Episodes

Food, Emotions & Mental Well-being Food is more than just fuel—it’s tied to emotions, memories, and overall well-being. Ryan Turner highlights how strict food rules can harm mental health, especially for those with limited access to nutritious meals. Empowerment Through Nutrition Ryan’s missio…

The Alter’d Life Podcast explores the dynamics between father and son, Randy and Mike Lifshotz, examining their relationship. It looks into the values, lessons, and traits passed down through generations. The conversation highlights the impact of Randy’s father on his life. It also explores how Ran…

Can your mind reshape your body image? 🤔 Bridgette Ugarte shares her journey to self-acceptance and overcoming insecurities. Discover the power of human connection! 00:00 The Gut-Brain Connection 01:57 Meet Bridgette Ugarte 03:14 Bridgette’s Early Life 07:32 Navigating Cultural Changes 11:4…

This episode explores the power of deep human connection in healing, as seen through TJ Woodward’s journey from despair to helping others unlock their potential. From a loving childhood to emotional withdrawal and substance use, TJ’s story highlights the challenges of sobriety, the struggle for sel…

The episode explores misconceptions about mental illness, particularly the false link to violence, which limits access to support. Mental health advocate and author **Linea Johnson** shares her experiences, including hospitalizations for suicidal ideation and psychosis, and highlights the power of …

In Season 3, Episode 1 of the **Alter’d Life Podcast**, artist and musician **Vo Williams** shares his journey in creating “epic hip hop,” a unique genre blending orchestral rock and hip hop, often featured in film trailers. Influenced by **Hans Zimmer** and **Jay-Z**, Vo describes his music as a m…

In this episode of Alter’d Life, Michael Castanon welcomes Niloufar Nekou and Katarena Arger to discuss the transformative power of building trust within a team. They delve into the importance of understanding the why behind their work, embracing vulnerability, and maintaining constant communicatio…

In this episode of Alter’d Life, Glenn Hadley and Camille Reid from Unlock Health discuss their personal and professional journeys. Glenn shares how his solitary tennis career transitioned into a supportive community, while Camille reflects on overcoming a turbulent youth through connection and men…

In this episode of Alter’d Life, Johnny Crowder, the founder of Cope Notes, shares his powerful journey of overcoming mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts, and trauma through the transformative power of forgiveness, resilience, and human connection. He discusses his pivotal realization about…

In this episode of Alter’d Life, Michael is joined by Greer Van Dyck, a leader in organizational health coaching with a focus on supporting working parents. Greer discusses the importance of creating a nurturing corporate environment for mothers, addressing the loneliness and identity crisis that c…

In this episode, we explore the contrasting yet converging paths of Robert and Devon. Robert's childhood was spent in the harsh deserts of California where, despite the picturesque activities of hiking, fishing, and shooting, he was shielded from a tumultuous home life marked by violence. As the el…

About to enroll in studying for her doctorate, Jocelyn had to make a big decision when faced with the financial reality of the loans she would have to take out. Looking for work, she got exposed to the mortgage industry and quickly realized there was something there that she was looking for. …

The power of human connection is present in Kacie and Solome’s working relationship. They can be real with each other and grow from the experience - realizing that authenticity and transparency triumphs - the ability to call each other out and disagree without losing sight of the bigger mission.…

In this way, Dean and Brian have built a lifelong connection that has enabled both of them to give far more to others than they could have possibly done alone. It’s a part of both of their missions today which is to spread awareness of the power of these kind of connections -

On today’s episode of Alterd Life with Michael Castanon we’re going to be talking about recovery. More specifically, measuring recovery. How do you measure the trajectory of someone’s life?

Drugs don't know your social status, nationality or the color of your skin -- they don't discriminate. Janice Hardman was living a life she later recalls that she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy. At 52, after burning every bridge in her life, Janice was desperate to once and for all get cl…

On this special episode of the Alter'd Life Podcast, we tackle the topic of higher education head on as your host, Michael Castanon interviews one of the Founders of the newly formed Hildegard College, Dr. Matthew Smith, and one of Hildegard’s first students, Nicole Parker. Hildegard’s promise i…

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast, Michael Castanon engages in a deep conversation with licensed therapist Kimia Anderson and her client, B. The episode delves into the importance of clear boundaries in therapy, the strategic use of self-disclosure by therapists, and the journey of healin…

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast, Michael Castanon delves into a compelling conversation between therapist Kimia Anderson and her client, B, exploring the transformative power of trust and authenticity in their therapeutic relationship. Through their genuine connection, they navigate add…

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast, Michael Castanon delves into a captivating conversation between Dave Gilbert, a technology evangelist and executive coach, and his mentee, Christopher Steiner, a real estate executive. The conversation revolves around the profound impact of human connect…

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast, in a heartfelt conversation with technology evangelist and executive coach, Dave Gilbert, alongside his mentee, Christopher Steiner, Vice President of Acquisitions for 29th Street Capital, they explore the transformational journey of mentorship, focusing…

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast, host Michael Castanon engages in a heartfelt conversation with Cole Dyar, the Executive Director of Mental Health Network at Northbound Treatment Services, and Samantha Colicchio, Creative Director at SouthSwell Digital Marketing. They explore the intric…

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast, Michael Castanon delves into the profound journey of mental health and the power of diagnosis. Join him in a candid conversation with Samantha Colicchio, who recently opened up about her diagnosis of Relationship OCD (ROCD) in an article for the Huffingt…

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast, Michael Castanon engages in a heartwarming conversation with Bruce Finucan. The episode revolves around the theme of turning adversity into opportunity, with Bruce's personal journey serving as a backdrop. Despite being a natural introvert, Bruce foun…