A Contagious Smile Podcast

Stop surviving and start thriving. A Contagious Smile is a globally ranked podcast providing a safe haven for abuse survivors and special needs families navigating the journey of trauma recovery. Whether you are healing from domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, childhood trauma, or the daily challenges of disability advocacy, our mission is to turn your pain into power.

Each episode features raw, authentic conversations with survivors, mental health experts, and advocates who share actionable resources for PTSD healing, resilience building, and emotional wellness. We go beyond the struggle to highlight the triumphs of the special needs community, offering support for caregivers and individuals with disabilities who are rewriting their own narratives.

Hosted by Victoria Cuore, an award-winning trauma advocate and survivor, this podcast delivers the "blueprints" for recovery—not just Band-Aids. Join our community to find hope, humor, and the unstoppable spirit needed to rekindle your inner light.

Co-host

Michael Mackniak

Michael Mackniak, JD, is a nationally recognized mental health attorney, systems architect, and founder of the Care Coalition. With over 30 years at the intersection of law, mental health, and caregiving, he has become a leading force in redesigning how fractured systems respond to individuals and families in crisis.

He is the creator of the Guardian Model™, a data-driven framework proven to reduce institutional reliance across jails, emergency rooms, and inpatient systems by 51%. His work has been recognized by organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the National College of Probate Judges.

As host of Holding It Together (Kinda), Michael delivers clear, actionable insight into mental health, caregiving, and systemic reform—offering listeners not just awareness, but a way forward.

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