Phoenix Wisdom: inspiring stories of transformation and triumph over suicidal ideation

About Phoenix Wisdom: inspiring stories of transformation and triumph over suicidal ideation

A weekly podcast talking to peers and professionals who open up about their darkest moments when they felt like ending it all, why they didn't, and how they transformed their lives and triumphed over the darkness and despair. More than just a podcast, it's a place where you meet others who have been where you are now, who have survived and are now thriving. It's a place to feel inspired, encouraged, supported and understood. A place for hope. Hosted by Janet Sandberg, a mental health advocate, reiki master teacher, author, and someone who knows that it gets better.

Publisher

Janet Sandberg

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

3 May 2023

Latest episode

27 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

116 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Nov 2025

   #114 - Keeping it Real with Jennifer Ragazzo

   "I started to love myself more." - Jennifer Ragazzo In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host ⁠Janet Sandberg⁠ (https://janetsandberg.com) speaks with ⁠Jennifer Ragazzo⁠ (https://www.jenniferragazzo.com/), a Soul-Aligned Wellness Coach with a background in psychology, teaching, and coaching, who blends deep emotional and spiritual work with functional health to help women heal from the inside out. With expertise in Integrative Nutrition, Applied Functional Medicine, and Naturopathy, she goes beyond symptom management to address subconscious patterns, unprocessed trauma, and energetic blocks. Through her Vibrant Rise Functional Wellness programs, she guides women in midlife to reconnect with their bodies, reclaim vitality, and embrace healing as an act of divine alignment.Jennifer shares her transformative journey through mental health struggles, healing, and personal growth. Jennifer discusses her early experiences with anxiety and depression, the impact of her childhood, and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace holistic wellness practices. She highlights the importance of nutrition, lifestyle changes, and the support of mentors in her healing process. Jennifer also reflects on the loss of her mentor and how that experience shaped her understanding of hope and purpose in life. Your host, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janet Sandberg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://janetsandberg.com), offers support for mind, body, and soul. Through Reiki, channelled Soul Conversations, and trauma-informed coaching, she helps you discover who you are, why you’re here, what’s holding you back, and how to move forward with confidence and clarity. With a deep commitment to mental health and her own lived experience in grief, resilience, and personal growth, Janet creates a safe, compassionate space for insight, healing, and transformation that is available to everyone, regardless of location. Janet is also the author of the journal, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spirit Would Like You to Know⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Would-Like-You-Know/dp/1982253878): a coloring journal to explore your soul. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free discovery session with Janet⁠⁠ (https://janetsandberg.as.me/discovery) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healing Journeys 02:39 The Path to Wellness Coaching 05:19 Childhood Influences and Early Struggles 08:15 Navigating Mental Health Challenges 11:11 The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle 13:39 The Journey of Motherhood and Mental Health 16:28 Breaking the Cycle of Family Patterns 19:15 The Dark Night of the Soul 21:49 Finding Support and Guidance 24:40 Transformation Through Coaching 27:14 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity 30:31 Confronting Limiting Beliefs 33:03 Tracking Self-Deprecating Thoughts 36:20 Transforming the Inner Critic 38:19 Navigating Grief and Loss 46:41 Finding Purpose in Pain 50:18 Healing Through MDMA Journeys Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories. Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://instagram.com/phoenix.wisdom.podcast) and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://youtube.com/@phoenixwisdompodcast). ***** In Crisis? Canada: Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988 In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it. If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency. USA: Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 911 in life-threatening situations. Keywords: mental health, coaching, trauma, healing, self-care, empowerment, gratitude, suicide prevention, suicidal ideation, inspiration, hope, transformation, inspiring wisdom, inspiring transformation, spirituality, personal growth, depression, anxiety, self-discovery, dark night of the soul, vulnerability, MDMA

2. 

   19 Nov 2025

   #113 - Body of Armor with Geena Hymer

   "I built myself a body of armor." - Geena Hymer In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg (https://janetsandberg.com) speaks with Geena Hymer (https://geenahymer.com)about her journey through trauma, binge eating disorder, and the path to recovery. Geena shares her experiences from childhood, including the impact of her parents' divorce and subsequent trauma, leading to her reliance on food for comfort. She discusses the challenges of navigating relationships, trust issues, and the development of self-harm behaviors. Geena emphasizes the importance of seeking help, the role of medical interventions, and the ongoing journey of recovery. The conversation highlights the significance of support systems and the need for understanding and compassion in addressing mental health issues. Geena Hymer helps teens & women struggling with past trauma navigate damaging food habits to shed their armor of protection to stop the cycle of being physically and spiritually malnourished in order to find healing and be intentional with how they feed their mind, body and soul.Geena wroter her first memoir on the subject of binge eating disorder and suicidality that both had a firm grip on her from age 9 to 28. She is 19 years released from the darkness of self harm and 10 years into her binge eating disorder recovery. Your host, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janet Sandberg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://janetsandberg.com), offers support for mind, body, and soul. Through Reiki, channelled Soul Conversations, and trauma-informed coaching, she helps you discover who you are, why you’re here, what’s holding you back, and how to move forward with confidence and clarity. With a deep commitment to mental health and her own lived experience in grief, resilience, and personal growth, Janet creates a safe, compassionate space for insight, healing, and transformation that is available to everyone, regardless of location. Janet is also the author of the journal, ⁠⁠⁠Spirit Would Like You to Know⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Would-Like-You-Know/dp/1982253878): a coloring journal to explore your soul. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free discovery session with Janet⁠ (https://janetsandberg.as.me/discovery) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 01:31 Early Struggles and the Path to Eating Disorders 05:04 The Impact of Trauma and Isolation 08:30 Building a Body of Armor 11:01 Turning Points and Seeking Help 14:12 The Road to Recovery 17:07 Facing Societal Pressures and Stigma 20:33 Advice for Those Struggling 25:39 Conclusion and Hope for the Future Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories. Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://instagram.com/phoenix.wisdom.podcast) and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://youtube.com/@phoenixwisdompodcast). ***** In Crisis? Canada: Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988 In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it. If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency. USA: Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 911 in life-threatening situations. Keywords: mental health, coaching, trauma, healing, self-care, empowerment, gratitude, suicide prevention, suicidal ideation, inspiration, hope, transformation, inspiring wisdom, inspiring transformation, binge eating, recovery, self-harm, support, resilience, trust, life coaching

3. 

   12 Nov 2025

   #112 - The Power of Gratitude with Robin Houser

   "Life is heavy and it's hard." - Robin Hauser In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg (https://janetsandberg.com) speaks with Robin Houser (https://www.robinlhousercoaching.com/), who has been a mental health provider for over 20 years and a Self-Leadership coach for the past 5 years. She was adopted, grew up in a family with mental health issues, has a history with sexual abuse, is divorced, and conceived her first born child out of date rape. She works with women to heal trauma histories through personal and professional knowledge. In this episode, Robin talks about her journey through trauma, healing, and empowerment. Robin shares her extensive background in mental health, her transition from therapy to coaching, and the personal struggles that shaped her understanding of healing. The conversation delves into the impact of trauma on identity, the challenges of motherhood and loss, and the importance of self-care and boundaries. Robin emphasizes the role of nature in her healing process and the significance of finding one's own strength amidst adversity. The episode concludes with insights on the journey of self-discovery and the importance of support in healing. Your host, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janet Sandberg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://janetsandberg.com), offers support for mind, body, and soul. Through Reiki, channelled Soul Conversations, and trauma-informed coaching, she helps you discover who you are, why you’re here, what’s holding you back, and how to move forward with confidence and clarity. With a deep commitment to mental health and her own lived experience in grief, resilience, and personal growth, Janet creates a safe, compassionate space for insight, healing, and transformation that is available to everyone, regardless of location. Janet is also the author of the journal, ⁠⁠Spirit Would Like You to Know⁠⁠ (https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Would-Like-You-Know/dp/1982253878): a coloring journal to explore your soul. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free discovery call with Janet⁠ (https://janetsandberg.as.me/discovery) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Healing 04:07 Robin's Journey in Mental Health Therapy 07:47 The Importance of Healing and Coaching 12:07 Personal Struggles and Overcoming Trauma 18:03 Navigating Relationships and Parenthood 23:47 Life's Challenges and Resilience 25:15 Navigating Personal Healing Amidst Caregiving 32:45 The Importance of Boundaries and Self-Care 38:30 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 46:31 Finding Strength in Vulnerability and Nature Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories. Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://instagram.com/phoenix.wisdom.podcast) and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://youtube.com/@phoenixwisdompodcast). ***** In Crisis? Canada: Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988 In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it. If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency. USA: Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 911 in life-threatening situations. Keywords: mental health, coaching, trauma, healing, self-care, motherhood, relationships, empowerment, nature, boundaries, gratitude, date rape, suicide prevention, suicidal ideation, inspiration, hope, transformation, inspiring wisdom, inspiring transformation

Who has been a guest on Phoenix Wisdom: inspiring stories of transformation and triumph over suicidal ideation

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Diane Kaufman
• Koya Bakare
• Shuang-Min Chang
• Michael J Tallon
• Michael Tallon

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

1,077

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 79 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

89

Social presence

91

YouTube

68

Engagement

60