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In this powerful first installment of a two-part conversation on Finding Your Voice, host Jason Carrasco sits down with Teyana Viscarra and Norm Sands from Way of the Sacred Mountain to explore the devastating reality of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).

This episode shines a light on the heartbreaking statistics, systemic failures, and generational trauma impacting Indigenous communities across North America. Together, they discuss why Indigenous women, men, girls, boys, and two spirit relatives face disproportionately high rates of violence, why so many cases go underreported or unsolved, and how awareness, advocacy, and community action are critical in creating change.

Through honest conversation and education, this episode invites listeners to move beyond headlines and truly understand the human impact behind the MMIW crisis. More than statistics, these are stories of daughters, mothers, sisters, families, and communities whose voices deserve to be heard.

This conversation is difficult, emotional, and deeply important. Our hope is that by bringing greater awareness to MMIW, we can help amplify Indigenous voices, honor those who have been lost, and encourage meaningful action and healing.

Topics discussed include:

• The origins and meaning of the MMIW movement
• The alarming statistics surrounding violence against Indigenous women
• Why many cases receive little media attention
• Historical trauma and systemic barriers
• Advocacy, education, and community healing
• How listeners can support awareness and change

Part Two will continue the conversation by focusing on healing, advocacy efforts, and the work being done through Way of the Sacred Mountain to support Indigenous communities and protect future generations.

Way of the Sacred Mountian

You Tube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGydeK4RmMw&t=5s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzO_oVT7v0

https://wayofthesacredmountain.org/

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In this powerful episode of Finding Your Voice, host Jason Carrasco, LMFT, sits down with Jim Zenner, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, U.S. Army veteran, and national leader in veteran policy and services.

Jim shares his journey from enlisting after 9/11 to serving in Iraq, and how those life-and-death experiences shaped his leadership, resilience, and commitment to serving veterans. This conversation explores the real impact of military service on mental health, the challenges veterans face transitioning back to civilian life, and the importance of trauma-informed care, therapy, and community support.

Jim also discusses his groundbreaking work to end veteran homelessness in Los Angeles County, expand the Veteran Peer Access Network, and build systems that better support veterans and their families at the local, state, and national levels.

This episode is a powerful conversation about leadership, healing, purpose, and what it truly means to continue the mission after service.

Military Veteran Affairs, Los Angeles County

https://mva.lacounty.gov/executive-bios/james-zenner/

Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN)

https://mva.lacounty.gov/veteran-peer-access-network/

Warrior Heritage Foundation (scroll down to see video of Jim Zenner speaking)

https://warriorheritagefoundation.org/about

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In this episode of Finding Your Voice, I sit down with Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Eric Eastlund, a leader, a servant to his community, and a man who understands what it means to show up in the middle of chaos.

Eric shares what it’s like to live a life of constant response, running toward crisis when others are running away. From his experiences during the Altadena Fires to the everyday realities of being continuously exposed to trauma, he opens up about the emotional weight first responders carry and how they learn to keep going.

Eric speaks candidly about his own recovery journey, the lessons he’s learned about resilience, and how giving back has become a cornerstone of his life, both within the fire department and beyond it. Whether it’s supporting his fellow firefighters, engaging in peer support, or serving his community in meaningful ways, his story is one of purpose, humility, and strength.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/recovery