Meeting people where they are is the theme that runs through Youturn Health. We do not believe that rock bottom is necessary to receive compassion and hope. Sometimes just an ear to listen will change a person’s trajectory in life.

Add to that a warm cooked Sunday dinner and you have the beginnings of real change. That is exactly what John Martin and his wife Cassandra provide with their non-profit, Sunday Dinner with a Twist. John was once homeless, addicted to drugs and alcohol, and suicidal.

He credits one man and his higher power for his ability to turn his life around and give back to the community. He says if there is one person who will never give up on you, listens, and shows compassion, anything is possible. We are constantly barraged by messages of doom and gloom in the world today, but John and his wife show us the possibility of beautiful outcomes when we stop, listen, show compassion, and even provide a warm meal.

Learn more about their mission here:

Sunday Dinner With A Twist

John Martin | LinkedIn

Fronzie and Mags Roemer are turning grief into action, and with their fierce determination are hoping to give emotional support animals to anyone struggling with a mental health issue. They were able to have a front row seat to witness the positive impact an ESA can have on someone’s life. Although their beloved son and brother Patrick is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in their non-profit aptly named Paws for Patrick.

Paws for Patrick was created to honor the memory of Patrick Roemer through providing support to young people with mental illness through the use of emotional support animals (ESAs) and therapy animals. ?Patrick brought joy to so many people during his short life. His family will always cherish memories of his infectious laugh, heart-warming smile, analytical conversation, authentic creativity, discipline for physical fitness, and especially his love of animals, particularly dogs.

His friends remember him for his sharp and often irreverent wit, his patient and compassionate listening, his loyalty, and fearless competitive nature as witnessed in his participation in wrestling, football, rugby, and obstacle course races.

?Patrick had a very special connection with his animals, particulary his beloved dog, Cici. No matter what was going on in his life, he would find peace, comfort and light when he was with her. After Cici’s quick and unexpected death, Patrick adopted Indy, a Cici lookalike, and planned to have her join him when he entered Colorado State University as a freshman in the fall of 2020. Unfortunately, Patrick struggled with depression and anxiety through most of his young life, and this disease took him from his loved ones at the young age of 18.

Patrick’s mom Fronzie and his sister Mags are commtted to making sure everyone needing as ESA gets one. We hope you will consider donating time and money to this incredible cause that will save lives. To learn more:

Make a Donation | Paws for Patrick

Emotional Support Animals | Paws for Patrick

Host of the award-winning podcast The One You Feed Eric Ziimmer spends an enlightening hour with Rich and Liz. With a deep desire to help others, Eric shares his story from homelessness and heroin addicition to successful behavior coach, writer and podcast host. Discussing his experiences on the road to wellness, listeners will walk away with tangible solutions and steps to take for their own journeys.

The One You Feed, based on an old parable about two wolves at battle within us. With over 600 episodes and over 30 million downloads, the show features conversations with experts across many fields of study about how to create a life that has less suffering and more fulfillment and meaning.

His story and his work have been featured in the media including TedX, Mind Body Green, Elephant Journal, the BBC and Brain Pickings.

About Eric Zimmer – The One You Feed

Eric Zimmer | LinkedIn

Lauren Houck is a Youturn Health Peer Support Specialst who works on the reentry team. Her lived experience allows her to not only empathize with her clients, but forms a bond that is necesary for their success once they are on the outside.

Her story is an example of how our coaches use their struggles and their triumphs to encourage others along a path to a life worth living. Lauren pours her heart out on this episode and will undoubtedly give hope to those still struggling.

All of our peer coaches have lived experience for this reason: Regardless of receiving treatment while incarcerated – and only a small percentage do – individuals re-entering society need support for substance use, mental health, and life in general. This is where a peer coach with lived experience
can make a profound difference.

At Youturn Health we love to hightlight stories that illustrate the resiliance of the human spirit that show us anything is possible. If you are a loved one of someone struggling or someone who thinks they will never find a life in recovery, this podcast is for you. We never give up on someone and you should never give up on yourself. It is never too late. If there is breath, there is hope.

Joshua Villarreal is thriving after a long battle with substance use disorder which landed him behind bars and eventually to a suicide attempt. His story begins with his trying cigarettes and progresses to heroin and meth and eventually to his first arrest. Throughout his journey, he remained true to his love of music which would eventually become his life’s purpose.

At one point in the story, there is a pivital moment that could have dramatically changed Josh’s life forever. Because of a first responder’s empathy and ability to see beyond the stigma of drug addiction, Josh was given an option to spending a life behind bars. He grabbed the opportunity, and has never looked back, showing us that everyone deserves a second chance to turn their lives around.

Kasmira Cryer is someone who saw first-hand the devisivness media can create. Instead of staying in the problem she is committing herself to elevate media and social influence to unite the world! Tara Trantham is a lawyer determined to use her story to create better systems for victims of family violence and mental health issues. This dynamic duo are not only inspiring, they are creating a positive way forward, promoting love and acceptance for all. Follow them both on social media to keep up with their latest projects.

Amanda Kazzy Cryer is a Filmmaker, Social Impact Influencer, Consultant and Strategist. She is committed to elevating voices through social media, film and traditional media, and is passionate about media-driven projects that bring awareness to social issues. Having lived and worked in both developed and developing countries, she has been active in co-creating opportunities to solve problems, shift systems, and activate the inner capacity of leaders to create lasting change.

As a social impact influencer and consultant, Amanda has coached and worked with hundreds of people from all different backgrounds including influencers, leading change makers and emerging changemakers in media, celebrities, community activists, leaders at the United Nations, scientists, philosophers, thought-leaders, TV and Film personalities, Nobel Prize recipients, CEOs, actors, and founders of nonprofits and triple bottom line organizations. Since 2009, Amanda has been practicing the Conscious Full Spectrum Response framework developed by her mentor Dr. Monica Sharma (former Director of Leadership and Capacity Development at the United Nations) in systems shift language and transformative dialogue in media. The CFSR is a unique response model based on extensive application, which simultaneously in time solves problems, illuminates and shifts systems and creates new patterns sourced from individual inner capacity and transformational leadership. This particular model has generated sustainable results worldwide. ?

Amanda was the Project Director for United Global Shift, a non profit that delivers workshops for people engaged in initiatives that make a difference. UGS coaches people on projects that both empower individuals and shift the systems that perpetuate chronic issues such as poverty, discrimination, environmental degradation and war. United Global Shift works with leaders and emerging leaders who want to be at the forefront of positive change. UGS mission statement: We are causing a united global shift in what is possible for humanity, focusing on the environment, entrepreneurship, health and education. A shift from survival and scarcity to possibility and peace. Amanda coached emerging leaders in project management and strategic planning that addressed systemic issues.

?As a filmmaker, Amanda’s productions have included What They Wanted, What They Got, which sold to Showtime; and the multiple award winning, Luz: The Flower of Evil. From 2009 to 2012, she worked with a cohort of Native American actors, including alumni of the Twilight film series, to bring awareness to the water infrastructure issues negatively impacting Indigenous communities across the country. She also worked at Roy Lee’s production company Vertigo Entertainment (Doctor Sleep, It, The Departed, The Lego Movie) and served as a producer on the award-winning short film The Lord of Catan starring Fran Kranz (The Cabin in The Woods,Mass) and Amy Acker (Person of Interest, Angel). She co-founded Do Good Media and 1 Voice World, production companies involved in the development and co-creation of media driven projects that look at what’s possible when we overcome polarization and move towards unity. Amanda’s latest film, Inside Men, highlights personal stories from people whom the prison system has affected in one way or another, the injustices of the prison industrial complex repudiating governmental structures, and private industries that view prisons as a solution to their bottom lines and societal challenges.?

She is a conscious activist for ethical eating, prison reform, mental health, addiction, human trafficking and people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Tara received her B.A. degree in Political Science with a minor in Religious Studies from The University of North Carolina in 1995 where she was involved in various campus organizations. She went on to receive her J.D. degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois, where she was ranked in the Top 15% of her class, on the Dean’s List and received the Dean’s Grant Scholarship. She studied International Comparative Law in Norway, was a Student Advisor and a member of Moot Court Health Law Competition Team along with other campus organizations.

Tara began her career at AGFA Corporation, Healthcare Division, as an Assistant General Counsel in August 2001. In August 2005, she accepted a position as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel with Sherman Financial Group, LLC/Resurgent Capital Services, LLP. She was Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel at Security Finance Corporation of Spartanburg from 2009 to 2012. Tara became the Senior Vice President, Secretary, Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel of World Acceptance Corporation in 2013 to 2018. Tara served as Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary and General Counsel for Heights Finance from 2018 to 2021.

Tara was appointed General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer for Omni Financial until December 2021.In February of 2022, Tara founded her own fractional general counsel company, Rise Legal Team.Tara is an experienced, detail oriented corporate lawyer with excellent litigation and management skills and is a driven team leader. Having over 23 years of experience, Tara is an expert in the financial services industry and specializes in regulatory compliance and risk management, SEC reporting, mergers and acquisitions and licensing issues. Her expertise led to handling the seminal CID from the CFPB in the installment loan industry resulting in a no finding.She is a member of the Georgia Bar, the American Bar Association, and has served on the Board of Directors for American Financial Services Association, Served on the Law Committee with American Financial Services Association (AFSA). Served as Chair of the State and Government Affairs Committee with AFSA. Tara has been very active in her local community as well, serving on the Board of Safe Harbor, the Board of the Greenville Symphony, was a member of the class of 35 Leadership Greenville, Furman Diversity and Inclusion Program, Greenville Professional Women’s Forum, Member of Female Leaders of the Upstate, and spends much of her time volunteering at local organizations.

Tara is married to her husband Jonathan and has one son Christian. She treasures time with her family and loves to watch her son play football. Tara has completed her first book, entitled, “Take Off that Mask, Life Ain’t No Masquerade Ball”, detailing her personal journey from a failed suicide attempt to thriving and living with joy, love and kindness.

Tara Trantham | LinkedIn

Amanda “Kazzy” Cryer | LinkedIn

Camp Hope is a six-nine-month interim housing program located in Houston, Texas. Its solution is to provide peer support, mentor programs, and professional development for America’s warriors and their families. There is no cost for the veteran or their families. The Veterans also have sessions with Licensed Healthcare professionals weekly. There is no other location like it in the United States; to date, 44% of the Veterans have graduated from the Camp Hope program.

Chris Burgess is one of those graduates who is now helping other veterans find a new life by attending Camp Hope.

Chris is a United States Marine Corps combat Veteran with service in Afghanistan. He joined the Marine Corps in 2011 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment where he served as an infantry rifleman, SAW gunner, radio operator, and eventually as a Scout/Radio operator with Scout Sniper Platoon. Deploying to Afghanistan in 2013, Chris participated in numerous raids and counter-narcotics trafficking operations as part of the 2/8 Aerial Raid Force as well as supporting joint and training operations with the Afghan Commandos and Tiger Teams. After discharging in 2015 due to medical issues, he struggled with depression, daily thoughts of suicide, self-imposed isolation, and constant anxiety until 2018 when he found his way to the program at Camp Hope. Since his graduation in the summer of 2019, Chris has been serving his fellow combat Veterans as a member of the Outreach team. He currently works as the Veteran Navigation Manager where he has the opportunity to be the voice on the other end of the line for veterans in need all across the country.
Camp Hope – PTSD Foundation of America | Providing Hope and Healing for the Unseen Wounds of War (ptsdusa.org)
PTSD Foundation of America | Providing Hope and Healing for the Unseen Wounds of War (ptsdusa.org)

According to NCBI suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth aged 10–24 years old. They also found an association between increased social media/internet use and suicide attempts in seven studies.

Nate Randle is on a mission to change these statistics by providing an alternative to a smart phone. As he tells us in this podcast, its about more than just safe tech, it’s about letting these kids know we care and that they are not alone. In a world of 24/7 digital connection, we are raising the lonliest generation.

As CEO of Gabb Wireless, Nate brings years of experience and expertise to the nation’s leading kid-safe tech company.
Nate has held pivotal leadership positions at major companies like Nike, Callaway Golf, Qualtrics, and the Utah Jazz. He joined Gabb in June 2021 as the CMO and took on the CEO role in November 2021.

Nate is a husband and father of four. He places the highest priorities on people and family. His focus on family directly translates into his leadership at Gabb, where protecting kids and encouraging a stronger connection between families are core to the Gabb mission.

Dan Briscoe is President at BuildWitt, which is team of people focused on the heavy civil, mining, and demolition industries. Their services include branding, content, websites, HR & recruiting, and business development consulting.

Dan, along with a team of innovators, including the social media phenom and CEO of BuildWitt, Aaron Witt are making it cool to work in the dirt.

Dan, Liz and Ham talk about the genesis of BuildWitt how they are going to make it a #BetterDirtWorld

BuildWitt hosts several of Youturn Health’s mental health courses on their site to cover what’s called “Safety on the Inside.” Most of their existing videos cover safety from the “outside” – physical safety, job training, etc., so Youturn Health videos help round out their platform as an all-in-one offering to the construction industry.

Ariat Dirt World Summit | Dirt World
Software, Services & Story-telling for the Dirt World | BuildWitt
(1) Dan Briscoe | LinkedIn
(1) Aaron Witt | LinkedIn

Justin, Liz and Hamilton discuss the stigma construction workers face when they need help for their mental health or substance use disorder. He tells his personal story of mental fatigue and how that led to suicidal ideation. He discusses the need for peer support as he sees that as a solution to people feeling like they are alone in their struggles.
Justin’s Full Bio:
Director National EHS, Milwaukee Tool: Mr. Azbill was appointed Director – National
EHS at Milwaukee Tool in July 2021, and is responsible for directing the design, implementation, and maintenance of environmental, safety and health programs. Mr. Azbill provides oversight to ensure compliance with all applicable laws to exceed safety regulations.

He has over 27 years of experience in Safety and Risk Management, having held key management
positions with Kiewit Power, Suffolk Construction, Cannistraro, and Callahan Construction.
Throughout his career, Mr. Azbill has created a reputation of success by leveraging a collaborative
leadership style which has helped him achieve consistent industry-leading results and build successful partnerships that continue to impact the construction industry.

Mr. Azbill has led companies to noticeable safety improvements and increased engagement in incident prevention, fostering a positive safety culture. Evident through his reduction of claims,
incidents, and lost time, as well as increased involvement of subcontractor engagement, he has been honored with notable awards including the OSHA VPPP Star award in 2012 (the first time a VPPP Star award was awarded to a construction job in Region 1), MCAA Milwaukee Tool Safety Professional Award, ESGR DOD Patriot Award, Safety Excellence Award by the NSC, and STEP Award by the ABC.

Mr. Azbill holds several accredited safety certifications and licenses and attended Johnson County Community College, the University of Kansas, and Thomas Edison University. Mr. Azbill is a sitting member on numerous safety advisory boards and serves as a Director at Large for the Construction Industry Alliance of Suicide Prevention.