Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia. Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!This season, we turn our spotlight onto a seemingly joyful, albeit very complex theme - celebration!

Please note, this episode discusses, among many things, mental health and suicide ideation.

If any of our listeners, or someone you know, is in need of help - a fantastic resource is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  You can reach this lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255 or by visiting www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Monica Simon is a writer, artist, and web content creator from Scranton, Pa. She believes in the power of empathy and love which are transmitted through the power of storytelling. She enjoys catching live music, painting, and chasing her bunny around the living room. She aspires to grow old and look back at her life with amusement about what a ride it was!