A powerful three-part podcast series with Sarah Kates. Our conversation was so rich, so deeply honest, that one episode couldn’t hold it all. We let the cameras roll and what unfolded was a story that deserves to be told in full. Sarah Kates' journey begins in the shadows of generational addiction and untreated mental illness. She battled years of methamphetamine use, carrying the weight of trauma and the pain of how her choices affected her children. But what makes her story remarkable isn’t just what she endured, it’s what she became. In recovery, Sarah didn't just rebuild her life, she transformed it. She pursued her education, stepped into her purpose, and now uses her lived experience to guide others toward healing. Her voice in the recovery community is one of empathy, strength, and unshakable truth. This series is more than an interview, it’s a testimony of resilience, redemption, and the power of connection between two mothers who know what it means to fight for their families and themselves. You won’t want to miss a single part of this journey.

On Beyond the Storm, Tammy shares how one patient changed her forever—and how we all have the power to make a difference, no matter how temporary our role may seem.Tammy Rhein is a registered nurse / nurse practitioner, whose commitment to ethical care and deep compassion has left a lasting impact on the lives of countless patients. As a traveling ICU nurse at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, Tammy crossed paths with Steven Keener after he was shot and paralyzed in 2021. Though she was only meant to be there temporarily, her presence in Steven’s life became anything but short-term in meaning.In a high-pressure ICU setting, where patients can often become numbers, Tammy refused to let that happen. She saw past Steven’s struggles with addiction and mental illness and instead recognized the man, the son, and the soul behind the diagnosis. Her care was not only skilled, it was personal. She stepped into his story, advocated for his dignity, and became a driving force in developing a care plan that allowed him to return home.Tammy’s experience caring for Steven helped shape the way she approaches nursing today. Since that time, she’s cared for patients like Steven with a new lens, one shaped by humanity, understanding, and a belief that everyone is worthy of the highest standard of care. She brings with her not only clinical expertise but also the highest ethical standards and a heart that chooses compassion over judgment.

Some stories don’t start with hope, they start in the chaos, in the cells of a prison, or in the backrooms of addiction. This is one of those stories. Tommy McGee’s journey winds through decades of trauma, addiction, and incarceration, but it’s also a story of profound transformation. One unexpected phone call opened a door to recovery, and Tommy walked through it.Today, he stands on the front lines of the opioid crisis, meeting people just moments after they've been revived from an overdose, offering a second chance because he knows firsthand what it means to be given one. His work is personal. His mission is fueled by purpose and by pain, including the loss of his brother while behind bars.What you’ll hear in this episode isn’t just about recovery, it’s about what it means to survive when the odds are stacked against you, and how the most broken stories can become the most powerful ones.

In part two of this powerful and emotional episode of Beyond the Storm with Selena, I sit down with Nina, the love of my son Steven's life, for an intimate and honest conversation. Together, we walk through the raw realities of what life was like during Steven’s active addiction. How their relationship was shaped by the chaos, heartbreak, and moments of hope.Nina opens up about navigating the unimaginable shift after Steven's injury, learning how to show up for him as both a partner and caregiver, and the struggle of building something steady in the storm of trauma and recovery. We talk about the deep love they shared, how they leaned on each other through it all, and the painful turning point when his relapse forced the end of their romantic relationship, but not their bond.This episode honors the complexity of loving someone through addiction, the strength it takes to set boundaries, and the courage Nina carried by staying close to Steven until the very end. Her voice brings a tender, human layer to his story, one of loyalty, grief, and the kind of love that never truly ends.

In this powerful and emotional episode of Beyond the Storm with Selena, I sit down with Nina, the love of my son Steven's life, for an intimate and honest conversation. Together, we walk through the raw realities of what life was like during Steven’s active addiction. How their relationship was shaped by the chaos, heartbreak, and moments of hope.

Nina opens up about navigating the unimaginable shift after Steven's injury, learning how to show up for him as both a partner and caregiver, and the struggle of building something steady in the storm of trauma and recovery. We talk about the deep love they shared, how they leaned on each other through it all, and the painful turning point when his relapse forced the end of their romantic relationship, but not their bond.

This episode honors the complexity of loving someone through addiction, the strength it takes to set boundaries, and the courage Nina carried by staying close to Steven until the very end. Her voice brings a tender, human layer to his story, one of loyalty, grief, and the kind of love that never truly ends.

In this debut episode of Beyond the Storm, I sit down with Sherry Rapp, a passionate advocate for change in the fight against substance abuse.

Sherry and I first met while working together on a community drug awareness event, and we quickly bonded over the shared pain of what addiction has done to our families. Sherry’s story is both unique and compelling. She spent years working within the court system and alongside prominent attorneys, all while her own son faced criminal charges in the very same county. Her experience gives her a rare and deeply personal perspective on the justice system, the devastating impact of addiction, and the desperate fight to save those we love.

Join us as we discuss her journey, the emotional toll of navigating the legal system as both a professional and a mother, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.