• Butler's Babble Episode #25 Derrick McManus
    Sep 30 2024

    Derrick McManus, a former South Australian police officer, shares his story of resilience and survival. After joining the police force, he eventually joined the special task and rescue group (also known as STAR). Derrick became a sniper, a diver, and trained with the SAS in counter-terrorism. He served with STAR for 11 years out of his 42-year police career. He shares his experience of being shot 14 times during a mission. He describes the events leading up to the shooting and the injuries he sustained. Despite being shot multiple times, McManus remained calm and focused on controlling panic and shock. After three hours, backup arrived and he was rescued.

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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Butler's Babble Episode #24 Julia Pearce
    Sep 16 2024

    Julia Pearce shares her personal journey of raising her son Dallin who had multiple disabilities. Sudden onset of his seizures, Dallin showed resilience and determination, relearning skills after each seizure. The cause of his seizures remains unknown, but Julia and her family continued to support him and celebrate his audacity to keep going. He lived his life to the fullest and inspired others with his strength and positivity until his untimely passing a month before his 22nd birthday. Original Video version of this podcast can be found at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Butler's Babble Episode #23 - Christine Levesque
    May 14 2024

    Christine Levesque shares her journey from a troubled childhood to becoming an advocate for autism awareness and support. Christine faced challenges in school due to language barriers. As a teenager, she experienced homelessness and couch-surfed to survive. Despite these hardships, Christine was determined to finish high school and pursue a better life. She eventually moved to Niagara Falls, where she faced a life-altering bus accident that left her bedridden and struggling with mental health issues. Christine's life took another turn when her son was diagnosed with severe autism, leading her to become an advocate for autism services and support. She overcame her own struggles with postpartum depression and isolation to fight for her son's rights and the rights of other families affected by autism.

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Butler's Babble Episode #22 - Elizabeth Manley
    Apr 9 2024

    Elizabeth shares her journey as a figure skater and the challenges she faced, including her coach's departure and personal struggles. She talks about the opportunity to train in Lake Placid and the difficult living conditions she experienced. Elizabeth opens up about her mental health issues and the stigma surrounding it. She discusses the intense training and loneliness she felt during that time. Elizabeth also shares a funny story from her experience at Nationals. In this conversation, Elizabeth Manley, an Olympic silver medalist in figure skating, shares her journey of overcoming mental health challenges and finding success. She discusses the cutthroat nature of figure skating and the rise of the sport's popularity. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of empowering and inspiring others, particularly in the context of mental health. She highlights the impact of mental health on performance and the need for support in the sports industry. Elizabeth also shares her personal experiences with online bullying and the power of words and support. She encourages individuals to pursue their passions and prioritize their mental health.

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Butler's Babble Episode #21 - Tabatha Thorell
    Mar 19 2024

    Tabatha shares her childhood experiences growing up in Nebraska. She also discusses her mother's chronic illness and the impact it had on her family. She opens up about her sister’s mental health struggles, including her battle with addiction and bipolar disorder. Tabatha shares her experiences and the impact it had on her family. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and putting up walls to protect herself and her family. Despite the challenges, Tabatha highlights the transformation and belief that can come from facing adversity.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Butler's Babble Episode #20 - Krista Buckingham
    Mar 5 2024

    Krista Buckingham discusses her health issues, including sleeping disorders, eating problems, and weight issues. She also shares her educational journey, health setbacks. Krista describes her experience of being bedridden for 14 years and her determination to find answers and improve her health. She talks about the challenges of getting off painkillers and the importance of finding alternative solutions for managing symptoms. She offers advice for people with EDS or similar conditions, emphasizing the importance of research, physical activity, and finding what works for individual health.

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    56 mins
  • Butler's Babble Episode #19 - Selina Hinojosa
    Feb 10 2024

    John talks with Selina Hinojosa about her addictions with alcohol and drugs which started at an early age until well into her 30's. Find out how she was able to kick the habits and come out stronger physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Butler's Babble Episode #18 - Aubrey Johnston
    Feb 10 2024

    Aubrey Johnston was diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) at 19 years old which left her extremely sick, depressed, and anxious. Not long after she found she also had an interstitial lung disease called GLILD. Find out how Aubrey was able to maintain a relationship, graduate with a college degree and take her life back.

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    1 hr and 5 mins