Episodios

  • His Son’s Struggle Became His Purpose

    His Son’s Struggle Became His Purpose
    Apr 16 2026
    Grief and healing after losing a child to addiction and mental health struggles can feel impossible, but these conversations are necessary for awareness and change. In this episode, we explore mental health awareness, grief, and healing through storytelling in a deeply personal and honest way.

    I sat down with Erik Thureson, father of the late musician Jacob “Hella Sketchy,” to talk about his son’s life, his struggles with depression and anxiety, and the impact of his passing. Erik shares memories of Jacob’s creativity, intelligence, and kindness, while also opening up about the warning signs, the challenges of navigating mental health, and the weight of grief after loss.

    We also talk about Erik’s journey into advocacy and the upcoming documentary Two Weeks Notice The Departure of Hella Sketchy, which aims to create safe spaces for open conversations around mental health. This project is about removing stigma, choosing compassion, and encouraging people to speak up.

    If you are navigating grief, supporting someone through mental health challenges, or trying to make sense of loss, this conversation is a reminder that your voice matters and healing begins with honest dialogue.

    Connect with Erik: https://2weeksnoticedoc.com/
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    21 m
  • Grief Became the Reason She Lives With More Empathy

    Grief Became the Reason She Lives With More Empathy
    Apr 9 2026
    Grief and healing after loss, trauma, and addiction can feel overwhelming but they can also become a pathway to purpose. In this episode, we explore mental health awareness, addiction recovery, and healing through storytelling in a deeply personal conversation.

    I sat down with Kari Wells, author, actress, and storyteller, to talk about the loss of her sister to addiction, surviving a traumatic assault, and how those experiences reshaped her life. Kari shares how grief is not linear, how trauma does not have to define you, and why empathy matters more than judgment.

    We also talk about her book From Attitude to Gratitude and her approach to starting each day with intention. Kari shares practical ways to build gratitude into your life and explains why pain can be a teacher instead of something that breaks you.

    If you are navigating grief, loss, trauma, or addiction, this conversation is a reminder that your story still has meaning and healing is possible.

    Connect with Kari: https://kariwellsofficial.com/
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    23 m
  • Why My Story Convinced Others to Stay

    Why My Story Convinced Others to Stay
    Apr 3 2026
    Grief and healing after suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles can feel overwhelming, but there is always more to life than your current circumstance. In this episode, we explore mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and healing through storytelling in a deeply personal and honest conversation.

    I sat down with Kevin Hines, a suicide attempt survivor who jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge and lived, to talk about the reality of what happened in the moments before and after his attempt. Kevin shares the immeasurable emotional pain that led him to the bridge, the instant regret he felt the moment he let go, and the miracle that kept him alive.

    He reflects on living 26 years beyond the day he thought his life would end and what it means to see life as a gift. Kevin speaks about faith, purpose, and the importance of continuing forward even in the midst of pain. He reminds us to think about the moments, people, and experiences we would miss, and how those possibilities can anchor us in difficult times.

    We also talk about the power of storytelling and speaking up. Kevin shares how opening up about his experience has impacted others, with many people sharing that his story helped them choose to stay. He emphasizes that giving to others, sharing truth, and creating space for honest conversations can change lives.

    This episode is a reminder that suicidal thoughts are not the truth, pain does not have to be the end, and with time, effort, and support, things can get better.

    Attend Kevin’s talk: tri-c.edu/kevinhines
    Connect with Kevin: https://kevinhinesstory.com/
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    21 m
  • He Stopped Asking “Why Me” and Started Living Differently

    He Stopped Asking “Why Me” and Started Living Differently
    Apr 2 2026
    Healing from pain, grief, and life’s challenges isn’t about ignoring what hurts—it’s about learning how to move through it with intention. In this episode, we explore resilience, mental health awareness, and how to turn pain into purpose through storytelling and lived experience.

    I sat down with resilience coach Rick Cram to talk about his journey through chronic pain, multiple surgeries, and the mindset shifts that helped him reclaim his life. Together, we unpack what it really means to heal—not by avoiding pain, but by reframing it, feeling it, and growing through it.

    Rick shares his “Plan to Be Your Best” framework and breaks down the three steps of resilience: tuning in, planning, and following through. We also talk about gratitude during difficult seasons, how to stay grounded in the face of adversity, and why intentional living is key to long-term healing.

    If you’re navigating grief, mental health challenges, addiction recovery, or simply trying to make sense of your story, this conversation will meet you where you are.

    Connect with Rick: https://rickcram.com/about-rick-cram/
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    23 m
  • The Internal Work You Need Before Transformation

    The Internal Work You Need Before Transformation
    Mar 26 2026
    What happens when you reach the point where you cannot pretend anymore?

    In this episode of Groove with Portia, I welcome Shannan Kym, TEDx speaker, life coach, and author of Find the Answers Within You: 10 Pathways Toward Self Discovery.

    Shannan shares the pivotal moment on August 17, 2019 when she made the decision to speak her truth and leave behind an unhealthy marriage. What began as a breaking point became an awakening.

    We talk about:
    • Reaching rock bottom and choosing life
    • Breaking free from toxic relationships
    • Taking responsibility without self blame
    • Understanding why we attract certain partners
    • Setting boundaries with narcissistic personalities
    • Forgiveness as an ongoing personal practice
    • Why forgiving does not require forgetting
    • Protecting sobriety and protecting your children
    • Finding your personal why
    • Living as a role model through authenticity

    Shannan speaks candidly about addiction, vulnerability, stillness, and the courage it takes to sit with yourself long enough to uncover truth. Her book outlines 10 pathways toward healing and self discovery, offering guidance for anyone navigating trauma, people pleasing, unhealthy relationships, or identity loss.

    This conversation is for the listener who feels stuck, who knows something needs to change, and who is ready to begin within.

    Give yourself grace. Protect your peace. And remember that answers often live within you.

    Connect with Shannan: https://www.shannankym.com/
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    24 m
  • When Your Gut Knows Something Is Wrong

    When Your Gut Knows Something Is Wrong
    Mar 19 2026
    Domestic violence does not have a look.

    It does not belong to one income bracket, one zip code, one race, or one level of education.

    In this episode of Groove with Portia, I welcome Patricia Gordon-Stevens, licensed counselor and author of Madness in Memphis, for a deeply honest conversation about domestic violence, grief, identity transitions, and the strength of survivors.

    Patricia shares her personal connection to Memphis, her early marriage at 17, and the layered losses she endured, including the death of her son and sister. While her book is fiction, it reflects the lived experiences of women worldwide who have endured domestic violence as a normalized part of life.

    We discuss:
    • Why domestic violence crosses socioeconomic boundaries
    • Emotional abuse, physical abuse, and the normalization of control
    • Why women stay in abusive relationships
    • The impact of abuse on children and family systems
    • Listening to your intuition when something feels wrong
    • How friends and family can show up safely and persistently
    • Safe housing, church support, and community resources
    • The resilience of women who survive and rebuild

    Patricia speaks candidly about the writing process, producing thousands of words daily while reliving painful themes, because the story needed to be told.

    This episode is for women questioning their reality, for loved ones who sense something is not right, and for anyone who believes abuse only happens “somewhere else.”

    Tune in to learn why awareness must be paired with action and why silence protects no one.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seek support through trusted friends, family, local community centers, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

    Because your safety matters. Your voice matters. Your life matters.

    Connect with Patricia: https://www.patriciagordonstevens.com/
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    26 m
  • Begin Within: Healing the Wounds No One Sees

    Begin Within: Healing the Wounds No One Sees
    Mar 12 2026
    What if the healing you are searching for is not outside of you, but already within you?

    In this episode of Groove with Portia, I welcome Christianna Carr, author of Begin Within, spiritual psychotherapist, and founder of Begin Within Gifts, Books, and Healing Services. Our conversation centers around personal healing, creative expression, and the courage it takes to tell your story.

    Christianna shares how the phrase “begin within” became the foundation of her life’s work after attending a conference in 2010. What started as a journaling practice evolved into poetry, business ownership, and a trauma informed approach to healing.

    We discuss:
    • How journaling supports trauma recovery
    • Processing grief and abuse through poetry
    • The importance of safe spaces for storytelling
    • Inner child healing and play as adults
    • Navigating relationship challenges and worthiness
    • Vulnerability and societal perceptions of strength
    • Why healing does not require proving anything to anyone

    Christianna speaks openly about how writing became a tool for maintaining clarity and sanity during difficult seasons. She reminds us that much of healing happens when our story is witnessed without judgment.

    This episode is for anyone navigating emotional abuse recovery, spiritual growth, creative healing practices, and trauma informed self discovery.

    Tune in to hear why all healing begins within and how your story has the power to ripple outward into community.

    Connect with Christianna: https://www.facebook.com/chrissiecarr
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    27 m
  • The Stigma That Keeps People From Getting Help

    The Stigma That Keeps People From Getting Help
    Mar 5 2026
    During Women’s History Month, we cannot celebrate strength without acknowledging the silent battles many women carry.

    In this episode of Groove with Portia, I welcome Shelby Azbill, CEO of Generations Behavioral Health, for an honest conversation about women’s mental health, behavioral health stigma, and what compassionate crisis care truly looks like.

    Shelby leads one of the few inpatient behavioral health hospitals in Northeast Ohio, supporting adults navigating suicidality, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and trauma related crises. She shares what happens behind the doors of inpatient psychiatric care, why many people underestimate the severity of their own distress, and how stigma keeps women suffering in silence.

    We discuss:
    • Common misconceptions about mental health treatment
    • When it is time to seek professional help
    • The difference between crisis stabilization and long term therapy
    • Compassion fatigue among healthcare professionals
    • Leadership and mentorship in behavioral health
    • Supporting social workers and new clinicians through imposter syndrome
    • The importance of diverse perspectives in patient care
    • The role of AI in healthcare while preserving human connection

    Shelby also shares how Generations Behavioral Health is expanding services across Ohio, including inpatient hospitals and outpatient therapy clinics, while prioritizing both patient experience and staff wellness.

    Tune in to hear why no concern is ever too small to seek support and how collaborative leadership is shaping the future of mental health care.

    If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, visit Generations Behavioral Health to learn more about their services, centralized intake process, and career opportunities in social work, nursing, and behavioral health support.

    Because seeking help is not weakness. It is courage.

    Connect with Shelby: https://generationsbehavioralhealth.com/
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    21 m