The Big Silence – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!

Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn

What happens when you fight for a year to reclaim the company you built—and finally win?

In this raw, emotional solo episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn breaks her silence and shares the news her community has been waiting for: she's bought back Tone It Up. After founding the company in 2009 at age 27, taking on investors in 2018, navigating a complicated acquisition, and spending the last year in intense negotiations, Karena now owns 100% of Tone It Up—with no investors. She opens up about the highs and lows of private equity, the days she wanted to walk away, why she stayed, and what's coming next for the community. From bringing back fan-favorite trainers to launching the new "Tone It Down" podcast, this episode is both a celebration and a masterclass in resilience. If you've ever fought for something you believed in, rebuilt yourself, or wondered what it takes to start over at 44, this one's for you.

How do you hold on when everything feels like it's falling apart—and what does it take to reclaim what's yours?

Fighting through years of uncertainty, negotiation, and emotional exhaustion proves that resilience isn't about never wanting to quit. It's about staying when every part of you wants to walk away.

(00:00) The Big Announcement

• Why this moment is both exciting and nerve-wracking for her
• The core mission behind Tone It Up: creating a safe, judgment-free community for women
• What The Big Silence is really about: breaking stigmas around mental health and self-development

(03:00) What Happened in 2018? The Investor Story & Growing Pains

• The reality of working with investors: when good intentions don't lead to good relationships
• The emotional toll of the past 7-8 years: days she wanted to walk away vs. days she knew she had to stay
• Growing up with the community: from 27 to 44, supporting each other through motherhood, loss, marriage, divorce, and perimenopause

(07:00) The Year-Long Fight to Get Tone It Up Back

• Why Karena spent the last year behind the scenes in intense negotiations
• The intuition that kept telling her: "I just want it back, big or small."
• How she funded the buyback

(09:30) What's Next: The Future of Tone It Up

• New fitness challenge launching in the Tone It Up app
• The big reunion: Chyna, Stef, and Tori are back and just filmed workouts in Austin, Texas
• New content across all platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram—all socials are back
• Building a home studio to create more fitness content for the community

(12:00) Introducing "Tone It Down" Podcast & How to Participate

• A new podcast launching in January with episodes featuring Tori, Stef, and Chyna
• Solo episodes where Karena will answer community questions
• How to participate: leave voicemails at speakpipe.com/karenadawn
• The Big Silence will focus on mental health and self-development; Tone It Down will be fitness, nutrition, and womanhood

Reconnect with yourself and your community:

We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at ToneItUp.com/app and we will see you January 5th! 

If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!

Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn

What if the invisible air around you was quietly impacting your sleep, your energy, and your overall health?

In this eye-opening episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Wes Greenwood, Wellness Director at Jaspr and a former firefighter-turned-air quality expert. From his decade as a first responder exposed to hazardous environments to his personal journey through mold illness and autoimmune challenges, Wes shares why clean air is just as essential as clean water and food. He breaks down the science of air quality, reveals surprising truths about what's floating in your home, and offers practical tools for better sleep, reduced inflammation, and improved mental clarity. Whether you're dealing with allergies, poor sleep, or just want to optimize your health, this conversation will change how you think about the air you breathe.

How do you protect your health when the invisible toxins in your home could be affecting everything from your sleep to your cognitive function?

Understanding air quality and taking control of your environment proves that wellness starts with the basics, including what you breathe.

(05:00) Why Nobody's Talking About Indoor Air Quality

• Breaking down particulate matter: the invisible particles floating in your air
• Why PM 2.5 (2.5 microns) is the most dangerous size for human health
• The link between these particles and inflammation throughout the body
• How PM 2.5 affects cognitive decline and overall well-being
• Why people are oblivious to indoor air quality issues 

(10:00) Testing Air Quality: Inside vs. Outside Your Home

• Karena's surprise: her outdoor air was worse than indoor
• Why every house is different: size, HVAC systems, pets, and movement all matter
• How pets affect air quality
• How Jaspr improves air quality 

(18:00) Sleep, Air Quality & The Inflammation Connection

• How poor air quality causes runny noses, blocked airways, and disrupted sleep
• Why you can't reach deep rest when your body is fighting airborne irritants
• The impact of clean air on sleep quality and recovery
• Wes's personal journey: mold illness and autoimmune recovery

(28:00) Breathwork as Medicine: Practical Tools for Anxiety & Stress

• Simple breathwork routines that actually work
• Why controlling your breath is one of the most powerful tools you have
• How mold exposure affects the body's systems

(38:00) Austin Air Quality: Cedar Allergies & Real Solutions

• Why Austin residents deal with constant allergies
• The habit of "prophylactic antihistamines" and why it's not ideal
• How Karena's body adapted over five years—and why she still needs support
• Practical tips for anyone moving to or visiting Austin
• The importance of having clean air in your bedroom

(46:00) The Gratitude-Breathwork Connection

• Breathing particulate-free air as meditation
• How to access gratitude even when it's hard 
• The one-two combo: breathwork + gratitude as an anxiety antidote
• Karena's ritual: cold plunge, pool time, and just being present

(50:00) Prevention Over Treatment: Investing in Your Health Now

• Wellness items can be pricey, but prevention saves money later
• Real results:...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!

Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn

What happens when the “perfect” relationship is powered by control, confusion, and intermittent kindness?



In this powerful conversation, Dr. Nadine Macaluso, somatic psychologist and author of Run Like Hell, breaks down trauma bonds. She explains why love-bombing feels so intoxicating at first, and how to rebuild trust in yourself after leaving a toxic dynamic. We cover red flags, green flags, co-parenting with a difficult ex, and why “boring” can actually mean safe, steady, and good.

How do you recognize when love turns into control, and find the courage to walk away from a trauma bond?

Escaping toxic cycles isn’t just about leaving the situation. It’s about relearning safety, trusting your own signals, and choosing peace over chaos.

(00:26) Origin Story & Reinvention at Any Age

• Going back to school at 39 and finishing a doctorate at 45 proves reinvention is possible at any age
• How early exposure to feelings and psychology sparked Nadine’s path
• Therapy as a lifeline when chaos became overwhelming

(04:03) Love-Bombing & Early Red Flags

• The intoxicating “soulmate” language and excessive attention of love-bombing
• Why mismatched words and actions are an early signal to notice
• Tuning into your body’s warning signs when something feels off

(07:09) What a Trauma Bond Really Is

• Two defining conditions: intermittent abuse and a power imbalance
• How Nadine’s Trauma Bonds Assessment and the Big Five test can offer clarity
• Why it’s critical to drop self-blame and focus on prevention

(11:20) Healing Timeline, Boundaries & Green Flags

• Why healing from a trauma bond takes about two years
• The relief of “I hear you” as a sign of safety
• Quick red flags to avoid: boundary-plowing, sudden rage, and chronic inconsistency

(21:50) Co-Parenting, Somatic Tools & Choosing Peace

• Co-parenting from authenticity instead of rebellion or people-pleasing
• How to track emotions somatically—where feelings live in the body
• Reframing “boring” as safe, steady, and priceless for long-term peace

Thanks for the support from our partners:

Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and enjoy a special discount on your first month.If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/

• Visit Dr. Nae’s Website
• Follow her on Instagram
• Read her book, Run Like Hell

Let’s talk about self-talk. How you speak to yourself sets the tone for everything else in your life. That’s why I’m so excited to welcome Katie Horwitch – passionate writer, mindset coach, and women’s empowerment activist – to The Big Silence podcast today.

Katie is the founder of WANT: Women Against Negative Self-Talk, a platform that gives women tools, motivation, and inspiration to shift their internal conversations in a more positive direction. Her first book, Want Your Self: Shift Your Self-Talk and Unearth The Strength In Who You Were All Along, comes out on October 3rd.

In today’s episode, Katie shares a robust toolkit and tangible tips to transform your self-talk – and these aren’t your typical BS Instagrammable platitudes! Outlining key lessons from her book, we explore the difference between self-love and self-like, how to navigate comparison mode on social media, and insightful ways to face your inner critic. 

Katie also shares her personal gratitude practice and why it’s so essential. Plus, she reveals one of my favorite new tricks – how to have a “planned freakout.” She even leaves us with some helpful homework to feel more centered, grateful, and fearless.

After you listen to this episode, tag me and Katie on Instagram and tell us what you’re grateful for today. And be sure to check out her new book!

Resources:

• Read: Want Your Self: Shift Your Self-Talk and Unearth The Strength In Who You Were All Along by Katie Horwitch

• Instagram: @katiehorwitch

• Website: katiehorwitch.com

• Website: womenagainstnegativetalk.com

• Facebook: Katie Horwitch 

• Podcast: WANTcast: The Women Against Negative Talk Podcast 

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing 

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

I’m so excited to welcome Demi-Leigh Tebow, a powerhouse entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe to the show today. After a traumatic carjacking experience, Demi dove into learning about gender-based violence and human trafficking. She then founded Unbreakable, a confidence-building conference that educates, empowers, and equips women to overcome challenges and break barriers. 

Today, she opens up about the carjacking experience and how she trusted her intuition to fight back. We explore her healing journey through trauma counseling and EMDR therapy. We also talk about ways to tackle our everyday lives with confidence, how a small act can make a big impact, and Demi’s #1 practice for her mental health. Plus, she shares a genius tip for holding yourself accountable and staying motivated in your workout routine. 

Demi radiates strength, optimism, and resilience. I know you’ll be inspired by her story and unbreakable mission to uplift women. Make sure to check out the Unbreakable conference October 7th in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Remember – for the month of September, in collaboration with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we're seeking your support to raise $10,000 to help 100 people through our Therapy for All program. Support the fundraiser here.

Resources:

• Instagram: @demitebow

• Website: demileigh.com

• TikTok: @demitebow

• YouTube: @demitebow2962

• Facebook: Demi-Leigh Tebow

• X: @DemiTebow

• Register for Unbreakable Conference: demileigh.com/unbreakable

• Unbreakable Instagram: @togetherunbreakable

• Podcast: Unmasking Resilience: From Messy Minds to Mental Mastery with Dr. Caroline Leaf #69 

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing 

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the...

Snake Sabo spent years suffering in silence, afraid to talk about his experiences with severe depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-harm. Now, he speaks openly about his journey and shares our passion for breaking the stigma around mental health. 

We’re thrilled to welcome Snake Sabo, a legendary musician and the guitarist of heavy metal band Skid Row. In this vulnerable conversation, Snake opens up about receiving a mental health diagnosis in the 1970s, before any information or support was available to him. He shares stories of overcoming generational trauma, abuse, and self-harm as a teenager. We talk about how he found his calling as a musician, how he got his nickname from Jon Bon Jovi, and the healing power of music. We also explore how he supports his mental health on tour, and the tools he turns to today to manage anxiety and depression. 

What stands out to me the most is how the stigmas Snake faced in the 70s and 80s still persist today. “The big silence is what makes this thing become perpetual,” he said. We’re breaking those patterns with conversations like this. Thank you for being a part of our movement!

Remember – for the month of September, in collaboration with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we're seeking your support to raise $10,000 to help 100 people through our Therapy for All program. Support the fundraiser here.

Resources:

• Instagram: @snakesabo16

• Skid Row: skidrow.com

• Tour Schedule: skidrow.com/tour

• Podcast: You Don’t Have To Suffer for Your Art with Lindsey Morgan

• Tone It Up 2023 Fall Power Up Challenge: toneitup.com/powerup

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing 

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

It is a great honor to have bestselling author, spiritual leader, and 2024 presidential candidate Marianne Williamson on the podcast. She has changed millions of lives – including mine, I have been following her work since I started my own spiritual journey in my 20s – and she continues to do so every day with her deep passion and purpose for healing our world. 

In this dynamic, thought-provoking conversation, Marianne and I talk about how we as individuals can impact the collective. We explore the intersectionality of mental health, how to protect America’s youth, how to bring less fear into politics, and ways to create a more compassionate society. 

Marianne also speaks on the importance of owning your inner light as a means to enlighten others, believing we each have the power, and the responsibility, to bring light into the darkness. “There are forces in the world that would bring you down, and there is a spirit in us all that would lift us up.” That is her message to the community today. 

She embodies that spirit and inspires it in all of us. This conversation is truly life changing, and I can’t wait for you to hear it!  

Remember – for the month of September, in collaboration with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we're seeking your support to raise $10,000 to help 100 people through our Therapy for All program. Support the fundraiser here.

Resources:

• Instagram: @mariannewilliamson

• Website: williamsonlearningcenter.com

• Campaign Website: marianne2024.com

• YouTube: Marianne Williamson Community

• Read: A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

• Read: A Year of Miracles by Marianne Williamson

• Read: A Course in Miracles by Foundation For Inner Peace

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing 

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break

I am thrilled to welcome Kimberly Van Der Beek and Peggy Rometo to the show. Recently, I chatted with them on their amazing podcast, Bathroom Chronicles, instantly falling in love with their warm energy, vulnerability, and deep insights. I know you will too!

Peggy is a spiritual teacher and world-renowned energy expert who helps others discover their intuitive gifts. Kimberly was a strategic advisor, producer, and activist before marrying actor James Van Der Beek, having six children, and moving their family to a ranch outside of Austin. From the ranch’s rustic bathroom, Kimberly and Peggy co-host Bathroom Chronicles, which gives a microphone to the honest, hilarious, and revealing conversations women have in the bathroom. 

In today’s episode, we have a revealing conversation of our own. We talk about how Peggy and Kimberly met (at the same retreat Kimberly met James) and how they sustain and strengthen their friendship through the ebbs and flows of lived experiences. 

Peggy gives advice for tapping into your psychic gifts and explains what Mercury Retrograde really means. Kimberly vulnerably shares her experience with pregnancy loss in the public eye. Then, they both reveal their secrets to staying positive during challenging times. You won’t want to miss this one, and make sure you catch my episode on Bathroom Chronicles, too! 

Remember – for the month of September, in collaboration with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we're seeking your support to raise $10,000 to help 100 people through our Therapy for All program. Support the fundraiser here.

Resources:

• Podcast: Bathroom Chronicles on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 

• Podcast Instagram: @bathroomchroniclespodcast

• Kimberly’s Instagram: @vanderkimberly

• Peggy’s Instagram: @peggyrometo 

• Listen to Karena on Bathroom Chronicles #023

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing 

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by 

We’re all going to die. But how many of us live along the way?

That is the question that wellness leader, Kris Carr, poses to the community today. After following one another for many years, she finally joins us on the podcast for a deep dive into her journey and mission.

As a New York Times bestselling author, wellness activist, and cancer thriver, Kris leads the charge in the fight against disease, empowering people to take back their physical and mental health. You’ll hear examples of her own strength throughout the conversation; we can all learn from how she lives with perseverance, positivity, and presence. 

In this episode, we talk about Kris’s journey with stage 4 cancer. At 31, she was given 10 years to live. 20 years later, she is not only surviving – but thriving. Kris also shares how she coped with grief and survivor’s guilt in the wake of her father’s death. 

We talk vulnerably about the hard conversations you face when you’re losing a parent – unpacking the difference between fear and anxiety, not abandoning yourself, and how to support friends who are experiencing loss.

We end on a light note with five fun things you don’t know about Kris Carr. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation. And be sure to pre-order Kris’s latest book, I’m Not a Mourning Person, today! 

Resources:

• Instagram:@crazysexykris

• Facebook: Kris Carr

• Website: kriscarr.com

• Read: I’m Not a Mourning Person by Kris Carr

• Read: Crazy Sexy Kitchen by Kris Carr

• Read: Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr 

• Read: Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor by Kris Carr 

• Pinterest: @CrazySexyKris

• Research Mentioned: Dr. Judson Brewer

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing 

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song...

I’m honored to introduce you to Katrina Surdi, a radiant Tone It Up girl, mental health advocate, devoted kindergarten teacher, and certified yoga instructor. Katrina has been a leader in the Tone It Up community for more than twelve years, where she has forged lifelong friendships and motivated others with her strength, positivity, and vibrant spirit. 

You can count me as one of the countless women who Katrina has inspired. 

Despite facing tragedy and addiction in her family, Katrina remains a shining light. Resilience is her superpower, and she shares it with everyone in her life. She shows us that resilience doesn’t have to look a certain way, and that overcoming grief is an ongoing process.

In this vulnerable conversation, Katrina talks about her experiences losing family members and friends, tips for resilience, and advice for helping others navigate grief. We also explore how she nurtures her own physical and mental health through exercise, yoga, meditation, and the power of community. Katrina shares how she prioritizes self-care, even as she is a caretaker to her students and family. 

I’m excited for you to learn from Katrina’s openness, unwavering dedication to wellness, and her ability to find strength in the face of life’s challenges. 

Resources:

• Instagram: @katrinasurdi

• Learn about the Bellevue mudslide and support Katrina’s family: bellevuemudslide.com

• Podcast: From Messy Minds to Mental Mastery with Dr. Caroline Leaf #69

• Read: How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess by Dr. Caroline Leaf

• Tone It Up: @toneitup

• Newsletter: Sign Up for Email Updates

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing 

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Executive Handyman, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.