In this moving episode, we sit down with Amanda Gallagher, an artist, mother, and survivor who shares her incredible story of overcoming addiction, battling cancer, and discovering her purpose through her art. Amanda talks openly about her 12-year struggle with heroin addiction, the pivotal moment that led her to sobriety, and the personal and spiritual growth that followed. Today, she channels her energy into her family and her mosaic art, finding healing and peace in her work. Amanda’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of the human spirit to rebuild after adversity.

What you'll hear...

1. Amanda’s Early Life & Addiction:
   • Amanda recounts how she fell into heroin addiction at the age of 16, along with the difficulties of growing up in an environment where drugs were easily accessible.
   • The challenges of balancing her addiction while working in different jobs, including her time in the casino and cruise industries.
2. The Road to Sobriety:
   • Amanda shares the emotional intervention from her parents that ultimately pushed her to get sober.
   • Her struggle with relapse and how she finally embraced sobriety after realizing the toll her addiction had taken on her family and herself.
3. Life-Changing Health Battles:
   • Amanda details her experience with life-threatening electrocution at age 14, a brain tumor, and later a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
   • The role her positive mindset played in her healing process, including the power of visualization and affirmations.
4. Finding Healing in Art:
   • Amanda explains how she found solace in mosaic art after her health battles, using the medium as a form of meditation and pain management.
   • She describes her geometric designs and the spiritual connection she feels through her artwork.
5. Raising Independent, Non-Conforming Children:
   • Amanda reflects on raising her two sons, Nathan and Harry, who have both chosen unconventional careers—Nathan as the founder of “Love Jam,” a community-based event, and Harry as a free runner and content creator with over a million YouTube subscribers.
6. Amanda’s Future Aspirations:
   • Despite her health challenges, Amanda shares her desire to attend Burning Man and the importance of continuing to push her boundaries and live life to the fullest.
   • Her ongoing mosaic projects and her hopes for expanding her work, including creating personalized pieces for memorials.

Insights:

• “One day at a time, healed, whole, and healthy.” – Amanda Gallagher
• “If I hadn’t gone through what I did, I wouldn’t be who I am today.” – Amanda Gallagher
• “The subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between truth or a lie, so whatever you tell it, that’s what becomes your reality.” – Amanda Gallagher

Resources:

• Amanda Gallagher's Art
• Love Jam Events
• Harry Gallagher's YouTube Channel:

If Amanda’s story inspired you, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Share this episode with anyone who might be going through struggles of addiction, illness, or looking for inspiration in their journey of healing.

We’d love to hear from you! Reach out with your feedback, questions, or guest suggestions at connect@jaimemarco.com.

Thank you for joining us for this heartfelt conversation with Amanda Gallagher. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and transformation. Until next time, keep writing your extraordinary story!