Episode 31: "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

Christie Geahlen, 40

Pueblo, CO

Recorded: 05/11/2026

While walking along the Pueblo Riverwalk, I stumbled into one of the rawest conversations I’ve had yet.

I met Christie, a Kentucky native sitting alone with a hospital bracelet on her wrist and bags at her feet. What followed was the kind of story you can’t script.

We talk about the loss that changed her life as a teenager, how grief reshaped her relationship with God, and what it’s like carrying depression and mental health struggles from childhood into adulthood.

Christie opens up about being prescribed Zoloft at an early age, surviving a suicide attempt at 12 years old, and spending years functioning as a “high-functioning addict” while still holding jobs and pushing forward through chaos.

Her story stretches across the country — from hitchhiking to Florida after being kicked out, to a stint working for Warner Brothers in Las Vegas.

The conversation doesn’t avoid the darker realities. Christie speaks honestly about a collapsing marriage, living on the streets while waiting for assisted housing, and the deep emotional scars tied to pregnancy loss.

But underneath all of it is a conversation about resilience.

Christie is now studying medical billing and coding in college, and together we explore bigger questions about truth, loneliness, mentorship, purpose, and what it really means to keep rebuilding yourself when life keeps testing you.

“There were plenty of eyes on the woman sitting alone with her cigarette that afternoon. But while most people walked past, J.J. tugged on his leash and pulled me in her direction, almost like he already knew we were supposed to stop and say hello.

She kindly invited us to sit with her, and what started as a cigarette turned into a 90-minute conversation about life, pain, survival, and everything in between. As we sat there talking, I noticed something interesting — some of the people passing by who had been staring earlier now wore small smiles on their faces when they glanced over at us.

By the end of it, we helped her carry a few bags and gave her a ride to her next destination.

You truly never know what someone is carrying inside of them unless you slow down long enough to see the human being beneath the situation. I hope we can all find a little more compassion for one another. Sometimes kindness costs nothing more than a conversation.“

P.s. sorry about the birds.

Music by Quie

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your important life to listen, It means the world to me.

#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.

Episode 30: "Man in the Mirror"

Bradley Richard, 42

Williston, ND

Recorded 12/30/2024

What do you do after you’ve already walked through fire? We close the season 2 with a conversation that’s equal parts confession and compass, sitting with Bradley as he traces a path from early rebellion and first heartbreak to a string of devastating losses that fed a brutal addiction—and the moment he chose to live. He talks about an intentional overdose, seven minutes gone, and the treatment-room wake-up call that shattered his assumptions about who addiction affects. Twenty-one years later, he’s still sober, and he’s honest about what that really takes.

We go beyond sobriety and into mental health: how unguarded thoughts can undo progress, why vulnerability is a daily practice, and how “time equals love” reframed his role as a partner and father. Bradley shares the story he rarely tells—a daughter he didn’t know for two years, a preacher father who spent everything to find him, and the unbearable loss that followed just as recovery began. He also walks us through a home invasion in Seattle, a split-second self-defense decision, and the legal and emotional aftermath that could have sent him back to using. Instead, he doubled down on healing.

Along the way, we talk parenting, family court, and the skills we owe our kids: independence, discernment, and the courage to leave harm. We unpack jealousy, betrayal, and the quiet ways fear of investment destroys connection. This is a raw, grounded look at recovery, grief, and accountability—built on friendship, the power of showing up, and the belief that presence is the only proof of love.

If this conversation moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it. Your words can help others find the courage to keep going.

I can't find the feeling that comes to mind when listening to this for the first time. But I will find the words for this one day. A

Music by Quie

Support the show

Contact & Info:

www.hangingwithhumans.com

https://poplme.co/hash/P5oM9JFj/1/dash

Support the Podcast:

https://gofund.me/2a99e9b7

Video Podcast :

https://www.YouTube.com/@hangingwithhumans

https://rumble.com/c/c-2507620

Special Thanks:

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your important life to listen, It means the world to me.

#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.

Episode 24: "Wordly things"

Loddie, 29

Atlanta, Ga

In this conversation with Loddie, we explore the winding path that led him from aspiring photographer to Atlanta's up-and-coming custom grill maker.

He takes us through the pivotal moments that shaped his journey – from spending his last $400 on a Canon camera, which he used during his filming with Lil Baby.

The conversation dives deep into the cultural contrasts Loddie experienced growing up between Atlanta's predominantly Black communities and being "the only two Black kids in school" in Frisco, Texas. These experiences didn't just shape his worldview; they equipped him with the versatility to connect with people from all backgrounds – a skill that's proven invaluable throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

What stands out most is Loddie's powerful perspective on personal growth. From learning critical lessons through his brothers' life choices to embracing spiritual practices that transformed his approach to business and relationships, his evolution represents the beautiful intersection of craft, mindfulness, and authenticity. When he shares, "If you let yourself get caught up in worldly things, you won't escape the Matrix," you can feel the wisdom earned through genuine experience.
(Words that I will truly never forget, and will come back to)

This episode is about recognizing opportunity in everyday encounters, finding purpose through craft, and the remarkable growth that happens when you remain open to life's unexpected paths.

Whether you're an aspiring creative, entrepreneur, or simply someone navigating your own path, Loddie's journey offers valuable insights on adaptability, authenticity, and the courage to follow your unique vision.

Shout out to the new homie Loddie!

https://www.instagram.com/yungloddie/

Music by Quie

Support the show

Contact & Info:

www.hangingwithhumans.com

https://poplme.co/hash/P5oM9JFj/1/dash

Support the Podcast:

https://gofund.me/2a99e9b7

Video Podcast :

https://www.YouTube.com/@hangingwithhumans

https://rumble.com/c/c-2507620

Special Thanks:

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your important life to listen, It means the world to me.

#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.