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
278 episodes
Laughter and Lessons: Navigating Family Fun, Confronting Toxic Dynamics, and Embracing Creative Growth
Ever announce your bathroom breaks at home? It might sound strange, but it's all part of the fun and laughter we share in our family. This episode, we introduce my wife Victoria's impactful book on dealing with life's real challenges, like navi...
•
35:30
.png)
Estrangement and Empowerment: Navigating Narcissistic Family Drama, Embracing Healing, and Breaking Cycles for Future Generations TRIGGER WARNING
What do you do when your estranged father becomes your cyberstalker? Victoria and I kick off our return after a rocky January by unraveling this unsettling tale. We share candid reflections and humor as Victoria opens up about her "sperm donor"...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 1
•
49:42
.png)
Love and Laughter: Embracing Adoption Joy, Overcoming Cyber Challenges, and Celebrating Family Dynamics
Imagine standing in a courtroom, tears of joy streaming down your face as your daughter reads a poem so touching that even the judge is moved. That's exactly the kind of emotional whirlwind we experienced when my husband officially adopted our ...
•
25:07
.png)
From Courts to Courses: Empowering Transformations and Podcasting
What does it take to start anew and shed the past? Let's explore the courageous journey of our daughter Faith, who took the brave step of changing her first name and removing her biological father’s name from her birth certificate, reaching a p...
•
42:06
.png)
Resilience and Renewal: Overcoming Addiction, Embracing Healing, and Creating Ripple Retreats
•
52:31
Resilience and Reclamation: Navigating Narcissistic Family Trauma, Embracing Healing, and Inspiring New Legacies TRIGGER WARNING
What if the very people meant to nurture and guide you in childhood became the source of your deepest wounds? Join us as we unravel the complexities of growing up with narcissistic parents, especially fathers and father figures, who often leave...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 15
•
1:03:35
Exploring Mischief and Morality: A Journey Through Politics and Personal Stories TRIGGER WARNING
Did you know that fake fingernails and glitter body wash can lead to household chaos? Faith's mischievous escapades take center stage as we recount the hilarious pranks that had our family in fits of laughter. Amidst the giggles, we also engage...
•
Season 1
•
49:57
.png)
F-Bombs and Family Feuds: Navigating Narcissistic Parent Dynamics, Embracing Resilience, and Finding Support TRIGGER WARNING
What if the F-word was your secret weapon against a narcissistic parent? Join me and my sister, Dr. Victoria, as we share a raw and humorous exploration of our journey surviving a toxic family environment. Together, we unpack the unique languag...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 15
•
1:09:15
Laughter and Celebration: Navigating Parenthood Pride, Celebrity Inspiration, and Marriage Mastery TRIGGER WARNING
Can a jump scare change the course of a conversation? It certainly did for Victoria and me as we kicked off our latest episode with a hilarious anecdote that left us both in stitches. From there, we plunged into the world of current events, giv...
•
42:39
Jump Scares and Joyful Bonds: Navigating Public Figures, Viral Success, and Marriage Communication Challenges
Nearly getting kicked in the face is not how most conversations begin, but when Victoria and I recount a hilarious jump scare incident, things take a playful spin. Our chat playfully careened into the realm of politics as we pondered Michael J....
•
Season 1
•
42:39
.png)
Resilience and Recovery: Unraveling Narcissistic Family Dynamics, Embracing Self-Identity, and Healing from Toxic Relationships TRIGGER WARNING
This episode explores the experiences of individuals raised by narcissistic parents and the impact on self-worth and identity. The hosts discuss stories from listeners about the pain of exclusion, battling the approval of family, and the differ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 14
•
1:09:15
Resilience and Advocacy: Navigating Domestic Violence, Customer Service Challenges, and Questioning Societal Norms TRIGGER WARNING
Can your sense of security be restored after witnessing a threat firsthand? Join us as we reflect on our holiday season spent amongst family and our three golden retrievers, all while navigating the alarming incidents of domestic violence and t...
•
Season 1
•
45:58
.png)
Resilience and Revelations: Navigating Family Drama, Justice System Flaws, and the Power of Community Support TRIGGER WARNING
•
Season 1
•
Episode 12
•
1:19:31
Laughter and Healing: Navigating Narcissistic Family Challenges, Embracing Self-Worth, and Building a Supportive Community TRIGGER WARNING
•
Season 1
•
Episode 11
•
1:37:40
Empowering Futures: UGC Mastery, Tackling Child Abuse, and Navigating Family Crises TRIGGER WARNING
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
33:49
.png)
Speaking Up: Overcoming Adversity, Addressing Domestic Abuse, and Celebrating Family Achievements TRIGGER WARNING
What would you do if you could impact someone's life by simply speaking up? Join us for a heartfelt exploration of resilience and advocacy as I share my personal journey through multiple surgeries on my amputated arm, with unwavering support fr...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
31:10
.png)
NARC NARC WHO'S THERE, HELP, I'M GASPING FOR AIR TRIGGER WARNING Resilience and Authority: Unpacking Narcissistic Family Dynamics, Healing from Trauma, and Embracing Self-Care
TRIGGER WARNING Can a brush with authority leave lasting impressions on our perceptions? Join us as we kick off with an update on Victoria's impressive recovery from surgery, showcasing her strength and humor amidst the post-surgery hurdles. Ou...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
1:29:45
Surgical Surprises: Hospital Mix-Ups, Family Resilience, and the Healing Power of Humor
Ever experienced the chaos of a last-minute surgery mix-up and the unexpected presence of a plastic surgeon? That's exactly what happened to us, Victoria and Michael, as we embarked on a whirlwind hospital adventure. From the frantic journey to...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
35:52
.png)
Narc Narc, Who's There, Help, I'm Gasping For Air. Trigger Warning Reclaiming Joy: Navigating Toxic Family Dynamics, Honoring Mental Health, and Embracing Chosen Family
Trigger Warning. Picture this: it's the holiday season, but instead of joy, you're bracing yourself for another round of toxic family gatherings. Do you stand your ground and prioritize your mental health? Today, we share stories of...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
53:59
Forgiveness and Family: Navigating Political Pardons, Gender Debates, and Heartwarming Holiday Chaos
Can political figures truly be forgiven for their actions, or should they face perpetual scrutiny? Our latest episode takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as we explore the nuances of forgiveness in the realms of family and politics. We dive...
•
35:22
.png)
TRIGGER WARNING Unbreakable Bonds: Embracing Adoption, Obtaining Prosthetics, and Celebrating Familial Resilience
TRIGGER WARNING What would you do for love? Imagine adopting a child and transforming your life through the power of unconditional love. Join us as we share the moving story of Victoria's adoption journey, from overcoming past hardships to embr...
•
39:40
.png)
Narc Narc Who's There, Help, I'm Gasping For Air Escaping the Shadows: Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse, Healing Family Ties, and Embracing Self-Worth TRIGGER WARNING
TRIGGER WARNING Escaping the shadow of narcissistic abuse is a journey fraught with challenges, but it's a journey worth taking. Our dear friend Dana and I share our personal tales of navigating toxic family dynamics, shedding light on the insi...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 8
•
59:21
.png)
Resilience and Rebirth: Overcoming Bullying, Celebrating Literary Triumphs, and Championing LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
What if the challenges we faced in our youth were actually stepping stones to our most meaningful accomplishments? Join us as we recount our transformative journey from the throes of bullying to the triumphant stage of guest speaking and winnin...
•
30:24
Justice or Just Us? The Battle for Rehabilitation vs. Punishment TRIGGER WARNING
TRIGGER WARNING: What if the key to navigating personal relationships lies in the balance between grace and boundaries? Join us as Dana, our lively co-host, shares her experiences juggling life with two spirited kittens, dra...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
1:23:00
Shattered Innocence: The Dark Reality of Maternal Filicide TRIGGER WARNING
TRIGGER WARNING A chipped tooth and an unexpected laugh kick off a conversation that takes an intense turn as we explore the haunting case of maternal filicide in Atlanta. How should society respond to those convicted of harming chi...
•
Season 1
•
1:00:37
.png)