In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts converses with Arik Housley, an author, speaker, and entrepreneur who shares his profound journey through grief and resilience following the tragic loss of his 18-year-old daughter Alaina in a mass shooting. Arik discusses the impact of Alaina's death on his family, the support from various communities, and the formation of Alaina's Voice Foundation which promotes kindness, empathy, and mental well-being. The conversation delves into how Arik's book, 'Always November,' and his podcast, 'Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience,' are extensions of his mission to help others navigate their grief and find hope. Arik emphasizes the importance of open communication, forgiveness, and the transformative power of collective healing.

Arik’s Bio, Resources and Contact Information

For nearly 30 years, Arik Housley has been a pillar of Napa Valley’s business community, operating grocery stores, Housley’s Century Oak Winery, and the beloved Italian restaurant Il Posto Trattoria. He also owns Napa Valley 1839 FC—men’s and women’s soccer teams competing in national leagues— built around a vision of family-friendly, soccer-centric entertainment.

Arik’s book, Always November: Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience (Amazon

Bestseller) chronicles his family’s journey through unimaginable grief and the search for hope after the tragic loss of his daughter, Alaina. At just 18, Alaina was a freshman at Pepperdine University when she was killed in the 2018 Borderline mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. Seventeen-time bestselling author Jon Gordon praised the book, saying: “Housley’s journey shows that even unimaginable grief can become a catalyst for growth. Always November is a powerful testament to faith’s ability to transform pain into purpose, inspiring others

to choose resilience, love, and hope even in life’s darkest moments.”

In Alaina’s honor, Arik and his wife, Hannah, founded Alaina’s Voice Foundation, which promotes kindness, empathy, and mental well-being through education, music, and community support—anchored by the motto, “Be the positive change.”

As a speaker, Arik combines vulnerability, humor, and authenticity to connect with audiences of all sizes. His heartfelt message encourages individuals and organizations to cultivate strength and compassion in the face of adversity. Congressman Mike Thompson describes him as “a tremendous speaker whose passion is tangible.”

Resources:

📖 Book: "Always November" - Available on Amazon

🌐 Website: ArikHousley.com

🎙️ Podcast: Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience

To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

The Teaching Journeys Podcast hosted by Dave Roberts features an engaging conversation with Terry Healey, a survivor of a rare form of cancer called fibrosarcoma, which led to a permanent facial difference. Terry Healey, an author, keynote speaker, and business strategist, reflects on his experiences, the importance of gratitude, and the development of resilience through adversity. He introduces his 'rebar' resilience framework consisting of Reflect, Build, Act, and Renew and emphasizes the role of hope and a positive mindset in overcoming life challenges. The episode also touches on the impact of group therapy, the value of openness, and finding empathy and purpose through trials.

Terry Healey Bio, Resources and Contact Information

A survivor of a life-threatening cancer that left him with a permanent facial difference, Terry Healey is an author, keynote speaker, and business strategist. A graduate of UC Berkeley with a thirty-five-year career as a marketing executive, Terry challenges audiences to face adversity and change, and apply his ReBAR resilience framework and principles to gain confidence, build resilience, and find greater purpose and joy in their personal and professional lives. Terry lives in Santa Cruz, CA with his wife Sue

📚 RESOURCES:

• Terry's Book: The Resilience Mindset

• Website: terryhealey.com • Connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube

Strong at the Broken Places: Terry Healey's Path to Resilience

To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com or his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast hosted by Dave Roberts, features guest Kris Munsch. Kris shares insights from his experiences as a teacher, builder, and author, discussing his new book "Living on the Razor’s Edge" and the origins of the Birdhouse Project—a hands-on, project-based approach to healing and self-discovery. Together, Dave and Kris reflect on the importance of embracing change, finding purpose, being comfortable in your own skin, and the value of learning from others. The episode emphasizes the power of community, self-reflection, and the ongoing journey of becoming one’s authentic self.

Kris’s Brief Bio 

Kris Munsch is a man of many categories he has in his life. He is, he has been a teacher and he is still a teacher. He's a builder, the biggest thing about Kris is that he's a repurposer. He likes to repurpose old buildings, old homes into something that is in his likeness that represents who he is at this particular moment. And he's repurposed his life in other areas , including his grief. Kris has also recently published his new book Living on the Razors Edge: 12 Intentional Tools which can be purchased on Amazon.

To find out more about Dave go to davidrobsersmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features an in-depth conversation with Jaime Townzen, a Southern California-based writer and internationally recognized watercolor artist. Jamie shares her personal journey, including stepping away from her career to focus on family, coping with significant personal losses, and discovering the healing power of creative expression during the pandemic. She discusses how watercolor painting and writing became essential outlets for processing grief and stress, ultimately leading to her debut novel, "Absorbed." The conversation explores themes of creativity, the importance of embracing both light and shadow in life, the role of art and music in healing, and the value of perspective. Jaime also offers insights into her artistic process, the inspiration she draws from nature, and the importance of self-care and journaling. The episode concludes with Jamie encouraging listeners to support independent bookstores and libraries, and to prioritize creativity and balance in their own lives.

Jaime’s Bio and Contact Information

Jaime Townzen is a Southern California-based writer and professional artist whose watercolor paintings have earned international recognition. Her essays and microfiction have been published in Light magazine and Fairfield Scribes. Jaime’s debut novel, Absorbed was released in early 2025. When Jaime’s not in her studio, she can be found at the beach with her family and their dogs or listening to live music.

📚 Support Jamie:

• Find Jaime’s art and novel "Absorbed" at jaimetownzen.com, independent bookstores, and libraries.
• Follow Jaime on Instagram and Facebook: @jaimetownzen / @jaimegetscreative

To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast features grief coach and entrepreneur Mehr Syed, who shares her personal journey of loss, transformation, and healing after the sudden passing of her husband. Mehr discusses how grief completely changed her life, leading her to support others navigating loss with compassion and honesty. The conversation explores the misunderstood nature of grief, the importance of honoring individual grief journeys, and the ongoing connection with loved ones after death. Mehr and host Dave Roberts discuss cultural perspectives on grief, especially within Pakistani and Islamic traditions, and emphasize the value of community, safe spaces, and self-kindness in the healing process. The episode concludes with practical advice for those grieving: prioritize self-care, allow yourself to heal at your own pace, and seek support through community and connection.

Mehr’s Bio and Contact Information

Mehr Syed is a grief coach, speaker, and entrepreneur who supports individuals navigating loss with compassion and honesty. After experiencing the profound impact of grief firsthand, she is on the path to hold space for others to process pain, find meaning, and reconnect with life. Her work goes beyond coping, she helps people honor their grief while guiding them toward rediscovering joy, resilience, and purpose. With a grounded, heart-centered approach, Mehr creates a safe space for transformation, where grief becomes not the end of a story, but the beginning of a new chapter. With years of experience in communications and marketing, and specialized training in Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, and Wellness, Mehr brings a grounded, holistic approach to grief support. She creates spaces, both online and in person, where grief is not rushed, fixed, or minimized, but gently understood and integrated.

Mehr offers 1:1 grief coaching, a guided coaching program, and online communities including The Grief Circle on Facebook. She hosts Grief Talk on YouTube, where she leads open, honest conversations about love, loss, and healing.

Whether your grief is fresh or decades old, you don’t have to carry it alone.

Connect at mehrgriefcoach@gmail.com or visit griefcoachingwithmehr.com.

Social Media Handles:

Instagram: @griefcoach_mehr

Facebook: mehr.syed

YouTube: @Grief-Talk

To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

This episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast features Carl Walsh, an accomplished actor, director, and business coach. Carl shares his journey from discovering his passion for theater as a child, through his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, to his experiences in both the performing arts and corporate leadership. He discusses the lessons he learned in theater—such as professionalism, teamwork, and the importance of showing up—and how these principles translate to business success. Carl also highlights the value of diverse perspectives, creative problem-solving, and fostering a supportive company culture, drawing on his time at the Disney Store and his current work with Alpha Dog Small Business Coaching. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empowering employees, encouraging innovation, and building trust within organizations. The episode concludes with Carl inviting listeners to connect and learn more about his Dog Logic methodology for understanding business personalities and improving team dynamics.

Carl Bio and Contact Information

Carl Walsh is a speaker, consultant, and business coach who blends theatrical expertise with corporate leadership. With 20 years as an award-winning actor and director, 25 years in corporate management—including as an IT Director—and 15 years as a professional speaker, he brings dynamic storytelling and strategic insight to business growth. As the co-host of The Oval Table podcast and co-founder of Alpha Dogs Small Business Coaching, Carl helps small businesses foster creativity, improve communication, and apply lessons from the theater to leadership and innovation. A certified Red Team Thinking coach, he challenges teams to think critically and adapt in a rapidly changing world.

Connect with Carl Walsh and learn more about Dog Logic: Email: OvalTableTeam@gmail.com

To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Albert Bramante, a seasoned talent agent, psychology professor, and author of "Rise Above the Script." The conversation explores Albert’s unique journey from a non-athletic, book-loving child in a sports-focused family to a passionate academic and advocate for performers and students. Albert shares insights on overcoming self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and the power of mindset in achieving personal and professional growth. The discussion delves into the challenges faced by artists, educators, and students, highlighting the importance of reframing limiting beliefs, leveraging hypnosis and visualization techniques, and embracing one’s authentic self. Albert also discusses the mission behind his agency, Bramante Artists, and the empowering message of his book. The episode concludes with practical wisdom on self-belief, resilience, and the value of human connection in creative and educational pursuits.

Albert ‘s Bio and Contact Information

Dr. Albert Bramante (he, him) is a talent agent, performance psychologist, and mindset expert who has spent over 20 years helping high performers—both in the entertainment industry and beyond—conquer their mental roadblocks. With a Ph.D. in Psychology and certifications in hypnosis and NLP, he bridges the gap between talent, business success, and the psychology of peak performance

📚 Learn more about Albert Bramante’s book "Rise Above the Script" and his work at Bramante Artists.

🔗 Connect with Albert: Website: albertabramante.com

LinkedIn & Instagram: @albertbramante

To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author sitw psychologyprofessorandminister.com

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features a conversation with Heather Eck—an intuitive artist, spiritual teacher, and host of the "Your Radiant Spirit" podcast. Heather shares her journey from a spiritually curious and creative child, through a career in human resources, to embracing her calling in the healing arts. The discussion explores topics such as the intersection of art and spirituality, the concept of past lives, the healing power of creative expression, and the importance of processing emotions through art. Heather explains her unique approach to creating "spirit portraits" using intuition and synesthesia, and emphasizes the significance of color in healing and self-awareness. The episode concludes with Heather offering ways for listeners to connect with her and access her resources on color healing.

Heather’s Bio and Contact Information

Heather Eck is a visionary intuitive artist, spiritual teacher, and host of the podcast Your Radiant Spirit. With a background in corporate leadership and a deep calling toward the healing arts, Heather creates intuitive paintings and therapeutic art experiences that support emotional and physical healing, spiritual growth, and energetic alignment.

Blending her spiritual studies with her natural gift of synesthesia and clairsentience, the ability to see and feel color in emotion and energy, Heather’s visual work is a form of soul medicine. Through both the viewing and the making of art, she invites people into a slow, sacred space of awareness, reflection, and restoration.

Connect with Heather:

• Instagram: @heathereckartist (DM “color” for a free color healing kit)
• Podcast: Your Radiant Spirit
• Website: heathereck.com

To connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com