In Part II of our conversation, we hear the story we could only begin to introduce in Part I. Yevgenii takes us back to the moment he was captured by Russian forces and into the more than two years he spent as a prisoner of war in Russia. He shares what it was like to lose his freedom without knowing when—or if—he would return home, the realities of surviving inside a Russian prison, and the mental strength it took to endure captivity. But his story doesn’t end with his release. Yevgenii opens up about returning to a world that had continued moving while his life had been effectively frozen, the lasting impact of what he experienced, and how he carries those memories with him today. He also reflects on what survival means after captivity—and how he has chosen to move forward rather than allow those years to define the rest of his life. This is a conversation about war at its most human: fear, survival, resilience, trauma, and the complicated reality of coming home. Yevgenii’s story is difficult to hear at times. But it is also a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit—and why the experiences of Ukrainian prisoners of war cannot be forgotten. This is Part II of our conversation with Yevgenii and the Kyiv School of Economics. Listen to Part I first to hear more about life in Ukraine today and the work being done to build the country’s future even as the war continues. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In Part I of this extraordinary two-part conversation, Through The HurriKane sits down with two Ukrainians living through the reality of an active war while refusing to stop fighting for a better future for their country. They share what it means to live, work, and build amid uncertainty—and why their mission extends far beyond surviving the war. At the heart of the conversation is the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) and its work to strengthen Ukraine through education, research, humanitarian efforts, and investment in the country’s future. KSE’s mission is to help build the intellectual foundation for a strong and innovative Ukrainian economy, and during the war, its impact has extended into humanitarian aid, education, research, and Ukraine’s long-term recovery. (Kyiv School of Economics) But this conversation is also deeply personal. One of our guests, Yevgenii, is a Ukrainian soldier who was captured and held as a prisoner of war in Russia for more than two years. In Part I, we learn about the people, purpose, and resilience behind their work—and what they want the rest of the world to understand about Ukraine beyond the headlines. And this is only the beginning. In Part II, Yevgenii takes us inside his remarkable story: his capture, more than two years in Russian captivity, and the experience of finally returning home. Two people. A country at war. And an unwavering belief that Ukraine’s future is still worth building. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of children become displaced, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and human trafficking. While the statistics are staggering, there are people working tirelessly to change that reality. In this powerful episode of Through the HurriKane, Kathleen Kane sits down with Leah Stauffer, founder of Half A Million Kids, to discuss the growing crisis of misplaced children, the heartbreaking realities of child trafficking, and why so many young people fall through the cracks. Leah shares the inspiration behind launching Half A Million Kids, the organization’s mission to protect vulnerable children, and the practical solutions that communities can support to make a lasting difference. This conversation sheds light on an issue that is often hidden in plain sight while offering hope that meaningful change is possible when people come together with purpose. In This Episode: * Leah Stauffer’s journey to founding Half A Million Kids * The crisis of misplaced and vulnerable children * How child trafficking happens and who is most at risk * Common misconceptions surrounding trafficking * The mission and impact of Half A Million Kids * Practical ways individuals and communities can help protect children * Why awareness is the first step toward lasting change If this episode moved you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this important conversation. Together, we can help protect vulnerable children and support organizations making a real difference. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What would you do if you were given a second chance at life? In this unforgettable episode of Through The HurriKane, Kathleen sits down with Rob Lettieri, a man who was pronounced clinically dead for nearly 20 minutes before defying every expectation and coming back to life. Unlike many near-death survivors, Rob doesn’t remember seeing a bright light, a tunnel, or the afterlife. Instead, he shares what it was like to wake up after the impossible and learn that he had survived an event most people never do. Rob opens up about: The medical emergency that stopped his heart Being pronounced dead for approximately 20 minutesThe shock of surviving against overwhelming oddsWhy he has no memories of being deadHow the experience completely changed his outlook on lifeLearning to let go of fear, resentment, and regretWhy every day now feels like a gift Whether you believe in miracles, medicine, or simply the resilience of the human spirit, Rob’s story is a powerful reminder that life can change in an instant—and that sometimes our greatest second chance begins when all hope seems lost. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to Through The HurriKane for more extraordinary stories of resilience, survival, and the moments that redefine what it means to be alive. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Cancer is often portrayed as a story of strength, inspiration, and triumph. But what about the parts no one talks about? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Christine Fletcher shares her journey through three separate battles with cancer, revealing the physical, emotional, and mental toll that comes with fighting for your life again and again. Christine opens up about the grueling reality of treatment, the moments of fear and uncertainty, and the guilt that can come from feeling like a burden to the people who love you most. This episode goes beyond the inspirational headlines and into the raw, unfiltered truth of survivorship—the exhaustion, the isolation, the resilience, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward when life keeps knocking you down. Christine’s story is one of perseverance, vulnerability, and hope, offering comfort to anyone facing their own battle or supporting someone they love through one. In this episode, we discuss: Christine’s three cancer diagnoses and treatment journeys The harsh realities of chemotherapy, surgeries, and recovery The emotional impact of chronic illness Feeling like a burden to family and friends How cancer changes relationships and identity Finding strength in the darkest moments What survivorship really looks like And don’t miss the end of the episode for a special surprise that left us all smiling. If this conversation resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need to hear Christine’s story. #ThroughTheHurriKane #CancerSurvivor #CancerAwareness #Resilience #Hope #Podcast #SurvivorStory #LifeAfterCancer #Inspiration #HealingJourney Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever wondered if our loved ones can reach us after they’ve passed? In this episode of Through The HurriKane, Kathleen sits down with Medium Jo, a respected psychic medium to discuss one of life’s greatest mysteries: what happens after we die. From spirit communication and signs from loved ones to common misconceptions about mediumship, this fascinating conversation explores the experiences that have shaped our guest’s beliefs and the countless readings that have changed lives. Together, we discuss: What a psychic medium actually does The difference between psychics and mediums How spirit communication is experienced Common signs from loved ones who have passed away Why some people seem more intuitive than others Skepticism, belief, and finding your own truth How grief can impact our ability to recognize signs The most compelling experiences from years of readings What our guest believes happens after death Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or simply curious, this episode offers a thoughtful and respectful exploration of the unknown. 🎙️ Follow Through The HurriKane for more conversations about resilience, transformation, and the human experience. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This week on Through The HurriKane, Lexi and Kathleen are turning the mic over to you. From personal questions to behind-the-scenes stories, career moments, family dynamics, resilience, relationships, public perception, and everything in between — no topic was off limits. In this special Q&A episode, they answer listener-submitted questions honestly, candidly, and with the kind of conversations that feel more like sitting around the kitchen table than listening to a podcast. Some answers are heartfelt, some surprising, and some may leave you laughing harder than expected. Thank you for continuing to send your questions, stories, and support. Keep them coming — you’re a huge part of what makes this community so special Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this deeply honest conversation, Jessica Langan shares her firsthand experience with addiction, recovery, relapse, and the mental battles that most people never see. Rather than speaking from theory, Jessica offers a raw look into how addiction changes decision-making, relationships, identity, and self-worth. The episode explores the psychology behind addictive behavior, the cycle of shame and escape, and why addicts often act in ways that seem irrational to outsiders. Jessica explains what cravings actually feel like, how denial operates in real time, and the emotional void that substances temporarily fill. Topics include: The internal thought patterns behind addiction Why addicts lie, isolate, and self-sabotage The difference between physical dependence and emotional addiction Shame, trauma, and the need to escape What recovery realistically looks like day-to-day How friends and family misunderstand addiction Rebuilding trust, identity, and purpose after substance abuse The moments that forced Jessica to confront reality Hope, accountability, and long-term healing This episode is an unfiltered look at addiction from someone who lived it — offering insight for people struggling themselves, those supporting loved ones, and anyone trying to better understand the human side of substance abuse. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode is a special one. 💛 We’re celebrating 7 months of Through The HurriKane—and taking a moment to reflect on the journey so far, the stories that have stayed with us, and the incredible guests who have trusted us with their truth. From deeply emotional conversations to moments that made us laugh, this episode is all about looking back at the highlights that shaped this podcast into what it is today. We’re sharing: * Our favorite guest moments that we still think about * The stories that impacted us long after recording ended * Behind-the-scenes reflections from the past 7 months * What this podcast has taught us about resilience, family, and healing This podcast was built on honesty, connection, and the power of storytelling—and this episode is a reminder of just how meaningful that has been. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just finding us now, we’re so grateful you’re here. 🎧 Tune in, reflect with us, and celebrate how far we’ve come. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with author Ally Shaw to explore the powerful story behind her book, Chasing Tigers in the Dark. Ally opens up about the storms that shaped her—sharing her experiences with trauma, resilience, and the moments that tested everything she thought she knew about herself. With raw honesty, she takes us into the darkness she once had to navigate, and how she found the strength to keep going when the path forward felt impossible. This conversation is about more than survival—it’s about transformation. Ally reflects on what it means to face your fears head-on, to sit with pain, and ultimately, to come out on the other side stronger, wiser, and more grounded in who you are. If you’ve ever felt lost in your own storm, this episode is a reminder that there is a way through—and that even in the darkest moments, there is something within you worth fighting for. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.