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
313 episodes
The Launch of Contagious Smile Academy and The Best of te Best Webinar
We're thrilled to announce the launch of Contagious Smile Academy! This passion project represents years of experience transformed into over 100 practical courses designed to support trauma survivors, special needs families, veterans, and anyon...
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46:04
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Healing Trauma Through Connection
The raw power of lived experience drives everything behind A Contagious Smile, and in this candid episode, Victoria and Michael reveal exactly why they've dedicated their lives to supporting abuse survivors. Fresh off receiving three prestigiou...
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48:00
Survivor's Escape Plan TRIGGER WARNING
After Victoria's powerful interview about surviving domestic violence became the podcast's most popular episode ever, Michael and Victoria return with this crucial follow-up discussion diving deeper into practical escape strategies that saved h...
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44:07
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One Hand, One Heart, All Courage
What happens when parents face the unexpected challenge of raising a child with different abilities? While some choose to run, others discover the most beautiful journey imaginable—one filled with unconditional love and unexpected lessons.<...
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Season 2
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39:46
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PTSD, Paper Cups, and Frozen Waffles TRIGGER WARNING
The weight of trauma is perhaps best explained through a powerful metaphor: imagine holding a paper coffee cup. For a minute, it's nothing—lightweight, manageable. After an hour, it feels heavier. After days without putting it down, your muscle...
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40:52
Breaking Free: Stories of Domestic Abuse Survival TRIGGER WARNING
https://acontagioussmile.mn.co/Breaking free from the chains of domestic violence takes more than courage—it requires strategy, support, and hope. This raw, powerful episode features survivor...
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Season 2
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44:07
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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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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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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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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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