The Edlow Podcast

From Junkie to Judge - The Mary Beth O'Connor Story

Mary Beth O'Connor is a retired Federal Judge and attorney. She has written several opinion pieces and essays for the Wall Street Journal and L.A. Times. She is a speaker, advocate and author. She is also....a recovered meth addict.
 
Judge O'Connor's life started with childhood abuse and traumas. Beginning with alcohol at the age of 12, she spent several years abusing various drugs. By the age of 17, she was a full blown meth user. In college, she was able to contain her drug use to recreational use at parties until she was abducted and assaulted. She relapsed and continued heavy meth use until the age of 32.
 
By incorporating ideas from multiple sources to build a secular recovery plan, she has been sober since 1994. She used similar techniques to address trauma and anxiety as well. After 6 years of sobriety, she attended Berkeley Law school. She worked as an attorney continuously until 2014 when she was appointed a Federal Administrative Law Judge. She retired in 2020.
 
Judge O'Connor comes on the podcast to discuss her story, she speaks on trauma, sexual abuse, child abuse, PTSD, anxiety and the power to recover. This is an inspirational story that you cannot miss!
 
She outlines her story in her memoir "From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addition," which is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and anywhere that books are sold. You can find her book on Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Junkie-Judge-Womans-Triumph-Addiction/dp/0757324568
 
You can also find the Edlow Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify and everywhere else that Podcasts are published!
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshedlow5046
 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-edlow-podcast/id1647995293
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1cZsLJ92XWq5lguDVyV5qj?si=Uw9UqoWHRGKDOHZ7T7xK-A
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086217048530&mibextid=LQQJ4d
 
Instagram: @Edlow_Podcast
 
Tik Tok: @j_edlow

Lenny Dykstra - Mindset, Dedication & Success - What It Takes to Win a World Series

FYI - Mr. Dysktra had just suffered a stroke and was released from the hospital 2 days before this interview. His speech is somewhat slurred due to the effects of the stroke. Please note that it is not a sound issue. 
 
Lenny Dykstra is a retired professional baseball center fielder who played Major League Baseball for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. He was a three time all star and won a World Series with the 1986 Mets. 
 
Lenny was born Leonard Kyle Leswick. His father abandoned his family when Lenny was 4 years old. His mother later married Dennis Dykstra, who adopted Lenny and his two brothers. He considers his step father to be his real father. 
 
During school, Lenny began taking to baseball. During his senior year of high school he was batting .494. Dykstra was drafted in the 13th round largely due to his height. However, he quickly became a star in the minors. In 1985, Dykstra was called up to the big leagues when the teams starting center fielder, Mookie Wilson was injured. Dykstra's play and energy was a boos that surged the team to a major winning season. The following season he maintained the starting position and helped lead the team to a World Series. 
 
After retirement, Dykstra continued success in business until the financial crisis in 2008. After that, things took a downward turn, he ended up serving some time in prison. Shortly before this interview, Dykstra had suffered a stroke. He had been released from the hospital two days prior to the interview, which is why his speech was slurred. 
 
Dykstra comes on the podcast to talk about the life as a professional Baseball player, what it takes to win at that level, the championship mindset, the steroid era and scandals, the best players he ever played with and with his recent stroke he reflects on what is most important in life.
 
You can also find the Edlow Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify and everywhere else that Podcasts are published!
 
YouTube:
 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-edlow-podcast/id1647995293
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1cZsLJ92XWq5lguDVyV5qj?si=Uw9UqoWHRGKDOHZ7T7xK-A
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086217048530&mibextid=LQQJ4d
 
Instagram: @Edlow_Podcast
 
Tik Tok: @j_edlow

Kenny Ballentine Part II - Gender, PTSD, EMDR & Therapy - Being a Non-Binary Bisexual Ex-Mormon

Kenny Ballentine is a documentary filmmaker, interviewer and podcaster. His latest film, "Healing Us," explores the deficiencies of US Healthcare system and alternatives that are available throughout the world.
 
In addition to filmmaking, Kenny has a fascinating story of his own. Born to a Mormon family of democrats in the 80s, he felt a little out of place in most circles. As he progressed, significant childhood trauma caused mental health issues that would later manifest in significant and impactful ways. That, coupled with closeted bisexuality, caused him to feel further isolated.
 
Nevertheless, he pushed forward in faith, serving a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in England. It was there that his testimony was challenged greatly as the veracity of the church's truth claims came into question.
 
He returned home, married his wife Amber and pursued a career in film.
 
This is Part II of this two part series. We dive deeper into understanding the concept of Non-Binary, Mental Health and the benefits of EMDR therapy and more discussion about the experience of someone who leaves the LDS church.
 
You can also find the Edlow Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify and everywhere else that Podcasts are published!
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshedlow5046 
 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-edlow-podcast/id1647995293
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1cZsLJ92XWq5lguDVyV5qj?si=Uw9UqoWHRGKDOHZ7T7xK-A
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086217048530&mibextid=LQQJ4d
 
Instagram: @Edlow_Podcast
 
Tik Tok: @j_edlow

Kenny Ballentine Part I - Filmmaking, Faith & Gender - The Story of a Non-Binary Bisexual Ex-Mormon

Kenny Ballentine is a documentary filmmaker, interviewer and podcaster. His latest film, "Healing Us," explores the deficiencies of US Healthcare system and alternatives that are available throughout the world.
 
In addition to filmmaking, Kenny has a fascinating story of his own. Born to a Mormon family of democrats in the 80s, he felt a little out of place in most circles. As he progressed, significant childhood trauma caused mental health issues that would later manifest in significant and impactful ways. That, coupled with closeted bisexuality, caused him to feel further isolated. 
 
Nevertheless, he pushed forward in faith, serving a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in England. It was there that his testimony was challenged greatly as the veracity of the church's truth claims came into question. 
 
He returned home, married his wife Amber and pursued a career in film. 
 
Hear the rest of the story. Hear in Part I of this two part series about his background, his film career and his passion projects. He also discusses his history of sexual abuse, his sexual and gender identity, and how those, coupled with his views on church history informed his decision to separate from the church.
 
This is Part I...part II drops Thursday
 
You can also find the Edlow Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify and everywhere else that Podcasts are published!
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshedlow5046
 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-edlow-podcast/id1647995293
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1cZsLJ92XWq5lguDVyV5qj?si=Uw9UqoWHRGKDOHZ7T7xK-A
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086217048530&mibextid=LQQJ4d
 
Instagram: @Edlow_Podcast
 
Tik Tok: @j_edlow

Lincoln Edlow - The 125th (or so) Episode Special - Top 7 Video Games

Every 25 episodes I highlight one of my children. This time around Lincoln and I discuss our Top 7 favorite video games (with honorable mentions).
 
As you can imagine, the video game favorites of this 10 year old boy is much different than his 42 year old father. Take a listen and if you are so inclined, drop your top 7 list in the comments!
 
You can also find the Edlow Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify and everywhere else that Podcasts are published!
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshedlow5046 
 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-edlow-podcast/id1647995293
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1cZsLJ92XWq5lguDVyV5qj?si=Uw9UqoWHRGKDOHZ7T7xK-A
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086217048530&mibextid=LQQJ4d
 
Instagram: @Edlow_Podcast
 
Tik Tok: @j_edlow

Lisa Marie Varon - Fitness, Family & Wrestling - Spawning the Women's Wrestling Revolution

Lisa Marie Varon is a retired professional wrestler, fitness competitor and bodybuilder. She is best known for her tenure as "Victoria" in the WWE and "Tara" in Impact Wrestling. She captured both companies' women's championships on several occasions.
 
Lisa Marie was born in San Bernadino to a Puerto Rican father (a vietnam vet) and a Korean-born Turkish mother. She grew up with three older brothers all of whom were amateur wrestlers. 
 
After high school, Lisa Marie became a personal trainer and began entering body building and fitness competitions. It was at a fitness competition that she met and befriended Torrie Wilson. Shortly thereafter she met Chyna. Both enouraged Lisa Marie to become a wrestler, and the rest is history. 
 
Varon is considered a pioner of women's wrestling and one of the most instrumental figures in changing women's wrestling from eye candy to legitimate sports entertainment. 
 
Lisa Marie comes on the podcast to discuss her family life, her wrestling career, the evolution of women's wrestling and what she's learned along the way. 

Just Me #10 - The Kings, Wrestlemania, Best Meals, Strengths/Weaknesses and Is Everything Okay?

Josh Edlow takes time to answer listener questions. He talks the Sacramento Kings, Wrestlemania, his favorite meals, his strengths, his weaknesses and is "everything okay?"
 
If you'd like to ask Josh a question to be answered on the podcast, feel free to reach out on the following social media platforms.
 
Facebook: Edlow Podcast
 
Instagram: @Edlow_Podcast
 
Tik Tok: @j_edlow
 
You can also find the Edlow Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify and everywhere else that Podcasts are published!
 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-edlow-podcast/id1647995293
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1cZsLJ92XWq5lguDVyV5qj?si=Uw9UqoWHRGKDOHZ7T7xK-A

AJ Kirsch - Wrestling, Mindset, Pansexuality & Morality - Living a Passionate Life

AJ Kirsch is an actor, host, MC, wedding officiant and retired professional wrestler. He is the voice of Hoodslam, a WWE Tough Enough contestant, the one and only Rock the Promo champion and a world traveled host for several shows. He has been a host at the Superbowl, CES, Comic Conventions and so much more.
 
AJ Started out dreaming that he would one day be a professional wrestler for the WWE. After many tryouts and several opportunities to work as an extra, the call never came.
 
Some would consider that a failure, but AJ is a positive thinker, and instead used his wrestling connection to expand into the entertainment industry.
 
Hear his story. AJ discusses his successes through the entertainment business. He also discusses some of his deepest struggles. He discusses growing up in the 90s as a "closeted" member of the LGBTQ community. He discusses coming out as pansexual and what that means to him. He discusses the difficulties of keeping a positive mindset.
 
Hear AJ Kirsch as you may have never heard him before.
 
You can also find the Edlow Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify and everywhere else that Podcasts are published!
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshedlow5046
 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-edlow-podcast/id1647995293
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1cZsLJ92XWq5lguDVyV5qj?si=Uw9UqoWHRGKDOHZ7T7xK-A
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086217048530&mibextid=LQQJ4d
 
Instagram: @Edlow_Podcast
 
Tik Tok: @j_edlow