In this compelling episode of The Jar podcast, we had the privilege of visiting Mel Batterman at their Las Vegas home. Mel's life story is one of resilience, transformation, and finding purpose. Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to a teenage mother, Mel's early years were marked by the challenges of his unconventional family dynamic. His mother's struggles with personal demons led to multiple marriages and a tumultuous upbringing. Mel's own life journey was profoundly impacted during his teenage years when he endured abuse from his mother's third husband. However, he emerged from this dark period with a deep resolve and a commitment to studying criminal justice and child psychology in college.

Mel's career path took him into the world of law enforcement, starting as a police officer in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. his dedication eventually led to Madison and later to a job in Chicago. In 2021, he embarked on a transformative journey, transitioning from a career in law enforcement to become a life health wellness coach. Mel shared how his life experiences and training have shaped his coaching style, offering a unique perspective to clients.

During our conversation, Mel courageously opened up about his gender journey. Growing up as a girl, he always knew that his body didn't align with his true identity. Mel recently made the courageous decision to undergo transition, a process that ultimately led to the end of a 19-year relationship. Despite the challenges and losses, Mel described the experience as a profound sense of relief and peace, finally living as his authentic self.

Mel's story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of purpose. It highlights how life's trials and tribulations can prepare us for our true calling. Join us as we delve into Mel's deeply moving narrative in another real and heartfelt conversation with a remarkable individual on The Jar podcast.

For more of Mel...

https://www.instagram.com/mel.fit360?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

For more of The Jar, visit:

Website: https://www.thejar.live/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTqB1dhDvl0Oh505ysdxTg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/

Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not represent the views, beliefs or opinions of The Jar Podcast. Our goal is to provide a platform for everyone no matter what they believe, and we would like to continue to do that while making it clear our guests are not a representation of The Jar Podcast.

For behind the scenes content of the making of The Jar, meet the guests, see some footage of unreleased podcast episodes and more visit : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTqB1dhDvl0Oh505ysdxTg

To be a guest on the show email us at thejarguest@gmail.com or visit our webpage : https://www.thejar.live/

Follow The Jar on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/

Follow The Jar on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar

Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not represent the views, beliefs or opinions of The Jar Podcast. Our goal is to provide a platform for everyone no matter what they believe, and we would like to continue to do that while making it clear our guests are not a representation of The Jar Podcast.

In a poignant and deeply personal episode of The Jar, we had the privilege of meeting Lisa Perez in the comfort of her bungalow, nestled within the Northern Arizona University campus. As we settled around TV dinner trays with The Jar between us, Lisa began to share her remarkable life journey.

Hailing from Idaho, Lisa's family roots run deep, with both her mother and father's families having lived there for generations. Growing up alongside her older brother, her family's frequent relocations due to her father's government contract negotiations eventually led them to settle in the Santa Barbara area of California. Lisa's quest for peace and understanding led her on a spiritual journey, where she grappled with her beliefs and sought answers about God and existence.

She went on to build her own successful businesses, mirroring her father's career, and became a high achiever, always on the move. However, this relentless pace took a toll, leading to a sudden breakdown that resulted in her losing everything. Lisa found herself homeless and eventually in a psych ward, where she began to confront the trauma that had haunted her for years.

Lisa's journey of healing involves facing painful memories, from enduring hurtful names from her family to surviving a traumatic assault during a sleepover at a young age, a secret she carried for four decades. One of the most challenging aspects of Lisa's story is her struggle to reconcile her love for her father, whom she admired deeply, with his inaction in protecting her from abuse that occurred under his roof. Her complex relationship with her son and her ongoing mourning for her father further complicate her path to healing.

This episode is a testament to Lisa's resilience and strength as she navigates the difficult terrain of her past. Join us as we listen to Lisa's story, a journey towards peace, self-discovery, and letting go of the burdens of the past. The Jar continues to bring you real conversations with real people, and Lisa's story is a powerful example of the transformative nature of these conversations.

For more of The Jar, visit:

Website: https://www.thejar.live/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTqB1dhDvl0Oh505ysdxTg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/

Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not represent the views, beliefs or opinions of The Jar Podcast. Our goal is to provide a platform for everyone no matter what they believe, and we would like to continue to do that while making it clear our guests are not a representation of The Jar Podcast. 

For behind the scenes content of the making of The Jar, meet the guests, see some footage of unreleased podcast episodes and more visit : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTqB1dhDvl0Oh505ysdxTg

To be a guest on the show email us at thejarguest@gmail.com or visit our webpage : https://www.thejar.live/

Follow The Jar on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/

Follow The Jar on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar

Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not represent the views, beliefs or opinions of The Jar Podcast. Our goal is to provide a platform for everyone no matter what they believe, and we would like to continue to do that while making it clear our guests are not a representation of The Jar Podcast. 

We had the privilege of meeting Haven Seltmann in her home in Phoenix. Originally hailing from Portland, Oregon, Haven's life took her to the charming town of Silverton during her formative years. She grew up as an only child, her younger brother sadly passing away at a young age. This early experience set the stage for a profound spiritual journey.

Haven's upbringing was steeped in church and spirituality, evolving over the years as she learned to follow the universe's cues. Her relationship with her parents has been somewhat unconventional. Her dad feels more like an uncle, while her mom and sister play significant roles in her life.

During our conversation, we delved into the notion that as we grow and become parents ourselves, we often gain a deeper appreciation for our own parents' struggles and imperfections. Haven humorously referred to herself as the "poster child for the benefit of the doubt," reflecting on the judgments we cast on our parents as we mature and gain more understanding.

One poignant theme that emerged from Haven's story was the hope that children harbor for their parents to simply be present. She emphasized that being there for your children doesn't require trying to be more than what you are; it's about genuinely showing up.

Haven's journey is one of introspection, growth, and evolving perspectives. Join us as we sit down with Haven, traverse her life's path through The Jar, and gain insights into the complexity of family dynamics and the profound impact of parenting.

For more of The Jar, visit:

Website: https://www.thejar.live/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTqB1dhDvl0Oh505ysdxTg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/

Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not represent the views, beliefs or opinions of The Jar Podcast. Our goal is to provide a platform for everyone no matter what they believe, and we would like to continue to do that while making it clear our guests are not a representation of The Jar Podcast. 

For behind the scenes content of the making of The Jar, meet the guests, see some footage of unreleased podcast episodes and more visit : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTqB1dhDvl0Oh505ysdxTg

To be a guest on the show email us at thejarguest@gmail.com or visit our webpage : https://www.thejar.live/

Follow The Jar on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/

Follow The Jar on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar

Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not represent the views, beliefs or opinions of The Jar Podcast. Our goal is to provide a platform for everyone no matter what they believe, and we would like to continue to do that while making it clear our guests are not a representation of The Jar Podcast.