In Episode 123, Aaron and Tim sit down to share the biggest transformation No Street Lights has ever undergone. New schedule. New livestreams. New energy. And a renewed commitment to serving you with honesty, integrity, depth, and vulnerability.
Over the past two years, NSLP has grown, shifted, struggled, healed, and evolved, right alongside the people who listen. As Aaron and Tim explain, “the only constant is change,” and this new season of the podcast is built to honor that truth.
Today we talk about:
-Why NSLP is moving to bi-weekly major episodes
-What “Subscribe for Less” really means
-The launch of weekly livestreams on off-weeks
-The complete rebuild of the NSL merch shop
-How burnout, depression, and real-life struggles shaped this new direction
-A vulnerable discussion of mental lows, martial arts breakthroughs, identity struggles, and rediscovering purpose
-Community involvement: What YOU want more of
-Future projects, collaborations, nonprofit goals, and content experiments
-And why this next chapter matters more than any before
This episode blends humor, honesty, philosophy, and emotional transparency, from kung fu breakdowns to Sisyphean purpose, from creative burnout to community love.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for walking with us. And thank you for helping shape the future of No Street Lights. Let’s step into the new year together.
🌟 Things You’ll Find in This Episode
-A major shift in NSLP’s release schedule
-What “Subscribe for Less” actually means
-Details on weekly livestreams
-The future of NSL merch
-Honest talk about depression, burnout, and dark nights of the soul-Updates on NSL nonprofit goals
-Community shoutouts & Patreon highlights
-Reflections on favorite NSLP moments
-Sisyphean philosophy, martial arts wisdom, and creative resilience
-How you can help shape the future of the show
🎧 Watch or Listen Now
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and help us continue serving our community through mental health advocacy and storytelling?
🔗 Donate: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Share your story or collaborate: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle — @hylandmarkle
#NoStreetLightsPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #NewYearNewMe #ChannelUpdate #MentalHealthMatters #VeteranOwned #PodcastCommunity #ContentCreatorLife #SubscribeForLess #NSLP #SelfImprovement #BurnoutRecovery #AnxietySupport #DepressionSupport #AuthenticCreators #LivestreamPodcast
When winter hits the Mid-Ohio Valley, it hits all of us, but not all of us have a warm place to go. Tonight, mothers, fathers, veterans, and neighbors we know by name will try to survive freezing temperatures with nowhere safe to sleep.
In this special episode, we sit down with two community voices on the front lines of the crisis:
• Steve Belisky, veteran and returning NSLP guest
• Pastor Mel, serving our unhoused neighbors every single day
Together, we break down what’s happening right now, why so many people are falling through the cracks during the cold weather emergency, and how every person in our community can help keep someone alive this winter.
We are about people. Our neighbors. Our community.Human beings who deserve dignity, warmth, and a chance to make it through the night.
🧭 What You’ll Find in This Episode
The real scope of the cold-weather crisis in the Mid-Ohio Valley
How we can support shelters and churches in our area (and where to start)
What resources actually save lives during freezing temperatures
Why community action matters more than ever
Personal stories from local leaders serving people on the streets
Ways you can help today
💛 Support Local Cold-Weather Efforts
• The Gathering Church: https://www.pkbthegathering.com/
• House to Home: https://www.housetohomepkb.com/
• The Good Shepherd Church: https://www.goodshepherdwv.org/
• South Parkersburg Baptist Church: https://www.spbcwv.org/
• PHAC Volunteer Corp: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1306539637104521
IMMEDIATE NEEDS:
Shoes/Boots (Mens sz 8-12 / Women size 5 - 9)
Men’s pants sizes 30-36
Jackets/Coats/Hoodies
Blankets
Pop-top soup cans (and other non-perishable foods)
Batteries
RATED** sleeping bags/tents/Camping Gear
Socks
Cold weather gear (Ponchos, hand warmers, etc.)
Hygiene Items (Feminine items ESPECIALLY)
Laundry supplies (Tide pods, etc)
Pet Food
🎧 Watch or Listen Now
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and help amplify voices fighting for dignity and survival in our community?
🔗 Donate here: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Share your story or get involved: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Intro music by Hyland Markle — follow on Instagram: @hylandmarkle
#ColdWeatherCrisis #UnhousedNeighbors #HomelessnessAwareness #MidOhioValley #CommunityCare #SupportYourNeighbors #WinterShelter #EndingHomelessness #NoStreetLightsPodcast #NSLP #MentalHealthMatters #VeteransHelpingVeterans #LocalChurches #CommunityAction #HelpTheUnhoused
The holidays are here, but for millions of people, this isn’t the most wonderful time of the year.
If you’re struggling with family pressure, grief, seasonal depression (SAD), boundaries, addiction recovery, or eating disorder triggers, this special episode is for you.
Today we welcome back Lauren McNeese, author of The Orange Scarf and one of the NSLP community’s most loved guests, to break down practical, compassionate tools for surviving the holiday season. Even when you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or alone.
Together, we explore:
-How to set boundaries with family, and enforce them
-Why cutting off toxic family isn’t selfish (and how to handle guilt)
-Holiday coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder
-Navigating food, social gatherings, and body comments while in eating disorder recovery
-Alcohol-free holidays & how to respond when people push drinks on you
-The power of “glimmers,” routines, and accountability buddies
-How to care for yourself if you’re estranged from family
-Finding safe people, safe spaces, and safe traditions
-The mindset shift that turns survival into strength
This episode is warm, honest, emotional, and deeply validating for anyone who finds the holidays to be a challenge rather than a celebration.
If you’re struggling, you are not broken. You’re human. And you’re not alone.
✨ Things You’ll Find in This Episode
Tools for surviving holiday stress
Boundary-setting scripts you can actually use
Strategies for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
Addiction recovery tips for holiday gatherings
Eating disorder tips for a safe holiday plans
How trauma shapes holiday expectations
How to build a chosen family
Emotional resilience & self-compassion practices
Personal stories from Lauren, Aaron, and Tim
Validation, humor, and hope when you need it most
📚 Guest Resources
🔸 The Orange Scarf by Lauren McNeese:
https://www.amazon.com/Orange-Scarf-Testing-Residential-Treatment-ebook/dp/B0FP5VDW6G
🔸 Lauren’s Substack: Lauren McNeese (essays on healing, mental health, and recovery):
https://theorangescarf.substack.com/
If this episode helps you, please share it with someone who might need it.
The holiday season is tough, none of us should go through it alone.
🎧 Watch or Listen Now
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ BetterHelp (10% Off + Supports NSLP): https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Want to support our mission?
🔗 Donations: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Contact: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle – @hylandmarkle
#MentalHealth #HolidayStress #HolidayDepression #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder #SAD #AnxietySupport #DepressionSupport #TraumaHealing #FamilyTrauma #HolidaySurvivalGuide #Boundaries #AddictionRecovery #EatingDisorderRecovery #NoStreetLightsPodcast #LaurenMcNeese #MentalHealthTips #SurvivingTheHolidays #ChosenFamily
“I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death.”
– Professor Snape (…probably watching over this episode)
This Halloween, we’re doing something a little different.
We’re joined by an Appalachian folk practitioner, and great friend of the channel, who teaches us how to ward off evil, cleanse negativity, and brew our very own protection spray!
💧 This mystical concoction helps keep you safe while the ghosts and ghouls are out tonight, and doubles as an amazing bug deterrent!
So whether you’re a believer in the spiritual… or just tired of getting bit by mosquitoes in October, this episode’s for you.
🔮 Watch “With-Tok: Protection & Positivity” now!
👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you stream.
#WithTok #NoStreetLightsPodcast #AppalachianMagic #FolkPractitioner #HalloweenSpecial #SpookySeason #ProtectionSpell #GoodVibesOnly #SpiritualTikTok #WitchTok #WitchyVibes #PodcastLaunch #Appalachia #Halloween2025 #FolkMagic #BeYourOwnLight
This week, Aaron sits down with Matthew Pickle for a special episode that’s equal parts chaos, comedy, and apocalypse survival. What begins as a discussion on ancient rituals and philosophy quickly spirals into a full-blown thought experiment:
What if the zombie apocalypse started tomorrow?
From choosing weapons and survival strategies to deciding who makes the “Top 5” in their post-apocalyptic squad, Aaron and Matt dive deep into logic, laughter, and life lessons that only No Street Lights could deliver.
This episode also marks the soft pilot of “Two Guys Walk Into…” — a new conversational series idea from the No Street Lights team, where two friends explore wild hypothetical worlds with heart and humor.
⚡ Things You’ll Hear in This Episode:
• The surprising biblical origins of “sending your sins away”
• Aaron’s long-term zombie survival plan (involves swords and kung fu)
• Pickle’s short-term chaos strategy at the Confederate cemetery
• Humor, horror, and humanity in the face of the apocalypse
• The “Two Guys” concept — where imagination meets philosophy
🎧 Watch or Listen Now:
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSL Community:
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Support No Street Lights Inc.
Help us continue creating mental health content and unique collaborations like this one:
🔗 https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Contact us: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle | @hylandmarkle
#ZombieApocalypse #HalloweenSpecial #NoStreetLightsPodcast #ThePickleShow #PodcastHumor #VeteranPodcasters #DarkComedy #ZombieSurvival #ApocalypseTalk #NSLP #AaronAsh #MatthewPickle #PhilosophyMeetsComedy #Halloween2025 #PodcastCommunit
In this heartfelt conversation, Aaron and Tim sit down with Star Joy, veteran, poet, and author of Poetry in a Year, to talk about creative healing, vulnerability, and how writing can illuminate life’s darkest moments.Star opens up about discovering poetry during her military service, how journaling helped her recognize depression before she even knew she was struggling, and why art became her path to freedom. She shares the courage it takes to publish raw emotion and offers a glimpse into her upcoming book, The Gemini Mind.✨ Things You’ll Hear in This Episode:• How writing every day became therapy• The link between creativity & mental health• Letting go of perfection to find authentic expression• Balancing duty, identity, and art• What’s next for Star Joy and her poetry📖 Read Star Joy’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Year-Star-Joy/dp/B0BLFWBVF3📸 Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_starjoy/🎧 Watch or Listen Now:➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org💡 Support No Street Lights Inc.Help us fund mental-health projects and community outreach:🔗 https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth📩 Share your story or collaborate: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com🎵 Music by Hyland Markle | @hylandmarkle
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This week on the No Street Lights Podcast, Aaron and Tim break down the myth of motivation and why waiting to “feel ready” keeps you stuck.
From stopping the car to pick up litter to starting Kung Fu at 32, they explore the power of just doing it, taking small, consistent actions that build purpose, confidence, and community.
Whether you’re fighting procrastination, struggling with self-doubt, or searching for meaning in daily life, this episode is your reminder: You don’t need permission to start, you just need to begin.
✨ Things You’ll Hear in This Episode:
• The difference between motivation and discipline
• How small actions lead to big change
• Why “waiting for the right time” is an illusion
• The D&D metaphor of leveling up your life
• Learning from failure and embracing new seasons
• How to stop analyzing and start acting
• Why helping others can reignite your purpose
🎧 Watch or Listen Now:
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
💡 Support No Street Lights Inc.
Help fund Kung Fu scholarships for kids and mental-health projects in our community:
🔗 https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Contact us or share your story: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle | Follow on Instagram @hylandmarkle
motivation, self discipline, procrastination, just do it mindset, building habits, consistency, No Street Lights Podcast, Aaron Ash, Tim Brunicardi, veterans podcast, mental health, inspiration, how to get motivated, self improvement, overcoming procrastination, discipline over motivation, small steps big change, productivity mindset, personal growth, doing the work, life motivation, podcast about motivation, NSL podcast, motivational podcast 2025
In this urgent update, Aaron sits down with Middle East researcher Nick Brumfield to break down the ongoing crisis in Gaza. They discuss the Israeli assault on Gaza, the role of Iran, U.S. involvement, and the mounting evidence that the conflict has reached genocidal proportions. From biases in media coverage to the complex history behind this humanitarian disaster, Aaron and Nick expose the truths the mainstream isn’t telling you.
They also explore the importance ofgrassroots activism, community engagement, and what YOU can do to help addressthese atrocities.
Timestamps:
• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:20 Is this genocide?
• 07:45 The role of Iran
• 12:15 U.S. foreign policy andcomplicity
• 20:00 Media bias and shapingpublic opinion
• 28:40 What the future may hold
• 34:00 How grassroots activism canmake a difference
Key Takeaways:
• Scholars increasingly call thesituation in Gaza genocide.
• Iran’s involvement could furtherdestabilize the region.
• U.S. policy continues to play acontroversial role.
• Community action is key tocreating lasting change.
#Gaza #Israel #Iran #Genocide#WarCrimes #MiddleEast #USForeignPolicy #BreakingNews #EmergencyUpdate#HumanRights #Activism #Grassroots #CurrentEvents #GlobalConflict
Firearms in America spark some of the most intense debates, but what if the conversation centered on discipline, training, mental health, and community instead of just politics?
In Episode 117 of the No Street Lights Podcast, we sit down with Eric Spears, a former Navy and Army veteran turned competitive shooter, to explore the deep connection between firearms, responsibility, and personal growth.
Eric shares how shooting became more than just a skill; it became a tool for mental health, resilience, and discipline. Together, we tackle hard truths about suicides, school shootings, and media sensationalism, while also discussing the responsibilities that come with the Second Amendment.
Eric has expressed interest in diving deeper and provind further gun content for all of YOU! So, you want to see that, please comment below and let Eric know what you want to hear/see from him next!
✨ In this conversation you’ll hear about:
Why acknowledging suicide & school shootings is essential to the gun debate
How mental health care & community support can prevent violence
The responsibilities of gun ownership beyond politics
“Gunfu”: treating firearms training like a martial art
Competition shooting, discipline, and finding joy in the process
Veterans’ potential role in school safety & community defense
Why training, not ego, is the key to empowerment
🔗 Follow Eric Spears:
Instagram: @eric_gat_spears
🎧 Watch or Listen Now:
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community:
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and amplify stories like Eric’s through real conversations on mental health and community?
🔗 Donate: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Reach out with reactions, collaborations, or to share your story: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle – Follow him on Instagram: @hylandmarkle
#GunRights #MentalHealth #Veterans #SecondAmendment #FirearmsTraining #Community #Discipline #NoStreetLightsPodcast
“Family don’t end in blood.” – Bobby Singer (Supernatural)
In this conversation, Aaron and Tim dive into one of the most relatable and universal topics: the difference between chosen family and biological family. We explore the bonds we’re born into, the ones we intentionally build, and how loyalty, effort, and love often mean more than bloodlines.
This heartfelt dialogue is filled with powerful reflections, personal stories, and shareable wisdom that will challenge you to rethink what family really means. Whether it’s friendships that become lifelines, mentors who feel like parents, or communities that hold us together, this episode reminds us that family is defined by connection, not just DNA.
✨ And we’re keeping our Kung Fu Kid’s Scholarship Fund open! If you’d like to sponsor a student (maybe even Tim himself so you can track his progress from a White Belt), you can donate to help provide mats, scholarships, and opportunities for kids in the Mid-Ohio Valley to train in Kung Fu.
📝 Things You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Why “family don’t end in blood” is more than just a quote, it’s a mindset.
The challenges and rewards of navigating chosen vs. biological family.
Stories of loyalty, betrayal, and the effort it takes to maintain real relationships.
How community and mentorship can transform lives.
Why investing in others creates a legacy stronger than blood.
🎧 Watch or Listen Now:
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community:
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and help amplify voices like this while funding our Kung Fu scholarships?
🔗 Make a one-time or monthly donation: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Reach out with reactions, collaborations, or to share your story: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle – Follow him on Instagram: @hylandmarkle
#ChosenFamily #FamilyDontEndInBlood #NoStreetLightsPodcast #MentalHealth #Community #Healing #FamilyDynamics #SupernaturalQuote #KungFuScholarships #BeYourOwnLight
Healing isn’t just about the body, it’s about mind, spirit, and connection. In this powerful episode of the No Street Lights Podcast, Aaron and Tim sitdown with Mykah Mulcahy to explore mindfulness, energy healing, and the transformative journey of personal growth.
Together, they dive into the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection, the role of daily affirmations and gratitude practices, and the deep work of generational healing through inner child exploration. Mykah also shares her experiences with plant medicine (including Kambo, Sananga, and Hapé), as well as grounding techniques and the impact of neurofeedback in managing anxiety, ADHD, and overall mental health.
This episode highlights how forgiveness, connection, and self-love can transform the healing process,giving listeners both inspiration and practical tools to begin or continue their own journey.
✨ Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:
-Why the journey of podcasting itself can be healing
-How affirmations and gratitude shift daily mindset
-The importance of teaching gratitude practices to children
-What generational healing really looks like
-The role of plant medicines in spiritual growth
-How grounding techniques can stabilize emotions
-Why neurofeedback is a game-changer for ADHD and anxiety
-The power of mirror work and forgiveness
-Why self-love is the foundation of all healing
🔗 Connect with Mykah Mulcahy (The Violet Flame Reiki):
Facebook: The Violet Flame Reiki
Instagram: @thevioletflamereiki
🎧 Watch or Listen Now:
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community:
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off your first month with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and help amplify voices like Mykah’s through real stories and mental health advocacy?
🔗 Donate here: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Reach out with reactions, collaborations, or to share your story: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle – Follow him on Instagram: @hylandmarkle
#Healing #Mindfulness #GenerationalHealing #PlantMedicine #EnergyHealing #SelfLove #Grounding #Podcasting #Affirmations #Gratitude #NoStreetLightsPodcast
What does it take to turn trauma and addiction into a life of service and hope? In this episode of the No Street Lights Podcast, Aaron sits down with Steve Belisky, a former Army Ranger whose journey from trauma and addiction to recovery and community advocacy is nothing short of inspiring. Steve opens up about his struggles with substance use, the consequences of addiction, and how he found purpose by helping others facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and recovery.
Now deeply involved in grassroots outreach across West Virginia, Steve shares what it’s like to support the unhoused, the barriers they face (like lack of ID and safe housing), and why compassion and patience are vital in breaking cycles of despair. From his own lived experience to his advocacy with groups like West Virginia Goes Purple and House to Home, Steve’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and real change begins with community.
✨ Things You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Steve’s early life marked by trauma, abuse, and addiction
The military’s impact on his discipline, patience, and resilience
Lessons learned through legal troubles and recovery setbacks
Why compassion is the key to supporting people in addiction and homelessness
The critical role of housing in building stability for recovery
The challenges of stigma and how it affects community progress
Grassroots movements like WV Goes Purple making real change
How every individual is one mistake away from homelessness and why we must care
🔗 Organizations Mentioned in This Episode:
PHAC Volunteer Corps: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1306539637104521
Moon King: https://www.facebook.com/moon.king.18058
West Virginia Goes Purple: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wvgoespurple
House to Home: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570010078325
🎧 Watch or Listen Now
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and help amplify voices like Steve’s through real stories and mental health advocacy?
🔗 Make a one-time or monthly donation: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Reach out with reactions, collaborations, or to share your story: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hylandmarkle
#NoStreetLightsPodcast #AddictionRecovery #HomelessnessAwareness #RecoveryAdvocate #MentalHealthAwareness #WestVirginia #VeteranVoices #CommunitySupport #EndTheStigma #BeYourOwnLight
What happens when life shatters again and again, yet you still find the strength to keep going? In this deeply moving episode of the No Street Lights Podcast, Adrienne Bender shares her journey through unimaginable adversity, teenage motherhood, toxic relationships, parenting a child with cancer, and the devastating loss of both her children and her father within months of each other .
Adrienne opens up about grief, resilience, and the ways she found hope and healing in the darkest moments. She describes receiving signs from her children after their passing, the rituals she created to honor them, and the importance of allowing pain to be felt as a testament to love. From meditation and mindfulness to finding joy in small daily rituals, Adrienne’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible and purpose can emerge from tragedy.
✨ Things You’ll Hear in This Episode:
How Adrienne coped with her daughter’s leukemia diagnosis and hospital stays
The painful realities of addiction, relapse, and loss in her family
Finding moments of joy in the midst of suffering
The importance of rituals and honoring loved ones through grief
Signs, dreams, and spiritual connections with those who’ve passed
How sharing her story and writing her book became part of her healing
Coping strategies anyone can use when navigating loss and trauma
Why Listen?
Adrienne’s resilience and vulnerability will move you, challenge you, and remind you that you are not alone. Her story is not just about grief, it’s about love, transformation, and the strength of the human spirit.
Check Out "The Almost Miracle Years" by Adrienne Bender:
https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Miracle-Years-Adrienne-Bender/dp/B0F94LQHR3
🎧 Watch or Listen Now
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and help amplify voices like Adrienne’s through real stories and mental health advocacy?
🔗 Make a one-time or monthly donation: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Reach out with reactions, collaborations, or to share your story: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle — IG: @hylandmarkle
#NoStreetLightsPodcast #GriefAndHealing #Resilience #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingThroughLoss #GriefSupport #HealingJourney #BeYourOwnLight
For the first time ever, Tim and Aaron sit down in person to record a No Street Lights Podcast episode and it feels like the start of a whole new chapter.
After years of recording remotely, Tim has finally returned stateside after moving halfway across the world. In this fireside style chat, the hosts reflect on the journey, the challenges of moving a family internationally, and what it means for the future of No Street Lights Podcast.
The conversation is raw, honest, and full of laughter as Tim and Aaron share what it’s like to be back together again working out the kinks, embracing imperfection, and reconnecting with the heart of why they started this podcast: real conversations about life, resilience, and community.
Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or you’re tuning in for the first time, this episode marks a milestone in the NSLP journey.
✨ Things You’ll Find in This Episode:
Tim’s experience moving his family across the world
The highs, lows, and lessons of international relocation
Behind-the-scenes of recording NSLP in person for the first time
How editing, creativity, and connection feel different now
Why imperfection is part of the process—and the magic
🎧 Watch or Listen Now
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and help amplify voices through real stories and mental health advocacy?
🔗 Make a one-time or monthly donation: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Reach out with reactions, collaborations, or to share your story: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle — IG: @hylandmarkle
#Hashtags:
#NoStreetLightsPodcast #FiresideChat #InPersonPodcast #TimAndAaron #VeteranPodcast #MentalHealth #Resilience #Community #PodcastMilestone
How do you navigate life when storms, personal, professional, and emotional, hit all at once? In this episode of No Street Lights Podcast, we sit down with David J. Greer: sailor, entrepreneur, coach, and recovery mentor. With over 20,000 nautical miles under sail, a successful software company under his belt, and 16 years of sobriety, David knows what it means to face the storm and choose a new course.
David shares his journey from being adopted at birth and pressured to take over his family’s business, to instead pursuing his own path in computer science and co-founding Robell, a global software company. He opens up about the challenges of business partnerships, investment strategies, and the hard choices that come with risk. But at the heart of his story is recovery: the years he spent using alcohol to cope, the moment he finally admitted he was an alcoholic, and the transformative power of community in sobriety.
From sailing with his children across the Mediterranean to slowing down in order to speed up, David offers insights into resilience, patience, and mentorship. His message is simple yet profound: no matter how dark life feels, there is always hope and the courage to ask for help is a strength, not a weakness.
✨ Things You’ll Find in This Episode:
How David built and sold a successful software company, Robell
Why “slow down to speed up” became his guiding life and business principle
The impact of recovery on family, work, and legacy
Sailing 20,000+ nautical miles and the lessons of the sea
Practical strategies for investments and financial planning
Why holding space for others is one of the greatest acts of service in recovery
David’s personal journey to over 6,000 days of sobriety
Guest Links & Resources:
🌐 David’s Website: https://coachdjgreer.com/
📖 Book: Wind in Your Sails https://www.amazon.com/WIND-YOUR-SAILS-Strategies-Entrepreneurial-ebook/dp/B00TRPZW3O/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1571864948&sr=8-1
📩 Free Coaching Session: Reach out via David’s website for a complimentary 1-hour session: https://coachdjgreer.com/contact/
🎧 Watch or Listen Now
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and amplify voices like David’s through real stories and mental health advocacy?
🔗 Make a one-time or monthly donation: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Reach out with reactions, collaborations, or to share your story: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle — IG: @hylandmarkle
#Sobriety #Recovery #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLessons #SailingLife #GenerationalTrauma #AlcoholRecovery #SobrietyJourney #BusinessStrategy #HoldingSpace #SobrietySupport #MentalHealthPodcast #VeteranPodcast #ResilienceStories #DavidGreer #NoStreetLightsPodcast
In this episode of the No Street Lights Podcast, Navy veteran Casey Shaw opens up about her powerful journey through military service, parenting, and healing from generational trauma. From joining the Navy at 18 to navigating depression, anxiety, and the challenges of raising a child with autism, Casey’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and compassion.She shares how creative outlets like crochet became a lifeline, the frustrations of seeking an autism diagnosis, and the lessons she’s learned about self-compassion and prioritizing family. This episode is about breaking cycles, understanding mental health, and finding hope through vulnerability and community support.
✨ Things You’ll Hear in This Episode:
• Why Casey joined the military at 18 to escape her past
• The advice from a Navy chief that changed her perspective on family vs. career
• The struggles of depression, anxiety, and the Navy system
• Parenting a child diagnosed with autism and navigating the medical system
• The impact of generational trauma on parenting styles
• How creativity and crochet became tools for healing
• The power of vulnerability and support in the healing process
🛍️ Guest Links:🛒
Casey’s Shop: The Handmade Mess on Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehandmademess/?etsrc=sdt&fbclid=IwY2xjawMUrUpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6SnR2UFJwN2l5MDFpbVhYAR7bxop57Ftt09hlunew5SeJdfjO17qQ3n83laWtdVhmqAF08uQ7PZCZ8hCKLg_aem_epQWc6yjD4fVspcWx5jFDQ&dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F
🎧 Watch or Listen Now:
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community:
➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and help amplify voices like Casey’s through real stories and mental health advocacy?
🔗 Make a one-time or monthly donation: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Reach out with reactions, collaborations, or to share your story: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Hyland Markle – Follow him on Instagram: @hylandmarkle
#CaseyShaw #NavyVeteran #MentalHealth #GenerationalTrauma #AutismParenting #NoStreetLightsPodcast #Resilience #HealingThroughCreativity #ParentingWithAutism #MilitaryMentalHealth
In Episode 109 of The No Streetlights Podcast, Aaron sits down with branding and marketing strategist Vanessa Mitera to talk about balancing faith, family, and business without burning out. Vanessa opens up about her journey of self-healing, overcoming people-pleasing, and redefining success beyond money.From battling perfectionism to navigating the mental health toll of entrepreneurship, Vanessa shares how faith and intentional living have helped her step into her purpose—and why healing yourself is essential before you can effectively lead others.They discuss motherhood as an entrepreneur, setting boundaries, the pressure of social media portrayals, and the daily practices that keep her grounded. This is a must-listen for anyone building a business while holding onto what matters most.🎧 Listen now to learn: • Why healing is critical to leadership • How to balance family, business, and faith without guilt • Ways to recognize and release patterns of burnout and validation-seeking • How mindset and purpose drive sustainable success • Practical daily habits to protect mental health as an entrepreneurGuest Links:🌐 Website: materabranding.com📱 Instagram: @materabranding🎙️ Podcast: The Eat and Edit on YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify🎧 Watch or Listen Now:➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org✨ Join the NSLP Community:➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and help amplify voices like Adam’s through real stories and mental health advocacy?🔗 Make a one-time or monthly donation: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth📩 Reach out with reactions, collaborations, or to share your story: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com🎵 Music by Hyland Markle – Follow him on Instagram: @hylandmarkleVanessa Mitera, faith-based business, motherhood and entrepreneurship, mental health in business, branding strategist, overcoming burnout, people pleasing, self-healing, mindset shift, redefining success, work-life balance, Christian entrepreneur, personal growth, business leadership, faith and business, purpose-driven living#NoStreetlightsPodcast #VanessaMitera #FaithAndBusiness #Entrepreneurship #MindsetMatters #WorkLifeBalance #OvercomingBurnout #ChristianEntrepreneur #MotherhoodAndBusiness #Leadership #SelfHealing #PersonalGrowth #BusinessMindset #RedefiningSuccess #MentalHealthMatters
In this powerful episode of the No Street Lights Podcast, Captain Adam Meyers opens up about the critical incident that changed his life, the deep stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement, and his journey from destructive coping to true recovery.After a deadly force encounter in 2016, Adam spiraled into depression, self-harm, and alcohol abuse, fueled by silence and shame. Speaking honestly about his struggles came at a personal cost, but ultimately led him to healing through therapy, EMDR, and the support of peers. Today, through his nonprofit Stop the Threat, Stop the Stigma, Adam is on a mission to break the silence, advocate for first responders, and prove that it’s okay to not be okay.If you’ve ever faced trauma, battled stigma, or wondered how to find hope in the darkest times, Adam’s story will remind you that recovery is possible—and your story isn’t over yet.Topics in This Episode: • The life-changing critical incident and its aftermath • How stigma silences mental health conversations in law enforcement • Coping through self-destructive behaviors and the road back • The transformative power of EMDR therapy • Navigating career loss and rebuilding identity • Creating change with Stop the Threat, Stop the Stigma • Why it’s okay to ask for help—and how to startCheck out Stop the Threat, Stop the Stigma!:https://stopthethreatstopthestigma.org/🎧 Watch or Listen Now:➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org✨ Join the NSLP Community:➡️ Patreon (Free & Paid Tiers): https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn➡️ Need help now? Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp‼️ Want to support No Street Lights Inc. and help amplify voices like Adam’s through real stories and mental health advocacy?🔗 Make a one-time or monthly donation: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth📩 Reach out with reactions, collaborations, or to share your story: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com🎵 Music by Hyland Markle – Follow him on Instagram: @hylandmarkle#️⃣ Hashtags:#MentalHealthAwareness #FirstResponderWellness #StopTheStigma #TraumaRecovery #EMDRTherapy #SuicidePrevention #PTSDRecovery #PoliceMentalHealth #LawEnforcementSupport #AddictionRecovery #HealingJourney #SelfCareMatters #EndTheSilence #NoStreetLightsPodcast #StopTheThreatStopTheStigma #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #YouMatter #BreakTheStigma #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthMatters
What happens after the sentence ends,but the trauma doesn’t?
In this powerful episode of the No Street Lights Podcast, Fabian shares his remarkable journey from prison and addiction to peace and purpose. Diagnosed with severe PTSD, Fabian struggled with sleepwalking, grief, and emotional paralysis until psychedelic therapy and self-forgiveness opened a path to healing.
This episode dives deep into the misunderstood intersections of trauma, psychedelics, meditation, Buddhism, and quantum physics. Fabian speaks openly about the dual nature of psychedelics: a tool for both healing and harm, depending on how they’re used. We also explore why integration, intention, and community are crucial parts of recovery, and how healing can happen soul-to-soul even without words.
🧠 Topics Covered:
Life after incarceration and the emotional toll of PTSD
How addiction is tied to unprocessed trauma, shame, and survival
Psychedelic therapy: risks, rewards, and the science of neuroplasticity
Meditation, Buddhism, and the connection between quantum theory and self-awareness
The importance of “finding your people” and the long road to forgiveness
Whether you’re navigating your own healing journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of what it means to truly let go—and move forward.
🔗 Watch or Listen Now
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Visit Us: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community:
➡️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Need support? Try therapy with BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/nslp
📩 Contact & Support:
💬 Questions, reactions, or collaboration inquiries: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
💖 Make a donation: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
#MentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #AddictionRecovery #PsychedelicTherapy #HealingJourney #Buddhism #Neuroplasticity #TraumaHealing #LifeAfterPrison #SelfForgiveness #QuantumSpirituality #Meditation #NSLPodcast #NoStreetLightsPodcast #RealStoriesHealing #SoulToSoulHealing
“When you live in harmony with your body, the world around you starts to heal too.” – Ryan Higginson
In Episode 105 of the No Street Lights Podcast, Ryan Higginson joins us for a powerful conversation that bridges holistic health, mental wellness, and spiritual consciousness. From the importance of bees and nature, to the corruption within food and pharmaceutical industries, Ryan dives deep into what it really means to heal in today’s world.
We explore why our healthcare system often fails us, and how functional and holistic approaches may be the key to long term well being. Ryan speaks about love as a high vibrational healing force, the dangers of pesticides, and how our collective consciousness is influenced by individual thought and intention.
Whether you’re burned out by conventional medicine, exploring natural remedies, or seeking a more aligned lifestyle, this episode offers practical insights and deep spiritual truths.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The truth about pesticides, bees, and chronic disease
Why dandelions are sacred and misunderstood
Functional vs. allopathic medicine
How collective consciousness is shaped by individual energy
Why love and joy are powerful healing tools
The role of detoxing, cleansing, and honoring your body
How to take back control of your health naturally
The spiritual cost of ignoring nature and self care
🎧 Watch or Listen Now:
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoStreetLightsPodcast
➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LIaDquk2li94WvC6XaITR
➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-street-lights-podcast-real-stories-on-mental-health/id1696321025
🌐 Website: https://nostreetlights.org
✨ Join the NSLP Community:
➡️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NoStreetLights
➡️ Discord: https://discord.gg/PdYNqXgn
➡️ Therapy with BetterHelp (10% off): https://betterhelp.com/nslp
🫶 Support Mental Health & Healing Initiatives:
🔗 Donate: https://fundly.com/light-the-way-support-mental-health-community-growth
📩 Reach out: nostreetlightspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music Credit: Hyland Markle – @hylandmarkle
00:00 – Intro & Ryan’s Awakening Journey
03:45 – Living in Harmony with the Body
08:10 – Why Bees Matter & What We’re Doing Wrong
12:00 – The Danger of Pesticides & Our Health
15:40 – Dandelions: Sacred Plant or Weed?
18:15 – Functional Medicine vs. Allopathic Treatment
22:30 – Love, High Vibration, and Collective Healing
27:05 – Detox, Cleansing & Conscious Living
31:20 – Mental Health, Trauma, and Natural Recovery
36:40 – Corruption in Food and Pharma
41:55 – Taking Back Control: Small Changes, Big Healing
47:30 – Closing Thoughts: The Power of Awareness
#RyanHigginson #NoStreetLightsPodcast #HolisticHealth #MentalHealthMatters #NaturalHealing #FunctionalMedicine #ConsciousLiving #RaiseYourVibration #HealingJourney #SpiritualAwakening #BeesMatter #SaveTheBees #EnvironmentalHealth #CollectiveConsciousness #AlternativeMedicine #CleanLiving #DetoxYourLife #MindBodySoul #NewAgeWellness #WellnessPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #HealNaturally #SacredPlants #LiveWithLove #FoodAsMedicine #NSLP