Learn From People Who Lived it
Navigating painful life circumstances would be easier if they came with a how-to guide. This podcast writes the book! Our show is all about transformation. Mathew Blades, a seasoned radio and television personality, uses his exceptional interview skills to guide individuals in sharing their challenging stories. With the support of our in-house psychologist and psychiatrist, we explore the patterns and strategies that enabled these individuals to transform their lives from a difficult phase to a thriving one.
Episodes

Monday Dec 01, 2025
What is a Moral Injury? Quick Tips
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
What is a Moral Injury - and How does it take a toll?
One of the most striking aspects of Matthew's story is his emphasis on moral injury, a concept that's often overlooked in traditional PTSD treatment. As Dr. Dave, our resident psychiatrist, explained, moral injury occurs when someone witnesses or participates in actions that violate their deeply held moral beliefs. This can leave lasting scars that are difficult to heal without proper support and understanding.
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Connect with Mathew Blades:
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/
Additional Credits:
LFPWLI is managed by IMS LLC

Monday Nov 24, 2025
Transforming Lives One Swing at a Time with Matt McDonell
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Healing Through Golf
Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Matt McDonell, founder of Next 18, to explore the complex interplay of childhood trauma, military service, and mental health.
Key highlights include:
• Matt's military experience and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life
• The creation of Next 18, a golf-based program supporting veterans' mental health
• Insights into moral injury and its role in hindering healing
Through candid discussions and expert insights, this episode provides a roadmap for those grappling with trauma, offering hope and practical strategies for healing. McDonell's powerful statement, "I feel like I have my soul back," encapsulates the transformative potential of addressing deep-seated emotional wounds.
Whether you're a veteran, first responder, or anyone dealing with past trauma, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the journey to reclaiming one's life and finding purpose beyond pain.
Visit Matt here: https://next18.org
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Connect with Mathew Blades:
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/
Additional Credits:
LFPWLI is managed by IMS LLC

Monday Nov 17, 2025
Breaking Free from the "Good Girl" religious trap Crissy Powers, quick Tips
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
If I only had you for five minutes, what would I want you to know? That is the very premise behind our QUICK TIPS episodes.
Chrissy's story starts with a familiar tune - the pressure to be the "good girl" in a strict religious household. Sound familiar? Many of us grow up thinking we need to fit into a specific mold to be worthy of love and acceptance. But here's the kicker:
I grew up with a specific theology called Calvinist theology, where they teach you that you are bad, you are sinful, you are wicked and evil, and that you can't trust yourself, that the only good thing in you is Jesus.
This belief system left Chrissy feeling disconnected from her true self, constantly striving for approval and battling with the fear of being "bad." It's a struggle many of us can relate to, whether we grew up in a religious household or not.
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Connect with Mathew Blades:
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/
Additional Credits:
LFPWLI is managed by IMS LLC

Monday Nov 10, 2025
Monday Nov 10, 2025
This week, Mathew Blades and Cortney McDermott sit down with Chrissy Powers, a therapist in San Diego. We explore the complex journey of healing from religious trauma and finding authentic self-acceptance.
Chrissy shares her raw, personal story of growing up in a high-control religious environment and the profound impact it had on her sense of self-worth and mental health.
You'll hear:
• How early exposure to strict religious teachings can lead to long-lasting trauma and disembodiment
• The challenges and triumphs of leaving organized religion and deconstructing deeply ingrained beliefs
• Innovative approaches to healing, including therapy, psychedelic-assisted treatments, and embodiment practices
Chrissy's journey from constant self-doubt to self-acceptance is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. She recounts her experiences with ketamine therapy and cannabis-assisted sessions, emphasizing the importance of guided support and integration work in these alternative healing methods.
"My number one tool would be don't do it alone. Find someone or a therapist or a coach who's been through it that you trust. That's also going to help you pay attention to your body, not theirs, not their story, your body." - Chrissy
Whether you're grappling with religious trauma, seeking to understand a loved one's experience, or simply interested in the intersection of spirituality and mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and a message of hope for those on the path to self-discovery and healing.
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Connect with Mathew Blades:
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/
Additional Credits:
LFPWLI is managed by IMS LLC







