In this powerful episode, Laurie sits down with Dean Sikes, founder of You Matter and a nationally known speaker who has spent decades bringing hope to students across the country. But before Dean ever stepped on a stage, his life was shaped by two major interruptions—almost losing his mother at a young age, and later, coming face-to-face with the man who sexually abused him at 15… in the middle of Home Depot.

Dean opens up about the trauma he carried for years, the moment everything came rushing back, and the courageous steps he took to finally get help. He shares how healing his own story gave him the clarity and passion to dedicate his life to preventing teen suicide, supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and reminding every young person that their life has value.

This conversation is tender, raw, and deeply hopeful. If you or someone you love has walked through trauma, loss, or silent battles, Dean’s honesty will remind you that healing is possible—and your story still matters.

Dean Sikes/You Matter

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In this powerful, Laurie sits down with her own book mentor, Patrick Snow, international best-selling author and publishing coach. Patrick shares how the sudden death of his father became a life-altering interruption that deepened his passion for legacy—especially the kind we leave in book form.

He opens up about his newest book, a heartfelt tribute to his high school coach, and how one person’s belief in us can change the entire trajectory of our life. Patrick breaks down why your story, your wisdom, and your experiences deserve to be in print, not just for you—but for the people who need your message most.

If you’ve ever said, “One day I’ll write that book…” this conversation is your wake-up call. Patrick even offers listeners a free consultation to help you take the next step toward becoming a published author and preserving your legacy on the page.

Patrick Snow

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and just in case you want to support this podcast!!!

In this deeply compassionate conversation, I’m joined by **Cindy Meyers and Merle Meyers, founders of Grief and Trauma Chaplaincy, to explore the sacred work of grief chaplaincy and the practice of companioning those who are grieving.

We talk about what it truly means to walk alongside loss — not to fix, rush, or explain it away — but to offer steady presence, listening, and care. Cindy and Merle share how grief chaplaincy supports individuals, families, and communities navigating trauma, death, and profound life transitions, and why companioning is such a powerful alternative to traditional grief “solutions.”

We also discuss their upcoming grief companioning training, designed for those who feel called to support others through grief with compassion, boundaries, and embodied presence — whether in professional roles or personal relationships.

This episode is for anyone who has experienced loss, supports others through grief, or feels drawn to meaningful service rooted in humanity and hope.

Topics include: • What grief chaplaincy really is • The difference between companioning and fixing • Trauma-informed grief support • How to hold space without overwhelm • Grief chaplaincy training and calling

Grief and Trauma Chaplaincy

lacoach@comcast.net

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