She opens up about living with OCD and childhood bullying, and how these experiences inspired her career in mental health and addiction services. 

Jenna is also a photographer that captures  moments that remind us there is beauty even in difficult seasons.

This episode is filled with honesty, vulnerability, and plenty of laughter. 

We hope Jenna's story encourages you to look at life through a different lens, embrace every step of your journey, and remember that even in the hardest moments, hope can still be found.

This episode is dedicated to Jenna’s Mom Linda 🤍

Forever Loved and Missed. 

Healing  can come through movement, self-care, spirituality, and finding what brings us peace.

Our conversation also expands beyond fitness as we discuss crystals, oracle cards, and tarot cards, and how many people find comfort, reflection, and healing through different practices. Whether it's exercise, mindfulness, spirituality, or simply taking a moment to reconnect with yourself, healing is personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all path.

No matter where you are on your journey, we hope this episode encourages you to discover the practices that bring you strength, peace, and hope.

Thank you, Bernadette, for sharing your passion for helping others care for their minds, bodies, and spirits.

Stephen does more than make his clients beautiful., he also creates a safe space for them. As clients, we share our greatest joys, deepest, heartbreaks, and life-changing moments with our hairstylist. 

In this episode of Because of Eli Stephen offers his perspective on mental health and the emotional weight that can come with being a trusted confident.   

Thank you Stephen for helping shine a light on the often-overlooked mental and emotional role hairstylists play in their clients’ lives. Your willingness to share your perspective helps others recognize that those who spend so much time caring for others deserve support, too.

This episode is dedicated to Amanda. 

Forever loved, Forever Missed 🤍

Margie faced this devastating disease with incredible strength, love, and determination. Through the eyes of her sons, we hear about the challenges, the heartbreak, and the moments of grace and laughter that carried them through. They also reflect on the unwavering support of their father, Butch, who lovingly cared for Margie throughout her illness.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable circumstances, love, family, and legacy endure. Because of Margie, others will better understand ALS, and her courage and compassion will continue to inspire and touch lives.

Join us as we honor Margie’s life and the lasting impact she has made on those who knew and loved her.

❤️ Dedicated to Margie and all families impacted by ALS.

Karen shares how she honors the memory of her son, Joseph, through compassion and service to grieving families. Dawn discusses the work of Hope on Deck, the organization founded by her son, Earle, and how she continues his mission of bringing hope, resources, and support to those affected by addiction. Becky tells us about her son, Sean, and the kindness project she created in his memory, encouraging others to pay it forward and spread compassion throughout their communities.

Together, we discuss grief, remembrance, purpose, and the ways our children continue to impact the world long after they are gone. Through tears, laughter, and heartfelt stories, we celebrate the lives of four remarkable young men whose legacies live on through acts of kindness, hope, and love.

This episode is dedicated to Earle, Eli, Joseph, and Sean. Their stories remind us that while a life may end, the love they leave behind continues to create ripples that reach far beyond what we can imagine.

Deanna also opens up about her personal “why.” Because of her cousin Danielle, Deanna discovered her purpose and began her journey into public health and suicide prevention advocacy.

This episode is filled with important conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, and the importance of getting comfortable having life-saving conversations. We also discuss the follow-up questions to ask when someone may be struggling or in crisis, and how simply showing up can make a difference.

Whether you are struggling yourself, supporting someone you love, or looking to better understand suicide prevention, this episode offers valuable resources, education, and hope.

*Trigger Warning ⚠️ Topics discussed include suicide and mental health struggles.

Bill speaks openly about the realities many corrections officers face every day, including exposure to violence, long hours, hypervigilance, and the pressure to remain “strong” while silently carrying emotional weight. The conversation also explores how these experiences can impact relationships, personal well-being, and overall mental health, while highlighting the importance of support, awareness, and open conversations surrounding suicide prevention.

This episode shines a light on a profession that is often overlooked when discussing mental health and reminds listeners that those who spend their lives protecting others also deserve support, compassion, and care.

Grief is not something to “get over,” but something carried forward with love. From navigating milestones and holidays to finding purpose, signs, connection, and community.

Whether you are grieving yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that grief has no timeline, and no one should have to walk through it alone.

For families like ours, these moments are a reminder that even through deep loss, love and hope continue to live on through the gift of donation. 

Karen is also a bereaved mother who has created a space of support and understanding for grieving families. Join us as she shares her perspective on walking alongside families during one of the most devastating times in their lives, and the importance of compassion, listening, and honoring the stories of those we love.

This episode also honors Karen’s son — Because of Joseph. ❤️

Because of Eli ❤️

Because of Eli, we continue to have the hard conversations—so no one has to navigate grief alone.

Trigger Warning: Discussion of child loss and grief.

Join us as Kelsey bravely shares her personal journey of love, loss, and resilience. This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Lucy.

Because of Lucy, Kelsey has found purpose in supporting others through their own journeys of grief and healing. 🤍

🤍 Please take care of yourself while listening, and step away if you need to.

This episode includes discussion of the death of a child and may be emotionally difficult for some listeners.

Grief has a way of revealing who can sit in the hard places. In this episode of Because of Eli, we talk about losing a child and how relationships shift in the aftermath of loss.

Love doesn’t end at goodbye—and neither does grief.

For our Youtube Viewers:

At the close of this episode, we share a slideshow of photos in loving memory of Dakota Scott Beal—a quiet moment to honor his life, speak his name, and hold space for remembrance.

Lots of laughter----and even some UNO!

Tune in for real talk, heart, and maybe a few giggles too! 👻🎃👻

Before the mission, there was a boy named Eli.

In this opening episode of Because of Eli, meet Erica and Amy, and meet the heart of it all—Eli. We share who we are, how this story began, and why saying his name still matters. This episode is not about answers, but about love that remains, stories that deserve to be told, and a legacy carried forward—because of Eli.