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From Dark To Light: Stories of Resilience

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by Julie Crawford

5.0(1 reviews)
13 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview

Welcome to From Dark to Light, a podcast that shares powerful stories of resilience, healing, and hope. Each episode features conversations with people who have walked through unimaginable struggles—loss, trauma, illness, and adversity—and found a way to rise, rebuild, and thrive. Inspired by my late mother's incredible strength through tragedy and hardship, this channel is dedicated to proving that even in our darkest moments, there is always a light to be found. My guests open up about their journeys, the lessons they've learned, and the wisdom they carry for others walking through their own battles. Whether you're searching for inspiration, encouragement, or simply a reminder that you are not alone—this is a space for truth, compassion, and transformation.

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Publishing Since

11/3/2025

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for He Was Called "It" | How Dave Pelzer Turned Trauma Into Healing and Purpose

February 5, 2026

He Was Called "It" | How Dave Pelzer Turned Trauma Into Healing and Purpose

<p>Dave Pelzer is one of the most recognized voices on childhood trauma, resilience, and forgiveness. In this deeply moving episode of From Dark to Light, Dave shares the untold layers behind A Child Called It, not just the abuse he survived, but the mindset, mentors, and moments that saved his life.</p> <p>From enduring extreme childhood abuse and neglect to being rescued by teachers who refused to look away, Dave reflects on identity, shame, survival, and the lifelong work of healing. He speaks openly about forgiveness, breaking generational cycles, faith, service, and why surviving trauma comes with a responsibility to live fully.</p> <p>This episode is not about reliving pain, it's about reclaiming purpose. Dave reminds us that our past does not define us, that happiness is a choice, and that even the smallest acts of kindness can change a life forever.</p> <p>If you've ever struggled with trauma, identity, or believing your life can become more than what you survived, this conversation is for you.</p> <p>🎧 Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for more stories of courage, faith, and resilience and help us shine light into the darkest places.<br /> <br /> 🌿 Follow From Dark To Light Podcast for more conversations on healing, resilience, and finding peace after pain:<br /> 👉YouTube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@FromDarktolightpodcast">http://www.youtube.com/@FromDarktolightpodcast<br /> </a>👉 Facebook: <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_fromdarktolightpodcast&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=P0nB2r4khbJyrbcIwqMIs53L2bZQgMclLuqi1qTyFu8&m=TPWDlTRsfWejinDxIk4i8BoX4XJrdB4AMrNv7DgGULLFsdfeW1HO1Xvo3XZrmtEd&s=o4CJ-WvkGy45Xh2PRDR-q3N5Kao1l_5qNijyrsjPoFk&e="> https://www.facebook.com/fromdarktolightpodcast<br /></a>👉 Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fromdarktolightpodcast">https://www.instagram.com/fromdarktolightpodcast<br /> </a>👉 TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@fromdarktolightpodcast">https://www.tiktok.com/@fromdarktolightpodcast<br /> </a>👉 LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-crawford-3b2372206/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-crawford-3b2372206/<br /> <br /></a>🌿Connect and follow Dave Pelzer<br /> 👉Website: <a href="https://www.davepelzer.com/index.html">https://www.davepelzer.com/index.html<br /> </a>👉 Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044700194901">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044700194901<br /> <br /> <br /></a>🎙️ Have a story to share? We'd love to feature you on From Dark to Light!<br /> Fill out the form here:<br /> <a href="https://c47films.com/podcast-guest-submissions-from-dark-to-light/"> https://c47films.com/podcast-guest-submissions-from-dark-to-light/</a></p> <p><br /> 00:00 Meeting Dave Pelzer and the impact of A Child Called It<br /> 05:32 Childhood abuse, identity loss, and becoming "the boy"<br /> 11:48 The moment Dave realized he had to save himself<br /> 18:02 Teachers who noticed and the rescue that saved his life<br /> 25:20 Living with shame, hunger, and survival instincts<br /> 32:40 Foster care, mentors, and learning what safety felt like<br /> 40:18 Forgiveness, especially toward his father<br /> 47:05 "You survived for a reason" choosing happiness<br /> 54:10 Service, gratitude, and doing good every day<br /> 01:01:05 A final message of hope, purpose, and resilience<br /> <br /> If today's episode stirred something in you, let it be a reminder that survival is not the end of the story. Healing is possible. Purpose can be reclaimed. And even after profound darkness, light can grow stronger than you ever imagined. You are not alone and your story is still unfolding.<br /> <br /> #FromDarkToLight #DavePelzer #AChildCalledIt #HealingFromTrauma #ChildAbuseSurvivor #BreakingGenerationalCycles #ForgivenessAndHealing #ResilienceStories #FaithAndHope #MentalHealthAwareness #HumanSpirit #TraumaRecovery</p> <p> </p>

Episode thumbnail for She Grew Up in Chaos and Built Systems That Save Lives | Kirsten VanderJagt's Story | From Dark To Light | Ep 12

January 15, 2026

She Grew Up in Chaos and Built Systems That Save Lives | Kirsten VanderJagt's Story | From Dark To Light | Ep 12

<p>Some stories are not just about surviving. They are about what someone chooses to do with the pain they were handed.<br /> <br /> In this episode of From Dark To Light, Julie sits down with Kirsten Vanderjagt, who grew up surrounded by homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and constant instability. After attending over a dozen schools and experiencing foster care and profound family loss, Kirsten shares how one advocate changed the trajectory of her life and helped her choose purpose over despair.</p> <p>This raw and deeply human conversation explores childhood trauma, generational patterns, forgiveness, and why people raised in the same home can end up on very different paths. Kirsten also shares the mission behind Katie's House Foundation and the Shelter Registry, created to bring safety, transparency, and accountability to shelters and recovery housing. A powerful reminder that darkness does not define destiny and that healing can become a force for change.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p>🎧 Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for more stories of courage, faith, and resilience and help us shine light into the darkest places.<br /> <br /> 🌿 Follow From Dark To Light Podcast for more conversations on healing, resilience, and finding peace after pain:<br /> 👉YouTube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@FromDarktolightpodcast">http://www.youtube.com/@FromDarktolightpodcast<br /> </a>👉 Facebook: <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_fromdarktolightpodcast&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=P0nB2r4khbJyrbcIwqMIs53L2bZQgMclLuqi1qTyFu8&m=TPWDlTRsfWejinDxIk4i8BoX4XJrdB4AMrNv7DgGULLFsdfeW1HO1Xvo3XZrmtEd&s=o4CJ-WvkGy45Xh2PRDR-q3N5Kao1l_5qNijyrsjPoFk&e="> https://www.facebook.com/fromdarktolightpodcast<br /></a>👉 Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fromdarktolightpodcast">https://www.instagram.com/fromdarktolightpodcast<br /> </a>👉 TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@fromdarktolightpodcast">https://www.tiktok.com/@fromdarktolightpodcast<br /> </a>👉 LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-crawford-3b2372206/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-crawford-3b2372206/<br /> <br /></a>🌿Connect and follow Kirsten VanderJagt<br /> 👉Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/privatemoney.hardmoney.live.love.thrive/"> https://www.facebook.com/privatemoney.hardmoney.live.love.thrive/<br /> </a>👉LibkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenvanderjagt/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenvanderjagt/<br /> <br /></a>🎙️ Have a story to share? We'd love to feature you on From Dark to Light!<br /> Fill out the form here:<br /> <a href="https://c47films.com/podcast-guest-submissions-from-dark-to-light/"> https://c47films.com/podcast-guest-submissions-from-dark-to-light/</a></p> <p><br /> 00:00 Growing up surrounded by instability<br /> 05:10 Childhood homelessness and frequent moves<br /> 10:45 Divorce, addiction, and family separation<br /> 15:30 Calling Child Protective Services and the aftermath<br /> 20:55 Becoming the caretaker too young<br /> 26:40 Why siblings from the same home take different paths<br /> 32:15 The advocate who changed everything<br /> 38:30 Losing her mother and choosing forgiveness<br /> 44:10 Why Katie's House Foundation was created<br /> 50:20 Building systems that protect lives</p> <p><br /> 💬 Kirsten's story reminds us that where we come from does not determine where we are going. Trauma may shape us, but it does not have to define us. When pain is met with courage, accountability, and compassion, it can become a catalyst for real and lasting change.<br /> <br /> #FromDarkToLight #ChildhoodTrauma #HealingJourney #TraumaToPurpose #BreakingGenerationalCycles #AdvocacyAndHope #MentalHealthStories #Resilience #NonprofitLeadership #RealLifeTestimony</p> <p> </p>

Episode thumbnail for How Faith and Strength Carried Her Through Life's Hardest Season | From Dark To Light | Episode 11

January 5, 2026

How Faith and Strength Carried Her Through Life's Hardest Season | From Dark To Light | Episode 11

<p>In this deeply moving episode of From Dark to Light, we sit down with Chasitey Kyle, a mother, widow, and survivor who has faced unimaginable loss. At 34, she lost her husband with five young children at home. After finding love again, she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy—who tragically passed just 18 days later.</p> <p>Through faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her family, Chasitey has turned her pain into purpose. She shares her story to encourage anyone navigating grief, heartbreak, or overwhelming life challenges. From finding strength in faith to leaning on community and small daily steps, her journey offers hope, inspiration, and practical wisdom.</p> <p>Whether you're facing loss, seeking healing, or looking for encouragement to keep moving forward, this conversation reminds us all that we are never alone and that light can emerge even from the darkest times.</p> <p>🎧 Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for more stories of courage, faith, and resilience and help us shine light into the darkest places.<br /> <br /> 🌿 Follow From Dark To Light Podcast for more conversations on healing, resilience, and finding peace after pain:<br /> 👉YouTube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@FromDarktolightpodcast">http://www.youtube.com/@FromDarktolightpodcast<br /> </a> 👉 Facebook: <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_fromdarktolightpodcast&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=P0nB2r4khbJyrbcIwqMIs53L2bZQgMclLuqi1qTyFu8&m=TPWDlTRsfWejinDxIk4i8BoX4XJrdB4AMrNv7DgGULLFsdfeW1HO1Xvo3XZrmtEd&s=o4CJ-WvkGy45Xh2PRDR-q3N5Kao1l_5qNijyrsjPoFk&e="> https://www.facebook.com/fromdarktolightpodcast<br /></a>👉 Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fromdarktolightpodcast">https://www.instagram.com/fromdarktolightpodcast<br /> </a> 👉 TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@fromdarktolightpodcast">https://www.tiktok.com/@fromdarktolightpodcast<br /> </a> 👉 LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-crawford-3b2372206/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-crawford-3b2372206/<br /> <br /></a> 🌿Connect and follow Chasitey Kyle<br /> 👉Instagram: <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.instagram.com_theonlydiannanicole_v&d=DwMDaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=XWWtxeMBktDFQyhAnGIWMNlx7FOj6BBxd4UvFEyFhBA&m=lE5Ru__dXbJv7brzUWbohifwsha2Xtu2Ws_4eoDxU82Qp8ZQDotPT1OpI7GgbWKR&s=fUTY-Dnldcli7VR2wfHLAgXVAlWty3LYzv-f6Rpfc6Y&e="> </a><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.instagram.com_-40chasdrealtor&d=DwMDaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=XWWtxeMBktDFQyhAnGIWMNlx7FOj6BBxd4UvFEyFhBA&m=e-CUNiI29Z-kElhCZFImI-FZVAE3gal7b6yZwrcIl7vL_rT5s9Ke0TJdamMMKBJw&s=gUC8nuuMML7BbrL6Uaa6UfQ8oxBjSCvM-_xxWtrT3nw&e=">https://www.instagram.com/@chasdrealtor<br /> </a> 👉Facebook: <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_chasiteykyle&d=DwMDaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=XWWtxeMBktDFQyhAnGIWMNlx7FOj6BBxd4UvFEyFhBA&m=e-CUNiI29Z-kElhCZFImI-FZVAE3gal7b6yZwrcIl7vL_rT5s9Ke0TJdamMMKBJw&s=FicdOGz9WdWFj8a7p-x_FLlU8dW5zPRoZCwFCaHx8es&e="> https://www.facebook.com/chasiteykyle<br /> <br /></a> 🎙️ Have a story to share? We'd love to feature you on From Dark to Light!<br /> Fill out the form here:<br /> <a href="https://c47films.com/podcast-guest-submissions-from-dark-to-light/"> https://c47films.com/podcast-guest-submissions-from-dark-to-light/</a></p> <p><br /> 00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome<br /> 02:15 – Early Life & Family Foundations<br /> 05:40 – Teen Motherhood & Faith Deepening<br /> 09:30 – Marriage, Love, and Family Life<br /> 13:50 – Husband's Liver Failure Diagnosis<br /> 19:20 – Grieving the Loss of a Spouse<br /> 25:40 – Finding Strength for the Children<br /> 30:15 – Community Support & Unexpected Acts of Kindness<br /> 34:50 – Losing a Child & Experiencing Grief Again<br /> 39:10 – Maintaining Faith & Purpose Amid Tragedy<br /> 43

13 total episodes available

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Frequently asked questions

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What is From Dark To Light: Stories of Resilience?

Welcome to From Dark to Light, a podcast that shares powerful stories of resilience, healing, and hope. Each episode features conversations with people who have walked through unimaginable struggles—loss, trauma, illness, and adversity—and found a way to rise, rebuild, and thrive.

Inspired by my late mother's incredible strength through tragedy and hardship, this channel is dedicated to proving that even in our darkest moments, there is always a light to be found. My guests open up about their journeys, the lessons they've learned, and the wisdom they carry for others walking through their own battles.

Whether you're searching for inspiration, encouragement, or simply a reminder that you are not alone—this is a space for truth, compassion, and transformation.

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Information about guest appearances is not available.

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