Explore every episode of the podcast The Big Silence
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coming Home: Karena Dawn Re-Acquires Tone It Up | A New Era of Fitness, Empowerment & Community | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:19:55 | |
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
(03:00) What Happened in 2018? The Investor Story & Growing Pains
(07:00) The Year-Long Fight to Get Tone It Up Back
(09:30) What's Next: The Future of Tone It Up
(12:00) Introducing "Tone It Down" Podcast & How to Participate
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... | |||
| Why Clean Air Matters | Jaspr’s Wes Greenwood on Mold Illness, Air Quality & Inflammation | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:58:47 | |
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
(10:00) Testing Air Quality: Inside vs. Outside Your Home
(18:00) Sleep, Air Quality & The Inflammation Connection
(28:00) Breathwork as Medicine: Practical Tools for Anxiety & Stress
(38:00) Austin Air Quality: Cedar Allergies & Real Solutions
(46:00) The Gratitude-Breathwork Connection
(50:00) Prevention Over Treatment: Investing in Your Health Now
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| Dr. Nadine Macaluso on Trauma Bonds: How to Spot Love-Bombing, Set Boundaries, and Heal | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:44:30 | |
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
(04:03) Love-Bombing & Early Red Flags
(07:09) What a Trauma Bond Really Is
(11:20) Healing Timeline, Boundaries & Green Flags
(21:50) Co-Parenting, Somatic Tools & Choosing 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/ | |||
| 76. Rewrite Your Inner Story: How To Shift Your Self-Talk & Live Fearlessly with Katie Horwitch | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:52:26 | |
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. | |||
| 75. How to Build Unbreakable Confidence & Resilience with Demi-Leigh Tebow | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:44:18 | |
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... | |||
| 74. Rewriting 50+ Years of Mental Health Stigma: A Raw Conversation with Rocker Snake Sabo | 20 Sep 2023 | 01:23:18 | |
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. | |||
| 73. You Can Transform the World: An Unforgettable Conversation with Marianne Williamson | 13 Sep 2023 | 00:47:47 | |
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 | |||
| 72. Connect With Your Inner Knowing: A Revealing Conversation with Kimberly Van Der Beek & Peggy Rometo | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:56:39 | |
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 | |||
| 71. Are You Living Like You Mean It? And More Big Questions With Author & Cancer Thriver Kris Carr | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:50:02 | |
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... | |||
| 70. Resilience as a Superpower: Tone It Up Girl Katrina Surdi’s Story of Loss, Love & Community | 23 Aug 2023 | 01:15:39 | |
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. | |||
| 69. Unmasking Resilience: From Messy Minds to Mental Mastery with Dr. Caroline Leaf | 16 Aug 2023 | 01:02:38 | |
We are truly honored to welcome Dr. Caroline Leaf, a renowned communication pathologist, audiologist, and clinical and cognitive neuroscientist with an expertise in psychoneurobiology and metacognitive neuropsychology. For over four decades, Dr. Leaf has been at the forefront of mind-brain research, tirelessly exploring the profound ways our minds shape our brains, control our thoughts, and ultimately define our mental well-being. Drawing from her own rich history in the field, and as the host of the widely popular podcast of her own – Cleaning Up the Mental Mess – she has been instrumental in changing lives through her bestselling books, leading research, and innovative interventions. In this episode, we dive deep into topics like the changing landscape of mental health diagnosis, the uniqueness of every mind, the critical role of open discussions during tumultuous times like divorce, and the groundbreaking work behind the NeuroCycle app. We also touch upon empowering tools to communicate emotions, understanding the ripple effects of suppressed trauma, and equipping educators to better support both parents and students. Let's open our minds and hearts to the wisdom Dr. Leaf brings to the table. Remember to subscribe for more insightful discussions and share this episode with loved ones who might benefit from hearing it. Resources: • Read: Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess • Read: How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess • Facebook: @drleaf • Instagram:@drcarolineleaf • YouTube: @DrCarolineLeaf • Website: drleaf.com • NeuroCycle: neurocycle.app • 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. | |||
| 68. Falling into Fulfillment: Unraveling the Inspiring Story & Deep Impact of Jenna Phillips Ballard | 09 Aug 2023 | 00:56:44 | |
Jenna Phillips Ballard remembers experiencing severe depression as a teen, crippled by a fear of being misunderstood, bullied by classmates, ruminating on the experience of her own funeral. Then, she fell – suffering a traumatic head injury that would influence the rest of her life. Today, we’re joined by a powerhouse woman, leader, coach, trainer, author, and now – musician! Jenna Phillips Ballard has worked with the biggest names in the entertainment industry (this conversation includes mention of Ben Stiller, Katy Perry, Blink 182, even Beyonce!). During this time she was one of LA’s most sought-after fitness experts and a guest on shows such as Dr. Phil and The Doctors. She has been featured on KTLA, Good Morning LaLa Land, and The American Dream Show and featured in Lucky, Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, and Madame Figaro magazines. In 2009, she discovered the world of emotional intelligence, experiential training, and somatic practices. She then realized she had a bigger calling and began studying human behavior, leadership, and a variety of transformational methods – co-founding Ascension Leadership Academy (ALA) with her husband in 2016. Together, they have coached thousands of people into their greatness and supported dozens of companies in multiplying their performance, effectiveness, and levels of success. In fact, her students are in the midst of a 15-day fundraising project after selecting The Big Silence as their beneficiary organization. Learn more about their program: Ascension Leadership Academy’s 15 day campaign to support The Big Silence. Resources: • Ascension Leadership Academy’s 15 day campaign to support The Big Silence • Website: jennaphillipsballard.com • Music: PERMISSION (new single) • Instagram: @jennaphillipsballard • 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. | |||
| 67. MacKenzie Bourg’s Journey through Adversity, Grief & Healing Through Music | 02 Aug 2023 | 00:31:47 | |
I am thrilled to have MacKenzie Bourg as our guest today. MacKenzie has carved out a unique path in the world of music. From being an aspiring athlete in Lafayette, Louisiana, to battling a life-threatening virus that triggered congestive heart failure, his journey has been anything but conventional. In this episode, he illuminates how his inability to be physically active at a young age fueled his passion for music and led him to incredible opportunities. On NBC's The Voice and FOX's American Idol, he reached the Top 4 and garnered a loyal fanbase, the "MacPack." Bourg's latest accomplishment includes his 2023 single "sad on the weekend," released with PREACH Records, and the placement of "good day" in a national IKEA TV and radio campaign. MacKenzie discusses the mental health challenges he has faced; adjusting to life post The Voice and American Idol and opening up about the mindset shifts and personal growth he has experienced through his music career. MacKenzie also takes us on a heartfelt journey behind the creation of some of his most popular songs, including the touching connection between his grandmother and "Good Day,” which he also performs for us, live. Despite his trials, MacKenzie is a shining example of resilience, reminding us all of the power of pursuing our passions in the face of adversity. Don't miss this uplifting and inspiring conversation with MacKenzie Bourg and watch out for his next album coming soon! Resources: • Instagram: @mackenziebourg • Facebook: MacKenzie Bourg • Tik Tok: @makcenzei • YouTube: MacKenzie Bourg • Twitter: @mackenziebourg • Light Festival: thelightsfest.com • 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. | |||
| From Panic to Peace: Gabby Bernstein’s Playbook for Healing, Reparenting & Real Talk on Meds | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:37:16 | |
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 breakdown you feared was actually the doorway to your greatest sense of peace? In this transformative episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and Dear Gabby podcast host Gabby Bernstein. From uncovering repressed childhood trauma in her mid-30s to navigating postpartum depression with courage and honesty, Gabby shares the tools that helped her move from chaos to calm. She opens up about EMDR therapy, medication without shame, reparenting the inner child, and finding relief one step at a time. Whether you’re in the depths of anxiety, grieving a loss, or simply craving a gentler way to heal, Gabby’s wisdom offers both compassion and practical next steps. How do you combine spiritual tools and evidence-based therapy to heal trauma without shame, guilt, or overwhelm? Healing isn’t about being “fixed.” It’s about creating safety, awareness, and compassion so you can finally live in peace. (02:06) Naming the Why Behind Patterns
(05:09) EMDR, Demystified
(09:02) Postpartum Depression: When Meditation Isn’t Enough
(14:37) Grief Without Guilt
(18:51) Getting Unstuck: The 3-Question Inventory
(20:30) Reparenting Yourself with the 4 S’s
(24:54) Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Proceed with Care
(28:57) Resources & Next... | |||
| 66. Healing After A Toxic Relationship: Finding Harmony in Self-Love with Dr. Najwa Zebian | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:52:39 | |
Today, on The Big Silence, we’re joined by Dr. Najwa Zebian, renowned activist, author, speaker, and educator in the mental health and relationships space. Her multifaceted self-help audiobook, Conversations on Letting Go, is a TBS favorite – packed with real-world advice and introspective thought exercises to help people get through the hard times and enjoy the good ones. We cover her inspired path as an educator of young refugees, writer, and mental health advocate – dipping into existentialism, how and why we do the things we do, and set forth ways to hack the system for joy and contentment. Touching on toxic relationships, infidelity, trust, and forgiveness – we reckon with ego and wrestle with the ultimate truth of it all – that we can’t, and never will, control the actions of others. As always, thank you for tuning in and supporting the show. If you’re looking for mental health support or want to donate to Therapy For All, our fund that helps people get access to therapy, visit thebigsilence.com/therapy-for-all. And if you’re interested in joining us for upcoming LIVE podcast recordings, sign up for The Big Silence newsletter at TheBigSilence.com to get access! Resources: • Audiobook: Conversations on Letting Go • Website: najwazebian.com • Instagram: @najwazebian • TikTok: @najwazebian • Facebook: Najwa Zebian • Twitter: @najwazebian • YouTube: @najwazebian • 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. | |||
| 65. What is Long COVID? And How to Move Forward with Dr. James C. Jackson | 12 Jul 2023 | 00:45:26 | |
Today’s guest, Dr. James C. Jackson, is an internationally renowned expert on long COVID and its effects on cognitive and mental health functioning. He is a research professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Vanderbilt, where he is also the co-founder and director of Behavioral Health at the award-winning ICU Recovery Center, one of the first comprehensive clinical resources devoted to diagnosing and treating survivors of both mild and critical illness, including those who survived COVID-19. He and his team created the first psychologist-led long COVID support groups in the United States early in the pandemic and continue to offer multiple groups every week. He is the author of Clearing the Fog: From Surviving to Thriving with Long COVID. In today’s episode, we dive into what long COVID is, how to identify the symptoms, and tips for how to better live with its effects on your life and mental health. Dr. Jackson openly shares about his own mental health journey with OCD, supporting healthcare workers during 2020, the most detrimental impact of COVID on our society, and how to help children understand the importance of caring for their own mental health. Dr. Jackson’s message is one of hope and encouragement, and shares that we can overcome challenges and improve our health. I’m honored to have him share his message with you all today. If you’re looking for mental health support or want to donate to Therapy For All, our fund that helps people get access to therapy, visit thebigsilence.com/therapy-for-all. And if you’re interested in joining us for upcoming LIVE podcast recordings, sign up for The Big Silence newsletter at TheBigSilence.com to get access! Resources: • Twitter: @drjimjackson • Clinic: Vanderbilt Adult Post-COVID Clinic • Website: jamescjackson.com • Email: james.c.jackson@vumc.org • Bio: James C. Jackson, PsyD • Read: Clearing the Fog by James C. Jackson PsyD • Listen: Dr. Jackson on Fresh Air • 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 | |||
| 64. Bobby & Karena AMA: Lessons from Our 10-Year Relationship, Tips for Calming Race Day Anxiety & More | 05 Jul 2023 | 00:45:10 | |
It’s been a while since Bobby and I have gotten together for an AMA, so we’re back with a Wine Not Wednesday AMA episode! As we’re sipping on our Slate Theory Wine, we talk about our first impressions of each other and reflect on my growth, from a shy introvert to being more confident in myself and my mission in this world. We give our honest tips for a healthy marriage and what’s been important to our relationship over the last ten years – describing how we navigate having different hobbies and interests, and unpack how we’ve evolved as individuals, and as a couple, throughout our time together. Overcoming challenges has been instrumental to our confidence journeys. So with that in mind, we share our experiences with race day anxiety and advice on what has helped us the most. And we answer a few rapid fire questions, like what’s our favorite book right now, our favorite food at Ski Shores, our go-to Austin lakefront restaurant, favorite guilty pleasure TV show, country song, and what we love most about living in Texas. Resources: • Slate Theory Wine: slatetheory.com • One Man Show at Soho House Austin: eventbrite.com • 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. | |||
| 63. Brain Breakthroughs: Investing in New Mental Health Technology with Dr. Amy Kruse | 22 Jun 2023 | 00:49:50 | |
Today’s guest Dr. Amy Kruse is the General Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Satori Neuro, a stage-agnostic venture fund focused on mental health, neurotechnology, and human flourishing. Amy leverages her decades of experience as a neuroscientist and her prior roles as an operator and a government program manager to discover transformational companies addressing the largest mental health, brain health, and wellness challenges and opportunities. She also draws on her expertise to support Satori Neuro’s portfolio companies as they evaluate and overcome scientific and implementation challenges, with a specific emphasis on deploying complex technology into real-world environments. In this really cool conversation you’ll learn about the exciting work Dr. Amy is doing to invest in new brain and mental health technologies that will create more access and treatment options to those who need it. She shares the importance of sleep on brain health and how to improve your sleep hygiene. We also get into a super hot topic right now: mental health and psychedelics. Dr. Amy shares what the benefits are of using schedule one compounds in a therapeutic setting, the difference between or risks of experimenting with drugs recreationally, and what's really going to cause a revolution in access to mental health care. She also gives insight into what new technologies Satori Neuro is investing in now, and how we can go about addressing mental health deserts and make mental health care more accessible. Stick around to hear her top three tips for brain and mental wellness. Resources: • Website: satoricapital.com/team/amy-kruse-ph-d • LinkedIn: Dr. Amy Kruse • Men’s Mental Health Event on June 29th: One Man Show at SoHo House Austin • 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. | |||
| 62. Unlocking the Mind-Body Connection Through Therabody Wellness Technology with Dr. Jason Wersland | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:35:52 | |
Today, we’re talking all about integrating the mind and body through innovative technologies with Dr. Jason Wersland, the Founder and Chief Wellness Officer of Therabody. He is deeply involved in Therabody’s R&D process, starting with the invention of Theragun, the world’s first handheld percussive therapy device, to leading a team of scientists and engineers in creating the brand’s full ecosystem of wellness technologies. Having started his wellness career as a chiropractor, Dr. Jason has dedicated his life to giving people access to products that can enhance their health and well-being. In this episode, we talk about the history of Therabody and the motorcycle accident that led Jason to create what he needed to heal, how your trauma can bring about blessings, and the benefits of and modalities for getting out of your head and into your body. We also talk about new Therabody technologies like the Therabody Lounger and TheraMind, with sound frequencies that activate your nervous system and healing capabilities in the body, his dream for how these technologies can impact people’s overall well-being, and trade a few top meditation and mindfulness tips. Resources: • Website: therabody.com • Instagram: @therabody • Facebook: facebook.com/therabody • YouTube: Therabody • Twitter: @therabody • Episode 12: Evolving Out Loud with Kyle Cease • Video: Slate Theory Winery Collaboration • Instagram: @drjasonwersland • Facebook: facebook.com/DrJasonWersland • Twitter: @drjasonwesland • Joe Dispenza: drjoedispenza.com • 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... | |||
| 61. Redefining Your Purpose with 2-time Olympian Trey Hardee | 07 Jun 2023 | 01:26:47 | |
Today's guest, joining us live in The Big Silence studio, is Trey Hardee, 2-time World Champion and 2-time Olympian (Silver in 2012) in the Decathlon. Trey was the World’s #1 ranked Decathlete four times throughout his career while racking up 4 US titles. A 7-time All-American, he also set the Collegiate Record in the Decathlon – no big deal. Trey is also an ambassador for Flatwater Foundation, a group dedicated to providing mental health therapies surrounding a cancer diagnosis, and a coach at my gym in Austin, the Kollective. He retired in 2017 and this is a discussion about his journey from world's greatest athlete to a man without a purpose. We talk about how he handled defeat and rebounded from “failure,” overcoming injuries and cultivating mental toughness, the low point he hit after retirement and how he began seeking help, the treatment that changed everything for him and how he has found purpose in this new phase of life. Trey is now sharing his story in the hopes others will find solace, camaraderie, courage, and hope along their own journeys. I'm so happy to have him here and sit down and talk about lots of good stuff. Please enjoy and share with anyone you think needs to hear it. Resources: • Instagram: @treyhardee • Twitter: @treyhardee • Participate: Calm Heart Quiet Mind Challenge • Flatwater Foundation: flatwaterfoundation.org • Event: bigsilence.com/kendrascottevent • 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. | |||
| 60. What Is Healthy? Reframing Food Language & Diet Lifestyle with Kim Shapira, MS, RD | 24 May 2023 | 00:44:10 | |
Today’s super informed guest on The Big Silence is Kim Shapira, MS, RD, a practicing celebrity dietitian and nutrition therapist for the last 25 years. She’s famous for her 6 rules to develop and sustain a normal relationship with food, which forms the outline of her new book, This Is What You’re Really Hungry For, and our insightful conversation, today. Kim specializes in helping people lose weight with a healthy mindset, the deep connections between mental health and eating, and disordered eating – all subjects we unpack in this episode. Surviving a rare health diagnosis, a dozen surgeries, and Epstein Bar as a youth – her story is one of triumph over pain, starring holistic practices and clean, mindful eating. We begin by carefully reframing diet language – identifying triggers and where/when/how we develop our highly unique coping mechanisms – before going deep on her 6 rules and applying them to your life. Resources:
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. | |||
| 59. Sasha Pieterse on Knowing Your Value, Rejection Resilience, PCOS & Motherhood | 17 May 2023 | 00:44:31 | |
I am so excited to have Sasha Pieterse-Sheaffer on the show. A passionate actress, author, and entrepreneur, she’s been an actress for 22 years with the privilege of working on some fantastic television shows and films, including the hit series Pretty Little Liars. She’s also the author of In Good Taste, a book inspired by her love of hosting and passion for healthy living. Sasha is a proud wife and mother (her favorite role) and most recently, podcast host! We touch on all the juicy stuff in this one… Growing up in Hollywood and her experience as a child actor, how to speak your mind and #notbeanasshole, how she and her husband work together, body shaming in the public eye, her journey with PCOS, postpartum depression and motherhood, and what confronting rejection has taught her. Sasha's newest venture, the Women In The Nude podcast, is a passion project exploring the issues facing women today, from body positivity to mental health, sex, and more. Make sure to check it out later this summer. Resources:
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. | |||
| 58. Miki Agrawal on Disrupting Culture, Growing from Trauma & Healing Relationship Ruptures | 10 May 2023 | 00:45:44 | |
Today's guest is Miki Agrawal. Miki is a social entrepreneur, advisor, and investor who uses creativity and disruptive innovation to challenge the status quo and change culture. She is the founder of several acclaimed social enterprises: TUSHY, THINX and WILD (collectively valued at over 200 million). She is also the author of the #1 best-selling books Do Cool Sh*t and Disrupt-Her. She passionately speaks about her 15 years of entrepreneurial adventures, from inventing products in taboo categories, to creatively launching them, to marketing and scaling them exponentially, to dealing with shocking setbacks – and shares her colorful, authentic revelations along the way. We also unpack how growing up in a multicultural environment allowed her to see the world through various lenses and led the way to her becoming an entrepreneur and innovator, raising money for her first project at 18. Miki has truly found and stuck to her zone of genius, cultivated authentic connections both professionally and personally, and knows what she wants in this next phase of her life. This conversation is inspiring and deeply moving. I hope you enjoy hearing about Miki’s life and learnings as much as I did. Resources:
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... | |||
| 57. Master Your Stress: Boosting Energy & Beating Burnout with Dr. Doni Wilson | 03 May 2023 | 00:54:38 | |
Today's guest on The Big Silence is Dr. Doni Wilson, a naturopathic doctor, certified professional midwife, certified nutrition specialist, and author of Master Your Stress, Reset For Health. We go deep on stress, how it manifests in our bodies and minds, long term effects, and ways to effectively manage it in our day-to-day lives. Her diverse background makes her an expert on stress as it relates to women who are pregnant or in labor, how the foods we eat can affect mood and energy levels, and even creative stress – like birthing a book! I also relay a few listener questions related to how stress directly impacts our physical health (weight fluctuations, hormones, cortisol, moods – all the good stuff) as stress is such a hot topic for so many of us. As always, thank you for tuning in and for supporting this foundation and our mission to educate and connect people on all things mental health. So many great conversations, programs, and ideas have been created and shared – we can’t wait to keep up the positive momentum. One conversation can save a life; sharing, liking, reviewing, or posting about this show could mean all the difference to someone in yours. Resources:
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. | |||
| The End of Mental Illness? Dr. Daniel Amen on Brainhealth, Tiny Habits & Hope | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:42:12 | |
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 Could the secret to mental health be linked to brain health rather than what’s inside a pill bottle? In this illuminating episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with world-renowned psychiatrist, brain health expert, and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Amen. With over 200,000 brain scans and decades of research, Dr. Amen is on a mission to end the stigma around mental illness by reframing it as brain health. Together, they dive into the real causes of depression, the daily habits that heal your brain, and the tiny shifts that can transform your life. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, negative thoughts, or burnout, this conversation will change how you see yourself—and your future. Dr. Amen challenges the outdated way psychiatry diagnoses mental illness and shows us how brain scans, nutrition, movement, and mindset can unlock the healing we’ve been searching for.
(05:28) What Brain Scans Reveal That Doctors Miss
(08:22) Brain Health Habits Anyone Can Start Today
(13:37) Social Media, Sleep & The Digital Brain Drain
(15:59) Tiny Habits, Big Shifts: Healing Your Brain Daily
(24:56) Hydration, Food & Loving What Loves You Back
(30:11) A Mission Too Big for One Person
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| 56. Mike Lee & Angie Lee: Managing Stress & Depression, Healing with Humor & CBD | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:56:54 | |
Brother and sister duo and Soul co-founders, Mike and Angie Lee, are here to share how they’ve made transitions in their career journeys and found natural solutions to managing ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Angie is a highly sought after marketing mentor, keynote speaker, professional podcaster, and serial entrepreneur. Mike is a world-ranked professional boxer who has fought in some of the world’s most iconic arenas in front of millions of fans. In 2014, Mike was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis, which almost ended his career. Mike began searching for natural alternatives which led him to discover CBD and all of its incredible physical and mental benefits. Newly inspired, Angie and Mike founded Soul with the goal to help others with similar struggles, and have grown the business and product line with the ethos of having fun and striving for balance in all areas of life. In this episode, we talk about all the ways Mike and Angie have learned about and cared for their mental health. They open up about everything from the complexities of your career being tied to your identity, to how mental illnesses can show up on brain scans, to their experiences as “unhealthy” professional athletes/fitness competitors, natural solutions for managing autoimmune diseases and stress, and the many far-reaching benefits of CBD. Mike and Angie’s outlook on life is inspiring, positive, and centered in an authentic expression of who they really are. I love Mike and Angie’s perspective on having fun and not taking life too seriously – we all need that reminder from time to time. I’m thrilled to have them on the show and hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Resources:
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| 55. Well Balanced: Managing Anxiety, Living Authentically & Embracing Play with Liz Plosser | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:46:33 | |
Today's guest needs no introduction. Liz Plosser is the Editor-in-Chief of Women's Health. She's been passionately reporting and editing health, fitness, nutrition, sexual health, and mental health content for her entire career. She has a 360-degree outlook on the wellness world, having worked across platforms at print magazines (Self, Cosmopolitan), with video (CosmoBody), overseeing content and strategy for brands like SoulCycle, and as SVP of Content in the digital space (Well+Good). Liz is a strong, powerhouse woman I’m lucky to have known for the past 10 years. She’s someone I look up to and a wonderful friend. In this beautiful conversation we talk about Liz’s inspiring career journey, the pressure of being in a leadership role, and how she manages the anxiety that comes with being in a public facing position - especially as an introvert. Liz opens up about things she hasn’t shared before, like why she doesn’t drink alcohol, her daily wellness routine that helps keep her mental health in check, and how she stays connected to her inner child. She also shares her advice for how to find out who you are. I am grateful to Liz for her vulnerability, and I know you’re going to be able to relate to this conversation. Resources:
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. | |||
| 54. From Burnout to Balance: Navigating High-Functioning Codependency with Terri Cole | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:48:46 | |
Terri Cole is back for her third appearance on the podcast. Terri is a licensed psychotherapist, global empowerment and relationship expert with a gift for making complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable. In this episode, we explore the toxic patterns and cycles women experience that keep us stressed and burned out. Whether it’s in relation to our career, external relationships or the relationship with ourselves, Terri gives us some helpful questions to ask ourselves to identify where we need to make a change. Terri shares her definition of high functioning codependency and how it can show up in our lives, how to set healthy boundaries by learning to give up our need for control, how to support others without taking on the burden of their problems. She gives her therapeutic insight on the most productive thing you can ask yourself if you’re going through divorce, and why people cheat on their partners. We also explore the concept of false vs true self, how to connect with your inner child and heal wounds from childhood that could impact us later in life. Plus, Terri Cole has a free gift for listeners of The Big Silence podcast. Access the codependency & boundaries lesson and prompts here: boundaryboss.me/bigsilence. Resources:
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. | |||
| 53. Mind Over Matter: How to Build Mental Resilience through Fitness (Live at Kollective) | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:45:29 | |
Today’s episode is a panel discussion from a fitness event in Austin at the Kollective social performance club featuring three inspirational trainers; Melissa Alcantara, aka Fit Gurl Mel, Jeremy Hills, founder of Kollective, and my personal trainer, Sandy Brockman. We talk about having a goal with your fitness regardless of your age to keep you accountable and engaged, advice for people new to fitness, how your mindset in the gym translates into your mindset in life, chasing the “hard” to be the best version of ourselves, what we’re manifesting, and so much more. One thing we all have in common is that we love fitness because of the mental health benefits of exercise and how it makes us feel. I’m excited for you to hear each of these fitness professionals talk about their relationship to exercise and how it impacts the ripple effects it has on their lives and mental health. Resources:
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. | |||
| 52. Magic Mike: Spreading Smiles & A Magical Mental Health Message | 29 Mar 2023 | 00:38:17 | |
Michael Webb is unlike any magician you’ve seen in person or virtually on zoom. As a full-time magician with 15 years experience, Sydney magician Magic Mike is a fun, easy going and approachable magician who caught my attention after I watched his inspirational mental health message on Australia’s Got Talent in 2022 that brought me to tears. I loved talking to Mike about his mental health journey; from feeling alone in his struggle with depression to a coworker signing him up to see a doctor to spreading his message of hope and healing to audiences around the world. He shares how he got into magic and got his first job, what Mike loves about the personalized aspect of doing magic, and how his ability to make people smile and laugh helps him heal as well. I ask him if anyone can do magic, and get Mike’s advice for anyone struggling with their mental health. Plus, Mike showcases his skills with me virtually over the screen in this interview, and it’s pretty amazing, so if you can, make sure to watch this one on YouTube! Resources: • Website: michaelwebbmagic.com.au • Instagram: @magicmike_notastripper • YouTube: Magic Mike on Australia’s Got Talent • 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. | |||
| 51. How to Start Prioritizing Your Mental Health with Kati Morton, LMFT | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:47:43 | |
Today's guest on The Big Silence is Kati Morton. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a master's degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, as well as a successful author and speaker known for humanizing mental health through her super popular YouTube channel. We cover big and little T traumas, the traits of a good and bad therapist, the cost of therapy, what high functioning depression is, how to overcome the nerves around upcoming therapy sessions, how to help a loved one who may be struggling with depression, attachment styles, and a whole bunch of fun girl talk. I hope you enjoy this episode, and as always, make sure you share it with someone you love who might benefit from it. You can also leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and help us spread the word and break the stigma around mental health. Resources: • Kati’s Website & Workshops: katimorton.com • Podcast: Ask Kati Anything • Read: Traumatized by Kati Morton, LMFT • Read: Are You Okay? By Kati Morton, LMFT • Instagram: @katimorton • YouTube: Kati Morton • 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 • Get a ticket to the SXSW Live event on March 16th: Workout, Social Hour, & Live Podcast With Your Trainers with Jeremy Hills @jhills5 and Melissa @fitgurlmel 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 | |||
| 50. What’s Not To Love? Saying It Out Loud with Vasavi Kumar | 08 Mar 2023 | 01:10:11 | |
A first-generation immigrant raised on Long Island, NY, Vasavi Kumar is famous for “Saying It Out Loud.” She’s a former TV host, licensed therapist, and the creator of the Say It Out Loud Safe Haven, an online support community. She holds dual Masters degrees in Special Education from Hofstra University and Social Work from Columbia University. Vasavi is an open book in this one, getting raw and honest about her lived experience in a way that allows others to take solace, and build hope, with regard to their own challenges. We talk about finding radical self-love, honoring your soul’s truth, and not letting things (money, achievements) define your worth as a person. Her mission, and tagline, are very much aligned with our mental health awareness efforts here at The Big Silence Foundation – a path she found herself on after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 19. Her upcoming book, Say It Out Loud will be published in May (Mental Health Awareness Month) of this year, but can be pre-ordered online, today: sayitoutloudbook.com. The more voices we can add to the conversation, the better. So please feel free to share this episode with friends, family, even colleagues that you think might be interested in exploring new ways of thinking. Resources:
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 | |||
| 49. AMA: Learning to Celebrate Your Season with Karena Dawn | 02 Mar 2023 | 00:52:20 | |
Today, we have a special mixed-AMA episode with a dear, dear friend of mine, Miya. Miya and I met at the gym and have been close friends for over twenty years – witnessing and supporting one another through the many seasons of our lives – the good, the painful, and everything in between. We begin the episode with Miya’s learned experience with love and parenting, how she’s grown to place the utmost importance on her own personal self-worth before seeking it from anyone else. We then dig into a few listener-submitted questions from my Instagram:
I hope you enjoy this conversation between long friends, as we delve into some serious girl talk, get honest about gaining (and losing) weight, and unpack the complexities of dating and divorce. Resources:
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. | |||
| 48. Taking Responsibility For Our Healing – Not Our Traumas with Debbie Whitehead | 22 Feb 2023 | 00:44:41 | |
Today on The Big Silence, we’re joined by Debbie Whitehead, a licensed therapist with thirty years of experience in mental health and family and marriage counseling. She shares her deep trauma experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse which led to her becoming a thriver and sharing her story with the world. [Content Warning: This episode deals with overcoming difficult traumas, including child sexual abuse and incest. Please listen with care and compassion.] Practicing out of Plano, Texas, Debbie has a holistic approach when it comes to mental health and counseling, leveraging her training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, family dynamics, and marriage and family therapy, as well as her knowledge as a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach to help people find balance throughout their lived experiences. She details the breathwork session that changed her life, empowering her to raise voice enough to share her traumas, taking us back to one painful memory and releasing a tsunami of emotions that she had repressed since childhood. We also dig deep on how to stop the cycle of generational trauma, highlight the power of forgiveness as a release of self-hatred, navigate our way through grief, and take responsibility for our own healing – not the traumas which preceded it. Debbie teaches us that repression is our brain’s way of protecting us, explaining the critical differences between repression and suppression. Her openness and willingness to learn from the past, no matter how visceral, is living proof that we can work through anything to live our most beautiful life.
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. | |||
| 47. The Science of Wellness: Discovering the Minimum Method with Joey Thurman | 15 Feb 2023 | 00:59:39 | |
Diagnosed with depression at the young age of thirteen, Joey Thurman’s journey as a young person was more challenging than he made it appear to the outside world as a multi-sport athlete. At home though, his truth was laid bare as he threatened to commit suicide on many occasions. We talk about his journey into the professional fitness space, a success story that sounds similar, and happened around the same time, as the launch of Tone It Up. Joey touches on lessons his childhood has presented for his own son’s life, and what signs other parents might look for in their children to know that they’re struggling. Of course, we also go deep on Joey’s new book, Minimum Method, and the custom-built heath modalities that serve as the outline for it. Commenting on cardio, weightlifting, macronutrients vs. micronutrients, sleep, and so much more – if you’ve been waiting for a fitness-focused pod to land in this feed, today is your lucky day. Joey reminds us that, by accepting our feelings as they come in, we make sure to take a moment and appreciate what is, be thankful for what was, and put a positive lens on our outlook for the future. Resources:
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. | |||
| Love, Loss & Looking IRL: Stephanie Fischer on Resilience, Humor & Finding Your Person | 27 Aug 2025 | 01:03:17 | |
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 modern dating wasn’t done with your thumb? In this refreshing episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Stephanie Fischer, attorney-turned-tech CEO of NeverMissed, a proximity-based dating app designed to get you off your phone and into real life, safely. From a hilariously infamous childhood story to caregiving through cancer, and building a women-led tech company, Stephanie serves up honest, witty, and deeply practical wisdom on love, boundaries, burnout, and choosing yourself. What if the healthiest way to date is to close the app and look up?By stripping away the endless swipes and curated profiles, Stephanie argues that confidence, clarity, and community are built in person, one real conversation at a time. (00:00) Why “in‑person first” dating matters
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| 46. Animal Power: Tapping Into Our Most Primal Positive Energies with Alyson Charles | 01 Feb 2023 | 01:11:43 | |
Alyson Charles, rock-star Shaman and author of Power Animals, started running as a toddler, with her dad as her coach. Making the decision at a young age to suppress her true soul's purpose and calling to maintain a relationship with her dad, she went on to become a national champion athlete and D1 college coach. But as she describes it – she was winning, but lost. Realizing that she had been allowing her physical vessel to be dishonored for almost two decades, her spiritual awakening began with leaving a toxic long term relationship, one wrought with sex addiction, and processing the grief that followed. She surrendered to a higher power and was shown the way. We talk about creating a sacred altar space, listening to the whispers of your heart, and how Alyson’s path of healing brought her to her husband, Luke, and helped her find unity and trust where she thought she might never find them again. We then dive into the whole-soul experience that is her breathtaking book, Animal Power, and the deep natural and ancestral energetics behind it. An initiatory labor of love that took many years to write, the book’s dynamic illustration work was done by an artist from Brazil, William Santiago, who tragically passed away soon after completing the book. We close with two pulls from the Animal Power Deck, visits from the Clam and the Kangaroo, as Alyson explains deeper meanings behind each being – their significance in this moment and the many to come. Even if you’re just listening to the podcast today, Alyson’s presence can be felt in such a powerful and mystic way. We’re so glad she shared her frequency of evolution and perseverance with us. And if you’re watching on YouTube, you get a double dose of Animal Power – with special guest appearances by Tiki the Pomeranian. Resources:
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. | |||
| 45. Alessandra Torresani on Living (and Thriving) With Bipolar 1 Disorder | 25 Jan 2023 | 00:43:40 | |
You may know today’s guest from iconic shows like Malcolm In The Middle, The Big Bang Theory, and Arrested Development. I know her as my new BFF. Alessandra Torresani is a beaming light of positive energy and healthy outlook; she joins the show to talk about being diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder and thriving as an on-screen sensation and mental health advocate. Moving to Hollywood at eleven, her story of child stardom touches on early symptoms that confused her family and doctors. She’d bang her head on the wall. She’d refuse to cross thresholds and enter doorways. As a teen, antidepressants made her highs, higher, and her lows, lower – leading to suicidal thoughts and rage. It wasn’t until she was twenty one that she received a Bipolar 1 diagnosis, a shift that changed her life for the better, forever. We unpack what that realization meant for her career, her dating life, and later on – her pregnancy and journey as a new mom. We talk about breaking the stigma, the courage it takes to tell your story for the benefit of others, and how a healthy combination of meditation, medication, movement, nature, and emotional support has allowed her to live her best life. Don’t forget, Alessandra and I did a podcast swap – so you can catch my conversation with her, on her show’s feed, Emotional Support. Resources:
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. | |||
| 44. Taking A Soul-Centered Approach to Addiction Recovery with Dr. Elisa Hallerman | 18 Jan 2023 | 00:46:52 | |
Dr. Elisa Hallerman is another gracious guest whose story mirrors some of my own. She’s the author of Soulbriety: A Plan to Heal Your Trauma, Overcome Addiction, and Reconnect with Your Soul (released just last month!) and the founder of her own mental health modality by the same name. In this episode, we go deep on the complex interwoven concepts of sobriety and addiction recovery, discussing her own journey with addiction, beginning with drinking at seventeen and progressing to drugs, specifically cocaine. Experiencing relational trauma as a child stemming from her mother's own addiction issues and her father's lack of presence – she then went to California, where she suffered the loss of a close friend to suicide, triggering the onset of anxiety, OCD, and panic attacks. Addiction is never as simple as saying “yes” or “no” – we talk about the underlying issues such as trauma, predisposition, and environment that impact addiction and a person’s ability to overcome. Soulbriety is all about factoring in your soul when it comes to healing. Our very being, our essence, is so much more than skin deep; bringing our depth of personality and experience into these painful journeys is the only way we can ever get honest with their root causes and begin to heal them. Resources:
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. | |||
| 43. Being Bullied All the Way to Madison Square Garden With Aija Mayrock | 11 Jan 2023 | 00:40:41 | |
Today, we’re joined by Aija Mayrock, a bestselling author, poet, and performer who was bullied as a child and lives, now, to help alleviate that pain from future generations. Her story starts with her most impressionable years spent suffering in silence, mocked for speech impediments, a lisp and a stutter, and experiencing cyberbullying and harassment seeded by a social post by someone she’d never even met. We learn that even her teachers sometimes took part in the abuse. The starting blocks of her pain-to-purpose journey illustrate the extreme toxicity of mob mentality alongside the dangers of social media exposure. Aija talks about how she was hesitant to stand up for herself, and that her mother encouraged her to be brave and share her story – leading to her first book, The Survival Guide to Bullying – to help other kids who were struggling as she had. She encourages parents to recognize the signs of bullying in their kids, such as changes in eating habits, downward trending grades, withdrawn behavior, and altered body language. She suggests asking questions to help kids open up and start communicating more freely and openly. But first, we open up this episode with a poem that Aija wrote and recites so eloquently. It's called, Who Do You Want to Be? And it is a powerful note to remember. Learn more about childhood adversity and trauma, and find resources for those who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences, at NumberStory.org. Resources:
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. | |||
| 42. Navigating the Rough Seas of Addiction with Captain Sandy Yawn | 04 Jan 2023 | 00:46:20 | |
It’s time to get this ship in tip top shape, as we’re joined by international leader, speaker, and beloved super yacht Captain, Sandy Yawn. Building upon humble beginnings and overcoming addiction, Captain Sandy retells her story of self-leadership, draws the line between forgiveness and resentment, tells some incredible seas-going stories, and previews her new book – Be the Calm or Be the Storm: Leadership Lessons from a Woman at the Helm. Listening to her, it’s clear she’s at the helm of her own life. And she’s committed to helping others make the same journey she did, through her own charities and by investing in young people she believes can make a positive difference in the maritime industry. Our conversation is an insightful look into a fan-favorite television character that so many have grown to respect and admire from a distance – and a refreshing truth to find that the real Captain Sandy is even more self-aware and thoughtful in real life. Here’s to wishing her luck on her continued voyage. Resources:
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. | |||
| 41. Healing Through Truth & Harnessing the Power of Storytelling with Kindra Hall | 28 Dec 2022 | 00:49:15 | |
Bobby is back to help us kick off this energetic interview with keynote speaker, motivational coach, and professional storyteller, Kindra Hall. Known for her dynamic stage presence for all of the world’s top brands, she’s also the author of Stories That Stick and released Choose Your Story, Change Your Life just about a year before this episode is set to air. Seeing herself an outcast as a child, she made her own way in the world – finding her place as a creative communicator and coach. Now a mommy of two, she aligns her learned lessons with powerful parenting tips on relatability and connectedness. We also go deep on the power of mindset, confidence, and finding (and sharing!) your voice. As someone who had to summon a lot of courage to tell my own story, on stage and on paper, I can attest to Kindra’s lessons being legit. She teaches us to embrace our unique gifts, the bumps in the road, the twists and turns that make you, you. It’s this kind of vulnerability that invites others in. If you’re thinking… Don’t we all have a story? Yes, exactly! Kindra’s career has been dedicated to empowering people to share their truths, to spin negative self-talk, and to build trust with the people around them – whether they’re friends, family, potential customers, employees, their audience, or the rest of the world. Resources:
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. | |||
| 40. Finding Hope in Hopelessness with Amber Valdez | 21 Dec 2022 | 00:57:37 | |
Amber Valdez is a spiritual awakening guide and bestselling author. She’s also one of my very best friends, someone I’ve connected with here in Austin over hikes and long conversations about our shared backgrounds and experiences. She grew up in a mentally and physically abusive home with a single mother who was mentally ill. As a young girl, she was creative and entrepreneurial, selling cookies and lemonade, and hosting a TV show with her cousin – sound familiar? We talk about her struggles with disordered eating and body dysmorphia, particularly during her time as a cheerleader in the NFL, where she was heavily pressured to look a certain way. She speaks from the heart on the act of punishing herself by not eating, and the internal pain it caused. Connecting the dots between exercise addiction and self-worth issues; difficult transformation and ultimate fulfillment; and even recommending easy non-negotiable practices for your morning routine – this episode is like a late night chat with a girlfriend, inviting and accepting of what is and has been while building deeper meaning into the gaps between. We even offer a challenge, of sorts, to go touch a tree today and look up at its branches – to take two minutes and soak in your own existence. (Tag me on Instagram to tell me how it felt!) In the end, Amber encourages us to take control of our lives and find happiness, whatever our size or shape, and reminds us that we are all learning to love and accept our own shadows as part of our ongoing personal growth journeys. Resources:
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. | |||
| 39. AMA: The Continued Evolution of Karena Dawn with Bobby Goldstein | 14 Dec 2022 | 00:44:58 | |
Our ever-elusive co-host joins the show again today, this time, in the captain’s chair as Bobby Goldstein interviews his wife, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn. After all, it’s been nearly forty episodes since we caught up with our fearless host. We learn how Karena has processed her mother’s passing, just over a year after the loss, unpacking her evolving experience with grief and trauma. She’s an open book from the jump in this one, tears included, admitting that she doesn’t miss her mom in a traditional sense, and the stress her presence brought about, but does miss her as a soul. Her healing remains complicated – the work, ongoing. Naturally woven throughout the conversation, exactly as intended, are the main tenets and mission of The Big Silence Foundation. Karena takes this opportunity to delve further into the inspiration behind the organization and how it, and writing her book, have been therapeutic practices for her own soul. Of course, her troubled past comes into focus once again. She adds new lenses to the experience – some learned through interviews on this podcast, and some picked up in her own mental health journey. Don’t miss a fun AMA session to bring us home as Karena and Bobby hash out celebrity hall passes, what to do with a messy boyfriend, compromise in relationship, and favorite romantic memories. Resources:
Upcoming Programming:
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. | |||
| 38. A Child of Magic: Going From Gangster to Goddess with Christine Olivia | 01 Dec 2022 | 00:37:55 | |
Frolicking nude in nature, giggling, sweating, even crying – there are a few things we can do as humans that deeply connect us to our inner child magic. My guest today, Christine Olivia, grew up in a toxic and unsafe environment. Shaped by that experience, she has learned to treasure the frolicking, to savor the laughter, and to always embrace the playful side of things. Daydreaming as a kid that she’d be picked up by another family and taken in, her idea of family was broken once more at 22, when her estranged father committed suicide. Spending the rest of that decade numbing and distracting herself, she found yoga. The peace she found on her yoga mat led her to become a teacher herself, to Bali, and to cacao – a superfood plant that she feels a deep connection to through her Guatemalan ancestral roots. Now, she’s devoted her life to ceremonial cacao practices, facilitating its spiritual healing properties. Her new book is called A Child of Magic, and it goes deep into the critically important child work that we talk about so often on the show. Christine brings a calmness and warmth to this conversation that, contrasted with the traumas of her early experiences, give us all hope for what’s on the other side of what we might be going through. Resources:
Upcoming Programming:
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. | |||
| 37. Living Life in the Beautiful Greys with Mary Lawless Lee | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:37:24 | |
The truth is, life’s not black and white. Today, we’re embracing the greys. And this means so much more than your favorite muted fall fashion tones. Mary Lawless Lee is a mother, writer, entrepreneur, and creator. She’s the author of Happily Grey, a book about in-between living – and she’s our guest on today’s episode of The Big Silence. We start by unpacking the inspiration and meaning behind her catchphrase, the moment she realized she was stuck, and how that realized truth led to a divorce, and evolution, at the age of twenty-six. This one’s all about self-discovery, as Mary describes her path back to writing, how the practice serves as a meditation in her daily routine. In the spirit of writing, we also reframe some weighty language – as we agree that bringing adventure into your life doesn’t need to mean traveling the world, and that mom-guilt has no place in an honest reality. Resources:
Upcoming Programming:
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. | |||
| It’s Time to End the Cycle of Self-Abandonment: How to Set Boundaries, Heal Shame, and Reclaim Your Aliveness with Vanessa Bennett | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:55:52 | |
What if the guilt and shame you carry as a mother or caretaker weren’t yours to begin with? In this episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Vanessa Bennett, LMFT, licensed depth therapist, and author of the new book, The Motherhood Myth From growing up as a “parentified child” to raising her daughter with intention, Vanessa shares how generational wounds, from the “witch wound” to the “mother wound”, shape our lives in ways we may not realize. Together, they explore self-abandonment, the myth of perfection, codependency in relationships, and how to reclaim your identity through micro moments of self-choosing. Whether you’re a mother, daughter, partner, or friend, this conversation offers tangible ways to break cycles, set boundaries, and follow the breadcrumbs back to yourself. How Do We Heal Generational Wounds Without Losing Ourselves?Vanessa reveals how recognizing inherited patterns and our part in them is the first step to breaking free. (00:00:22) Depth Psychology and the Path to Individuation
(00:06:11) The Trinity Wound: Witch, Sister, and Mother
(00:12:30) Self-Abandonment, Guilt, and Rebuilding Your Sense of Self
(00:22:09) Codependency, Resentment, and Healthy Boundaries
(00:32:50) Friendships, Attachment Styles, and Communication
(00:40:17) Therapy, Accessibility, and the Power of Group Work
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| 36. When We Break Down, We Break Through with Dr. Neeta Bhushan | 09 Nov 2022 | 00:51:40 | |
Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a well-known speaker, entrepreneur, and podcaster (check out episode 79 of The Brave Table). She’s also the author of That Sucked. Now What?, hitting bookstores in January. But before she was the evolved and expanded version of Neeta that she is today, she faced a truth that would change everything, forever. We talk about that day, and the painful years that preceded it – a complicated journey and family dynamic that sounds a whole lot like my own. We go deep on her experience moving down a dark road of loss and grief as a young person after the tragic deaths of her mother, younger brother, and father in a three-year span. She coped with the trauma by overachieving, overworking, overcompensating, and overgiving. She became a performer for anyone who would watch, a caregiver to her other brother – roles and responsibilities that would tie her into knots about who she was, and could become. Her path to spiritual healing (featuring a vivid Ayahuasca experience), and escape from an abusive relationship, provide ample inspiration that anyone can better themselves, that anyone can better their environment, if they commit to the work – and to making a few tough decisions along the way. Neeta leaves us with actionable tips from her book on processing stress and anxiety. We’re embracing the suck, anchoring our emotion, dancing like dinosaurs, and releasing it all back into the world as positive energy. I can’t wait for you to hear this one. Resources:
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| 35. Narcissism 101: There’s Always a Motive with Dr. Jaime Zuckerman | 02 Nov 2022 | 00:41:02 | |
Today’s episode features Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, aka Dr. Z. She's a national expert in narcissistic abuse and a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of adults with anxiety and mood disorders. She's also a relationship coach and she has her own podcast. We break down narcissistic personality disorder, harmful Disney messaging, golden child syndrome manipulation, and how to have a healthy relationship with a narcissist who could be a family member, a parent, a sibling. This is a commonly requested topic, and a complicated one to try and understand through the lens of logic. In this world, empathy is transactional, confidence is a performance, and there is always a motive. If you've ever thought you may have been in a narcissistic romantic relationship, or if, in the workplace, you possibly have a narcissist and you don't know how to manage that and be able to do your job – this is the episode for you. Remember, if you love it or you think there's someone out there, a loved one or a friend, that needs to hear this – please share it! Resources:
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. | |||
| 34. What if Mental Health Is Really Brain Health? With Dr. Daniel Amen | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:38:57 | |
This one is all about reframing the negative, avoidant, and prescription-driven social programming around mental health, and more importantly, mental illness. Our guest today, Dr. Daniel Amen, asks a question that illustrates a fascinating contrast… What if brain health was mental health? We parse vocabulary throughout the conversation, how words can mean so much when it comes between a person feeling hopeless in their symptoms and understanding that they are still in control of their health, no matter their diagnosis. He sheds light on a range of interesting subjects, from categorizing anxiety and depression into seven categories and a deep dive on reading brain scans, to the bombardment of subconscious illness messaging we face in our day-to-day lives and squishing the ANTs in our mind (automatic negative thoughts). Tweaking our mindset, changing our diets, moving our body – the smallest things can make the biggest difference in our brain health, and as a result, in our quality of life; sometimes it is that simple. Visit brainhealthassessment.com to take a brain assessment for yourself and learn more about your body’s most critical organ. Resources:
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. | |||