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Ever wondered what happens when you throw together a redhead, a redneck, and a family dynamic that thrives on elaborate pranks? This raw, unfiltered episode takes you straight into the chaotic heart of family relationships where shoes get thrown in restaurant parking lots and trucks become canvases for bird droppings and marshmallows.

But beneath the laughter lies something deeper. When our conversation shifts to children caught in divorce crossfire, we don't hold back. From personal experiences to heartbreaking stories of kids shuttled weekly between homes, we explore the real cost of parental battles. "It's not fair," becomes the recurring theme as we advocate for children who never asked to be pawns in adult conflicts.

The contrast between our lighthearted family antics and these profound reflections mirrors real family life – where profound conversations about childhood trauma might be immediately followed by a heated debate about whether all Skittles actually taste the same. Our impromptu blindfolded taste test brings welcome comic relief before we dive back into family dynamics.

You'll hear unvarnished truths about blended families, co-parenting challenges, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. We don't claim to have all the answers, but we offer authentic perspectives from people who've lived through the complexities of modern family relationships.

Whether you're navigating co-parenting challenges, curious about blended family dynamics, or simply enjoy unscripted family banter, this episode delivers raw honesty wrapped in humor that can only come from people who genuinely care about each other – even when they're plotting their next outrageous prank.

Join our conversation, and perhaps find some comfort knowing that families everywhere are finding their way through similar challenges with whatever combination of love, humor and occasional chaos they can muster.

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Take a deep breath with us as we explore the transformation that awaits beyond toxic relationships. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we step away from the heaviness of narcissistic abuse to focus on something equally important. This beautiful life exists on the other side of healing.

One host shares her harrowing health journey, describing how narcissistic abuse physically manifested as a life-threatening lung condition requiring constant oxygen support, with levels dropping to a dangerous 83%. Yet, within years of leaving that relationship, her body healed dramatically, a powerful metaphor for the emotional recovery possible for all survivors.

We explore those exhilarating moments of freedom when you finally ask yourself, "What do I want?" after years of living by someone else's rules. Whether it's enjoying butter pecan ice cream for dinner or getting your nails done for the first time in years, these small acts of self-determination mark the beginning of reclaiming your authentic self.

The conversation delves into how childhood conditioning shapes adult behaviors, surprisingly, from protective postures around food to unhealthy relationship patterns. We discuss how narcissistic abuse affects not just the direct victim but ripples outward to impact children, family members, and entire communities.

For those still trapped in toxic relationships and wondering if escape is possible, yes, freedom awaits you. The landscape beyond abuse isn't just livable; it's breathtaking. You've survived every dark day so far, and healing, joy, and peace aren't just possibilities; they're your birthright. Join us as we celebrate the view from the other side and remind you that you're worth fighting for.

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Taking a deep breath becomes an act of revolution after escaping narcissistic abuse. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Faith and Dana step away from their usual format to share profound insights about life after abuse—and why that journey is worth every difficult step.

Faith arrives emotionally drained from six days of intense advocacy work, including a harrowing six-hour standoff, prompting a candid discussion about the toll of supporting those still trapped in toxic dynamics. Rather than dwelling in darkness, they pivot to the transformative healing possible once survivors cross to the other side of trauma.

Dana vulnerably shares how her 25-year marriage to a narcissist nearly killed her—literally. Her body deteriorated to 93 pounds, requiring constant oxygen supplementation as her organs began shutting down, with oxygen levels dangerously low at 83%. Yet within five years of freedom, her health dramatically improved, demonstrating the profound physical healing possible when removed from toxic environments.

The conversation weaves through practical strategies for reclaiming joy after abuse. From Faith's simple act of getting her nails done—a rare moment of self-care—to Dana's liberating realization that she could eat ice cream for dinner without following her ex's rigid rules, these small victories represent monumental steps in the healing journey. Their shared wisdom crystallizes into a powerful question survivors can ask themselves: "What do I want?" A question that feels revolutionary after years of putting everyone else first.

They tackle complex issues with compassion and occasional humor—discussing how childhood conditioning shapes adult behaviors, the physical manifestations of emotional abuse, and why leaving abusive situations is rarely simple. The conversation acknowledges the reality that narcissistic abuse affects entire families, with children's core beliefs about themselves largely formed by age seven.

Join Faith and Dana for this life-affirming reminder that peace, joy, and renewed health await on the other side of narcissistic relationships. If you're struggling, remember their parting message: "You are worth fighting for and you can get past all of this. You are not alone."

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Every survivor deserves a voice—regardless of gender. When Michael witnessed his wife Victoria's domestic violence advocacy work up close for the first time, it sparked a raw, necessary conversation about who abuse affects and how cycles can be broken.

Victoria pulls back the curtain on her nearly two decades as an advocate, showing how she bridges the gap between survivors, law enforcement, and the court system. She explains the crucial first steps an advocate takes when approaching authorities: "I am not a threat to you, I am a domestic violence advocate." This inside look demystifies a process that many fear, potentially giving survivors the courage to seek the help they deserve.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Michael shares his own journey as a male survivor of emotional and financial abuse. "I would tell people, 'Oh, that's just the way she is' for years," he reveals, describing how he would "smile and laugh it off" while going home miserable. His vulnerability challenges the harmful stereotype that men can't be victims, showing fellow male survivors they aren't alone in their experiences.

Both hosts emphasize that breaking generational cycles is possible—and essential. "It is not fair to make our children spend their adulthood recovering from their childhood," Victoria states, as they discuss how conscious parenting choices can create homes free from the trauma they experienced. Their message is clear: whether you're seeking help or supporting someone who is, speaking up against abuse changes lives.

Ready to join the conversation about breaking cycles of abuse? Subscribe now and share your thoughts. If you're experiencing domestic violence or know someone who is, resources are available through our website—because everyone deserves a life free from abuse.

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Heartfelt celebrations and serious conversations collide in this candid episode where we start by toasting Michael's first colonoscopy (yes, really!) and the clean bill of health that followed. It's a perfect reminder that sometimes the most uncomfortable moments become our greatest gifts to those we love - as Michael puts it, "I want to live longer for my family."

The energy shifts as we unveil our passion project: the Stucco Squad. This initiative for special needs children has consumed our hearts completely, with carefully crafted items from superhero bracelets that can be worn through medical procedures to "pocket hugs" for comfort during difficult moments. Drawing from Victoria's personal journey as both a special needs person and parent, every detail has been considered with extraordinary care. "Normal, ordinary - that's who wants it? Nobody does," Victoria shares, capturing the spirit behind this movement to celebrate what makes these children exceptional.

Our conversation takes a more serious turn as we discuss California legislation allowing minors to pursue gender reassignment surgery without parental consent - even permitting legal action against objecting parents. We wrestle with difficult questions about children's capacity for life-altering decisions, sharing perspectives that challenge conventional thinking while maintaining respect for everyone's journey.

Throughout it all runs a thread about genuine human connection in our increasingly digital world. We share how our family dinners remain sacred spaces without phones, where eye contact and conversation remind us what truly matters. "It's the happiness that I crave, it's the longing, it's the belonging," Michael reflects about these precious moments.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on any of these topics. Have you created tech-free family traditions? What do you think about the balance between protecting children and respecting their autonomy? Join our conversation and discover the power of unstoppable, unfiltered authenticity.

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The moment Ken Kunkin made that fateful tackle during a Cornell University football game in 1970, his life's trajectory was forever altered. Left a quadriplegic with minimal movement in just his left arm, Ken faced a medical establishment that offered little hope—suggesting his future might consist of selling magazine subscriptions by telephone. But this podcast conversation reveals how profoundly they underestimated his determination.

Ken's journey unfolds like a masterclass in resilience. With unwavering family support who promised to serve as his "arms and legs," he became the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University—navigating a campus without a single ramp or curb cut. Against all odds, he earned three Ivy League degrees, only to face another crushing reality: despite sending over 200 resumes, no one would hire him. The employment discrimination he encountered eventually gave way to opportunity when Dr. Henry Viscardi Jr. recognized his potential, launching Ken into a remarkable 40-year career as an Assistant District Attorney.

What makes this conversation particularly captivating is how Ken’s personal and professional journeys intertwine. His love story with Anna, who began as his personal care attendant and eventually proposed to him, reminds us of life’s unexpected beautiful turns. Together, they defied medical improbabilities by becoming parents to triplet sons through in vitro fertilization, creating the family that continues to inspire Ken’s advocacy work.

Throughout our discussion, Ken articulates the transformative impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act while highlighting how much work remains in creating genuinely inclusive spaces. His passionate defense of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts comes from lived experience—from being unable to fit through courtroom doors as a newly minted prosecutor to having the Nassau County DA's office create an annual award in his name.

Listen to this remarkable story of a man who, when told something was impossible, simply reframed it as "I'm possible." Ken's memoir, "I Dreamt of Things That Never Were," and his continued advocacy remind us that limitations are often more about perception than reality. His message will leave you questioning what seemingly impossible dreams you might pursue with just a bit more determination.

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Financial abuse remains one of the most powerful yet least understood tactics used by abusers to maintain control. In this raw, emotional conversation, two survivors share their hard-earned strategies for financially preparing to escape dangerous relationships.

The hosts reveal detailed methods that helped them break free—from getting cash back at checkout and removing that portion of receipts, to building reserves through reward programs, gift cards, and couponing. Their advice extends beyond merely saving money to creating comprehensive safety plans, including teaching children emergency protocols and maintaining "grab-and-go" safes with essential documents.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is the authentic vulnerability shared through personal stories. One host reveals the horrifying moment her ex-partner deliberately endangered her infant daughter's life by obstructing her tracheostomy, while another describes preparing end-of-life instructions for her teenage son when she discovered her ex was planning to kill her. These aren't theoretical scenarios but lived experiences that underscore why financial preparation can be life-saving.

The conversation also addresses the judgment survivors often face from those who've never experienced abuse, with a poignant story about confronting a mother who blamed her daughter for staying in an abusive relationship. The comparison between seeking specialized medical care for cancer versus appropriate support for domestic violence survivors resonates deeply.

Whether you're currently planning your exit, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand the complex dynamics of abuse, this episode offers practical wisdom, emotional support, and above all, the reassurance that you are not alone on this journey.

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When Malcolm Goodwin reached out to thank Victoria for saving his friend's life, it reinforced exactly why the Contagious Smile podcast exists. "I'm not looking for praise or notoriety," Victoria shares with raw honesty. "When I went through this and was laying on the floor bleeding, not wanting to get up, I wished someone could say 'I've got you. You're not alone.'" That connection – knowing someone understands your darkest moments – can transform a tiny remaining spark into a wildfire of healing.

This episode unveils exciting new developments, including Victoria joining Cameo as talent (at just $10 per video) and the creation of the Stucco Squad community, named after Victoria's beloved service dog. The Squad will offer special merchandise including hospital-friendly bracelets for children and families navigating medical challenges. Michael and Victoria's natural, sometimes hilarious banter reveals why their authenticity resonates with millions of listeners worldwide, propelling their podcast into the top 2% globally.

The heart of their mission shines through stories of impact – how Victoria's memoir "Who Kicked First" took a decade to write due to fear but ultimately saved lives, and how her domestic violence advocacy creates practical safety plans for those in danger. Their work extends beyond trauma to celebrate relationships that heal, like Michael's special father-daughter bond with Faith, showcased through weekly movie nights and playful pranks that balance the heavier topics with genuine joy.

Whether you're a survivor seeking connection, a parent navigating challenges, or someone wanting to understand trauma's impact, the Contagious Smile podcast offers a rare blend of unflinching honesty and hopeful perspective. Join the Stucco Squad community on Facebook to participate in upcoming events, contests, and receive updates on their initiatives that turn pain into purpose and isolation into belonging.

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