Send us a Text Message.

What happens when hospital incompetence turns a family emergency into a nightmare? In this emotionally charged episode of Unstoppable, Victoria and Michael recount their traumatic experience with their daughter Faith's emergency visit. You'll hear about the distressing chain of errors that led to a series of unnecessary panics and suffering, from being placed in an inappropriate room to mishandling critical lab work. Their story highlights the stark reality that when medical professionals fail to read patient charts and understand medical history, the consequences can be devastating.

Ever had to confront a medical professional about your loved one's care? Victoria and Michael did just that, facing off against an unprofessional nurse who failed to recognize their daughter's specific medical needs. This intense encounter culminated in the nurse's removal, underscoring the importance of patient advocacy in ensuring proper treatment. Through their harrowing journey, they shine a light on the systemic issues in healthcare and the emotional toll it takes on families, especially when dealing with special needs and medical PTSD.

We wrap up this powerful episode with a call to action, inviting listeners to connect with us at Contagious Smile. Share your own experiences, join our show, and help raise awareness about the critical need for vigilance and advocacy in medical settings. Thank you for your continued support—your stories and voices are what make this community strong. Join Victoria, Michael, and their two lazy dogs (with the third probably in the hallway) as we sign off with gratitude and a renewed commitment to patient advocacy.

Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.

Ever had trouble pronouncing simple words like "ginger" or "gender"? You're not alone! This episode of "Unstoppable" is packed with laughter and heart as Michael and Dr. Victoria Curie share their humorous misadventures, including a playful exchange about such tongue-twisters. We dive into a heartfelt update on Victoria's recent major surgery, walking you through her pain, recovery process, and even some hilarious hospital pranks that lightened the mood, especially a memorable run-in with an anesthesiologist. We also take a moment to appreciate our community and discuss our ongoing work with special needs and domestic violence issues, thanking our supporters for their unwavering love and encouragement.

Ever wondered what it would be like to have a dream encounter with Jennifer Aniston or James Spader? We explore these amusing hypothetical situations and more, comparing perceptions of beauty between stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Angelina Jolie, and Jennifer Aniston. Conversations about family dynamics and the influence of children bring both humor and insight, alongside a brief yet informative look at professional services that support children's educational needs. Dr. Victoria Curie shares her wealth of knowledge and accomplishments, emphasizing the crucial role of legal documents in these contexts.

Imagine having a memory so sharp it feels like a curse. That's the reality for one wife as we delve into the complexities of trust and memory in relationships. A recurring nightmare about her husband’s past infidelity, rooted in a hidden previous marriage, sparks a candid discussion on rebuilding trust. The couple reveals their journey towards transparency, including sharing passwords and phones, showing how they navigate lingering insecurities with honesty and humor. We wrap things up with light-hearted pet stories and upcoming medical procedure anxieties, ending on a note of gratitude and a call for your continued support. Join us for a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to heartfelt moments, as we share our lives with you.

Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.

Unlock the secrets to true happiness and spiritual enlightenment with our incredible guest, Dean Graves—a seasoned teacher, mental health counselor, and spiritual guide. In this episode, Dean recounts his transformative journey from a conventional life to a profound awakening in his 50s. Learn about the nature of stress and discover how bridging the gap between expectations and reality can lead you to a state of bliss. Dean also sheds light on enlightenment, viewing it as an ongoing journey rather than a final destination, and emphasizes the crucial role of self-exploration in achieving genuine happiness.

Embark on a cosmic voyage as we explore the evolution of the soul, tracing its path from primordial darkness through various incarnations. Dean discusses the importance of diverse life experiences and their impact on shaping our identity, ego, and beliefs. We delve into the healing process, highlighting the key choice between service to self and service to others, which determines our readiness for higher consciousness and unity. Prepare to understand how these experiences shape our journey towards wisdom and becoming creator beings.

Navigate the complexities of consciousness with practical insights into self-healing and mental health. Dean shares his expertise on free will, the Earth's current transitional phase, and the vibrational changes affecting our collective consciousness. Learn the transformative power of meditation and gain practical tips for starting your own practice. Whether you are seeking to heal trauma or find direction in life, this episode offers valuable information and guidance. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Dean Graves that promises to illuminate your path to inner peace and spiritual growth.

Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.

Ever wondered what it's really like to juggle multiple roles in a bustling household while managing a business? Join us on Contagious Smile as we pull back the curtain on our daily lives, from the thrilling launch of "Narc Narc Who's There," our new series on narcissism, to the praise-worthy impact of Dana's book, "Gasping for Air." We also share personal stories about our upcoming surgeries and how we support each other through every twist and turn, all while laughing through the chaos and balancing professional commitments.

The episode takes a dramatic turn as we unpack the intense aftermath of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Drawing parallels to historical events like JFK's funeral procession, we discuss Trump's resilience and the broader implications for safety and self-defense laws in America. But don't worry, we lighten the mood with some hilarious "redneck banter" about regional dialects, providing the perfect comedic relief amid the serious topics.

To wrap things up, we dive into the hilarious and heartwarming dynamics within our family. Picture a husband who's recovering dramatically from a colonoscopy, asking for foot massages, while the wife remains a beacon of hard work even post-surgery. We also share our excitement about a golden retriever calendar for 2025 and recount a quirky father-daughter movie night featuring "Elf Girl." Tune in for a blend of humor, candid moments, and heartfelt stories as we navigate our busy lives and look forward to future endeavors.

Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.

Have you ever sent someone a "for rectal use only" label just to see their reaction? That's just the beginning of the hilarity in this episode as we share side-splitting stories of Faith's mischievous pranks leading up to Michael's colonoscopy. We also explore Michael's amusing struggle to pronounce "digestion," which adds another layer of humor to his pre-procedure jitters. Amidst the laughter, we pause to send heartfelt condolences to Dave Campbell on the loss of his beloved pet, Dookie Dook, and recount the adorable antics of our protective pet, Stucco, who never fails to steal the spotlight.

In a more reflective segment, we discuss eye-opening social experiments that reveal how absorbed people have become with their phones, often missing critical moments around them. We contrast modern parenting with that of past generations, emphasizing the importance of family engagement and genuine connections. Personal anecdotes about screen-free dinners and board game nights underscore the value of these interactions, with a particularly touching story of our daughter's simple birthday wish to spend time with her family, highlighting the essence of true connection in a digital age.

Our conversation takes a turn towards the political with lighthearted debates about the attractiveness and honesty of past U.S. presidents and first ladies. Personal preferences and humorous opinions make this segment both engaging and entertaining. We also touch on personal achievements like writing a book, adding depth to our discussion. Wrapping up, we talk about enhancing your social media presence with valuable tips and resources, extend condolences to Faith's previous godmother's family, and end on a fun note about heading to the craft room. Tune in for a delightful mix of humor, heart, and thoughtful reflection.

Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.

Get ready for an episode packed with heartfelt narratives, exciting adventures, and invaluable advice! We kick things off with Faith, Sandy, and Abby, sharing their vibrant summer plans and unforgettable experiences. Faith is buzzing with excitement about her summer program in New York City, juggling book marketing, and celebrating the release of her fifth book. Abby's tales of fun-filled pranks during her recent Georgia vacation will leave you in stitches, while Shanti's inspiring story of overcoming bullying and channeling her experiences into a successful writing career will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings.

Join us as we tackle the crucial topic of LGBTQ+ representation in schools, highlighted by an intriguing story called "The Experiment." Our guests share a wide range of perspectives, from Shadi's emphasis on creating a nurturing learning environment to Ab's positive experiences in an accepting school. Logan weighs in with concerns about non-binary identification, prompting a thoughtful discussion on inclusivity and respect. Faith adds her voice to the conversation, recognizing the community's struggles while advocating for support and understanding.

As we transition to discussing junior year excitement and college aspirations, the energy is palpable. We explore potential majors, dream schools, and the anticipation of selecting unique classes. Faith, Victoria, and Shanti share their wisdom on writing and self-publishing, offering practical tips for young authors. The episode wraps up with powerful advice from teen influencers on resilience, kindness, and honesty, ensuring you walk away with not just insights, but also a heart full of inspiration. Don't miss this engaging, insightful, and heartwarming episode!

Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.

Ever wondered how a playful joke about a colonoscopy could lead to a profound discussion on narcissism? Join us as we kick off with Michael's upcoming procedure and veer into Victoria's literary adventures, including her quirky prequel "Nart Nart: Who’s There?" We break down narcissism—its roots, the role of upbringing, and why it’s crucial to break negative cycles. Through our own stories, we stress the power of nurturing a loving environment over bowing to societal pressures and insecurities.

Get ready to laugh as we share the joy of everyday family moments. From funny antics with my wife to the stress and humor of parenting a child who’s faced medical challenges, we show how laughter can strengthen relationships. Whether it's joking around in the aisles of Walmart or finding humor in the chaos of family life, we spotlight the importance of a positive outlook and cherishing the little things.

Finally, we tackle resilience and humor in the face of adversity. Hear my personal journey through amputation and countless surgeries, and discover how a lighthearted approach made all the difference. Through interactions with people who have gloomy perspectives and uplifting stories like empowering a young girl with leg braces, we highlight the transformative power of empathy and kindness. With playful banter and reflections on family dynamics, we wrap up by celebrating the vital role of laughter and mutual support in maintaining strong, loving relationships.

Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.

https://mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/home What does it take to transform childhood trauma into a beacon of hope and resilience? Join us as we sit down with Emily Cleghorn, a remarkable advocate for trauma-informed care, who shares her journey of overcoming emotional neglect and untreated mental health issues. Emily's story is a testament to the power of early intervention and the conscious decision to break the cycle of trauma. From her early days of writing down feelings to the evolution of her "trigger toolbox," Emily provides invaluable strategies for managing emotional triggers and maintaining balance.

In this heartfelt episode, Emily opens up about her harrowing experiences, including emotional neglect and the impact of untreated anxiety and depression. Despite such adversity, Emily's determination to change her fate began in eighth grade, making her journey one of resilience and hope. We discuss the complex realities of parental trauma and the importance of addressing generational pain. Emily's insights, complemented by reflections from my book, "Rising from the Ashes: Reclaiming Your Life After Traumatic Childhood," offer a roadmap for healing and transformation.

Discover various ways to connect with Emily, from her Instagram (@emilycleghorncoach) to her podcast "Mama Hood After Trauma." We also highlight her upcoming book collaboration and the resources she offers. Emily's resilience and accomplishments are truly inspiring, making her a beacon of hope for others on similar paths. Tune in for an episode filled with empathy, genuine understanding, and practical tools for overcoming the shadows of the past.

Support the Show.