Isn’t it Lovely to Find Freedom from Addiction? Special Guests: Amos and Heather Kittelson
TW: This episode discusses alcoholism, addiction, postpartum depression, and suicide.
The content of this podcast episode is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have.
“We’re trying to spread the truth and break…the stigma and educate people that if you have a loved one who’s dealing with this, you’ve gotta understand it…”
In collaboration with South Dakota’s celebrated 4Front Studios, Isn’t it Lovely? is thrilled to introduce its very first long-form audio and video episode featuring the endlessly inspiring Amos and Heather Kittelson as they share their love story as well as their journey of breaking generational patterns to find hope and healing from addiction. With sensitivity and care, Amos and Heather recreate the morning Heather decided to take her life after battling postpartum depression and alcoholism - and what prompted Amos to return to their home to help her fight for her life. With tremendous empathy and a compassionate desire to combat shame and stigma, Amos and Heather use their testimony to encourage a life playbook that includes education, awareness, boundaries, guardrails, and recognition of the value of life created by a loving God. Tracy and Rachel are moved to tears for much of the episode, pausing only to delight in the pink lighting and set design generously provided by 4Front, while also requesting that Amos and Heather record daily personal messages under the moniker Kindness with the Kittelsons. Heather embraces the blessing of her experiences as a platform to help others; the three women decide to take an Amos-free road trip to celebrate their newfound friendship.
Episode Mentions:
Heather Kittelson Instagram: @heatherkittelson
Heather Kittelson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.sanow
Redemption Artistry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redemptionartistry
Sidewalk Technologies Website: https://www.sidewalktech.com/
Sidewalk Technologies Instagram: @sidewalktechnologies
Sidewalk Technologies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SidewalkTech
4FrontStudios Website: https://4frontstudios.com/
4Front Studios Instagram: @4frontstudios
4Front Studios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4FrontSF/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
What Are You Loving:
Heather: Celebrating 9 amazing years of marriage to Amos; golfing in the sunshine
Tracy: 4Front Studios
Rachel: The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman
Amos and Heather Kittelson live in Hills, MN with their 4 adorable children: Jacob - 14, Brit - 8, Stella - 6, and Evie - 4, as well as Charlie, their 2 -year-old border collie. As a family, they love popcorn and movie nights, mini road trips, hiking, swimming, and just spending time together.
Amos is the Founder/CEO of Sidewalk Technologies and Heather is the Foundation Director at Volunteers of America - Dakotas. They are both extremely active in the Sioux Falls Community and attend and actively serve at The Ransom Church in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Heather has a side woodworking business called Redemption Artistry and also serves as a speaker, host of the Fortitude podcast, and founder of the Get Naked - Shed Your Layers event.
Through their own personal testimony of redemption and fortitude, there is no doubt that Amos and Heather are called to speak out and spread awareness about the dangers of alcoholism, addiction, and suicide, as well as the hope and healing that are found through the love and grace of a Heavenly Father. Their story is simultaneously heart-wrenching and beautiful, a story of perseverance, determination and love.