Have you ever built a life around something you thought would bring happiness, only to realize it was leading you down a destructive path?

Today's guest, Mike Seeks, shares how he went from chasing temporary highs—both as a DJ and through addiction—to finding lasting fulfillment through discipline, service, and personal growth.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Working as a DJ in New York and New Jersey
• Becoming addicted to drugs
• When Mike realized he needed to change his life
• The support system that helped him break free from addiction
• Calling out for help
• How he rebuilt his life with a new sense of purpose
• How Mike structures his daily routine for consistency and success
• Lessons he has learned from being a bodybuilder
• What he loves about being a personal trainer with 20+ years of experience
• The importance of showing up for others, no matter what he’s going through
• The main reason for Mike's contentment, hope, and love for life

GUEST INFO

Follow Mike on Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_feeks/

SUPPORT THE SHOW

• Please leave a rating/review <3
• Grab a journal from my shop: www.thestreetsofourlives.xyz/shop
• Buy me a tea: buymeacoffee.com/tsool

APPLY TO BE A GUEST

Submit a guest interest form here: https://forms.gle/98HBRmQHBYyrDrJ28

CONNECT WITH LINA

Lina's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lina-la-rue/

Lina's Instagram: www.instagram.com/thestreetsofourlives/

Have you ever wished for an apology that might never come?

In this episode of Apology Avenue, we hear a powerful letter from a mother to her son, where she admits all the areas she failed as a mother. Through her words, we see the devastating consequences of her selfishness and irresponsible behavior.

(*Remember: In this series, we are reading apology letters we have written to ourselves from the person who has hurt us. This is a journaling practice.)

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• A mother’s moving apology to her son for her failures as a parent.
• Her admission of prioritizing her wants over her son’s needs.
• Acknowledgment of how her actions caused neglect, abandonment, and abuse.
• Her plea to her son to break the cycle and choose love, vulnerability, and connection.
• A mother’s sorrow expressed in her hopes for her son’s healing and forgiveness.

RESOURCES

• Grab a journal from my shop: www.thestreetsofourlives.xyz/shop
• Want a free journal download? Leave a review + get the Apology Avenue Journal: www.thestreetsofourlives.xyz/free-journal-download
• Submit your own letter: https://forms.gle/Z3qGCa62BGMYmMLt5

SUPPORT THE SHOW

• Please leave a rating/review <3
• Buy me a tea: buymeacoffee.com/tsool

CONNECT WITH LINA

Lina's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lina-la-rue/

Lina's Instagram: www.instagram.com/thestreetsofourlives/

Ever felt like you’re experiencing a whirlwind of different emotions? One moment you’re down in the dumps and hopeless, another moment you’re agitated and frustrated…?

In this episode of Diary Detours, I’m sharing a voice note I recorded while on a walk one day. It’s messy, raw, and honest. It’s a glimpse into the rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions about my current life. From anxiety and depression, then to moments of clarity,...it’s all here. Maybe you’ve felt this way too. Let’s dive in.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Sharing a real and unfiltered voice note recorded during an emotional low point.
• Struggling with anxiety, frustration, and feeling stuck in the moment.
• Unexpected ways to release built-up tension (yes, throw pillows are involved).
• Reflecting on how journaling becomes a companion during tough times.
• Embracing the messy, imperfect reality of human emotions.
• Finding clarity and self-compassion through raw expression.

RESOURCES

• Grab a journal from my shop: www.thestreetsofourlives.xyz/shop
• Want a free journal download? Leave a review + get the Apology Avenue Journal: https://www.thestreetsofourlives.xyz/free-journal-download

SUPPORT THE SHOW

• Please leave a rating/review <3
• Buy me a tea: buymeacoffee.com/tsool

CONNECT WITH LINA

Lina's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lina-la-rue/

Lina's Instagram: www.instagram.com/thestreetsofourlives/

Ever feel frustrated when you’re told to “just take a deep breath” or “calm down” when anxiety arises? What if the key isn’t to fix anxiety, but to connect with it in a meaningful way?

In this episode of the Guidance Grove series, we speak to licensed therapist, Gabrielle Gonzalez, to explore an approach that doesn’t seek to erase anxiety but instead embraces it with wisdom and compassion.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Discover why traditional advice like “take a deep breath” may miss the point for anxious individuals.
• Learn about the concept of “connection over correction” and how it can transform your relationship with anxiety.
• Hear how simple shifts in body awareness can naturally calm the nervous system without force.
• Find out why embracing opposing emotions, like anxiety and confidence, can bring balance and intentionality to your actions.
• Experience the power of guided movement and visualization.
• A powerful moment where Lina embodies the "carefree" part of herself, showing how connection with emotions can lead to physical relaxation.
• Explore how the body’s intelligence often surpasses the brain’s control and what this means for calming anxious sensations.
• Listen to relatable stories and practical tips from Gaby, who brings her personal experience with anxiety into powerful therapeutic insights.

GUEST INFO

Check out Gaby's website: www.mindfulrevampinc.com/

Follow Gaby on Instagram: www.instagram.com/therapywithgaby/

Get her FREE Emotional Processing Guide here: www.mindfulrevampinc.com/free-guide

MORE RESOURCES

• Somatic Exercises for Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide to Calming Your Mind and Body: neurolaunch.com/somatic-exercises-for-anxiety/
• Definition of "Emote": psychology-lexicon.com/cms/glossary/38-glossary-e/11233-emote.html

SUPPORT THE SHOW

• Please leave a rating/review <3
• Grab a journal from my shop: www.thestreetsofourlives.xyz/shop
• Buy me a tea: buymeacoffee.com/tsool

CONNECT WITH LINA

Lina's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lina-la-rue/

Lina's Instagram: www.instagram.com/thestreetsofourlives/

Have you ever felt like you're regressing when life is supposed to be moving forward?

In this episode of Diary Detours, I’m sharing a diary entry and poem I wrote after I turned 30. It’s a journey into the emotions of feeling stuck, scared, and regressing—but also an opportunity to heal old wounds. Maybe you’ve felt this way, too.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Reflecting on turning 30 and feeling like I'm regressing emotionally
• Recounting a difficult year with big life changes and suppressed emotions
• Living in a situation that echoes childhood fears of criticism and invisibility
• Understanding how childhood survival instincts still affect me as an adult
• Finding blessings within life’s challenges

RESOURCES:

• Journals to help you day to day

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Please leave a review or rating so others can find the show!
• Grab a journal from my shop!
• Want to make a small donation? (Buy me a tea!)

CONNECT WITH THE HOST:

• Let's connect on LinkedIn!
• Let's connect on Instagram!

Ever had your heart race, but not from excitement, love, or adrenaline?

What if it’s more like being in survival mode, constantly on edge, waiting for the next shoe to drop? In this episode of Diary Detours, I read a personal diary entry that captures the raw, physical sensation of fear and hypervigilance. This is for anyone who has ever felt like prey in their own life.

MEMORABLE QUOTES:

• "It’s crazy how I still walk on eggshells around you. How I’m afraid to breathe around you."
• "This is the heartbeat of an animal in the wild…an animal who is scared for their life."
• "I live in survival mode. Not knowing when you’re going to attack."

RESOURCES:

• Journals to help you day to day

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Please leave a review or rating so others can find the show!
• Grab a journal from my shop!
• Want to make a small donation? (Buy me a tea!)

CONNECT WITH THE HOST:

• Let's connect on LinkedIn!
• Let's connect on Instagram!

Have you ever wished for an apology that might never come?

In this episode of Apology Avenue, we hear a powerful letter from a father to his daughter, where he confronts his deepest regrets about failing to protect his children. Through his words, we explore the devastating consequences of his silence and cowardice.

(*Remember: In this series, we are reading apology letters we have written to ourselves from the person who has hurt us. This is a journaling practice.)

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• A father’s heartfelt apology to his daughter for allowing abuse in their home.
• The father's admission of fearing failure and judgment, leading to poor decisions.
• How his silence and inaction allowed his wife’s abusive behavior to go unchecked.
• The father’s realization of the long-term impact on his children’s lives.
• His deep guilt over his son’s death and his belief that he is to blame.
• The father's acknowledgment of his hypocrisy as a church elder versus his failures at home.
• His plea for his daughter to not lose faith in Christ despite his own failures.
• The father’s expression of love and sorrow, understanding if his daughter can never forgive him.

RESOURCES:

• Journals to help you day to day
• Apology Avenue journal (letter-writing journal)
• Want to submit your own letter to the show?

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Please leave a review or rating so others can find the show!
• Grab a journal from my shop!
• Want to make a small donation? (Buy me a Coffee link)

CONNECT WITH THE HOST:

• Let's connect on LinkedIn!
• Let's connect on Instagram!

Have you ever considered that your career can become part of your identity? What would happen if you decided to leave that career? Would it be like losing a part of yourself? Today's guest, Michelle, explains what it was like when her husband dealt with depression after retiring from the Army. She also describes what it's like to be a military spouse.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Being denied health care by the Veterans Affairs
• What the Transition Assistance Program is REALLY like for retiring servicemembers
• Her husband's first therapy experience - it didn't go well
• Finding out she was pregnant with their second child
• Living like two strangers under the same roof
• Why Michelle decided to put herself into therapy
• How things started to improve for their marriage
• Trauma bonding in the military
• The struggles of being a military spouse
• The importance of personal development
• Michelle's nonprofit and how they help veterans
• The importance of being a part of a supportive community

GUEST INFO:

Veteran Help Point website

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn

Connect with Michelle on Instagram

MENTIONED RESOURCES:

More stories about VA failures

More info about the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

Sign the form to pass the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Please leave a review or rating so others can find the show!
• Grab a journal from my shop!
• Make a small donation (Buy me a Coffee link)

CONNECT WITH THE HOST:

Let's connect on LinkedIn!

Let's connect on Instagram!