Episódios
-
Send us a text
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 prestigious awards—including Best Transformative Trauma Advocate for Domestic Violence from Insider Weekly—the couple shares how their platform continues to expand through media features in the New York Times and Good Morning US.
Victoria delves into the darkest moments of her abuse survival story with unflinching honesty. "I can tell you that from someone who lived on a floor in the bathroom because I wasn't allowed to have an ice pack, when I had a shattered face, broken nose, dislocated shoulder... it is so ungodly frightening to do that and feel like I'm going to die here." This visceral understanding of what survivors experience at 1AM when frantically searching for help drives their commitment to being available whenever someone reaches out—even in the middle of the night.
The episode delivers a bombshell announcement: Victoria's biological father, whom she refers to as her "sperm donor" and has been no-contact with for years, will be appearing as a special guest on an upcoming episode. For listeners familiar with Victoria's books "Who Kicked First?" and "Nart Nart, Who's There?", this promises to be an extraordinary conversation addressing deep family trauma.
Beyond personal stories, Victoria and Michael announce the launch of their comprehensive Contagious Smile Academy featuring over 100 courses designed for survivors, supporters, and even those who cause harm but want to change. Through their scholarship program, they ensure financial barriers don't prevent access to healing resources. As Victoria powerfully states, "Those scars are not your success stories—those are your failures," directly addressing abusers while offering pathways toward accountability and transformation.
Have you been searching for voices that truly understand the journey from victim to survivor? Listen now and discover why this podcast has become a lifeline for those who've felt alone in their darkest moments. Then visit acontagioussmile.mn.co to explore their academy and join a community where healing happens every day.Support the show
-
Send us a text
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 her life.
Victoria shares the harrowing reality of living with a violent narcissist while pregnant with her daughter. "He testified that if he hit me once, he hit me 200 times," Victoria reveals, explaining how she made the agonizing choice not to defend herself—despite having two black belts in martial arts—to protect her unborn child. The daily terror included being woken by punches to the face, having every text message monitored, and being denied even basic medical care after brutal assaults.
The heart of this episode centers on Victoria's ingenious survival tactics that anyone in danger can implement immediately. She outlines specific methods for secretly saving money (getting cash back during regular shopping trips), hiding evidence (using photo printing services to store screenshots of threatening texts), and "abuse-proofing" a home (replacing glass items with plastic versions that cause less damage when thrown). Victoria also details how she documented the abuse without leaving electronic traces, opened a safe deposit box under her maiden name, and kept a burner phone hidden for emergencies.
Beyond the practical advice, this conversation reveals the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit. Victoria describes how her daughter became her lifeline—literally kicking in the womb whenever Victoria contemplated giving up. Years later, after escaping her abuser and building a new life, Victoria and Michael have created the Contagious Smile Academy, offering courses to help others navigate similar situations with scholarship options ensuring no one is turned away for financial reasons.
This episode isn't just for those currently experiencing abuse—it's for anyone who wants to understand how to support loved ones in dangerous situations or recognize early warning signs in their own relationships. Join us for this raw, powerful conversation that proves survival isn't just possible, it's the first step toward a thriving future.
Check out contagioussmileacademy.com to access resources and courses designed to help anyone escape abuse and begin healing. Remember, you are never alone.Support the show
-
Estão a faltar episódios?
-
Send us a text
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.
In this raw and honest conversation, Victoria and Michael tackle the painful reality of abandonment in families with medically complex children. Victoria doesn't mince words about fathers who leave when faced with a child's medical diagnosis: "You're beyond a coward, you're beyond a piece of shit for leaving that mother, your newborn baby, just because you don't want to deal with the challenges." Having experienced life with a daughter who required a tracheostomy, Victoria shares how she didn't hear her child's voice until she was two and a half years old—yet these moments became all the more precious because "we don't take one minute for granted."
The conversation takes a deeply personal turn when Victoria opens up about her own physical challenges, including significant hearing loss in both ears and adapting to life with one arm. Her perspective is powerful: "If anybody has the right to be absolutely bitter and nasty, I would hands down say me," yet she chooses resilience instead. From tying shoes to washing her waist-length hair one-handed, Victoria demonstrates how limitations can lead to innovation rather than defeat.
Between reflections on a joyful Father's Day celebration and exciting professional news about Victoria's upcoming speaking engagement for Roku television, the hosts share their passion for making trauma recovery resources accessible to everyone. Their academy offers affordable courses with a scholarship program that allows those in need to access healing resources for just $5—"not even the cost of a Starbucks coffee."
Every smile tells a story, and sometimes the most beautiful stories emerge from our greatest challenges. Join us in celebrating the courage of those who stay, adapt, and discover unconditional love against all odds.
Want to help someone access healing resources? Visit acontagioussmile.com to learn how you can contribute to our scholarship program and make a difference in someone's healing journey today.Support the show
-
Send us a text
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 muscles lock in place, exhausted from carrying something that initially seemed insignificant. This is precisely how trauma, fear, and resentment function in our lives.
June marks PTSD Awareness Month, and we're unveiling our new online academy featuring courses specifically designed for trauma survivors, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and others on healing journeys. Some courses are free; others cost less than a cup of coffee. We've created these resources because we understand the journey firsthand.
For military veterans and law enforcement officers, PTSD might mean waking in the night, reacting to shadows that aren't there—a brain still on high alert. For survivors of domestic violence, it might manifest as body dysphoria—hiding behind baggy clothes, avoiding mirrors, seeing a distorted reflection that others don't see. These aren't weaknesses; they're normal responses to abnormal situations.
The statistics are sobering. According to Veterans Affairs, one in three women and one in fifty men have experienced military sexual trauma. Meanwhile, one in four women experiences some form of abuse. Behind each statistic is a person carrying that invisible weight, growing heavier by the day.
Recovery means finding safe people and places where you can occasionally set down that metaphorical cup. Every scar represents not how many times someone tried to break you, but how many times they failed. You survived 100% of your worst days, even when you thought dying would hurt less than living.
Visit our website and check out the Academy section to explore our courses. If you can't afford them, reach out for a scholarship—there's no judgment. Because everyone deserves access to healing resources, regardless of their circumstances.Support the show
-
Send us a text
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 survivors sharing the methods they used to escape abusive relationships while living under the constant surveillance of their abusers.
From creative financial independence strategies to secret documentation methods, listeners will hear firsthand accounts of how survivors navigated seemingly impossible situations. "I would take documents to school," one participant reveals, describing how she gradually built her escape plan while maintaining a facade of normalcy. Another explains the psychological tactics that helped her rebuild her shattered self-worth: "You're going to have to start talking to yourself differently."
These aren't just stories of trauma—they're practical roadmaps for others who might be seeking their own path to freedom. Survivors detail how they used gift cards purchased during regular shopping trips to build emergency funds, created secret email accounts that could be quickly deleted from browser histories, and found ways to document abuse without detection.
The emotional journey from victim to survivor shines through as participants describe their recovery process. "I wasn't ever alone," one woman reflects, acknowledging the support network that ultimately made her escape possible. These accounts highlight that leaving isn't just a physical act but also a psychological journey requiring tremendous resilience.
Whether you're currently in an abusive situation, know someone who might be, or simply want to understand the complex reality of domestic violence, this episode offers valuable insights into both the challenges and possibilities of finding safety. Help is available, and as these brave survivors demonstrate, a different life is possible.Support the show
-
Send us a text
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 80%. As she puts it with characteristic humor, "I really should get free HBO at this point with all these things I have to plug in and out."
But just as life seemed to be settling into a healthier rhythm, we experienced what we can only describe as a "tsunami of toxicity" – multiple estranged family members suddenly reaching out from both sides after years of no contact. The timing wasn't random. These reconnection attempts came after these individuals experienced health crises or deaths that shifted their perspectives about mortality and relationships. Yet the painful patterns quickly re-emerged, revealing the self-centered nature of these renewed connections.
What struck us most profoundly was how these same family members never reached out when our daughter was critically ill in organ failure, yet they didn't hesitate to repost about her condition on social media for sympathy. This brought us to the central question that survivors of narcissistic relationships often wrestle with: Can narcissists truly change? Our professional experience and personal journey suggest that while they might adjust their presentation temporarily, fundamental transformation is exceedingly rare.
The conversation takes a deep dive into what drives narcissistic behavior, exploring the calculated nature of how they manipulate and harm others. We discuss the impossibility of imagining life without empathy – the inability to comprehend how someone could go about their daily activities without genuine concern for a loved one in crisis. For those dealing with toxic family relationships, we offer a powerful starting point: ask yourself why someone would derive satisfaction from causing others pain, and why anyone would choose drama and negativity when unconditional love offers so much more fulfillment.
Whether you're currently navigating complicated family dynamics or healing from narcissistic abuse, this raw, heartfelt discussion offers validation, perspective, and practical wisdom. Join us as we explore how to protect your peace while setting appropriate boundaries with those who've caused harm. Life's too short for toxicity – choose joy, authenticity, and genuine connection instead.Support the show
-
Send us a text
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 family – not a flaw, but a superpower of truth-seeing that threatens those who rely on facades and manipulation.
We share a particularly moving story from a high school listener who reached out after realizing, through our podcast, that she wasn't broken or worthless as she'd been conditioned to believe. Her journey from suicide attempts to seeking therapy while still living in her difficult home situation highlights the critical importance of recognition and validation when navigating these toxic relationships.
Throughout our conversation, we explore common manipulation tactics like the silent treatment, strategies for fostering empathy within impossible family dynamics, and the challenging path of breaking generational cycles when becoming parents ourselves. We address the fear many survivors share: "Will I become like my narcissistic parent?" The answer lies in conscious choice and awareness – the very fact you're worried about this suggests you're already on a different path.
Dana shares insights from her therapeutic journey, while Victoria opens up about her experiences of physical trauma alongside emotional abuse. Together, we emphasize that healing isn't about changing the narcissist (an unlikely outcome) but about reclaiming your own identity and worth despite their influence.
Whether you're currently trapped in a narcissistic family, healing from past wounds, or supporting someone on this journey, this episode offers validation, perspective, and hope. The most beautiful flowers grow from dirt – your painful past doesn't determine your future. Connect with us, share your questions and wins, and remember you're part of a community that understands.Support the show
-
Send us a text
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 desperately seeking answers.
The conversation dives deep into the psychological warfare experienced within toxic family systems—from feeling responsible for others' behavior to questioning your very right to exist. Both hosts share vulnerable personal experiences that reveal the universal patterns of narcissistic abuse, creating powerful moments of validation for anyone who's ever felt alone in their suffering.
"You don't have to prove anything to anybody," Victoria states emphatically when addressing how to handle judgment from others. This becomes a recurring theme throughout the episode—the gradual reclaiming of personal power and the liberation that comes from setting boundaries with those who refuse to see your truth.
One particularly moving segment addresses a young listener questioning their worth, with both hosts offering heartfelt validation that transcends age, gender identity, and circumstance. "You are here because you were meant to be here," Dana affirms, reminding us that our existence isn't justified by others' approval but by our inherent value as human beings.
The episode doesn't shy away from difficult topics like suicidal thoughts and feelings of worthlessness, approaching these subjects with compassion while offering practical perspectives on moving forward. Dana and Victoria emphasize that healing isn't linear—even they still experience moments of doubt—but the difference is in recognizing these as echoes of past trauma rather than accurate reflections of reality.
Whether you're discovering these dynamics for the first time or well along your healing journey, you'll find validation, clarity, and hope in this powerful conversation. Reach out to Dana or Victoria through social media if you're struggling—they're committed to supporting this community through every step of recovery.Support the show
-
Send us a text
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 celebrating my husband's first colonoscopy (yes, really – and men, this is your sign to schedule yours!), we dive into the exciting details of the Stucco Squad initiative. We're assembling incredible gift packages filled with specially selected items that are sensory-friendly and universally accessible. From silicone bracelets that can stay on during medical procedures to wooden "pocket hugs" that provide comfort during challenging moments, each item serves a meaningful purpose while bringing joy.
The Stucco Squad represents everything we believe in – that being "normal" is overrated, that every child deserves to feel extraordinary, and that with the right support, "impossible" becomes "I'm possible." We're creating coloring contests with real prizes, building a supportive community for both children and parents, and collaborating with organizations like Give Kids the World and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The conversation takes a more serious turn as we discuss California legislation regarding gender reassignment treatments for minors and parental rights – highlighting the importance of protecting children while making thoughtful, age-appropriate decisions about their wellbeing. We also reflect on how modern technology often disrupts genuine family connections, sharing our own commitment to electronics-free dinners and game nights.
Ready to join our squad of extraordinary kids and their supporters? Find us on Facebook by searching "Stucco Squad" in groups. More platforms are coming soon, along with exciting activities and opportunities to get involved. Because every child deserves to know they're a superhero – especially those facing extraordinary challenges.Support the show
-
Send us a text
Support the show
-
Send us a text
Support the show
-
Send us a text
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 experience behind closed doors.
Dana and her co-host courageously share their personal journeys through narcissistic relationships, revealing how these master manipulators present a charming face to the world while systematically destroying their victims' sense of reality, self-worth, and safety. They discuss Dana's revealing book "Narc Narc, Who's There?" which documents through text messages, emails, and photographs the calculated manipulation narcissists employ.
The conversation explores how narcissistic abuse escalates gradually, testing boundaries until victims become accustomed to increasingly harmful behavior. "It's interesting how they see what they can get away with," one host explains. "It's like dipping your toes in the water... Every time they do something they just go, they just put their toe just over that edge to where they know it's going to poke at you a little."
Particularly moving is their discussion of the physical toll this trauma takes—from eating disorders that persist decades later to the physical pain of simply writing about past experiences. The hosts don't shy away from addressing how narcissistic parents devastate children's development, with alarming statistics showing that 38% of all US children experience at least one incident of domestic violence or abuse before age 18.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the episode offers genuine hope. Both hosts have not only survived but built fulfilling lives after narcissistic abuse. Their message to listeners still trapped in these relationships is clear: healing is possible, you deserve better, and you're not alone in this fight. As one host powerfully states, "We survived it. We are living beautiful lives now. You don't have to stay in that muck."Support the show
-
Send us a text
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 audience.
This episode takes a dark turn as we explore the shocking reality of narcissistic retaliation. Dana shares a chilling recent incident where someone targeted her daughter Faith's medical insurance shortly after our podcast gained popularity—calling to cancel coverage for a child who nearly lost her life earlier this year. This perfectly demonstrates how narcissists operate: identifying your most vulnerable point and striking there deliberately, even years after you've escaped their direct control.
We dive deep into the ongoing nature of narcissistic abuse, revealing how going "no contact" often isn't the end but merely shifts the battlefield. From smear campaigns that isolate victims from family to intimidation tactics designed to remind you they're still watching, narcissists refuse to relinquish control easily. These aren't just petty annoyances—they're calculated psychological warfare designed to maintain power over your life.
The conversation turns deeply personal as we share our experiences with family estrangement, the pain of watching family gatherings happen without you, and the lifelong journey of healing from being told you're not "enough" by those who should love you unconditionally. We also address a heartfelt message from a listener questioning her strength, reminding everyone that survival itself is evidence of extraordinary resilience.
For anyone currently trapped in the fog of narcissistic abuse or struggling through its aftermath, know this: you're stronger than you realize, you deserve peace, and you're absolutely not alone. Join us next episode for a special Q&A where we'll answer your questions about narcissistic abuse, recovery, and our personal journeys.Support the show
-
Send us a text
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 actually need from the adults in their lives.
"Maybe not hound them so much about a couple of things on the floor of their room," Kinsley suggests when asked what adults can do better. This simple yet profound insight sets the tone for a discussion that peels back the layers of teen-adult communication barriers. Throughout the episode, our young guests highlight the disconnect between what adults think helps and what teens genuinely need: space when appropriate, genuine listening (not the "uh-huh" kind while scrolling on phones), and the security of knowing someone will respond immediately - even to texts sent at 12:50 AM.
The conversation introduces the powerful concept of an "emotional toolbox" - resources teens can access during difficult moments. From creative outlets like Kinsley's remarkable artistic talents to having a designated trusted adult, these tools provide crucial support systems. Victoria shares the touching practice of maintaining an "invisible string" with Kinsley, where intuitive understanding sometimes means simply showing up without being asked and sitting together during tough moments. This level of attunement creates the safety net teens need to navigate emotional challenges.
Our guests offer practical strategies any teen can implement: finding calming creative activities, playing games that redirect anxious thoughts, writing letters to yourself during difficult times, and remembering that hard moments don't last forever. Parents and caregivers will find invaluable insights into building trust with the teens in their lives, while young listeners will discover they're not alone in their experiences and that asking for help isn't weakness - it's wisdom. Ready to transform how you connect with the teens in your life? This episode might just change everything. Visit StuccoSquad on Facebook to join our community and access free resources for supporting teen mental health.Support the show
-
Send us a text
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 has tried to strip it away.
"I don't have to prove anything to anybody," Victoria asserts when addressing how to handle others talking down about you. This powerful statement sets the tone for a conversation that gives listeners permission to stop shrinking themselves for people who can't—or won't—see them clearly. The hosts share deeply personal experiences about recognizing they weren't at fault for their abuse, a realization both admit they're still working through even now.
As the episode unfolds, Dana and Victoria create a safe space for exploring how to celebrate your individuality in families that demand conformity. "You don't have to fit in," they remind listeners, challenging the societal expectation that family relationships must follow a predetermined script. Instead, they propose a radical idea: what if the problem was never you?
The most moving moment comes when the hosts address a question from a young listener about suicidal thoughts. Their compassionate response acknowledges the reality of those feelings while offering hope. "You know you're worth the fight because you've started your journey," Victoria says, speaking directly to a teenager questioning their worth while navigating gender transition without family support.
Whether you're questioning if you could someday become a narcissist (spoiler: if you're worried about it, you're not one), feeling responsible for your family's dysfunction, or simply trying to understand how to let people in after abuse, this episode offers validation, clarity, and the comforting reminder that you've survived 100% of your worst days—you are stronger than you know.Support the show
-
Send us a text
Support the show
-
Send us a text
Support the show
-
Send us a text
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.
When Mark crashed his motorcycle after a late-night shift, hitting a disabled vehicle with no lights, his world changed forever. Multiple compound fractures left his left foot "like it went through a meat grinder." Despite doctors' attempts at limb salvage, Mark knew from his Marine Corps experience that amputation was inevitable. What happened next stunned everyone—from amputation in March to full police duty by December, and eventually qualifying for the elite motorcycle officer position, a feat many thought impossible.
"Our minds are our only limit," Mark explains, crediting his extraordinary recovery to mindset and exceptional support from his department. Unlike organizations that might sideline an amputee, Mark's colleagues embraced his return, even modifying equipment to accommodate his prosthetic leg. This partnership between personal determination and institutional support created the perfect environment for success.
Mark approaches life's challenges with remarkable humor and perspective. His license plates read "I'm on my last leg" and "It only cost me a leg." When people stare or ask questions, he uses these moments as teaching opportunities rather than sources of frustration. His philosophy is refreshingly simple: "My foot ain't going to grow back, so why waste emotional energy stressing about it?"
Whether you're facing your own physical challenges or simply need inspiration to overcome life's obstacles, Mark's journey reminds us that our perceived limitations often have little to do with our actual capabilities. Connect with Mark through his social media if you're struggling with similar challenges—he's made it his mission to help others realize they too are unstoppable.Support the show
-
Send us a text
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, and emotional toll that comes with fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Victoria opens up about a new family she's working with, revealing the complex dynamics involved in cases with multiple children and parents. Michael courageously shares his personal experience as a male survivor of domestic abuse, shedding light on the silent suffering many men endure when society tells them to "take it like a man." His powerful testimony offers hope to other men trapped in abusive relationships, affirming that escape and healing are possible.
The conversation shifts to frustrations with healthcare systems that make patients wait months for necessary surgeries while jumping through bureaucratic hoops. But the most passionate moments come when Victoria fiercely defends her daughter against narcissistic family members who show love only when it benefits them. Her maternal protectiveness ignites as she recounts how these individuals have repeatedly disappointed her daughter despite her unwavering love and desire for genuine connection.
A beautiful highlight emerges when Victoria shares a touching poem written by her daughter—a testament to resilience despite experiencing neglect and pain. This heart-to-heart reminds us that while we cannot choose our biological family, we can create supportive environments with people who truly value us. Listeners struggling with toxic relationships will find validation and encouragement in this authentically human episode about standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult.Support the show
- Mostrar mais
