Through The HurriKane

Prisoner of War: One Ukrainian Soldier’s Story of Survival | Part II

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

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.

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Prisoner of War: One Ukrainian Soldier’s Story of Survival | Part I

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

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.

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Bring Them Home

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:01:44 +0000

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.

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Death Couldn’t Keep Him

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:16:57 +0000

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 minutes
The shock of surviving against overwhelming odds
Why he has no memories of being dead
How the experience completely changed his outlook on life
Learning to let go of fear, resentment, and regret
Why 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.

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Who Will Stop The Rain

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

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

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She Talks to the Dead. We Had Questions.

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:59:25 +0000

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.

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Kane You Handle The Truth?

Tue, 26 May 2026 16:00:00 +0000

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

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Inside the Addict Mind: Jessica Langan’s Story of Addiction and Survival

Tue, 12 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

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.

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HurriKane Season is Just Getting Started

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:59:56 +0000

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.

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Ally Shaw is Chasing Tigers in the Dark

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

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.

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Nash: A Life Well Loved

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Nash was more than a companion—he was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love.

In this deeply personal episode, Lexi reflects on the life they shared, the quiet, everyday moments that became everything, and the heartbreak of saying goodbye. It’s a conversation about grief, love, and what it means to be someone’s whole world—and then learn how to live without them.

This is for anyone who has ever loved a dog so deeply, it changed them forever.

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Friday Night Lights to the Super Bowl: The Story of Paul Frase

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we sit down with NFL veteran Paul Frase to talk about the unlikely path that took him from small-town New Hampshire to the biggest stage in football.

Growing up playing football on grass and dirt fields, Paul learned early that the game wasn’t about perfect conditions—it was about grit, discipline, and heart. What started as backyard games and local competition eventually turned into a relentless pursuit of a dream that many kids have, but few achieve: playing in the National Football League.

Paul shares the untold stories behind the journey—the early sacrifices, the moments of doubt, the mentors who believed in him, and the determination it took to keep going when the odds were stacked against him. From high school football in New England to college competition and ultimately reaching the NFL, his story is a reminder that where you start doesn’t define where you can go.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Growing up in New Hampshire and falling in love with football

• Playing on grass and dirt fields before the bright lights and stadiums

• The challenges and realities of pursuing a career in professional sports

• What it actually takes—mentally and physically—to make it to the NFL

• The lessons football taught him about resilience, discipline, and life beyond the game

Paul’s journey is about more than football—it’s about perseverance, humility, and chasing something bigger than yourself, even when the path isn’t clear.

Whether you’re a sports fan, an athlete, or someone pursuing an ambitious goal, this episode is a powerful reminder that big dreams can grow from the most humble beginnings.

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A Father’s Grief: Loving Two, Losing One

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:49:49 +0000

In this deeply moving episode, we hear from a father whose life changed forever the day his twins were born — and one did not survive.

What does it mean to hold one baby in your arms while grieving the other? How do you celebrate new life while mourning unimaginable loss? And how does grief show up differently for fathers?

Our guest shares the raw, complex emotions of becoming a parent in the shadow of loss — the joy, the guilt, the gratitude, the anger, and the silence that so often surrounds men’s grief. He opens up about navigating the hospital room, supporting his partner, and learning how to father both the child he raises and the one he carries in memory.

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HurriKanes Through History

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Resilience isn’t created overnight — it’s shaped by generations of courage, challenge, and the relentless pursuit of justice. In today’s episode, we take a step back in time to explore how resilience has been forged through history and how those lessons continue to influence the world we live in today.

Joined by former Congressman Matt Cartwright, we dive into the stories of individuals who transformed adversity into impact. With a background in history and a deep understanding of the human experience, Matt shares insight into how seemingly ordinary people — from Mahatma Gandhi to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — helped reshape society through perseverance and an unwavering stand against injustice.

In honor of Black History Month, this conversation reflects on the enduring legacy of leaders who turned struggle into progress, and how their influence still guides conversations around courage, change, and hope.

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Everything Will Be Ok, We’re Alright

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with a close family friend whose life changed forever at just 20 years old after becoming the victim of a random, violent attack. What followed was not only a long physical recovery—including having to relearn how to walk—but an even more difficult internal journey: learning how to keep going, stay hopeful, and rebuild a sense of self after unimaginable trauma. This conversation isn’t about the attack itself—it’s about what comes after. The quiet strength it takes to show up every day. The mental battles no one sees. The power of support, perspective, and choosing positivity even when it feels impossible. Through honesty, vulnerability, and reflection, this episode is a reminder that healing is not linear, courage doesn’t always look loud, and survival is its own form of victory.

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It’s Never Too Late!

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Bender to talk about a journey that didn’t follow the traditional script — and why that ended up being its greatest strength. Bill shares the twists, setbacks, and pivotal moments that shaped his unconventional climb to success, offering an honest look at what it means to keep going when the timeline you imagined for yourself no longer applies.

A powerful highlight of the conversation centers on Bill’s decision to return to college later in life and the emotional significance of completing that chapter with his mother in attendance to witness it. It’s a moment that represents perseverance, growth, and the quiet pride that comes from finishing something you once thought might be out of reach.

Throughout the episode, Bill reflects on redefining success, learning from failure, and embracing the long road — proving that progress doesn’t have an expiration date. This conversation is a reminder that there’s no single path to fulfillment, and that sometimes the most meaningful achievements come from staying the course, even when it takes longer than expected.

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When Life Gives You Lemons - Part II

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In Part II, Kathleen Kane continues her conversation with Liz Scott, diving deeper into Alex’s enduring legacy and the extraordinary foundation built in her name. Liz reflects on how Alex’s simple childhood mission grew into Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, now one of the leading organizations funding childhood cancer research and supporting families nationwide. Together, Kathleen and Liz explore the ripple effect of Alex’s courage, generosity, and belief that one person, no matter how young, can truly change the world.

This episode is a powerful reminder that hope, purpose, and love can live on far beyond a single lifetime.

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When Life Gives You Lemons - Part One

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In Part One of this episode, we’re honored to sit down with Liz Scott, founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Liz shares the powerful story of her daughter Alex—who she was, what inspired her iconic lemonade stand, and how a simple childhood idea grew into a global movement.

Together, we reflect on Alex’s courage, compassion, and legacy, and explore the profound impact she continues to have on childhood cancer research and families around the world. This conversation sets the foundation for understanding not just the organization, but the heart and hope behind it.

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Looking Back, Looking Forward

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this reflection episode of Through the HurriKane, Kathleen and Alexandra pause to look back on the first six episodes — stories that carried deep emotion, hard truths, and powerful resilience. Together, they reflect on what it was like to hold space for vulnerability, revisit painful moments, and move through conversations that weren’t always easy but were necessary. This episode is about what happens between the storms: what we learn when the winds settle, how sharing stories can heal both the speaker and the listener, and why reflection is just as important as forward motion. A moment to breathe, honor what’s been shared so far, and ground ourselves before continuing the journey ahead.

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Mothers of the Round Table

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Dale Hadley to talk about her son Brian Patrick Hadley, a bright, funny, twelve-year-old boy whose sudden passing changed her life forever. Dale shares what it was like to live through that loss, how she found the strength to keep going, and the ways she’s learned to carry Brian’s memory forward.

Check out the featured song on our website: “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.”

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Give Everything I Have Away

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Through the HurriKane, I sit down with my dear friend Dr. Linda Barrasse, a cardiologist, author, and mother who lost her son, Cody, in a tragic accident. Linda shares the story of Cody’s final act of generosity—donating his organs—and how she found hope and purpose through unimaginable grief. We talk about love, faith, and learning to live again after loss. The song of the episode, chosen by Linda in memory of Cody, is “You Are My Sunshine” by Johnny Cash.

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The Calm Before the Storm: Part 4

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this fourth and final conversation with my niece Lexi, I share the hardest part of my journey and the lessons that kept me moving forward when everything inside me wanted to stop. Prison was a world I never imagined. There were moments I thought I could not survive, moments I believed my boys were better off without me. But there were also moments of grace, kindness, and even laughter. I also share the wild story of my bail and why that day, which should have broken me, became a reminder that love and family can carry you through anything.

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The Calm Before the Storm: Part 3

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

The first two episodes covered my roots and my rise, but this one is about the fall. From the first signs that something was coming to the investigation to walking into court under the glare of national media, it's all here. I share what it felt like to go from Pennsylvania’s top prosecutor to sitting at the defense table and why my biggest mistake was trusting too much. I talk about the verdict, the quiet car ride home, and the hardest conversation of my life with my boys. How do you keep moving when everything is out of your control? Sometimes the answer is coffee, clean sheets, prayer, and pure grit.

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The Calm Before the Storm: Part 2

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

I’m Kathleen Kane, and in this second episode of the “Flip the Script” series, I share the climb before the crash. I talk about my years in the DA’s office, including why I chose to prosecute child and sexual abuse cases, and how that work shaped me. Against the odds, I eventually became the first woman and first Democrat elected as Attorney General in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a milestone that marked the turning point of my career. I unpack the hurdles that came with this: being an outsider, being underestimated, and how, despite it all, I really believed that I could win.

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The Calm Before the Storm: Part 1

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the very first episode of Through the HurriKane. This show is about learning to dance through life’s fiercest storms, because I’ve lived through my share. Normally, I’ll be talking with guests about their journeys, but these first four episodes are different. We’re calling them the “Flip the Script” series, because before I ask the questions, I’m answering them. In this episode, my niece Lexi interviews me as I share my story for the first time. This isn’t about defending the past. It’s about moving forward, finding strength, and helping others know they’re not alone. If you’ve ever felt like life’s storms might swallow you whole, I hope my story gives you a reason to keep going.

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Introducing: Through the HurriKANE

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 21:20:00 +0000

Welcome to Through the HurriKANE. I’m your host, Kathleen Kane, the first woman elected Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I've been through my fair share of ups and downs over the past few years, and in this podcast, I explore resilience, healing, and finding hope after the storm. Mark your calendars -- episode one releases on September 16, 2025!

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