A Contagious Smile Podcast
A Contagious Smile is a powerful platform dedicated to uplifting and empowering special needs families and survivors of domestic violence. Through heartfelt stories, we shine a light on the journeys of extraordinary individuals who have overcome unimaginable challenges. Their triumphs serve as a testament to resilience and strength, inspiring others to rediscover their own inner light. Each episode features candid interviews with survivors, advocates, and experts who provide valuable resources and insights to support those on their own paths to healing and empowerment. Join us as we celebrate the power of resilience, the beauty of shared stories, and the unstoppable spirit of those who turn adversity into hope. Let us guide you in rekindling your spirit, because every smile tells a story of courage and transformation.
Episodes
307 episodes
The Cereal-Slurping Philosopher's Guide to Toxic Family Relations
We're back after a three-week hiatus, and there's a good reason for our absence. Victoria has undergone two additional surgeries, including a spinal implant for her Complex Regional Pain Syndrome that has miraculously reduced her pain by over 8...
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42:10
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Shadows Trigger Warning
The overwhelming response to our podcast has shown us just how many people are silently struggling with the aftermath of narcissistic family dynamics. This episode dives deep into what it truly means to be the "black sheep" in a narcissistic fa...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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58:06
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Navigating Parenthood Through Laughter
Imagine a world where every special needs child feels like a superhero rather than someone who's different. That's exactly what we're creating with the Stucco Squad – our passion project unveiled in this heartfelt episode.After celebrat...
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Season 2
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51:11
Breaking Through Darkness Trigger Warning
What happens when the people who should love you most become your greatest source of pain? In this raw and unfiltered Q&A episode, Dana and Victoria tackle the toughest questions about narcissistic family relationships sent in by listeners ...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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1:08:29
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Surviving the Narcissist's Web Trigger Warning
When a narcissist targets you for abuse, they reserve a special kind of cruelty that no one else sees. This powerful episode pulls back the curtain on narcissistic abuse through raw, firsthand accounts that validate what countless survivors exp...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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1:15:48
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When Narcissists Strike Back Trigger Warning
The unexpected viral success of our podcast has revealed a disturbing truth: millions of people recognize the nightmare of narcissistic abuse. While gratified to reach so many, we're heartbroken that our stories resonate with such a vast audien...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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45:07
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Navigating Teen Mental Health: A Parent-Child Conversation with Humor and Heart
The unfiltered wisdom of teens takes center stage in this refreshingly honest conversation about youth mental health. When our teenage guests Kinsley and Faith join the podcast, they waste no time delivering hard truths about what young people ...
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Season 2
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36:35
Scars and Stars: Finding Self-Worth After Narcissistic Abuse Trigger Warning
What does it mean to heal after narcissistic abuse? In this raw, unfiltered Q&A episode, Dana and Victoria tackle the questions that keep survivors up at night—from handling others' judgment to finding self-worth when everyone around you ha...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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1:08:29
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The Narcissist's Immunity: Why They Never Seem to Suffer TRIGGER WARNING
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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1:03:15
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Beyond Limits: The Remarkable Journey of America's First Amputee Motorcycle Cop
Mark Wright's story redefines what's possible after traumatic injury. As the first amputee motorcycle officer in United States history, Mark demonstrates that our physical limitations are often far less restrictive than our mental ones....
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Season 2
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56:29
The Narcissist's Playbook: How They Hurt Those Who Only Want to Love TRIGGER WARNING
The pollen count is high and so are the emotions in this raw, unfiltered conversation between Victoria and Michael. Between sneezes and watery eyes, they dive into the grueling realities of advocacy work—the sleepless nights, endless paperwork,...
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Season 2
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56:37
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Pass the Skittles and Hide Your Shoes: Adventures with ALL of Us Including Abby
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 throw...
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Season 2
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46:35
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From Gasping to Breathing: How Leaving Narcissists Transforms Your Health and Happiness TRIGGER
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 beauti...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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44:37
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The Road to Healing is Paved with Self-Love and Setting Boundaries
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 i...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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44:37
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When Men Are Survivors: Redefining Domestic Abuse Beyond Gender Stereotypes
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...
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50:50
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Put Down Your Phone and Pick Up the Conversation
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 un...
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Season 2
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51:11
When Leaving Is the Only Option: A Survival Guide TRIGGER WARNING
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 dangero...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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1:20:15
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Captain Jack, Socks, and Service Dogs: Life's Unexpected Heroes
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 th...
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Season 2
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44:47
The Gift of Giving: Celebrating Life, Love, and New Beginnings
In this heartfelt episode, It's a colorful tapestry woven from laughter, memories, and the anticipation of what lies ahead.We discuss the nuances of gifting experiences over material items and reflect on what it means to prioritize rela...
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55:02
The Giving Journey: From Personal Healing to Global Impact
What does it mean to transform personal trauma into a mission that uplifts others? Join Victoria and Michael as they unveil several groundbreaking initiatives designed to create safe spaces for those who need them most.The excitement is...
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42:03
