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
289 episodes
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
A Family's Unconventional Journey: From Trauma to Triumph TRIGGER WARNING
Victoria and Michael open the doors to their new passion project, the "Stucco Squad" – a vibrant, supportive community designed specifically for children with special needs. Named after their service dog (who was in turn named after Victoria's ...
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33:52
Unpacking Podcasting Success: A Journey of Growth
Ready to take your podcasting journey to the next level? Join us as we unveil the strategies that have launched our show into the top 1% globally! This episode is packed with invaluable insights into niche selection, content creation, and behin...
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43:51
Finding Your People: The Gift of Connection TRIGGER WARNING
Discover the true value of community, love, and support in our latest episode that focuses on how we navigate family dynamics and overcome personal struggles. Co-host Dana bravely shares her recent experiences with illness, showcasing the incre...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:10:48
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Unplugged and Unfiltered: Embracing Family Fun, Exploring Justice, and Creating Cherished Moments
Imagine a day where your phone takes a backseat, and family fun becomes the main event. We decided to unplug for a while and embrace the simple joys of technology-free bonding. Alongside the initial grumbles, we found laughter, productivity, an...
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48:27
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...
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35:30
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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"...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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49:42
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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 ...
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25:07
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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...
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42:06
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Resilience and Renewal: Overcoming Addiction, Embracing Healing, and Creating Ripple Retreats
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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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...
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Season 1
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49:57
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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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...
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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....
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Season 1
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42:39
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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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...
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Season 1
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45:58
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