A Journey of Resilience: Stephanie’s Story

This episode may contain content that may be triggering to some audiences.

It was produced from a Space on X Saturday February 8, 2025 at 8:00pm EST.

The featured guest is Stephanie, who is a survivor of a horrible car crash caused by a drunk driver. The discussion is hosted by Billy Dees and cohosted by Kristy Mickelsen. There are numerous speakers who contribute to the conversation and ask questions. 

A Journey of Resilience: Stephanie’s Story 

In a world where normal days can suddenly turn into life-altering events, Stephanie’s story resonates deeply. This EP, “How a Drunk Driver Changed Stephanie’s Life Forever” takes a hard look at the devastating impact one decision can have—not just on the victim, but on whole families.  

Imagine living your ordinary life, filled with routines—work, family, all the familiar joys—only to find that in a blink of an eye, everything changes. That’s the reality Stephanie faced after an accident caused by a repeat offender driving under the influence. In her own words, the experience shaped her understanding of trauma, pain, and ultimately, resilience.  

What’s in it for you? 

Empathy and Understanding: Gain insight into the emotional journey of crash survivors as Stephanie shares her battle with feelings of confusion after the accident.  

Real Talk about Accountability: Explore the discussion around forgiveness and whether it equals healing. You might find yourself questioning your own beliefs around these complex topics.  

Advocacy for Change: Learn about the consequences of impaired driving and how it affects not just the victims but also families and communities. 

Inspiration Beyond Trauma: Listen to how Stephanie transformed her pain into purpose, becoming an advocate for crash survivors and sharing her story with others. Her determination and courage may inspire you to find strength in your own challenges.  

Don’t miss an opportunity to hear a powerful narrative that will make you reflect, understand, and possibly motivate you to take action.  

Join us as we delve into Stephanie’s journey, the reality of living with chronic pain, and the ongoing quest for healing and purpose.  

Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to sharing this important story with you.  

To find out more about MADD or contribute to the cause, please follow the link.

You can find Stephanie on X @bionicwomen1.

Wishing you strength and resilience,  
The Billy Dees Podcast Team

00:02 – Life before the crash 
08:18 – Facing the legal aftermath 
14:50 – Emotional struggles of recovery 
26:08 – Finding forgiveness and healing 
34:06 – Understanding PTSD and recovery 
41:03 – Hope and future aspirations 

The Evolution of Social Media and Our Focus Moving Forward

Our relationship with social media has continually evolved. Over the past year, two significant shifts have reshaped the landscape.

First, feeds are no longer primarily driven by user follows. Instead, algorithms now prioritize “for you” content based on user behavior. As a result, many of your followers may not see your posts, depending on the platform.

Second, social media business models have diversified. Subscription-based services and political influences have altered user bases across platforms. Where most users once engaged with two or three major platforms, new apps emerge constantly, demanding attention.

For The Billy Dees Podcast, podcast listens have increased across platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and Goodpods. We attribute this to digital media consumers actively searching for content on dedicated podcast platforms. With a well-established 10-year presence, we benefit from this shift, driven by the decline of legacy media, particularly cable news.

Our priority remains creating high-quality content for our loyal listeners rather than chasing social media followers. The connection between social media engagement and podcast listens is not as strong as it once was.

That said, we still value a social media presence but are refining our approach. Moving forward, we will focus on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Facebook allows for more detailed discussions, while X keeps us engaged with real-time trends—this combination feels right for 2025.

Meanwhile, platforms like TikTok, Bluesky, and Clapper will take a backseat. Managing multiple platforms demands significant resources, and our audience shouldn’t have to monitor too many.

If you’d like to follow us on social media, Facebook and X @BillyDees are the best places. More importantly, we encourage you to subscribe to The Billy Dees Podcast on your favorite podcast platform—it’s free, and you won’t miss an episode.

Thank you for listening!

Billy Dees

More Links

How Do You Listen to Podcasts?

Mobile devices are certainly popular, but they aren’t the only technology supporting the podcast medium. Stand-alone streaming devices like Sonos and Amazon speakers are increasingly common in homes. Many cars now come with built-in smart technology or at least allow you to connect your mobile devices to the audio system.

If you use Spotify, Audible, or Amazon Music through a streaming device to enjoy music or audiobooks, you can easily listen to the Billy Dees Podcast in the same way.

Just ask, and you’re ready to go!

Anna Matson Talks Politics as it is During 2024

Subject: Get the Inside Scoop on Politics in 2024 with Anna Matson!

Are you curious about the current political landscape in 2024? Want to dive deep into the world of local politics and uncover the insights of a true political analyst? Well, we have an interesting episode on tap!

Anna Matson

In this episode of the “Billy Dees Podcast,” our special guest, Anna Matson, shares her experiences running as a candidate for village president and delves into the issues and potential of her town. From high taxes to community involvement, Anna brings a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing local government.

Discover how Anna’s background in business and accounting is shaping her campaign and why she believes voters need to focus on what truly matters when selecting their representatives. With engaging commentary and thought-provoking insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in politics and community leadership.

Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation with Anna Matson. Tune in to the “Billy Dees Podcast” now and gain a deeper understanding of the political landscape in 2024. Get ready to be informed, inspired, and empowered to make a difference in your own community!

Listen to the episode “Anna Matson Talks Politics as it is During 2024” on your favorite podcast platform.

Here is a sample:

You can find Anna on X Twitter @AnnaRMatson

The videocast version of this podcast is on Rumble.

The Billy Dees Podcast is available on all the major podcasting platform including Spotify.

HOPress – James Kobak – “Tennis Anyone?”

Hello tennis enthusiasts and humor lovers!

Get ready to indulge in a hilarious and insightful conversation about the world of tennis with the talented author James Kobak on the latest episode of the Billy Dees Podcast for HumorOutcasts.com! Special thanks to Donna Cavanagh for arranging this interview.

In this episode titled “HOPress – James Kobak – ‘Tennis Anyone?” James shares his unique perspective on the sport and his humorous take on the game.

James Kobak

Discover how James’ background as a lawyer influenced his writing style and how he found a fun escape through humor writing. Learn about his book “Tennis Anyone: The Wimps Guide to Tennis and Other Racquet Sports” which promises to make you laugh and see the lighter side of the sport.

We delve into the intersection of sports and humor and explore the value of laughing at oneself while enjoying the game. Find out how this book can provide a refreshing perspective on sports and help you embrace the joy of recreation and leisure.

Don’t miss this opportunity to laugh, learn, and appreciate the world of tennis in a whole new light!

Tune in now to the Billy Dees Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and get ready for an entertaining journey with James Kobak and his witty insights on tennis and humor. Your day just got a whole lot funnier and more insightful!

For your convenience the episode is below in this post.

Stephanie’s Story – How a Drunk Driver Changed Her Life Forever

In the latest episode of the Billy Dees Podcast, we bring you “Stephanie’s Story – How a Drunk Driver Changed Her Life Forever.” Join us in listening to Stephanie’s powerful account of surviving a devastating accident caused by a drunk driver.

Stephanie Ronan

Picture a warm night in North Carolina, September 29, 2018. Stephanie was on her way home when her life literally took an unexpected turn. Struggling to recall the events, she woke up in the ICU, only to learn that she had to be cut out of her vehicle by the jaws of life and airlifted to a trauma center. Her injuries were extensive, including broken ribs, femur, tibia, and neck.

Stephanie shares her journey of recovery, the emotional toll of understanding she was hit by a drunk driver, and her newfound mission to raise awareness and advocate for stricter DUI laws. Her inspiring resilience and dedication to making a difference will leave you moved and motivated.

Stephanie was lucky to survive the first night.

Join Billy Dees in this poignant episode as we dive into Stephanie’s story of trauma, healing, and advocacy. Tune in to gain insight, perspective, and perhaps a renewed sense of responsibility towards ending drunk driving.

Don’t miss out on this impactful episode. Together, let’s raise our voices and work towards a safer road for everyone.

Catch the episode on your favorite platform and follow us on X (Twitter) @BillyDees for more engaging content. Your support means the world to us.

This episode was produced in-studio Friday August 30th, 2024, during Labor Day Weekend. This weekend punctuates what is often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days” for impaired drivers.

You can find Stephanie on TikTok therapywithstephanie1 and Instagram therapywith.stephanie

The Billy Dees Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms and apps.

For your convenience the full podcast interview is below on Spotify and the webcam version is available on Rumble.

Preview:

HOPress – Dan Rottenberg – “The Price We Paid”

Front and back cover of “The Price We Paid.”

Author Dan Rottenberg 

The Price We Paid: An Oral History of Penn’s Struggle to Join the Ivy League, 1950-55 (Shorehouse Books, 2024)

Are you aware of the largely untold stories behind the transition of the University of Pennsylvania’s football program into the Ivy League? In this week’s episode of the Billy Dees Podcast for HOPress, we dive into the fascinating history shared by author Dan Rottenberg in his book, “The Price We Paid.”

Join us as Dan takes us on a journey through the struggles, pain, and ultimate triumphs of Penn players, coaches, administrators, and fans during the turbulent years of the 1950s. Discover the personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes moments that shed light on this pivotal period in both sports and academic history.

Dan Rottenberg

If you’re a sports enthusiast, a history buff, or simply love a good story, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in now to gain a unique perspective on the intersection of academics and athletics, and explore the invaluable lessons learned from the past.

This episode was produced in partnership with HumorOutcasts.com HOPress Shorehouse Books.

You can find out more about Dan and his work on his website.

The Billy Dees Podcast is available on all major podcast networks. For your convenience, the full interview is below on Spotify.

The Webcam version is below on YouTube.