Threads of Humanity

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes conversations about suicide, suicide loss, grief, and mental health struggles. Please listen with care and take whatever space you may need.
In this deeply personal episode of Threads of Humanity, Vanessa shares the story of her brother, Fabio; the person he was, the bond they shared, and the profound impact his loss to suicide has had on her life.
In honor of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Vanessa opens up about navigating the complicated grief that comes with losing someone to suicide and how that loss has shaped her passion for mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. Rather than allowing Fabio’s death to be the end of his story, she is carrying his memory forward by speaking openly, breaking down stigma, and creating space for others to know they are not alone.
This is a conversation about a brother and a sister, love and loss, and what it means to turn unimaginable pain into purpose, awareness, and hope for others.
If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

In this episode of Threads of Humanity, Terrell shares the experiences that shaped him. From growing up and navigating high school, college, and the uncertainty of COVID to building his career, pursuing his doctorate, and creating DT Cares. He speaks openly about the good, the bad, and the ugly, revealing the adversity behind his accomplishments and how those experiences became the foundation for a life of purpose and service. Terrell’s story reminds us that when we take the time to look beyond the surface and truly know someone, we gain a deeper understanding of their humanity and the impact they are capable of making.

In this episode of Threads of Humanity, we sit down with the founder of Creative Healing Solutions to explore a deeply personal journey of surviving domestic abuse, navigating addiction and recovery, and ultimately rediscovering hope through poetry, visual art, and creative expression. Together, we discuss the transformative power of storytelling, the courage it takes to face ourselves, and how art can help us reconnect with who we truly are.
Whether you're on your own healing journey or simply believe in the power of the human spirit, this conversation is a reminder that healing doesn't always follow a traditional path and that sometimes the first step is finding your voice.

Behind the makeup, costumes, and performances is a deeply human story of grief, resilience, healing, and the courage to embrace authenticity. Lexxi shares the experiences that shaped their journey; from a childhood love of performing, to navigating profound loss and mental health challenges, to discovering purpose through drag and creating spaces where others can experience joy, connection, and belonging.
Together, we explore what Pride means today, the power of community, and how our darkest seasons can become the foundation for hope and healing.
Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or simply someone who believes in the power of human stories, this conversation is a reminder that joy can be transformative, vulnerability is courageous, and every one of us has threads that connect us all.

In this episode of Threads of Humanity, Heather and Kelvin sit down with Doogie Lish Sandtiger, also known by many as the Guinness World Record holder for the world’s largest Crocs collection, for a conversation that goes far beyond the shoes.
Together, they explore identity, individuality, resilience, and the courage it takes to fully embrace who you are in a world that often pressures people to fit in. Doogie opens up about his personal journey, experiences growing up in foster care, self-expression, online attention, and how something unconventional became a source of confidence, healing, and human connection.
This episode is a reminder that behind every headline, collection, or viral moment is a deeply human story about belonging, authenticity, and the universal desire to be seen and accepted for who we truly are.
Come laugh, reflect, and connect with us as we explore the threads that tie humanity together; one story at a time.

In this episode of Threads of Humanity, Heather and Kelvin sit down with Doogie Lish Sandtiger also known by many as the Guinness World Record holder for the world’s largest Crocs collection, for a conversation that goes far beyond the shoes.
Together, they explore identity, individuality, resilience, and the courage it takes to fully embrace who you are in a world that often pressures people to fit in. Doogie opens up about his personal journey, experiences growing up in foster care, mental health challenges, self-expression, online attention, and how something unconventional became a source of confidence, healing, and human connection.
This episode is a reminder that behind every headline, collection, or viral moment is a deeply human story about belonging, authenticity, and the universal desire to be seen and accepted for who we truly are.
Come laugh, reflect, and connect with us as we explore the threads that tie humanity together; one story at a time.
Follow Doogie: https://www.instagram.com/doogielish/
Guinness World Records Article

In this episode of Threads of Humanity, we sit down with Allie from Move to Heal to explore the powerful story behind the organization’s creation. What began as a deeply personal journey, her father’s recovery from substance use, evolved into a mission-driven nonprofit centered on healing, connection, and hope.
Allie shares how she has woven together her expertise as a therapist with the science of movement and mental health, highlighting how physical activity can be a catalyst for emotional healing. We also dive into the critical role of human connection in recovery and overall well-being. This conversation is a meaningful reminder that healing is not linear and that when we bring together purpose, passion, and community, real transformation can happen.
More info: https://www.movetohealct.org/about-2

On this episode of Threads of Humanity, Heather and Kelvin explore what it means to truly heal the whole person and why behavioral health must evolve beyond treating people as diagnoses or case numbers. They discuss how many mental health and substance use challenges are rooted in trauma, chronic stress, and disconnection—and why healing must address the mind, body, spirit, and community.
The conversation highlights the power of holistic practices such as sound healing, mindfulness, movement, and nutrition in supporting nervous system regulation and deeper healing. They also emphasize the essential role of peer support, where lived experience brings connection, compassion, and hope—shifting care from something done to people, to something done with them.
Together, they reimagine a more human-centered system—one that integrates holistic care and peer support to restore dignity, connection, and true healing.

On this episode of Threads of Humanity, we sit down with Julie Allyson, Strategic Decision Coach and founder of You Decide Coaching, for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to live intentionally.
Together, we explore what intentional living looks like in real life, not just as a buzzword, but as a daily practice. Julie shares how to cultivate clarity in your decisions, align your actions with your values, and create space for what actually matters. We also unpack what begins to shift when you start living with intention and how to resist the constant pull of hustle culture and society’s obsession with productivity.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, caught in the grind, or craving more alignment in your life, this episode offers practical insight and grounded encouragement to help you slow down, refocus, and choose differently.
Because at the end of the day… you decide.
Julie's website: https://www.julieallyson.com/
Julie's Socials: https://www.facebook.com/julieallysoncoaching/
https://www.instagram.com/julieallysondecides/?hl=en
 
 

In this episode of Threads of Humanity, we talk honestly about grief—what it looks like, what it feels like, and why there is no “right way” to move through it. Drawing from our own journeys after losing our mothers, we explore how grief lives not only in our hearts, but in our bodies and nervous systems. We discuss why healing isn’t linear, why society often rushes grief, and how learning to sit with it can be an act of strength.Resources discussed include The Grieving Brain, It's OK That You're Not OK, and The Body Keeps the Score.