Explore every episode of the podcast The Happily Never After
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to The Happily Never After | 18 May 2025 | 00:01:03 | |
Life is full of endings, isn’t it? Whether the endings were our choice or out of our control, they can set us spiraling. Sometimes they can even make us feel like a failure. However, whether we’re talking about loss, grief, heartbreak, a crisis of faith, or a big move, endings also push us to grow in unexpected ways. The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide closure, provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can be an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about (alongside a good dose of humor too!) One thing we know for sure: if life is full of endings, it’s full of new beginnings too. Welcome to The Happily Never After, because sometimes the end is just the beginning.
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| S1E1: Walking Through Grief, with Ashley Desanno | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:36:35 | |
In this heartfelt conversation, Ashley Desanno shares her journey through grief following the loss of her father. She discusses the complexities of anticipatory grief, the impact on family dynamics, and the lessons learned through the grieving process. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, the mind-body connection, and how to support children through loss. Both Ashley and Heather reflect on the different ways people grieve and the significance of keeping memories alive while navigating the emotional landscape of loss. TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT ASHLEY Ashley Desanno is a content creator (@lotsamiles), a mom, and a marathon runner. She is also the co-owner of a small business called The Creepy Book Club that she started with her best friend, and together they host a podcast called Books with Your Besties, building community all along the way. She tries to keep all the plates spinning—with coffee, laughter, and a lot of TMI. ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S1E5: A New Kind of Faith, with Brian Recker | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:41:37 | |
Today, Heather McG and Brian Recker explore their shared experiences growing up in fundamentalist Christianity and the journey of deconstructing their faith. While Heather became and atheist, Brian has forged the path to a kinder, more universal faith. They discuss the challenges of navigating identity, shame, and the impact of evangelicalism on their lives. Brian shares his personal journey of leaving the pastorate, the struggles of divorce, and the importance of finding a supportive community. They also delve into the intersection of spirituality and politics, emphasizing the need for love and compassion in faith practices. TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS 00:00 Journey Through Fundamentalism 09:22 The Awakening: Questioning Beliefs 18:16 The Impact of Identity and Community Loss 26:50 Embracing Change and Personal Growth 28:58 The Politics of Jesus 35:46 Finding the Genuine: A Journey to Self-Discovery ABOUT BRIAN RECKER Brian Recker, M.Div, is a public theologian, speaker, and writer on Christian spirituality without exclusionary dogma. The son of a Baptist preacher and an alum of the fundamentalist Bob Jones University, he spent eight years as an evangelical pastor before deconstructing his faith to find a more inclusive spirituality. He now speaks about following Jesus without fear of hell on his popular Instagram account and his Substack, Beloved. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, and has four children as well as a rescue pup named Maev. He is also the author of Hell Bent, scheduled for release in Fall 2025. ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S1E4: The Art of the Career Pivot, with Clothilde Ewing | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:40:16 | |
In this engaging conversation, Heather McG interviews Clothilde Ewing, exploring her nonlinear career journey from producing for Oprah to her current role in nonprofit communications and as an author of children's books. They discuss the importance of being open to change, the impact of significant career endings, and the inspiration behind Clothilde's Stella series. The conversation also touches on motherhood, the vulnerability of sharing personal stories, and the lessons learned through life's transitions. TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:05 Navigating Career Endings and Beginnings 04:50 The Importance of Being Open to Change 07:27 Reflections on The Oprah Show's End 10:09 Finding Meaning in Work 12:35 The Journey of Writing the Stella Series 19:34 The Impact of Storytelling on Children 21:44 Lessons in Parenting and Personal Growth 23:07 Navigating Vulnerability in Creative Expression 26:17 The Power of Connection Through Storytelling 28:47 Creativity as a Journey of Imagination 31:41 Embracing Change and Life's Endings 33:41 What We Know for Sure About Growth 36:46 The Freedom of Owning Your Truth ABOUT CLOTHILDE EWING Clothilde has spent her career communicating through journalism, entertainment. politics and nonprofits. The throughline with all of these jobs is that she was doing her thing behind the scenes. That all changed when she had kids. She was inspired to start writing after reading a New York Times opinion piece by her now-editor, Denene Millner, titled: “Black Kids Don’t Want to Read About Harriet Tubman All the Time.” Her goal is for people to see more children of color in books that are not defined primarily by race or struggle, but belonging and joy. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two children.
ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S1E3: Build a Beautiful Life After Cancer, with Alex George | 17 Jun 2025 | 01:08:38 | |
In this conversation, Alex George shares her powerful journey of surviving Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and the profound lessons she learned along the way. From her initial diagnosis and the challenges of navigating the medical system to the emotional toll of chemotherapy and the unexpected loss of her job during treatment, Alex's story is one of resilience, humor, and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in small moments, the role of family support, and the transformative power of pursuing one's passions. Ultimately, Alex encourages listeners to embrace life fully, take risks, and believe in themselves, as life is too short to wait for the 'right' moment to pursue happiness. TAKEAWAYS
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alex's Journey 03:28 The Early Career Struggles 05:09 The Health Crisis Begins 10:43 The Diagnosis of Ewing's Sarcoma 18:58 Coping with Cancer and Humor 20:00 Navigating Family Dynamics During Health Crises 25:09 The Power of Laughter in Difficult Times 29:22 Understanding the Chemo Experience 35:24 The Impact of Employment Loss During Illness 42:16 The Weight of Shared Trauma 44:54 Finding Hope Through Shared Stories 47:17 Moments of Realization in Recovery 50:06 Baking as a Healing Journey 53:28 Turning Passion into Purpose 56:47 Lessons from Adversity 01:00:16 Embracing Life's Uncertainties ABOUT ALEX GEORGE Alex is a baker, recipe developer, and content creator who is currently working on her debut cookbook! As a self-taught baker who abides by the philosophy that more is more, Alex wants to encourage people to be creative in the kitchen- go ahead and take a risk. Alex is ecstatic to join Heather for season 1 of The Happily Never After podcast. As a cancer survivor, she knows first-hand how life can change in an instant. For Alex, those changes led her to a whole new second life.
ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S1E2: Finding Love After Heartbreak, with Yue Xu and Julie Krafchick | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:49:09 | |
In this conversation, Julie and Yue tackle the evolving landscape of modern dating, emphasizing the importance of emotional availability and vulnerability. They share personal stories of heartbreak and the lessons learned from past relationships, highlighting the significance of intentionality in dating. The discussion also touches on the current love crisis, particularly among women, and the need to shift expectations in relationships. Ultimately, Julie and Yue encourage listeners to confront their fears of heartbreak and embrace the growth that comes from difficult experiences. TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Modern Dating Dynamics 01:56 Defining 'Dateable' in Today's Context 03:31 The Impact of Generational Shifts on Dating 06:28 Navigating Breakups and Heartbreaks 09:16 Lessons Learned from Past Relationships 11:40 The Role of Commitment in Relationships 14:57 Transforming Endings into New Beginnings 17:42 Understanding Baggage and Moving Forward 20:41 Conversations About Cheating and Trust 25:32 Understanding Relationship Patterns 29:20 The Aftermath of Breakups 33:11 The Dating Landscape Today 42:16 Reflections on Heartbreak and Growth ABOUT YUE AND JULIE Julie Krafchick and Yue Xu are active daters turned dating insiders, and top influential voices of modern dating, relationships, and connection in the digital world. They’re the co-hosts of the hit podcast Dateable and the authors of How To Be Dateable: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Person and Falling in Love, which was recently published by Simon & Schuster. Drawing on a decade’s worth of research from speaking to thousands of daters and world-renowned experts, Julie and Yue have learned what it takes to find love in today’s dating world. Their work has been featured by The New York Times, CNN, The Huffington Post, Oprah Daily, and more. ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S1E10: Opening Doors with Ravayna Coe | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:33:52 | |
SUMMARY Ravayna Coe is the mother and wife of loved ones who are autistic, and she explores the multifaceted nature of autism, challenging the traditional narrative that frames it as an ending. Ravayna shares the story of her neurodivergent household as she herself has ADHD, as well as discussing the spectrum of autism, the importance of early intervention, and the diverse experiences within the autism community. She emphasizes the significance of communication, the challenges of parenting, and the need to shift societal perceptions of autism. The discussion highlights the beauty and complexity of raising a neurodivergent child, celebrating their unique qualities while navigating the challenges that come with it. TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS 02:52 What does it mean to be neurodivergent? 06:03 Navigating Early Intervention and Support 08:44 The Impact of Autism on Family Dynamics 11:40 Challenging Misconceptions About Autism 14:47 Celebrating Progress and Unique Interests 17:43 Flipping the Script: Autism is not an ending 23:02 Challenging Ableism and Societal Norms 25:24 Redefining Hardship and Reward 27:45 Nonverbal Communication 32:33 Innovative Communication Strategies for Autism 34:29 Celebrating Asher's Unique Qualities 36:15 Embracing Complexity in Parenting WORK WITH RAVAYNA COE
ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S1E9: The Art of Recovery with Alicia Parrott | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:41:49 | |
SUMMARY Alicia Parrott, a street artist known as ShePosse, shares her inspiring journey of recovery from addiction, emphasizing the transformative power of art and community. She reflects on her past struggles, the importance of being present, and the lessons learned throughout her recovery process. Alicia discusses how her art serves as a form of expression and connection, highlighting the significance of vulnerability and breaking the stigma surrounding addiction. Through her story, she encourages others to seek help and confront the issues that are holding them back. TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS 02:49 The Struggles of Addiction 05:43 Finding Comfort in Art 08:45 The Turning Point: Intervention and Recovery 11:50 Understanding the Recovery Process 14:47 Lessons Learned Through Recovery 17:38 The Power of Connection 20:40 Connecting with Oneself 24:09 The Impact of Life Experiences 25:04 Art as a Healing Tool 28:48 The Community of Recovery and Street Art 32:32 The Birth of ShePosse 35:17 Embracing Imperfection in Recovery 36:47 Creating for the Invisible 37:25 Finding Color in Life's Messiness 38:20 Messages to My Younger Self 39:49 Breaking the Stigma of Addiction 42:09 The Journey of Recovery and Self-Compassion ABOUT ALICIA PARROTT Alicia Parrott is a multidisciplinary artist, senior graphic designer, and the street artist known as ShePosse. Her work lives at the intersection of recovery and resistance, blending formal fine art training with raw, street-level expression. Sober since 2006, Alicia draws deep parallels between recovery and street art—both rooted in presence, anonymity, and the act of showing up without knowing how long something will last. She earned her BFA from SUNY Purchase and brings over 25 years of experience to her design career. Her artwork has been exhibited alongside Shepard Fairey and Lady Pink, and is featured in the book Theez Are Our Streez, by Deelaruz. She’s also the co-producer of Sticker Movie, a documentary celebrating global sticker culture. Working under the name ShePosse, Alicia explores duality—personal and public, soft and sharp, design and rebellion. Her work gives voice to women, especially those often left out of the conversation in both art and recovery spaces. Whether it’s seen in a gallery or found weathered on a street pole, her work is meant to connect, to witness, and to remind others they’re not alone. She lives and works in Solana Beach, California—but her art shows up in streets worldwide.
ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S1E8: Find Your Adventure with Manika Gamble | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:31:03 | |
In this conversation, Heather McG interviews ultra endurance athlete Manika Gamble, who shares her journey from sprinting to ultra running, the challenges she faces in endurance sports, and the importance of finding one's 'why'. Manika discusses her experiences in the Namib race, the lessons learned from DNF (Did Not Finish) experiences, and the joy she finds in pushing her limits. She emphasizes the significance of igniting strength in others and the balance between grit and knowing when to quit, and the benefits of choosing to live with adventure in mind. TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Manika Gamble 05:37 Finding Your Why in Endurance Sports 11:31 The Challenges of Endurance Training 17:25 The Joy of Endurance Sports 23:35 The Balance of Grit and Knowing When to Quit 29:36 Life's Endings and New Beginnings ABOUT MANIKA GAMBLE Manika is an international ultra endurance athlete who takes on bold challenges and breaks barriers. She showcases the power of the human mind and body in hopes to inspire others to get out of their comfort zone and try something bold.
ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S1E7: Own Your Joy with Kit Morgan | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:31:26 | |
In this conversation, Kit Morgan, a licensed clinical social worker, shares their journey of healing from religious trauma and the impact of growing up in a fundamentalist Christian environment. They discuss the complexities of family dynamics, the process of grief and healing, and the power of finding joy and gratitude in life. Kit emphasizes the significance of self-discovery, empowerment, and the challenges of navigating estrangement from family members. Kit highlights the importance of community and support in the healing process. TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Kit Morgan and Their Journey 02:51 The Impact of Religious Trauma 05:44 Endings and Beginnings: A Personal Reflection 08:41 Grief and Healing from Religious Upbringing 11:46 Navigating Family Estrangement 14:38 Finding Empowerment and Trust 17:13 The Complexity of Family Dynamics 20:15 The Journey to Self-Discovery 23:16 Joy and Gratitude in Healing 26:18 Advice for Those in Pain 28:59 Closing Thoughts and Resources ABOUT KIT MORGAN Kit Morgan is a licensed clinical social worker, educator, and psychotherapist in Upstate New York. He specializes in religious trauma work and adverse childhood experiences in the 2SLGBTQIA+ population. Kit’s work is centered around dismantling oppressive ideologies, integrating tried and true healing practices, and cultivating inner wisdom.
ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S1E6: Recovery from Eating Disorders with Kyla Fox | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:41:13 | |
In this conversation, Kyla Fox shares her personal journey of overcoming an eating disorder and how it led her to establish The Centre, a virtual eating disorder recovery center in Toronto. She discusses the complexities of eating disorders, the importance of community in recovery, and her approach to parenting in a way that fosters a healthy relationship with food and body image. Kyla emphasizes the need for honesty and support for those struggling with eating disorders and offers hope for recovery. TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Kyla Fox and Her Journey 01:56 The Catalyst of Eating Disorders 04:55 Understanding the Mindset of Eating Disorders 09:50 The Complexity of Recovery 12:02 Hitting Rock Bottom and the Decision to Recover 15:21 Facing the Truth in Recovery 17:23 The Duality of Suffering and Growth 19:55 Founding the Center for Eating Disorder Recovery 22:25 Understanding Eating Disorders: A Spectrum of Challenges 24:36 The Importance of Community in Recovery 24:37 New Chapter 29:48 Generational Perspectives on Body Image and Parenting 36:31 Messages of Hope for Those Struggling 38:39 Reflections on Healing and Personal Growth ABOUT KYLA FOX Kyla has established herself as a visionary and innovator, when it comes to re-framing the way Canadians think about and treat eating disorders. As someone who struggled herself with an eating disorder, Fox identified care gaps and fundamental flaws in the treatment and recovery approach. Kyla is a Master’s-level clinician with degrees from both the University of Toronto in the Master of Social Work program as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women’s Studies. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She is also a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders and the National Eating Disorders Association. With such deep and varied experience in the field, Kyla is regularly called on by Canada’s top media outlets as a special commentator on a broad list of topics, including eating disorders, self-esteem, women’s health, body image, pregnancy and body confidence and more.
ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S1E11: Coming Back After a Car Crash with Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. | 12 Aug 2025 | 01:00:29 | |
In this conversation, Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. shares her harrowing experience of being hit by a car and the subsequent challenges she faced, including dealing with the insurance company and the emotional toll it took on her life. She discusses the longterm impact of stress, the journey of working through trauma, and finding new purpose after a life-altering event. The conversation emphasizes the need for vulnerability, courage, and determination in the face of a new reality. TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS 03:41 The Car Accident Experience 04:09 The Aftermath and Emotional Turmoil 10:41 Confronting the Other Driver 14:46 The Struggle for Help 18:26 Fighting the Insurance Company 22:11 Navigating Trauma and Fear 26:35 The Importance of Knowing Your Rights 28:59 Understanding Anger and Rage 32:10 The Long-Term Effects of Trauma 35:49 Finding New Joys After Trauma 42:19 The Journey of Healing as a Practice 44:58 Navigating Identity and Expectations 48:17 The Importance of Sharing Stories 51:05 Empowerment Through Saying No 56:48 Building Connections and Seeking Support ABOUT SYDNEY DAVIS JR. JR. Sydney Davis is a comedian, satirist and host of the podcast Growing Up Fundie. Her standup comedy special, Trash, is available on Amazon Prime, and she holds an MFA in creative non fiction. She currently lives in Arizona with one husband, one rescue dog, four parrots, and two venus fly traps.
MORE ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S2E1: Freedom from Hidden Prisons with Shaka Senghor | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:51:50 | |
Shaka Senghor is a resilience expert and bestselling author who shares his transformative journey from incarceration to freedom. Shaka discusses the hidden prisons we all face, the importance of vulnerability, and how shame and guilt can hinder personal growth. He reflects on his early life, the role of reading and writing in prison, and the impact of solitary confinement. Shaka emphasizes the power of active journaling, mindfulness, and creating safe environments for children, ultimately defining freedom as being present and embracing joy. TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Transformation 03:07 Shaka's Early Life and Challenges 05:45 The Role of Reading and Writing in Prison 09:06 Experiences of Solitary Confinement 11:51 Parole Journey and Life After Prison 15:10 The Premise of 'How to Be Free' 17:47 Understanding Hidden Prisons 20:59 The Impact of Shame and Vulnerability 24:06 Navigating Life's Challenges 27:47 Unpacking Childhood Trauma 30:03 The Power of Active Journaling 33:27 Vulnerability as a Strength 36:35 Creating Healing Through Vulnerability 39:07 Breaking Generational Cycles 42:06 Redefining Freedom 48:41 Mindfulness and Moving Forward 52:28 Finding Freedom in Adversity ABOUT SHAKA SENGHOR Shaka is a resilience expert, bestselling author, and speaker whose journey from incarceration to transformation has connected with audiences worldwide. Born in Detroit amid economic hardship, he spent 19 years in prison before finding his own path to freedom. Today, he shares the frameworks that transformed his life, helping executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes break free from their own invisible barriers. His mission is to show that everyone can achieve freedom and create a life full of possibility, purpose, and joy.
MORE ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S1E12: Happiness is an Inside Job with Heather McG | 19 Aug 2025 | 01:04:09 | |
In this season finale, Heather McG shares her personal journey deprogramming from a fundamentalist Christian environment. Joined by guest host Sydney Davis Jr. Jr., Heather talks about what it was like growing up with 21 siblings, confronting the beliefs that no longer served her as an adult, and redesigning her life from the ground up. Heather and Sydney explore the complexities of fundamentalism, the impact made on their lives, and how to shed your shame. The conversation also talks about how we are more than the worst things that have happened to us, and how changing your life starts with you. After all, happiness is an inside job. CHAPTERS 04:53 Facing Loss and Personal Growth 09:56 The Impact of Fundamentalism 15:04 Racism and the White Savior Complex 20:05 Acknowledging Privilege and Moving Forward 22:14 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories 24:41 Navigating Change and Growth 25:08 The Systemic Nature of Fundamentalism 28:35 Confronting New Realities in Chicago 31:20 The Shift in Beliefs 35:17 The Great Unlearning 39:15 Finding Closure with a Complicated Past 44:52 The Complexity of Grief and Freedom 48:03 Shame and Its Impact on Healing 51:24 The Power of Sharing Stories 57:22 Finding Hope and New Beginnings ABOUT SYDNEY DAVIS JR. JR. Sydney Davis is a comedian, satirist and host of the podcast Growing Up Fundie. Her standup comedy special, Trash, is available on Amazon Prime, and she holds an MFA in creative non fiction. She currently lives in Arizona with one husband, four parrots, and three venus fly traps.
MORE ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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| S2E2: How to Not Suck at Starting Over with Andrea Rappaport | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:59:18 | |
In this episode of The Happily Never After, host Heather McG welcomes Andrea Rappaport, co-host of top How Not to Suck at Divorce. Andrea shares her journey of overcoming an abusive marriage, the impact of her childhood on her adult relationships, and her path to healing and self-discovery. She discusses the importance of recognizing red flags, the challenges of rebuilding life post-divorce, and the ongoing process of personal growth. TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT ANDREA RAPPAPORT Andrea Rappaport is the co-host of the popular podcast How Not to Suck at Divorce. She's been featured on News Nation, TODAY show online, The Tamron Hall Show, as well as numerous appearances on local TV. Andrea uses her comedy skills and money her father spent on voice lessons, dance lessons and The Second City Conservatory to help divorcing individuals exhale and feel less alone. After leaving an abusive marriage when her boys were 2 and 4, Andrea is an advocate and public speaker on not only recognizing, red flags in relationship, but acting on them. She is happily remarried to man funnier than she is and lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her wildly crazy blended family. When she's not on the air or running her marketing firm, she can be seen hunting for discount fashion at TJ Maxx or Marshalls.
MORE ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
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