Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Chandler
Hi Kelly , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our company, Survival in the Trenches LLC, was founded in 2024 by three partners: Michael Chandler, JJ Kirkpatrick, and me, Kelly Chandler. Together, we’ve combined our personal and professional experiences to create something deeply meaningful. Michael serves as our Business Leader, JJ as our Media Producer, and I take on the role of Operations Leader. Our shared vision is to use our time and talents to provide a platform where people can share their stories of perseverance through traumatic loss.
Survival in the Trenches is a cause-based social impact company led by passionate individuals who are driven to solve problems and create meaningful change. We aim to confront society’s most challenging issues at their core, working toward lasting and transformative solutions.
Our mission centers around a framework we call AERO—Awareness, Empathy, Resources, and Outcomes. Through this, we connect audiences with the tools and insights they need to spark real transformation.
We partner with NGOs and other organizations to amplify advocacy and awareness. Using a mix of original and curated content, we share stories via podcasts, interviews, events, and community initiatives. These narratives highlight adversity but, more importantly, inspire action. Beyond storytelling, we take a hands-on approach—gathering resources, consulting, and actively disrupting systems that perpetuate some of society’s toughest challenges. In doing so, we work to achieve real and measurable outcomes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most people who’ve accumulated years of life and experience, we’ve faced our share of personal and professional battles. What’s shaped us, though, is our recognition that many others are silently enduring challenges that are often far worse. Our mission is to bring those stories to life, helping others understand they are not alone and that there are paths to persevere through even the toughest situations.
We’re particularly interested in exploring coping mechanisms beyond traditional talk therapy or pharmaceuticals, which often only address symptoms. We want to dive deeper into approaches that tackle mental health challenges at their root, offering innovative paths forward. Our ultimate goal is to share fresh, actionable ideas that support both personal healing and systemic change, benefiting the community as a whole.
As a business, we’re starting from scratch, and that comes with its fair share of challenges. Establishing our name, investing financially, investing hours of sweat equity, sourcing compelling guests, and efficiently navigating production have all tested us. But we see these as opportunities to grow.
Our greatest strength is our adaptability—we’re nimble, open to feedback, and always ready to pivot when necessary. The positive responses we’ve received so far have been nothing short of inspiring. They fuel our passion to keep going and remind us that this work has the potential to make a real difference.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the host of Survival in the Trenches: Life Beyond Loss, it’s both an honor and a privilege to sit down with our guests and hear their stories. I don’t have a background in journalism or communications, but I hope my strength as a listener shines through. My goal is for each guest to feel that their story truly matters—because it does—and that we’re providing a safe and supportive space for them to share it. Above all, I want their experience to be positive, whether they’re navigating their own healing journey or helping others find hope and ways to heal.
What makes our approach unique is the diversity of perspectives we bring to the table. We don’t just interview those who have experienced loss directly—we also speak with people who work in related areas, such as EMS professionals, trauma nurses and doctors, therapists, researchers, and even businesses in the mental health space. This allows us to explore the full spectrum of loss and its ripple effects, gaining insights from every angle. In many ways, we’re engaging in a form of investigative journalism, diving deep to uncover a broader understanding and a better way forward for everyone.
What I’m most proud of is the gratitude we’ve received from our guests. Many have shared how meaningful it’s been to have a platform to help others through their own experiences. For me, that’s an absolute win-win—knowing that their stories are making a difference and fostering hope.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
There are so many favorite memories to choose from, but I’ll share two that stand out.
The first is growing up in a neighborhood full of friends and the sense of freedom that came with it—something that now feels like a bygone era. We spent countless hours just being kids. No phones, no fear of being unsafe—just endless exploration and fun. I vividly remember riding Big Wheels, grabbing popsicles from a neighbor’s house, catching lightning bugs, and running around without a care in the world. It was such a simple, magical time that I’ll always cherish.
The second memory is from high school when I was Captain of the Eureka Golden Line pom squad. That experience was so much fun and incredibly formative. We were a tight-knit group of friends, and I loved learning how to lead, choreograph, and dance alongside them. I remember wanting to be Captain so badly, and I pushed myself to earn that role. Was I the best dancer on the team? Not at all. But I do believe I was the best leader. It gave me the chance to develop those skills and help guide others, and I look back on those moments with so much joy. Great times!
Pricing:
- Partnership/Sponsorship opportunities are available! Help amplify personal stories and advocate for mental health resources and outcomes in our area and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.survivalitt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivalinthetrenches/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561440569021
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzk9fu-y222VVhCl_PzUNIBROeWxAwc4v
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hRUYiI9zHI2AZxifOaP0F
