Strong Enough

When it comes to intimacy, have you ever felt like you aren't normal? Maybe you've experienced trauma, and that's left you with shame, embarrassment, and fear. Now, it feels easier to just go through the motions, forgetting about any enjoyment for yourself, because you don't think you're worth it, or you're too embarrassed to discuss the topic with your partner.Leah Carey is a Relationship and Intimacy Coach who specializes in helping people release the fear and shame so they can reclaim their power when it comes to intimacy. Leah experienced abuse as a child and the devastation of losing her mother to cancer. She decided it was time to heal: learn that she was worthy and deserving of good things. She took quite the path to find healing, and now she helps other people release the barriers that prevent them from feeling whole when it comes to intimacy.From her website, leahcarey.com:Growing up, my father’s abuse taught me two things: 1) I was undesirable in every way, and 2) since I was never good enough, I was the problem.It took me 42 years, a lot of heartache, and so much unpleasurable s*x to realize that being a “good girl” who doubted her worth wasn’t actually working. When my mother passed away from cancer, I was devastated. But she was also the final tether to the old story of myself as the “good girl.” With both my parents gone, I could finally find out who I am.I got rid of everything but the essentials, threw all my possessions in the car, and drove away from the familiar life I had known. I planned to spend a year traveling the United States in search of adventure and the next place I wanted to live.What I found was a s*xual awakening and healing I could have never known was coming. I sought out s*xy experiences I’d never allowed myself to have before, took classes on consent, boundaries, s*xual communication, and more.I stared straight into the face of the beast and dared to ask: “Am I really broken? Is it true that I’m undesirable? Am I actually meant to go the rest of my life without pleasure or true companionship?”The answer to every one of those questions came back loud and clear: NO.I no longer believe that “good girls” are quiet and docile and take care of everyone else’s needs before their own.I learned how to embrace my true s*xual identity, and I can guide you to do the same. Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Have you ever had what you thought was a fantastic idea, but you let fear and insecurity convince you it wasn't so fantastic? One day, Christina Collura decided to create what she thought was a simple educational toy for her autistic son. It was a huge hit, and she thought maybe she should let others have access to her new creation. But then, fear crept in and convinced her that no one else would find it as useful as she did. However, with the help of her trusted support system, she had the courage and confidence to build Creative Beginning, the company that now provides education toys that provide specialized educational approaches for children and adults all over the world.Christina will share why educational empowerment for all and inclusivity are at the center of her mission, and she'll talk about her work to ensure all children have access to appropriate learning tools that will help them succeed. While Christina has a special place in her heart for helping those with autism, she has found her educational toys are benefitting children and adults of all ages and backgrounds!Don't let fear and insecurity stop you in your tracks. Your dreams are within your reach! From Christina's LinkedIn:With over 20 years of dedicated experience in education, my journey as an Elementary School Teacher at the Toronto District School Board has been deeply enriched by my role as CEO and Founder of Creative Beginning. At the heart of my mission is the empowerment of every child through specialized educational approaches, leveraging my expertise in special education and kindergarten pedagogy. Our team at Creative Beginning, fortified by my recent certification as a Certified Autism Resource, is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that honors diverse learning needs. My entrepreneurial spirit and passion for nurturing young minds are at the core of my professional ethos, aligning seamlessly with the values and mission of both my ventures.https://www.creative-beginning.com/ Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Have you ever felt like life has thrown so many curve balls your way, you just don't want to keep dodging them? Amy Thurman felt that way. She dealt with a broken neck, sheared brainstem and TBI for over ten years (that went undetected for over six months!). Amy was bedridden, a shell of her former self. It would have been so easy for Amy to give up; Instead she decided to turn her pain into purpose to prove that sometimes the most difficult journeys can bring you to the most beautiful destination.Amy will share how she was able to push aside the victim mentality and find a space where she truly thrived. If you've felt that life is simply too tough to handle, Amy's got some advice for you.From her website, getamyshelp.com:For over a decade, Amy Thurman lived with a broken neck, a sheared brainstem, and a traumatic brain injury, undiagnosed for six months. That experience almost shattered her and caused her to end her life. Instead, it became a doorway. Not just to healing, but to something deeper: a calling she couldn’t ignore.After spending nearly a year bedridden and battling hopelessness, Amy made a life-altering decision: To stop trying to become who she used to be, and start uncovering who she was always meant to be.Through that journey of radical resilience, reinvention, and healing, she created the Polish the Mirror™ Framework, a transformational path designed to help others release fear, reconnect with their truth, and live with deep authenticity.Today, Amy doesn’t just inspire people, she reintroduces them to themselves. She has a gift for helping others see through the noise, the roles, and the expectations, to reconnect with the version of themselves they’ve forgotten. She holds up a mirror, not to reflect who they’ve become, but to remind them of who they’ve always been.Amy is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, educator, and visionary known for helping individuals, teams, and communities move from fear-based survival to authentic, purpose-driven living.Through her groundbreaking frameworks, Polish the Mirror™ and the S.P.A.C.E. Method, Amy guides people back to themselves through the radical, healing power of Holding Space. First, she models it. Then, she teaches it. Because true transformation begins when you stop trying to fix yourself, and finally start meeting yourself with compassion, clarity, and presence.Her work empowers people to uncover their worth, lead with confidence, and create meaningful, lasting impact, personally and professionally.Known for her out-of-the-box thinking, heart-centered strategies, and mirror-like presence, Amy’s mission is both simple and powerful: To help people remember who they are, reclaim their voice, and lead lives of deep authenticity and joy. Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Have you ever felt stuck in your job or career and weren't happy, but you felt like it was too late to change? Dr. Theresa Skaar is here to talk about how, at the age of 41, she decided to take a chance on pursuing the career about which she was truly passionate. She and her family moved to a new state so she could go back to school, and now, Theresa is in her mid-50's, and her work makes her happy and leaves her feeling fulfilled while helping others.If you ever thought it was too late for you to make a positive change in your life, Theresa is here to tell you that if you are motivated and determined, you can make it happen. From her website, theresabskaar.com:"It is never too late to be what you might have been."I love this quote by George Eliot so much that I included it in my personal statement when I applied to grad school as an older adult student.My life's journey has been quite the adventure, full of twists and turns. And I've learned that it's never too late to chase your dreams or heal a part of your life. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or looking to collaborate professionally, I am here to help. My approach is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental, providing a safe space for exploration and growth. Together, we can navigate life's challenges, embrace change, and find the inner strength to thrive.Guest Information: Dr. Theresa Skaartheresabskaar.com Strong Enough features stories of healing and hope to remind you that you are strong enough to conquer the challenges you face in life. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. You are strong enough, and you are worth it. Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

If you're a devoted true crime fan, then you've heard about the Delphi case involving Abigail Williams and Liberty German. The case went unsolved for several years, and in 2024, Richard Allen was convicted of their brutal murders. While many journalists and podcasters covered the crime and the trial, no two individuals were more dedicated than Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee of The Murder Sheet podcast. Áine and Kevin followed the Delphi case from the beginning, attended every day of the trial (which proved challenging on its own), and wrote the recently-released book, Shadow of the Bridge, providing the only definitive account of the entire investigation.Áine and Kevin sat down to talk about the case as a whole, as well as why they were drawn to write a book, what surprised them the most during the trial, and who the real heroes of the case are. We also discuss vicarious trauma and how people can reduce the negative effects they may feel when learning about or discussing another person's trauma.If you followed the Delphi case, love the The Murder Sheet, or want to learn more about vicarious trauma, don't miss this episode!Guests:Áine Cain and Kevin Greenleemurdersheetpodcast.com Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Shame...hopelessness...guilt...helplessness...when we experience these, it can turn our worlds upside down. We feel alone, sometimes afraid to ask for help or seek community. We isolate ourselves and fall deeper and deeper into a place that consumes us. Can you ever escape? Or will you become a statistic?Dr. Carter Check believes that moral injury is a wound that we can't see, and it's one that can leave us feeling more alone than ever before, because we aren't able to grieve the loss that goes along with it. But we aren't alone, and there are ways that we can heal the trauma and rebuild the parts of ourselves that we feel we lost. In this pivotal episode, Dr. Carter talks about his work as a suicide prevention specialist - why he chose this path for himself and why he knows that we can save more people if we work together as a community and are willing to ask for a helping hand. From his website, drcartercheck.com:Moral injury is the unseen wound that takes lives in silence.Dr. Carter Check has made it his mission to change that.A former Army Cavalry Scout turned Healthcare Ethicist and Board-Certified Chaplain with a specialty competency in Suicide Prevention, Dr. Carter Check is a national voice in moral injury care, ethical leadership, and upstream suicide prevention. His work is both professional and personal, having walked his own journey through moral injury, he now works to ensure that others never have to walk it alone.For nearly a decade, Carter has served on an integrated suicide prevention team within the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is a co-developer of one of the VA’s first structured group interventions for moral injury—REAL (Reclaiming Experiences and Loss)—which supports trauma recovery through companioning, grief integration, and meaning reconstruction. While REAL was co-developed within a VA context, Carter’s broader work builds on these foundations with his own original frameworks for healing, including CareFrontation, Translucent Chaplaincy, and HunTherapy.A bestselling author, speaker, and researcher, Carter’s reach extends beyond clinical systems. His book Healing in the Wild introduced outdoor therapy as a tool for moral clarity and post-traumatic growth. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Moral Injury at Oral Roberts University and is completing a Ph.D. in Healthcare Ethics at Duquesne University. His academic focus centers on moral health: the alignment of identity, values, and responsibility in the wake of trauma.Carter’s ethical leadership framework—Translucent Chaplaincy—equips leaders to embody moral clarity, relational ethics, and presence-based decision-making. His work supports Veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals who face ethical pain, burnout, and spiritual exhaustion.Beyond the classroom and clinic, Carter finds healing in wild places. As a PGA HOPE Ambassador, competitive 3D archer, and whitewater guide, he uses nature immersion, ritual, and story to help others reclaim purpose. His nonprofit, HunTherapy.org, supports outdoor healing for Veterans and first responders, including annual rafting pilgrimages on the Ocoee River—where rapids become metaphors for resilience, surrender, and strength.“Every day, Veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals silently carry wounds no one can see. My life’s work is to ensure they don’t have to carry them alone.” Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Do you ever feel like your life has no purpose? Have you ever been in such a deep, dark despair that made you feel like if you just disappeared, no one would even notice? Today's guest, Angie Hawkins, felt exactly this. She felt so disconnected from everyone and everything that she did the unthinkable. And then she realized, she had so much more to do in this world, and her purpose became crystal clear. In this episode, you'll hear what led Angie down a path she almost couldn't come back from and how she was able to do a complete reset on her life and start living the purpose she knows was meant to be. From her website: Angie Hawkins is a passionate Inner Glow Coach and Author who transforms high-achieving, spiritual women from chasing love and approval to radiating fierce confidence so they can finally feel happy, free, and loved for who they are. Angie moved from Chicago to Hawaii solo to align her life with purpose and joy. Her adventurous spirit has led to some pretty incredible moments – from skydiving and bungee jumping to running 16 marathons. She’s even jumped out of a helicopter, Navy SEAL-style. In her free time, Angie loves to surf, dance, and practice fingernail art. But her true joy shines when she’s on stage speaking at local empowerment events about vulnerability, healing, and the themes in her memoir, Running in Slippers. Whether it’s through her writing, coaching, or storytelling, Angie’s mission stays the same: to help women stop dimming their light and start shining from the inside out.Guest Information:Angie Hawkinsrunninginslippers.com Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Have you ever wondered why it feels like therapy isn't working for you? Do you fear that you just can't be fixed? Today's guest, Joan Peters, felt exactly the same way. Instead of giving up, she decided to dig even deeper, and she tried something unconventional: psychoanalysis. The results she experienced were so impactful that Joan decided to write a book: Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis. In Untangling, Joan not only detailed her experience, she also dispelled scary myths about psychoanalysis.From her website: Joan K. Peters was born in New York City and educated in Chicago (she holds a B.A. degree from the University of Chicago as well as a Ph.D. in comparative literature). She has published several books on the subject of women and work, and now teaches English at the California State University (Channel Islands). She lives in Ojai California with her husband (Peter Passell), her 13-year-old daughter Lily, her dog Frodo and six pet chickens.Strong Enough is more than a podcast; It's a movement. We're here to empower women everywhere to truly believe that, when it comes to navigating the tough things in life, you are strong enough, and you are worth it.Guest Information:Joan Petersjoankpeters.com Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Dr. Natalie (Nat) Green is a trauma therapist, coach, podcast host, and author. She is known for her expertise in trauma healing and her personally-created and innovative Accelerated Breakthrough Strategies (ABS) Method®. Dr. Nat has authored books including "Key to Freedom: The 7-Step Model to Triumph Over Trauma" and "Break Your Trauma Cycle: The 7 Archetypes of Transformation". She is also the proud host of podcast "Growing Tall Poppies".In this Strong Enough, Dr. Nat talks about her own trauma healing and the frustration she felt when she wasn't getting the results she expected. When most people would give up and just settle for a life less happy, Dr. Nat pushed forward and created her very own trauma-healing tools. Once she tested out her new system on herself and felt massive success, she decided to share her method with others. Dr. Nat was shocked to find that her trauma went back even further than she imagined - all the way back to the womb! And while she knows it sounds a bit crazy, she healed those early wounds using her ABS Method. Dr. Nat wants you to know that if healing early trauma has been a struggle for you, there truly is hope! Don't give up on yourself until you are living the life you truly deserve.Strong Enough talks about the challenges and celebrates the triumphs of people from all walks of life. You are strong enough, and you are worth it.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Strong Enough!Guest Information:Dr. Nat GreenIG: @drnatgreenPodcast: Growing Tall PoppiesDrnataliegreen.com.au  Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Bronwyn Schweigerdt knows a thing or two about shame. She is a licensed psychotherapist and anger expert, and she helps her clients and podcast listeners come back to life by integrating with their inner child, dislodging shame, and healing their relationship with anger. She has found that when people allow shame and anger to run their lives, they experience both emotional and physical setbacks that can prevent happiness and healthiness.In this episode of Strong Enough, Bronwyn shares how anger and shame come into our lives and more importantly, how we can push them right back out. And, she shares what can happen when we allow shame and anger to take control. Guest Information:Brownwyn Schweigerdthttps://angryattherightthings.com/Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Strong Enough. Remember, you are strong enough, and you are worth it. Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Cheryl Salto is an award-winning chocolatier and counselor who believes that traumatic times require relying on her faith. As life has taken her through challenges, she looks towards her faith to find solutions. She believes so strongly in this that she started counseling other women who have been through trauma. Working through trauma also helped her find her own creative passions, and she now find herself out of the busy hospitals as an RN treating patients and back in the kitchen as an award-winning chocolatier. There is one constant through all of Cheryl's traumas, challenges, and changes: her reliance on her faith to get her through.You'll love hearing Cheryl talk about finding passion she never knew she had and living the life she loves alongside her family.#faith #passion #traumaGuest Information:Cheryl SaltoIG @candyundercover2 Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Following a life-altering diagnosis, Risa made it her mission to draw attention to rare Pituitary diseases by sharing her own personal journey. Little did she know, this diagnosis would teach her to live. Along with her mission, she continues to explore ways of experiencing life more fully by challenging her limiting beliefs and refocusing her perspective. This has further led her to guide others through their own limiting beliefs and toward their biggest and best life. In this episode, Risa shares the difficulty she experienced in getting a diagnosis and how she finally advocated for herself to get the tests she needed. Once she was diagnosed, she found the right treatment providers and shifted her mindset. She'll talk about not only crossing things off her bucket list once she dug it out and knocked off the dust but also adding to it as she continues to up the ante on fulfilling her dreams.Don't miss Risa's inspiring story of perseverance, strength, and mindset.Guest Information:Risa Augustrisaaugust.com Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Danyelly Mendez is a bright and beautiful woman with a successful career. In a time when people often say we can't talk about politics and religion, Dany courageously and unapologetically shares that she is a child of God meant for great things. On this Strong Enough, Dany shares her story of growing from a wild child to a believer, and she lets us in on a little secret: Believing in God doesn't make her perfect.As she navigates a chaotic world where religion can be taboo, Dany uses appropriate opportunities to minister to people in need and remind them that they are loved and seen. Whether or not you are a believer, you'll appreciate Dany's bright outlook and immersive storytelling, and you'll see why people are drawn to her and her energy. Guest:Danyelly MendezIG: @cacheada.dxb Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Welcome to another powerful episode of Strong Enough! 🌟 Join us as we dive deep into a topic that's often shrouded in silence: sexual intimacy. With over 40 years of experience, Ingrid Harm-Ernandes is a leading expert in women’s health and pelvic therapy. Having transformed countless lives at Duke University Health System, she understands the crucial link between our bodies and our intimate experiences.In this eye-opening discussion, Ingrid sheds light on how our musculoskeletal and pelvic floor health can impact sexual intimacy—sometimes making it incredibly painful and even impossible. Whether you're facing challenges due to trauma, chronic illness, or emotional barriers, this episode is a must-watch!Discover:Why intimacy can be painful or challengingThe role of physical therapy in enhancing your sexual healthPractical tips to reclaim a fulfilling intimate lifeDon't let discomfort hold you back! Hit that Subscribe button for more insights and share this video to help others on their journey to wellness. Let’s break the stigma together! 💪❤️#PelvicHealth #SexualIntimacy #WomensHealth #StrongEnough #PhysicalTherapy Guest:Ingrid Harm-ErnandesIG: @harmernandes Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Join us as we dive into an inspiring journey of resilience and healing with Michelle. Growing up in a family grappling with mental health issues, violence, and substance abuse, Michelle always dreamed of finding true happiness. Despite achieving career success, financial stability, and a loving support system, she found herself overwhelmed and stressed, struggling to keep up with the life she built.In this powerful episode, Michelle opens up about her childhood challenges and their impact on her adult life. She reveals her transformative journey from feeling frazzled to finding fulfillment, sharing invaluable lessons on navigating life's hurdles.If you’ve ever wondered if you can turn your life around and embrace happiness, Michelle's story is a must-listen. Tune in and discover the strength within you to heal and thrive!Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more uplifting stories! Guest Information:Michelle McQuaidLinkedIn: ChelleMcQuaidmichellemcquaid.com Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Legally blind from a young age, David is a passionate leader and advocate for people with disabilities and underserved populations. In a world where it would be easy to be a victim, David has lived life with a positive attitude and a keen ability to keep smiling. In this Strong Enough, David shares how he's able to stay positive and why it never suited him to play the victim card. He also discusses his ability to roll with the punches and make the best out of the difficult situations that life has thrown his way.If you have ever felt like the world dealt you a bad hand, and you want to keep asking "why me?" then David's story is just what you need to hear!#disability #attitude #positive Guest Information:David D'ArcangeloLinkedIn: DavidDarcangelo Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Sean Bridges is an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Nicholl award-winning screenwriter and author. He’s a Stephen King Dollar Baby with his festival winning audio production of One for the Road. His new novel Gunbarrel Highway is now available as a paperback, e-book and audio book.In this Strong Enough episode, Sean is going to open up about more than just his writing. For the first time, Sean talks about a traumatic romantic relationship that he endured. He is going to share some of the red flags that popped up during their relationship, what it was like once he decided he was going to leave, and how he has been able to heal. Sean discusses the importance of being able to "spiral up" instead of "spiral down" when tough times happen. If you're in a difficult relationship and aren't sure what to do, or if you're healing after a traumatic relationship, then Sean's raw, vulnerable, and real account of his experience will bring you hope and a belief that you, too, can still have an amazing life!#relationship #author #marriageGuest Information:Sean Bridges@sean_bridges_author Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Brittni Cosgrove has a story that sounds like a lot of us: Her whole life, she had been told how much potential she had, how ambitious she was, how she was going to do great things... and yet she found herself learning the brutal lesson of what happens with all that powerful energy when it doesn't know where to go. From the age of five, Brittni felt like she was wearing a mask in front of the world. Her anxiety and perfectionism took hold of her and made her feel like she could never be herself, even around those she was closest to. Around 2020, Brittni knew that things needed to change. She invested in herself, did the hard work, and was not only able to reduce her anxiety to a manageable level, she was able to discover who she really was without the mask she'd been carrying all her life. In this episode, Brittni opens up and shares about the mask she wore to face the world and how she was able to stand in her own courage, face her fears, and become the strong woman she is today. If you deal with anxiety, perfectionism, or feel like you're wearing a mask every time you walk out the door, then you need to hear Brittni's story. Guest: Brittni Cosgrovebrittnicosgrove.com Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Jenn Rishel is making her first appearance on Strong Enough as a newlywed! You know her as Jenn DeBeers, the hard-working, sassy survivor who lives with Crohn's. Today, Jenn and I are diving into narcissism, particularly in the workplace. We're going to explain what narcissism is, define gaslighting, and give you some examples of what might be narcissism and what might just be a not-so-great person to be around. We're also going to tell you what to do if you encounter a narcissist as a boss. And spoiler alert, it's not something you can just avoid or make go away. So, if you are dealing with a difficult person at work or in a relationship, check out this episode and find out if you might be dealing with a narcissist!#relationship #narcissism #work #career Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com

Christina Flach is a world-renowned celebrity hair and makeup artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. After starting her career in 1995, she founded her own makeup line, Pretty Girl Makeup, and has acquired many notable clientele. In this episode, Christina opens up about some of the life experiences that made her realize how important it is to give back to others. In addition to the importance of philanthropy, Christina is going to chat about one of her favorite subjects: makeup! She is going to give out some great tips and tricks that can help you look and feel even more beautiful! Whether you want to better understand why some people find it so important to give to others or you're looking for a few new great tips for yourself (or the lady in your life!), you'll want to hear what Christina is sharing! Christina Flachchristinaflach.com Strong Enough@strongenoughpodstrongenoughpod@gmail.comstrongenoughpod.com