened her heart to healing after the loss of her precious son.  With it came an understanding of unconditional love. Now as a Joy Coach she has much to offer people in choosing joy after grief and helps walk you through the steps to restoration.  Her

Belinda Bennetts is a passionate author and inspirational coach who helps others overcome their self-constructed limitations. Belinda was born in Zimbabwe. In 2001 she moved to New Zealand because of the political unrest in her home country and in 2014 to Ireland where she now resides with her little daughter. Belinda’s life changed when she discovered that the only person holding her back from realizing her dreams was herself.  She realized she was, in fact, NOT broken and broke free from depression and suicidal thoughts. Through life-changing meetings, empowering books and a desire to remove the blockages of the past Belinda emerged as a strong woman who is now helping people on their journey from fear to love. She is passionate about helping people suffering from stress, depression and anxiety disorders. ‘Fear to Love — An Inner Journey Home,’ is a warm, truthful and emotional account of one woman’s voyage back to life and living.

Mary Lunnan is a life coach and an author of four books . She lives on the coast of North Cornwall, in the far south west of the U.K. In 1994, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.  When she asked her doctor if she could talk with someone else who had been through this, the doctor said she was not able to help her. This started Mary on a journey of writing her no-holds-barred stories of her journey through cancer. Sharing her experiences has become her passion in helping other people cope with their own situations.   You will enjoy the interview with Mary as she shares her remarkable story of her cancer journey and gives great tips she uses as a life coach

Ingrid Schoenfelder is a singer and songwriter whose latest album release "Kiss the Dirt" is about the struggles we can go through in life. Ingrid shares how she rose above serious physical struggles and emotional ones that taught her never to give up. She uses those rough times as inspiration for her music. Her physical struggles included cancer, grand mal seizures and a heart attack -- none of which kept her down. She has written all of her own music and lyrics on her recently released CD in hopes of encouraging anyone who is in the middle of struggles or heart break.

Julio Caba is an author, Ph.D. student and business owner.   Julio was raised in one of the worst neighborhoods in New York, Washington Heights. Drugs and crime were an everyday part of life. His teachers told him that he would either be dead or in jail by the time he reached the age of 18. Believing in that narrative, he became that person. He dropped out of high school at 16 and had his first child. Drug dealing seemed to be the only career choice. By the time he was 18, he was the father of three.  The mother of his children left him, and they were HOMELESS. Three children, no job, no opportunity, no education.  He chose to end it all. What happened next was nothing short of a miracle as his two-year-old stopped him seconds before plunging off a balcony to his death. At that moment, he chose to change his life and you do not want to miss this exciting, incredible story of hope. Click the arrow to hear his story:    

Poppy Smith is an international speaker, multi-published author, teacher, mentor and spiritual coach.  Her goal is to encourage women to thrive in their relationships and in life.  Her practical approach in dealing with relationships is a great help to anyone wanting tips on how to improve their marriage.   “What do you and your spouse have in common?”    “We got married on the same day.”   Many women can identify with that sentiment. They want their marriages to be happy, but they wonder how when their mate baffles and even irritates them. Some may even wonder if they made a terrible mistake.   In her interview, Poppy answered many questions many of us have about relationships that aren't working.  It is evident that she is motivated to help anyone who needs some practical tools.  I know you will enjoy this interview:

CeeCee James has written a series of memoirs that you will never be able to forget.  Absolutely. Guaranteed. During her interview, I was at a loss for words. I have heard many stories of abuse but I never heard one as intense as CeeCee's.  She is an incredibly gentle, warm woman who survived horrendous pain, neglect and hatred by her mother. Listening to her story, you will be drawn to tears and anger as you hear CeeCee share how the only touch she had ever known as a child was one of pain. At TWO WEEKS old, her father burned CeeCee's face and body with an iron. Her mother refused to feed or change CeeCee's diaper because she did not want to be manipulated by a baby's cries.  She wanted to teach her NOT to cry.  This was only the beginning of a lifetime of trauma. CeeCee never remembers a time as a child when she was not hungry....or cold.....or alone.....or hated. Yet, all CeeCee ever wanted was love. Even as a toddler she worked hard to please her mother, hoping for one gentle touch or one kind

Jeremy Vermeulen is a motivational speaker and coach who suffered from severe depression.   In his interview, he shares how to take control of your thoughts and not allow them to control you. Jeremy shares how we can be genuinely happy and overcome the triggers that might send us into a mode of discouragement and low self-esteem.   I am sure you will relate to many of the things Jeremy shares about his own depression.  Also, how we can help ourselves and our children to be happy and content.    5 Keys to Happiness   Be You - the best you can be   Have good people around you   Have an attitude of gratitude - no matter what   Live in the moment   Make a decision!

Courtney Lund is a professor and writer who is currently working on a memoir about her relationship with her disabled brother, Gavin who suffers with AGS Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome. Courtney received the news about her four-month-old baby brother when she was 19 and in college. She dropped out of college to be with him and her family -- and to learn to love him, despite his death sentence. There was nowhere for Courtney to turn for help as there was no resource to help people who had to cope with losing a sibling, to a disease or death. Feeling like she was up against the impossible, while also feeling alone are probably some of the worst feelings in the world. She had left life in a sorority house to the home of my dying brother.    In Courtney's words: Love is one of the most complex emotions, and the only way we can love authentically is to go through those emotions. Fear, anger, sadness -- they are all tied up with love. And the longer we run from those emotions, the harder it is to love fully, an

Robyn Dykstra is a captivating national speaker and author of The Widow Wore Pink.   Melissa was on top of the world and 'had it all.'  She traveled the world and had an incredible income as a Playboy bunny. But her life of drugs, alcohol and promiscuity was not enough.  Her marriage ended in divorce which threw her into a life-changing moment.  She married Hot and Hunky, had two children and life was perfect... until the unthinkable happened.  Not once -- but TWICE!  She became an accidental expert on finding joy during difficult times when she buried TWO husbands in FOUR short years. You will love Robyn's story sprinkled with laughter and joy but more importantly with tips on how to deal with the pain that comes with trauma.  

Melissa Weaver is an author and Licensed Clinical Social worker who has committed her work to helping others.  She is a facilitator of grief support groups, inspirational speaker for TMI consulting, adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University and she provides various volunteer services. In August of 2013, Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer and her life changed forever.  Her memoir was written to help anyone who wants to change their focus and their life.   Her interview was encouraging to anyone who has suffered a loss of any type.  It was motivating to all of us who want to Be More, Give More, Connect More and Do More for ourselves and for others.   Melissa also shared how to deal with grief and that we need to realize there is no time limit to grief.     To Create Change Be the Change      

Millie Leung is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and international speaker.  Her passions are in entrepreneurship, financial education, and women empowerment. Her mission is to help individuals to start a business and be able to escape the rat race.   Millie followed the traditional path of success and graduated with a Masters degree and worked hard in corporate jobs for more than ten years.  She was paid well but became TIME-BROKE and STRESSED OUT. Then the economic crunch hit Millie and her husband - hard.  Millie's story of one idea that led her on a new road to success will inspire you on every level. She went from living under the US poverty line to an annual turnover in excess of TEN MILLION DOLLARS -- this she accomplished in five short years.     In her interview. she shares the struggles and the successes and believes it is possible for everyone to enjoy the same success using her step-by-step system.   Dream Big Start Small Act Now   Have a listen and change your

Exchanging hurt for hope is Dr. Sheryl Giesbrecht’s focus—a message she shares with audiences as a radio personality, author of three books, and a speaker. A dynamic teacher and motivating leader, Sheryl has endured many changes and challenges. She has overcome drug addictions, cancer, and even widowhood and shares her story in her book, Get Back Up. Her latest book, Experiencing God Through His Names, answers the question: What's in a name?  Names are more than groups of letters that represent a person or identify objects.  Names are powerful.  A person's character and destiny can be influenced by his or her name.  When it comes to God, His attributes and personality support His unique and distinct names. In her interview, Sheryl walked us through those difficult years of her drug addiction, hopelessness, loneliness and trying desperately to be accepted by her peers.  She also shares her remarkable story of recovery from cancer in her bone marrow and the loss of her husband who was killed in a motorcycle

Lost, alone, hopeless are words that were part of this little girl's life.  But Marnie Grundman would not accept that life and chose to be not only a survivor, but a surthrivor!   At FIVE years old, Marnie's mother threw her out of a second story window.  She ran away from home seeking the love she needed to survive.  Marnie was a child who belonged to no one - a child lost!   Her story will grab your attention as she shares how she turned all that pain and suffering into helping others.   Artist and entrepreneur Marnie Grundman began writing as a way to release herself from the wounds of her past. She shares her life and experiences in hopes of inspiring and empowering others who have felt lost, broken and less than.   In Marnie's words:  "I decided that I was going through this hell as a kind of pre-payment for a good life. From a very young age, I always knew that better days lay ahead. Now I had an explanation as to why: I was paying up front. I decided that I was destined for greatness and I just had t