Podcast
The C.K. Simms Show
Hosted by C.K. Simms ¡ EN
In Loving Memory Of C.K. Simms (July 2, 1981 - April 29, 2026) đ
The C.K. Simms Show is about real stories, real struggle, and real growth.
Each episode explores mental health, adversity, and what it truly takes to rebuild your life. These are honest conversations about trauma, resilience, identity, and finding meaning when things feel broken.
If youâve ever felt lost, stuck, or unsure of your path, this show is here to remind youâyouâre not alone, and there is a way forward.
Follow the show and be part of a space built on vulnerability, resilience, and hope.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
1 Million Subscribers? The Show Bigger Than Me. 2025 In Review!
Dec 3100:48:32Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this deeply personal season finale of Poddinâ My Noggin, C.K. Simms reflects on two transformative years of podcasting, healing, creativity, and connection. Filmed on New Yearâs Eve, this episode explores gratitude, anger, grief, faith, global uncertainty, and the courage it takes to remain hopeful in turbulent times. C.K. shares how books, guests, creativity, and vulnerability became a form of currency and announces the rebrand to The C.K. Simms Show, a bold new chapter rooted in authenticity, kindness, and purpose. This episode is a meditation on resilience, manifestation, and choosing compassion while stepping fully into oneâs voice.This episode serves as a powerful manifestation to reach one million listeners worldwide, including musicians, comedians, actors, public figures, and cultural icons such as BrenĂŠ Brown and Oprah. It also introduces future plans for interactive audience engagement through games, prizes, and exclusive giveaways.Takeaways ⢠Vulnerability is not a weakness, it is the gateway to authenticity and meaningful connection. ⢠Creative work, even when unpaid, still holds real value and impact. ⢠Gratitude is a grounding force, especially during periods of global and personal uncertainty. ⢠Anger often masks unresolved grief, helplessness, or unprocessed trauma. ⢠Choosing kindness requires first being kind to yourself. ⢠Faith, spirituality and questioning can coexist without contradiction. ⢠Stories, books, conversations, lived experiences have the power to heal and awaken empathy. ⢠Growth sometimes requires shedding old identities to step into truer ones. ⢠Hope is not toxic positivity; it is an act of resistance. ⢠Rebranding isnât starting over, itâs arriving more fully as yourself.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Intentions for the Final Episode02:35 Reflecting on the Journey of Podcasting05:18 Gratitude and Acknowledging Influences07:41 Personal Growth and Overcoming Anger10:01 Manifesting Future Goals and Aspirations12:28 Navigating Emotions and World Events14:44 Celebrating Books and Authors17:10 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead25:47 Celebrating Literary Contributions27:53 Exploring Thrilling Reads36:25 A New Chapter: Rebranding the Show38:59 Manifesting Future Aspirations44:00 Gratitude and Community EngagementKeywords#authenticity #happynewyear #kindness #manifest #podmatchWant to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc
Transcribe âYour Mindset Is Your Reality: John Borden on Addiction, Healing & Psychedelic Transformation
Dec 2001:02:36Tap to summarizeGuest Name: John Bordenhttps://www.getpsychedfitness.com/SummaryIn this powerful episode of Poddinâ My Noggin, C.K. Simms sits down with author and transformation coach John Borden to unpack the deeply personal journey behind his memoir Your Mindset Is Your Reality. John opens up about addiction, bullying, emotional repression, and the quiet collapse behind outward success. He shares how psychedelicsâused intentionally and responsiblyâbecame a tool for healing, emotional integration, and lasting change. This conversation explores masculinity, mental health, trauma, accountability, and the profound truth that inner mindset shapes lived reality. A raw, honest, and hopeful dialogue for anyone navigating recovery, self-discovery, or personal transformation.Takeaways ⢠Addiction often hides behind success, productivity, and social acceptance. ⢠Emotional repressionâespecially in menâcan quietly fuel anxiety, depression, and self-destruction. ⢠Mindset is not motivational fluff; it actively shapes behavior, perception, and outcomes. ⢠Psychedelics, when used intentionally, can serve as tools for emotional processing and healing. ⢠True transformation requires accountability, not blame-shifting. ⢠Trauma does not disappear when ignoredâit compounds. ⢠Healing begins when suppressed emotions are finally allowed to surface. ⢠Recovery is nonlinear and deeply personal. ⢠Strength includes vulnerability, emotional literacy, and self-awareness. ⢠You cannot outrun yourselfâbut you can rebuild yourself.Chapters00:00 Introduction to John Borden and His Memoir02:26 The Journey of Addiction and Recovery08:39 Writing Style and Reader Engagement12:25 The Disconnect Between Appearance and Reality14:19 Experiences of Bullying and Its Impact18:26 College Life and Escalating Addictions22:17 Consequences of Addiction and Job Loss29:19 Transformation Through Psychedelics32:38 Exploring Psychedelics: A Personal Journey39:42 Emotional Unraveling and Healing Through Psychedelics51:09 Defining Identity and Personal Growth01:01:12 Future Aspirations and GoalsKeywords#addictionrecovery #authenticity #bookinterview #healingjourney #mentalhealth #memoir #mindfulness #mindset #mensmentalhealth #personaldevelopment #podcastinterview #podcastlife #podmatch #psychedelictherapy #psilocybin #recoveryjourney #selfawareness #selfgrowth #selfhealing #sobriety #spiritualgrowth #storytelling #transformation #traumahealing #vulnerability #wellnessjourney #wholeness #yourmindsetisyourreality #innerwork #emotionalhealingWant to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc
Transcribe âHealing Forward Through Kindness: Nicholas Ruchlewicz on TBI, Purpose, and Helping Others
Dec 1300:47:53Tap to summarizeGuest Name: Nicholas Ruchlewiczhttps://linktr.ee/giftofperspectiveWe had some technical issues with the video portion of this episode resulting in it being choppy but it was a wonderful episode nonetheless and we recommend giving it a listen.SummaryIn this powerful episode of Poddinâ My Noggin, traumatic brain injury survivor and mental health advocate Nicholas Ruchlewicz shares his life-altering story of survival, recovery, and purpose. After a devastating motorcycle accident left him with a severe brain injury, Nicholas relearned how to see, think, move, and live. Through vulnerability, tabletop gaming, music, and community service, he transformed trauma into connectionânow supporting others facing invisible injuries, mental health struggles, and isolation. This conversation explores resilience, identity after trauma, the importance of showing kindness to others, and the profound healing power of belonging.Takeaways ⢠Traumatic brain injuries are often invisible, yet profoundly life-altering. ⢠Recovery is not linearâhealing requires patience, compassion, and redefinition of âbetter.â ⢠Executive function loss can be more frightening than physical injury. ⢠Music can have measurable physiological and emotional healing effects after trauma. ⢠Community is a critical lifeline in recovery and mental health survival. ⢠Tabletop games provide structure, creativity, and social reconnection for healing minds. ⢠Trauma survivors often carry unseen painâkindness should never be optional. ⢠Identity can be rebuilt after loss, even when the old self feels unreachable. ⢠Peer support from lived experience creates safety professionals sometimes cannot. ⢠Turning pain into purpose can help others feel seen, heard, and less alone.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nicholas Ruchlewicz00:56 Nicholas's Early Life and Interests02:35 Transition to Motorcycling and the Accident05:27 The Accident: A Life-Changing Moment09:37 The Aftermath: Hospitalization and Recovery16:26 Rehabilitation: Learning to Live Again21:34 Reflections on Brain Injury and Recovery22:38 The Journey of Healing and Rehabilitation28:53 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact34:43 Finding Purpose Through Connection41:45 The Role of Tabletop Games in HealingKeywords#braininjury #communityhealing #disabilityawareness #healingjourney #invisibleinjury #lifepurpose #mentalhealth #mentalhealthadvocate #motorcycleaccident #neurorehabilitation #nonlinearhealing #poddinmynoggin #podcastinterview #podmatch #posttraumaticgrowth #ptsdrecovery #resilience #survivorstories #tabletopgaming #tbi #tbiawareness #therapythroughplay #traumarecovery #traumasurvivor #vulnerability #healingthroughmusic #mentalhealthmatters #livedexperience #humanconnectionWant to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc
Transcribe âOnce a Fighter, Always a Fighter: Noah Mayâs Journey Through Depression, Resilience & Purpose
Dec 1100:48:12Tap to summarizeGuest Name: Noah Mayhttps://linktr.ee/noahspodcastSummaryIn this powerful and deeply personal conversation, C.K. welcomes podcast host Noah May, who opens up about his journey from a challenging adolescence marked by depression, anxiety, bullying, and family hardship to discovering purpose through storytelling and podcasting. Noah shares how his mental health diagnoses shaped his growth, how long-term recovery transformed his outlook, and how his three showsâLethal Venom, Music Talks, and Southern Readsâemerged from resilience, creativity, and a desire to speak truth. This episode offers compassion, insight, and inspiration for anyone navigating mental health struggles or searching for their voice.Takeaways ⢠Noahâs mental health journey began at age 13, following bullying, family strain, and personal upheaval. ⢠His grandmotherâs rapid decline from Alzheimerâs and dementia became a major emotional turning point. ⢠He was diagnosed with clinical depression and later severe anxiety, presenting through uncommon physical symptoms. ⢠Long-term COVID intensified his struggles, causing major weight loss and triggering relapse. ⢠Proper medication and therapy became life-changing, helping him regain stability and rediscover joy. ⢠Podcasting began as a college project but evolved into a meaningful creative career. ⢠Lethal Venom explores raw honestyâreflecting his belief that truth can be painful but transformative. ⢠Southern Reads and Music Talks stem from his passions, blending books, storytelling, and music appreciation. ⢠His message: keep fighting, even when life feels overwhelming; healing happens in waves. ⢠Noahâs story highlights the importance of early intervention, showing how recognizing symptoms, seeking help, and advocating for proper care can prevent years of silent suffering and lead to meaningful recovery.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Noah May and His Podcasts03:45 The Journey of Lethal Venom Podcast04:51 Struggles with Depression and Anxiety11:39 Navigating Teenage Challenges and Mental Health21:19 Education and Career Pathways23:33 Navigating the Pandemic: A Personal Journey26:52 The Impact of Long COVID on Mental Health29:42 Finding the Right Medication: A Turning Point34:51 Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health and Medication38:47 The Evolution of a Podcaster: From Hobby to Career43:37 Embracing Uncertainty: Future Aspirations and GrowthKeywords#anxietyjourney #anxietysupport #authorinterview #bookpodcast #depressionsurvivor #healingjourney #inspirationdaily #journalismlife #lethalvenom #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthconversation #mentalhealthjourney #mentalhealthmatters #motivationforall #musicpodcast #noahmay #overcomingstruggles #podcastcommunity #podcastconversation #podcasterlife #podcastguest #podcastinterview #podcastlove #podmatch #poddinmynoggin #selfgrowthjourney #southernreads #storytellingmatters #truthandhealing #youthmentalhealthWant to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc
Transcribe âAlan Lazaros on Transformation, Potential & Designing a Magnificent Life After Trauma
Nov 2900:56:28Tap to summarizeGuest Name: Alan Lazaroshttps://www.nextleveluniverse.com/Instagram: alazaros88YouTube: NextLevelUniversitySummaryIn this powerful and deeply human episode, C.K. sits down with Next Level University co-founder Alan Lazaros for a transformative conversation about resilience, potential, and the courage to redesign your life from the ground up. From losing his father at age two, to the collapse of his family at 14, to surviving a devastating car accident at 26 that forced him to confront mortality, Alan opens up about the pivotal events that shaped him into the leader he is today.Together, C.K. and Alan explore childhood trauma, the cost of unhealed pain, ambition, masculinity, ego, burnout, self-leadership, and the triad of humility, courage, and vulnerability. Alan shares the moment he realized he wasnât living his potential, how he rebuilt his life through discipline and self-awareness, and why fulfillmentânot statusâis the true measure of success.This is a conversation about transformation at its rawest level: how to face yourself, how to stop hiding your gifts, and how to design a meaningful, purpose-driven life. Whether youâre healing, growing, or trying to level up, this episode will challenge, uplift, and inspire.Takeaways ⢠Childhood trauma shapes identity but does not define your destiny. ⢠Losing three families by 14 fueled Alanâs drive for stability and belonging. ⢠The car accident at 26 became his existential wake-up call and catalyst for radical change. ⢠Humility, courage, and vulnerability form the âTriad of Transformation.â ⢠Gifted individuals have a responsibility to use their abilities for good. ⢠Unhealed pain leads to ego-driven living, while healing leads to purpose-driven leadership. ⢠Transformation starts with truth, often uncomfortable but necessary for growth. ⢠Belonging vs. significance: people either dial down to fit in or dial up to feel important. ⢠You can reverse-engineer a magnificent life by aligning daily habits with your long-term vision. ⢠Next Level Universityâs mission is to help people reach their potential through daily, actionable self-improvement.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:43 The Importance of Transformation03:42 Childhood and Early Life Challenges08:59 Pivotal Life Events and Their Impact16:36 The Car Accident and a New Beginning23:43 Realizations and Responsibilities of Gifted Individuals26:45 Redefining Education and Life Design29:04 Understanding Apathy, Ignorance, and Fatigue31:14 The Journey of Alan and Kevin34:41 Transforming Pain into Purpose38:35 The Triad of Transformation41:46 Living Authentically in a Social World44:43 The Importance of Humility, Courage, and Vulnerability49:53 The Struggle for Belonging and Significance51:03 Next Level University: A Path to GrowthKeywords#alanlazaros #courage #healingjourney #humility #inspirationdaily #lifedesign #mentalhealthmatters #mindsetcoach #nextleveluniversity #personaldevelopment #podcastconversation #podcastinterview #podcastlife #podmatch #potential #purpose #resilience #selfawareness #selfbelief #selfconfidence #selfgrowth #selfimprovement #selfleadership #successmindset #transformationjourney #traumahealing #wellbeing #wellnessjourney #youareenough #yourpotentialWant to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc
Transcribe âSaying Yes to Life: Fitness Icon Ellen Barrett on Movement, Confidence, and Living Fully
Nov 2201:01:05Tap to summarizeGuest Name: Ellen Barretthttps://www.ellenbarrett.com/Instagram: ellenbarrettfitSummaryIn this energizing episode, host C.K. Simms sits down with aerobics instructor, author and online movement studio founder, Ellen Barrett, to explore her lifelong devotion to helping people feel strong, capable, and fully alive. From her technicolor introduction to aerobics as a teenager to teaching at Club Med, shaping millions of home exercisers through her hit DVDs, writing four fitness books, and now leading an empowering digital studio, Ellen shares the wisdom, resilience, and joy that have carried her through decades of transformation.Together, C.K. and Ellen explore movement as self-care, aging with confidence, the power of saying âyes,â the evolution of at-home fitness, and the emotional shifts that accompany entering your prime years. This is a vibrant, compassionate conversation that reminds listeners that growth never stopsâand that movement, done with intention, can open the door to possibility at any age. Takeaways ⢠Movement is a lifelong companion, and when practiced with intention, it energizes every area of life. ⢠Saying âYesâ creates opportunitiesâeach new experience is a breadcrumb leading to deeper clarity. ⢠Fitness doesnât require perfection; consistency and curiosity matter more than intensity. ⢠Women need a different fitness approach, especially as hormones shiftâgentle, regulated movement serves them best. ⢠The fitness industry has changed, evolving from polished DVDs to flexible, accessible digital studios. ⢠A strong work ethic opens doors, especially in creative or unpredictable industries. ⢠Home workouts are more empowering than ever, with variety, sustainability, and accessibility at their core. ⢠Aging can be your prime, especially when strength, self-knowledge, and authenticity grow with you. ⢠Authenticity winsâpeople connect to trainers and teachers who feel real, grounded, and approachable. ⢠Movement creates momentumâonce you start moving, you naturally want to move more, creating a snowball effect of well-being.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ellen Barrett and Her Journey02:20 The Allure of Aerobics: A Personal Connection10:05 From College to Club Med: Building Experience14:56 Transitioning to Los Angeles: A New Chapter21:34 The Work Ethic: East Coast vs. West Coast26:15 Saying Yes: Embracing Opportunities in Fitness28:48 The Evolution of Fitness Media33:01 Consumerism and Attention Span in Fitness36:55 The Power of Saying Yes44:13 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Books46:23 Building an Online Fitness Community49:06 Embracing Life in Your 50s53:11 The Importance of Movement and Self-CareKeywords#aerobicfitness #agingwell #atpeacewithmovement #bodypositivity #confidencebuilding #ellensbarrett #empoweredliving #femaleentrepreneurs #fitnessjourney #fitnessmotivation #fitnessstories #fitover50 #healthandwellness #homeworkouts #inspirationdaily #mindbodyconnection #mindfulmovement #motivationmonday #onlinefitness #pilatespractice #podcastcommunity #podcastinterviews #podmatch #selfcarematters #strengthtrainingforwomen #wellbeingjourney #wellnesslifestyle #womenshealth #workoutathome #yogainspirationWant to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc
Transcribe âD. Paulâs Story of Survival: From Childhood Torture to Healing Hearts Through Faith and Writing
Nov 501:11:11Tap to summarizeGuest Name: D Paul Fleminghttps://www.facebook.com/people/D-Paul-Fleming/100088886720840/SummaryAuthor, U.S. Navy veteran, and Native American seasoned holy man D. Paul joins host C.K. Simms for an unforgettable conversation about pain, faith, and purpose. From surviving a tortured childhood to finding healing through spirituality and storytelling, D. Paulâs journey is a powerful testament to resilience. He shares how his books 2442 Steps to Crazy, A Date with Suicide, and Mysteries at the Windham Inn transformed his trauma into hope for othersâespecially fellow veterans battling darkness. With raw honesty and humor, D. Paul explores forgiveness, faith, ego, and the balance between Christianity and Native tradition. This deeply human story reveals how one man turned unimaginable suffering into service, proving that the soulâs light can rise from the deepest shadows.Takeaways ⢠Childhood trauma doesnât define destinyâit can fuel purpose and healing. ⢠Writing became a divine outlet for D. Paul to process decades of pain. ⢠His faith bridges Native American spirituality with Christian belief. ⢠The U.S. Navy tested his limits but also gave him structure and endurance. ⢠2442 Steps to Crazy and A Date with Suicide were written to help others heal. ⢠D. Paulâs stories have literally saved lives, including fellow veterans. ⢠True spirituality comes from withinâsometimes silence allows faith to bloom. ⢠Helping veterans overcome trauma requires healing the mind, body, and spirit. ⢠Forgiveness is complex; honesty about not being ready to forgive is strength. ⢠Service doesnât end with dischargeâD. Paul continues to serve humanity through faith and storytelling.Chapters00:00 Introduction to D Paul: A Multifaceted Life01:52 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact09:01 Military Service: A New Chapter29:14 Spiritual Journey: Native American Holy Man33:01 Faith and Spirituality: Finding Common Ground34:34 Spirituality and Personal Growth42:20 The Journey of Writing50:06 The Power of Storytelling01:00:04 Helping Veterans and Spiritual HealingKeywords#authorspotlight #christianfaith #creativeresilience #emotionalhealing #faithjourney #healingtrauma #hopeandhealing #inspiration #interviewpodcast #mentalhealth #mindfulness #miracles #motivation #nativeamerican #navyveteran #overcomingadversity #podcastcommunity #podcasterlife #poddinmynoggin #podmatch #positivity #purpose #resilience #selfdiscovery #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth #storytelling #survivor #traumarecovery #veteransupportWant to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc
Transcribe âSeeing Beyond Sight: Author Laura Brattonâs Story of Loss, Healing, and Hope
Nov 100:59:09Tap to summarizeGuest Name: Laura Brattonhttps://www.laurabratton.com/TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XQ_gXhkGN4SummaryAuthor, speaker, and TED Talk alumna Laura Bratton joins host C.K. Simms to share her extraordinary journey from losing her sight as a teenager to becoming a national voice for resilience, healing, and mindful change. In this heartfelt conversation, Laura opens up about grief and the long process of rediscovering purpose after profound loss. She discusses the power of community, the daily practice of choosing courage, and how embracing vulnerability became her greatest strength. From her first guide dog to her lifelong philosophy of grit and gratitude, Lauraâs story reminds us that strength is a daily choiceâand that trust, compassion, and self-belief can light even the darkest paths, guiding us toward growth, connection, and renewed hope.Takeaways ⢠Losing sight doesnât mean losing visionâLaura rebuilt her life through courage and choice. ⢠âGrit and gratitudeâ form the twin pillars of lasting resilience. ⢠Natureâs energy and mindfulness can renew strength and clarity. ⢠Support networksâfamily, friends, communityâare critical to survival and growth. ⢠Living in the present is key to managing fear and anxiety. ⢠Healing connects mind, body, and spiritâit canât be separated. ⢠Choosing courage daily is more powerful than waiting for fear to vanish. ⢠Respect and empathy matter more than assumptions about ability. ⢠Compassion, not pity, empowers both giver and receiver. ⢠Every challenge is an opportunity to remember that you are enough.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Laura's Journey03:06 Understanding Blindness and Light Perception05:59 Childhood Memories and Early Life08:46 The Diagnosis and Its Impact11:30 Navigating Adolescence with Vision Loss14:08 Aspirations and Hobbies Before Vision Loss16:55 Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms19:44 Mental Health Struggles and Self-Worth23:07 Choosing Courage and Moving Forward26:09 The Role of Guide Dogs in Laura's Life29:11 Grief and Loss of a Guide Dog30:51 College Life and Pursuing Psychology31:09 Embracing Self-Worth and Purpose33:23 The Interconnection of Mind, Body, and Spirit34:27 Navigating Change: Insights and Strategies38:14 Grit and Gratitude: Keys to Resilience40:29 Understanding Perceptions and Assumptions49:56 The Importance of Respect and Human Connection53:04 Trusting Your Worth Amidst AdversityKeywords#adversity #authenticity #blindcommunity #changemanagement #courage #emotionalhealing #empowerment #faith #gratitute #grit #growthmindset #harnessingcourage #inclusion #inspiration #leadership #lifecoach #mentalhealth #mindbodyspirit #mindfulness #motivation #personaldevelopment #podcast #podmatch #publicspeaking #resilience #selfbelief #selflove #spiritualgrowth #tedtalk #transformationWant to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc
Transcribe â