The Big Silence

In this conversation with Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in eating disorders and founder of Within Health and Galen Hope treatment centers, Karena explores the life-threatening reality of eating disorders as serious mental illnesses that claim one life every 52 minutes in America. Dr. Oliver-Pyatt explains the biopsychosocial foundations of eating disorders, shares her personal journey from ballerina to eating disorder specialist, and discusses the warning signs in athletes and high achievers. She reveals the controversial truth about GLP-1 medications and eating disorder risk, and provides actionable tools for reframing your relationship with your body through self-compassion and intentional self-care practices.How do you stop fighting your body and start healing your relationship with food, weight, and self-worth?Understanding that weight stigma is trauma opens the door to compassion—and real recovery.(01:13) The Deadliest Mental Illness You've Never Heard OfEating disorders kill one person every 52 minutes in AmericaWhy they aren't classified with "serious" mental illnesses despite being more lethal than manyThe confusion between societal pressure and actual mental illness diagnosisUnderstanding the biopsychosocial foundation: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors(04:47) From Ballerina to Eating Disorder PsychiatristGrowing up as the child of a Holocaust survivor with a mildly autistic motherHow ballet and puberty collided to create impossible body standardsThe danger of narrow frameworks about what's "acceptable" in our bodies(18:32) Athletes, Perfectionism & the "Healthy" Eating TrapWhy high-achieving athletes and fitness enthusiasts face elevated eating disorder riskThe difference between disordered eating behaviors and diagnosable eating disordersHow orthorexia disguises itself as "clean eating" or "wellness"Warning signs to watch for in competitive sports and fitness culture(32:47) What Real Treatment Looks LikeThe biopsychosocial-spiritual treatment model that addresses all aspectsHow nutritional rehabilitation and medical stabilization work togetherFamily-based treatment approaches for adolescents and young adults(47:36) The GLP-1 Controversy: Ozempic, Wegovy & Eating Disorders"It's asinine there's no eating disorder warning"How rapid weight loss medications trigger and worsen eating disorders, especially in teensThe danger

In this conversation with Bizzie Gold, founder of Break Method and creator of brain pattern mapping technology, Karena explores how childhood experiences create predictable patterns that shape your relationships, career, and mental health—and how understanding your source belief pattern can help you break free from self-deception and build a healthier life.How do you rewire the brain patterns formed in childhood that still control your life today?Understanding your source belief pattern is the first step toward breaking free from self-deception and building the life you actually want.(02:05) Brain Pattern Mapping & Bypassing Your StoryHow Bizzie created a predictive algorithm with 98.3% accuracyUnderstanding childhood experiences as a "distortion filter"Helping people see their own blind spots(06:16) The Sweet Spot of Trauma That Makes Great EntrepreneursWhy childhood instability creates self-trust and self-efficacyDeveloping situational awareness to stay safe and how it translates to businessBeing able to "think five rings down" when others can't see what's comingAttracting chaotic people because you have too much empathyWhy workaholism is easier than intimate relationships for abandonment patterns(13:47) Enmeshment Patterns & The Right Side of the SpectrumThe struggle with self-trust and decision-makingWhy enmeshed patterns need to learn to disappoint peopleUnderstanding why some people can't say no(27:18) Self-Deception & Why Your Brain Lies to YouHow childhood patterns create self-deception mechanismsWhy Bizzie keeps giving chances to people with bad intentionsThe lesson: don't let empathy destroy your business from the inside(40:33) Growing Up with Psychiatric Illness & Finding Your DriveBizzie's experience with an unstable, abusive childhoodActivities and achievement as a distraction from chaos at homeWhy self-preservation instincts don't come naturally for some patterns(49:08) Self-Care for Workaholics & Pattern OppositionWhy self-care is actually mental health work for go-go-go peopleDoing things that make you feel accomplished in self-careFor avoidant patterns: the opposition is to just...

What if your worst childhood trauma became the gateway to your greatest gift?In this profoundly moving episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Susan Grau: soul healer, grief and addiction therapist, and Hay House bestselling author. Her near-death experience transformed a childhood marked by extreme trauma into a life devoted to healing. Susan had a childhood that most people can't imagine surviving. But she’s transformed unimaginable pain into a life of powerful healing. Now a grief and addiction therapist who works with spirits from the other side, Susan shares how she learned to survive by becoming her unstable mother's "ally," how codependency became her survival strategy, and why she believes therapists need lived experience to truly help people heal.How do you heal from a childhood that tried to destroy you, and then use that pain to help others?True healing comes from walking through the fire, not just studying it from afar.(02:43) A Near-Death Experience That Changed EverythingSusan's story of being locked in a freezer at age 5Growing up with sexual abuse and traffickingHow childhood trauma shaped her entire life journey and awakened her abilitiesThe beginning of her connection to the spirit world(05:51) Growing Up with a Mother with Mental IllnessSusan's mother: borderline personality disorder, seeing spirits, and extreme inconsistencyLearning how to stay safeThe confusing duality: loving and giving one moment, frightening and abusive the nextWhy Susan became her mother's "ally" while her siblings didn't understand howUnderstanding codependency as a survival strategy for children of mentally ill parents(14:18) Addiction, Alcoholism & A Household of DysfunctionGrowing up in a home with addiction, alcoholism, and abuseHer brother’s schizophreniaThe unpredictability of never knowing which version of your parent you'd getHow dysfunction becomes normal when it's all you know(27:33) Her Brother's Suicide & Choosing to Become a TherapistWhy that loss pushed her toward becoming a grief and addiction therapistThe importance of therapists having lived experience with trauma and lossHow walking through darkness prepares you to help others find light(38:13) Why Your Therapist Needs to Have Walked Through Fire TooWhy Susan doesn't want to see a therapist who hasn't experienced real trauma

What if gratitude isn't just something you feel, but something you create more of every time you practice it?In this grounding Mental Wellness Month meditation, Karena guides you through an 8-minute practice designed to help you reconnect with gratitude for your body, your breath, and your journey. Using breathwork, visualization, and mantras, this meditation invites you to pause and give thanks for all that has carried you to this moment. Perfect for finding beauty in the everyday, shifting your perspective, or simply celebrating all that you have and all that you are.How do you cultivate gratitude as a way of living, not just a fleeting feeling?Gratitude is a practice. And every time you acknowledge it, you create more of it.(00:00) Finding Your Peaceful Place & Connecting to BeautySettling into a quiet space, either indoors or in nature Recognizing that you are surrounded by beautyPausing to give thanks for all that you are and all that has carried you here(03:30) Bringing Gratitude to Mind & Holding It in Your HeartOne thing you're grateful for todayGratitude for your body, your breath, a loved one, a lesson you've learnedUnderstanding gratitude as a practice, a perspective, a way of living(06:00) Mantras & Radiating Gratitude Outward"I am grateful for my body. I am grateful for this breath. I am grateful for my journey."Letting your gratitude radiate outward into your life and everydayCelebrating all that you have If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:Connect with The Big Silence CommunityOrder: The Big Silence Memoir audiobookShop The Big Silence Self Love CollectionSubscribe on YouTubeDonate to The Big Silence FoundationFind exclusive offers from our supporters: https://thebigsilence.com/pages/our-podcast-partnersShow Resources:VISIT THE CHALLENGE...

What If Your Gut Could Heal Your Mind? In this deeply personal episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with functional medicine pioneer and bestselling author Dr. Will Cole. From growing up with a bodybuilding dad in the '80s to building the first functional medicine telehealth clinic, Dr. Cole shares his unconventional path to becoming one of the most trusted voices in holistic health. He opens up about the gut-brain connection, why psychiatry still ignores the organ it's treating, and how he practices what he preaches. If you've ever felt dismissed by traditional medicine, struggled with anxiety, or wondered why your mental health and digestive issues seem connected, this conversation will validate everything you've suspected and give you the tools to finally heal.Can you heal your mind by healing your gut? True healing requires looking at root causes, not just symptoms. Mental and physical health aren't separate—they're the same conversation.(00:00) From Bodybuilding to Functional Medicine PioneerGrowing up in the '80s with a Gold's Gym-owning bodybuilder dadHow his childhood of "crunchy granola" health became his life's workStarting the first functional medicine telehealth clinic 16 years ago(08:00) Why Doctors Told Karena They "Don't Deal With Mental Health"The devastating disconnect between mental and physical health in conventional medicineWhy psychiatry is the only field that doesn't test the organ it's treatingThe gut-brain connection: how inflammation, microbiome imbalance, and stress show up as anxiety and depressionBreaking down the stigma and siloed approach to healthcare(15:00) The Shame-Inflammation-Trauma Loop No One's Talking AboutHow toxic shame inflames your body and destroys gut healthThe science behind stress, trauma, and autoimmunityWhy unresolved emotional pain manifests as physical symptomsDr. Cole's personal struggle with anxiety and overthinkingThe tools that work: vagus nerve stimulation, peptides, nature, and movement(25:00) When Everything Hit at OnceHis father's sudden death The "Gwyneth bone broth" controversy Navigating professional chaos while grieving(33:00) The Real Tools for Anxiety, Stress & Staying GroundedTranscutaneous vagal nerve stimulation: what it is and why Dr. Cole wears it dailyThe role of peptides in healing and stress management

What if the answer to your racing thoughts isn't fighting them—but watching them float by?In this week's free meditation for Mental Wellness Month, Karena guides you through a powerful practice designed for anyone whose mind won't shut up. This session teaches you to observe your thoughts without getting swept away by them—whether it's worry, planning, or that relentless inner critic. If you've been feeling mentally overwhelmed or caught in cycles of rumination, this 10-minute practice will help you remember: you are not the noise in your head. You are the one witnessing it.How do you create peace when your mind feels like chaos?Peace doesn't come from silencing your mind. It comes from changing your relationship with it.(00:00) Setting the Intention: Mental Wellness Month & Weekly MeditationsCreating space for mindfulness, stress reduction, and mental well-beingPerfect for seasoned meditators and complete beginners alike(02:00) The Stream Visualization: Watching Your Thoughts Like Leaves on WaterFinding stillness in your body and releasing physical tensionThe powerful metaphor of sitting beside a streamLearning to notice thoughts (worry, planning, self-doubt) without catching or fixing themUnderstanding that you are the observer of your thoughts(06:00) Anchoring in Awareness: Returning to PresenceRepeating the mantra: "I am not my thoughts. I am the awareness behind them."Understanding that 80,000-100,000 thoughts per day is normalUsing breath as your anchorIf this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:Connect with The Big Silence CommunityOrder: The Big Silence Memoir audiobookShop The Big Silence Self Love CollectionSubscribe on YouTubeDonate to The Big Silence FoundationFind exclusive offers from our supporters: https://thebigsilence.com/pages/our-podcast-partnersShow Resources:

What if breaking your family’s silence was the first step to truly finding yourself? Author and educator, Dr. Joan Sung, joins Karena in Austin for a candid conversation about identity, intergenerational trauma, and what it really takes to prioritize mental health, especially within Asian American family systems. From the model minority myth to “tiger mom” dynamics, fetishization, and going “no contact”, Joan shares the tools, boundaries, and mindset shifts that helped her reclaim her story and raise her son with compassion and strength. She also opens up about therapy, inner-child work, and why an “emo tour” became her unexpected self-care.How do you heal when culture tells you to stay silent? Stripping away expectation starts with telling the truth about your past, your pain, and your needs, so you can build a life rooted in self-trust rather than approval.(1:25) Writing the Story That Wouldn’t Let GoTreat creative expression as catharsisExpect to re-encounter traumaSave old pages; fragments from earlier life chapters can become anchorsName your “why”: sharing openly helps others feel seen (and keeps you honest).(5:01) Dismantling the Model Minority MythLearn the history so you can spot manipulationReject perfectionism as belonging; create your own definition of “enough”Call out gendered stereotypes that penalize Asian women who self-advocatePractice bias disruption at work(10:49) When Silence Hurts: Stigma, History & Mental HealthReframing care as protecting the whole family lineIf talking feels foreign, blend modalities to ease inName intergenerational trauma so symptoms stop looking like “character flaws”Education heals: how learning context validates present pain(16:04) Tiger Mom, Pressure, and PerformanceSeparate love from achievement: high standards without shame build resilience, not anxietyChoose attunement over fearReplace internalized critics with compassionate coaching languageMeasure success by nervous-system safety(21:52) Boundaries that Break Cycles: Going No Contact“No contact” isn’t punishment; it’s acknowledging your capacity and choosing safetyExpect pushback; your healing doesn’t need consensusGrief comes with relief and tending to the inner child who still hopesli...

What if the powerful version of you isn't something you need to become—but something you already are?In this empowering Mental Wellness Month meditation, Karena guides you through a 9-minute practice designed to help you reconnect with your inner strength and rise into your most confident self. Using breathwork, visualization, and affirmations, this meditation reminds you that you're not waiting to become someone else; you're remembering who you've always been. Perfect for moments when you need to tap into your power, trust yourself, or move through life with intention and clarity.How do you access the strength that's always been inside you?Your power isn't something you build from scratch. It's something you remember and reclaim.(00:00) Settling In & Breathing Into StrengthFinding a comfortable seated position with spine tall and shoulders backInhaling strength and power into your entire bodyExhaling doubt and anything holding you back(04:00) Visualizing Your Empowered Self & Calling It ForwardSeeing yourself standing tall, rooted, and readyVisualizing a version of you who walks with purpose and speaks with clarityYou're not becoming someone else, you're remembering who you've always been(06:30) Affirmations & Rising Into Your Power"I am powerful. I am grounded. I trust myself."Letting the feeling of empowerment fill you completelyBringing awareness back to your body and carrying this power forwardSubscribe to Karena’s NEW podcast! Tone It Down brings you real conversations about fitness, wellness, lifestyle, and more. If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:Connect with The Big Silence CommunityOrder: The Big Silence Memoir audiobookShop The Big Silence Self Love CollectionSubscribe on YouTubeDonate to The Big Silence FoundationFind exclusive offers from our supporters:

What if your need for control is actually what's keeping you stuck?In this revealing episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with licensed therapist, YouTuber, and bestselling author Kati Morton to dive into her most personal book yet: Why Do I Keep Doing This? From toxic independence to people-pleasing as manipulation, Kati unpacks the precarious relationship we have with control—and why trying to control what we can't is the root of so much unhappiness. She opens up about her own daddy issues, hyperindependence, and the patterns that kept her dating emotionally unavailable men. Whether you're a perfectionist, a people-pleaser, or someone who can't seem to stop repeating the same mistakes, this conversation will hit home. Hard.How do you break the toxic patterns that keep you trapped, and learn to let go of what you can't control?Understanding why we repeat destructive behaviors is the first step toward real change and healthier relationships.(00:00) Control, Perfectionism & People-PleasingThe thread that runs through everything: our relationship with controlWhy control can be both good and badPeople-pleasing as a form of manipulationWhy trying to control what's outside your "locus of control" only hurts you and others(09:24) The Blueprint: Daddy Issues, Emotional Unavailability & Running AwayGrowing up believing "I can only depend on me, I will save myself."How childhood patterns shape who you're attracted to as an adultDating emotionally unavailable men (17:48) Breaking the Pattern: Therapy, Self-Discovery & Learning to StayFiguring out what your "why" isThe importance of a therapist who challenges you, not just affirms youRewiring your nervous system and learning what safety actually feels likeSetting boundaries without being controlling or manipulativeHow to tell the difference between protecting yourself and pushing people away(26:12) Self-Care That Actually Works: Journaling, Movement & Showing Up for FriendshipsWhy journaling has been life-changing for Kati's mental healthThe power of morning pages and releasing control over a "perfect timeline"Why friendships matter more than we realize(33:35) YouTube Evolution, AI Therapy & Fighting the Loneliness EpidemicWhy personal experience changes minds more than DSM criteriaThe problem with AI therapy

What if you could choose where your energy goes and protect what matters most?In this special Mental Wellness Month meditation, Karena guides you through a powerful practice designed to help you protect your peace and release what's not yours to carry. Using breathwork, visualization, and affirmations, this meditation creates a protective boundary around your energy and reminds you that not everything deserves your attention—and not everyone is owed access. Perfect for starting your day, resetting after stress, or finding your center when life pulls you in too many directions.How do you protect your peace in a world that constantly demands your energy?Learning to choose where your energy goes is an act of self-preservation and self-love.(00:00) Settling In & Releasing the DayBreathing exercise to release tension from shoulders and jawLetting go of the day and everything pulling at your mindBringing awareness to your body and the present moment(04:30) Visualizing Your Protective Light & Setting BoundariesCreating a soft light boundary around youGrounding into the truth: not everything deserves your attentionNot everyone is owed access to your spirit(07:00) Affirmations & Carrying Peace Forward"I choose peace. I release what is not mine to carry. I protect my energy."Bringing awareness back to your body and the room around youRemembering: your peace is yours, and it's not up for negotiationThis is part of our Mental Wellness Month series. Enjoy a new free meditation every week throughout January. For more guided meditations with Karena, download the Tone It Up app.If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:Connect with The Big Silence CommunityOrder: The Big Silence Memoir audiobookShop The Big Silence Self Love CollectionSubscribe on YouTubeDonate to The Big Silence FoundationFind exclusive offers from our supporters:

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if the thoughts that torment you don’t have to define you anymore?In this eye-opening episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Jon Hershfield, MFT, director of the Center for OCD and Anxiety at Sheppard Pratt. From his own lived experience with OCD to becoming a leading voice in evidence-based treatment, Jon unpacks what OCD really is, looking beyond the stereotypes. He shares how obsessions and compulsions hijack your life, why diagnosis matters, and how exposure therapy and mindfulness can help you reclaim control. Whether you're struggling with intrusive thoughts, supporting someone with OCD, or just want to understand this widely misunderstood condition, Jon's wisdom offers clarity, hope, and a roadmap forward.How do you distinguish between quirky habits and a diagnosable condition, and what does true healing look like?Understanding the difference between personality and pathology is the first step toward compassionate, effective treatment.(00:00) From Lived Experience to Leading ExpertJon's 20-year battle with OCD Finding community in online support groups Why he decided to pursue a career helping others with OCDThe power of treating the whole person, not just compartmentalized diagnoses(08:00) What OCD Really Is: Beyond the StereotypeBreaking down the difference between being "quirky" and having a disorderObsessions: unwanted intrusive thoughts that violate your valuesCompulsions: ineffective strategies to relieve distress from obsessionsThe "psychic damage" of mental rituals: ruminating, analyzing, and seeking certaintyRecognizing when the "D" (disorder) part matters(16:00) Diagnosis, Identity & the Modern Mental Health LandscapeNavigating multiple diagnoses in a world of one-hour evaluationsThe danger of letting diagnoses become your identityHow OCD can coexist with other conditions like autism, ADHD, and personality disordersWhy specialization matters when seeking OCD treatment(25:00) ERP, Mindfulness & Doing the WorkWhy Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard for OCD treatmentHow mindfulness helps you observe thoughts without attaching to themThe importance of homework in therapyFacing your fears until your brain realizes you can survive the uncertaintyMeditation and being present with discomfort(33:00) Finding Help, Resources & What Brings JoyWhere to start if you think you might have OCDWhy working with an OCD specialist is crucial for effective treatmentJon's upcoming book: Being a Parent with OCD (2026)The privilege of helping people expand their world when OCD has made it smallReconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at ToneItUp.com/app and we will see you January 5th! Episode ResourcesWatch The Big Silence...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if grief isn't just about what you've lost, but also about honoring who you were and how far you've come?In this raw and heartfelt episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with entrepreneur, artist, and mental health advocate Tallulah Willis. The youngest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore shares what it was like navigating life in one of Hollywood's most iconic families. We talk about confronting eating disorders, ADHD, autism, and her father's dementia journey, Tallulah opens up about the many forms grief can take. She shares how she's learned to embrace "good grief," build unshakeable self-trust, and find healing through creativity and vulnerability. Whether you're processing your own loss, struggling with identity, or searching for permission to feel it all, Tallulah's wisdom will reassure you that you're exactly where you need to be.How do you learn to trust yourself when life keeps throwing you into the unknown, and honor all the versions of yourself that got you here?True strength comes from acknowledging your feelings, giving yourself the dignity of your process, and knowing you can handle whatever comes your way.(00:00) Redefining Grief & The Power of "Yes, And"The concept of "Good Grief" and making space for celebration within the painHow DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) helps navigate the "yes, and" of complex emotions(3:30) High School: ADHD, Autism & Feeling InvisibleHer recent autism diagnosis and lifelong ADHD Believing she was unintelligent Feeling "mid" and overlooked by adults who should have seen her(06:02) Growing Up in the Spotlight: Life as Bruce and Demi's DaughterWhat it was like being raised by "the last era movie stars"Fielding paparazzi from a young age How early experiences shaped her adaptability(8:39) Eating Disorders, ARFID & Using Control to CopeHow her eating disorder became a catch-all for unprocessed emotionsLiving with ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder) her whole lifeThe journey to recovery and learning to nourish herself (20:57) Surrounding Yourself with People Who See YouGrieving relationships with people who didn't see herBeing surrounded by people whose reflection of her she lovesHer fiancé's recognition of her ability to adapt and roll with new situationsLearning what it means to be truly seen and valued(24:08) Her Father's Dementia, Love & Finding JoyNavigating Bruce Willis's FTD diagnosis and the family's decision to go publicWhy she initially avoided learning the clinical details Handling invasive questions with graceHow transparency opens doors for others to get checked and seek help(31:06) Self-Trust, Pausing & Acknowledging Your FeelingsThe power of naming what's realFocusing on her art practice: drawing, interior design, and creative expressionWhy she's leaning into discomfort and pushing herself into new spacesThe magic of curiosityReconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if the sign you needed appeared at your darkest moment—and changed everything?In this deeply moving episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with actress, producer, and mental health advocate Sarah Gilman. Best known for her starring role as Delia Delfano in Disney Channel's "I Didn't Do It," Sarah has built an impressive career in Hollywood. But behind the bright lights lies a powerful story of survival. From her first suicidal thoughts at age eight, Sarah's journey is one of raw honesty and radical hope. Now, as the founder of the DD Hirsch NextGen Advisory Council, she's dedicated her life to mental health advocacy, making sure no one feels alone. Whether you're struggling yourself, supporting someone you love, or working to understand mental health better, Sarah's courage will inspire you to keep going.How do you rebuild your sense of self after hitting rock bottom, and learn that asking for help isn't a weakness?Stripping away shame and finding community proves that healing isn't linear. It's about showing up for yourself, even when it's hard.(01:37) When the Darkness StartedSarah's first journal entries about suicide as a young childCoping mechanisms that became self-destructiveThe suicide attempt that made her realize she wanted to liveThat split-second moment of regret—and why survivors often feel the same way(05:34) The Roots of Mental Illness: Family, Genetics & EnvironmentGrowing up with threads of OCD, anxiety, and depression in Sarah's familyThe collision of genetics and lack of emotional educationShared experiences as suicide survivors(08:03) Rock Bottom, Therapy & The Fork in the RoadWhen friendships dissolved Her moment of reckoning: keep going and die, or ask tough questions and healDeep diving into psychology, sociology, philosophy, and neuroscienceLearning she's a "big feeler" who just needed healthier ways to express emotions(18:45) Finding Your People: Community, Connection & HealingHow sharing experiences becomes part of the healing processThe power of being seen in your struggleWhy normalizing mental health conversations changes everything(27:30) Breaking the Stigma: Advocacy, Education & Social MediaUsing personal stories to create change in mental health spacesHow younger generations are reshaping mental health conversationsNavigating social media as both a tool and a potential trigger(38:15) Body Image, Eating Disorders & What Really MattersSarah's experience with eating disorders and recoveryWhy she doesn't post body pictures on social media anymoreThe realization: "My body is the least interesting thing about me"(50:19) Live from Vegas: The Not Alone Summit & 98816.5 million people have used 988 since 2022How 988 works: call or text for immediate, anonymous supportDebunking myths: less than 1% of cases escalate to 911, over 90% are de-escalatedSpecialized support available for LGBTQIA+, veterans, and different languagesReconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App....

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if the thing you're running from is the exact thing holding you back from everything you're meant to be?In this raw and powerful episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with podcast host, author, and co-host of Impaulsive, Mike Majlak. From 10 years lost to heroin and OxyContin to 15 years clean and helping millions navigate their own mental health journeys, Mike's story is one of brutal honesty and hard-won wisdom. He opens up about recognizing anxiety as a teenager, the probation officer who saved his life, and why the path to healing isn't always a straight line. Whether you're battling anxiety, supporting someone through addiction, or just trying to show up for yourself every day, Mike's no-BS approach will remind you that you have something, and you're still here for a reason.How do you rebuild your life after losing everything to addiction, and learn that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's survival?Going back to basics proves that healing doesn't require perfection. It's about sleep, movement, and treating yourself like you matter. Because you do.(02:39) Anxiety at Age 13Feeling like something was always "off"Constant questions: Why was I picked last? Do people not like me? Did I say something wrong?The onset of the opiate epidemic 10 years of addiction(04:56) His “Aha” MomentGetting clean from opiates The probation officer who wouldn't be finessedDetoxing from methanol, Xanax, heroin, and crack cocaine all at onceHow hurt became fuel(07:34) Managing AddictionThe new wave of recovery: showing the journey, the faults, the realityStill struggling with gambling and other addictionsLearning control tactics Being curious about mental health instead of seeing it as a detriment(12:01) Longevity, Biohacking & Why Basic Actually WorksWe're in an era obsessed with optimizationNail the basics: sleep, nutrition, movementHuberman talks about sleep constantly for a reason(12:45) Go Towards What Gives You ResistanceThat feeling is showing you where to goFirst episode of Impaulsive: Mike sweat so bad he had a panic attack and walked off setWhen your gut tells you "this isn't for me", it actually IS for you(13:37) Don't Burn Out: Your Mental Health Is Your Bottom LineThe most important thing to your EBITA, your ROI, is your own mental healthTake time for yourself to feel better, to get betterIt will make you a better business person, speaker, human—whatever you're trying to doRest isn't weakness; it's strategyReconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at ToneItUp.com/app and we will see you January 5th! Episode ResourcesWATCH: The Big Silence and Karena...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat happens when you fight for a year to reclaim the company you built—and finally win?In this raw, emotional solo episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn breaks her silence and shares the news her community has been waiting for: she's bought back Tone It Up. After founding the company in 2009 at age 27, taking on investors in 2018, navigating a complicated acquisition, and spending the last year in intense negotiations, Karena now owns 100% of Tone It Up—with no investors. She opens up about the highs and lows of private equity, the days she wanted to walk away, why she stayed, and what's coming next for the community. From bringing back fan-favorite trainers to launching the new "Tone It Down" podcast, this episode is both a celebration and a masterclass in resilience. If you've ever fought for something you believed in, rebuilt yourself, or wondered what it takes to start over at 44, this one's for you.How do you hold on when everything feels like it's falling apart—and what does it take to reclaim what's yours?Fighting through years of uncertainty, negotiation, and emotional exhaustion proves that resilience isn't about never wanting to quit. It's about staying when every part of you wants to walk away.(00:00) The Big AnnouncementWhy this moment is both exciting and nerve-wracking for herThe core mission behind Tone It Up: creating a safe, judgment-free community for womenWhat The Big Silence is really about: breaking stigmas around mental health and self-development(03:00) What Happened in 2018? The Investor Story & Growing PainsThe reality of working with investors: when good intentions don't lead to good relationshipsThe emotional toll of the past 7-8 years: days she wanted to walk away vs. days she knew she had to stayGrowing up with the community: from 27 to 44, supporting each other through motherhood, loss, marriage, divorce, and perimenopause(07:00) The Year-Long Fight to Get Tone It Up BackWhy Karena spent the last year behind the scenes in intense negotiationsThe intuition that kept telling her: "I just want it back, big or small."How she funded the buyback(09:30) What's Next: The Future of Tone It UpNew fitness challenge launching in the Tone It Up appThe big reunion: Chyna, Stef, and Tori are back and just filmed workouts in Austin, TexasNew content across all platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram—all socials are backBuilding a home studio to create more fitness content for the community(12:00) Introducing "Tone It Down" Podcast & How to ParticipateA new podcast launching in January with episodes featuring Tori, Stef, and ChynaSolo episodes where Karena will answer community questionsHow to participate: leave voicemails at speakpipe.com/karenadawnThe Big Silence will focus on mental health and self-development; Tone It Down will be fitness, nutrition, and womanhoodReconnect with yourself and your community:We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at ToneItUp.com/app and we will see you January 5th! If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if the invisible air around you was quietly impacting your sleep, your energy, and your overall health?In this eye-opening episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Wes Greenwood, Wellness Director at Jaspr and a former firefighter-turned-air quality expert. From his decade as a first responder exposed to hazardous environments to his personal journey through mold illness and autoimmune challenges, Wes shares why clean air is just as essential as clean water and food. He breaks down the science of air quality, reveals surprising truths about what's floating in your home, and offers practical tools for better sleep, reduced inflammation, and improved mental clarity. Whether you're dealing with allergies, poor sleep, or just want to optimize your health, this conversation will change how you think about the air you breathe.How do you protect your health when the invisible toxins in your home could be affecting everything from your sleep to your cognitive function?Understanding air quality and taking control of your environment proves that wellness starts with the basics, including what you breathe.(05:00) Why Nobody's Talking About Indoor Air QualityBreaking down particulate matter: the invisible particles floating in your airWhy PM 2.5 (2.5 microns) is the most dangerous size for human healthThe link between these particles and inflammation throughout the bodyHow PM 2.5 affects cognitive decline and overall well-beingWhy people are oblivious to indoor air quality issues (10:00) Testing Air Quality: Inside vs. Outside Your HomeKarena's surprise: her outdoor air was worse than indoorWhy every house is different: size, HVAC systems, pets, and movement all matterHow pets affect air qualityHow Jaspr improves air quality (18:00) Sleep, Air Quality & The Inflammation ConnectionHow poor air quality causes runny noses, blocked airways, and disrupted sleepWhy you can't reach deep rest when your body is fighting airborne irritantsThe impact of clean air on sleep quality and recoveryWes's personal journey: mold illness and autoimmune recovery(28:00) Breathwork as Medicine: Practical Tools for Anxiety & StressSimple breathwork routines that actually workWhy controlling your breath is one of the most powerful tools you haveHow mold exposure affects the body's systems(38:00) Austin Air Quality: Cedar Allergies & Real SolutionsWhy Austin residents deal with constant allergiesThe habit of "prophylactic antihistamines" and why it's not idealHow Karena's body adapted over five years—and why she still needs supportPractical tips for anyone moving to or visiting AustinThe importance of having clean air in your bedroom(46:00) The Gratitude-Breathwork ConnectionBreathing particulate-free air as meditationHow to access gratitude even when it's hard The one-two combo: breathwork + gratitude as an anxiety antidoteKarena's ritual: cold plunge, pool time, and just being present(50:00) Prevention Over Treatment: Investing in Your Health NowWellness items can be pricey, but prevention saves money laterReal results:...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if the holiday season could be about joy and connection instead of stress and obligation?In this timely episode of The Big Silence, Karena welcomes back spiritual teacher, author, and podcaster Monica Berg for a conversation we all need before the holidays. From managing difficult family dynamics to preparing your mind and heart for gatherings, Monica shares practical wisdom on how to show up with presence, set boundaries, and actually enjoy the season. Whether you're dreading a particular family member, feeling financial pressure, or just want to navigate the holidays with more peace, this episode will help you shift your mindset and reclaim your power. It's about being proactive, not reactive—and choosing to be the light in any room.How do you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for family gatherings and show up with gratitude instead of anxiety?True holiday peace comes from taking responsibility for your own state of mind and choosing to be a being of sharing rather than lack.(00:00) Revisiting Past Conversations & How We've ChangedMonica returns three years after her first appearance (episode 25)How relationships evolve and why revisiting old conversations reveals growthThe importance of being in different environments to recognize changeAn essential holiday conversation about family dynamics(02:00) The Pressure of the Holidays & Society's "Shoulds"Why certain times of year create unrealistic expectations for happinessThe pressure to be joyful and how that can sabotage gatheringsMonica's story about feeling the weight of seasonal expectationsRecognizing that every day can be meaningful, not just holidays(03:00) Should You Even Go? When to Skip the GatheringMonica's honest take: if you hate going, maybe you shouldn't attendHow negative energy affects everyone in the roomThe responsibility of getting your consciousness right before showing upWhy forcing it doesn't work(04:30) Identifying Your Triggers & Preparing for Difficult ConversationsWhat to do when you're dreading the holidays but still want to attendIdentifying the source of your anxietyPreparing responses ahead of time for intrusive questionsRedirecting conversations and setting boundaries with graceHow to say "I'm not comfortable discussing that right now" with confidence(05:30) The Morning Routine That Changes EverythingHow to mentally prepare yourself before walking into a family gatheringAwakening gratitude by imagining what the day would look like if you were aloneDoing things you love in the morning to release stress and awaken joyShowing up with intention rather than worryGoing in with a plan for the conversations you want to have(07:50) Being Proactive vs. Reactive in Family SettingsUnderstanding the difference between reactive and proactive behaviorWhy reactive people bring chaos, while proactive people create peaceTaking charge of your own thoughts and emotionsHonoring your power instead of giving it away to others' opinions(25:00) Beyond Holiday Gatherings: Tips for All of LifeHow these tools apply to any stressful situation—meetings, dinner parties, etc.Addressing financial anxiety around

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if your intuition was the key to rewriting your story?In this illuminating episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with bestselling author and renowned intuitive Laura Day, whose new book The Prism: Seven Steps to Heal Your Past and Transform Your Future offers a groundbreaking roadmap for change. From a traumatic childhood and family loss to becoming a sought-after healer for global leaders and celebrities, Laura opens up about how she turned survival into spiritual alchemy, proving that transformation is not about escaping your past. It’s about learning to use it as your light source.How Do You Heal the Parts of You That Formed Before You Could Choose Them?Our early experiences shape us long before we’re aware of them. Laura shares how understanding the ego’s formation can help us rewrite our internal programming.(1:00) The Prism and the Power of the “I”The Prism is about reclaiming the much-maligned ego, the “machinery” that allows us to create our worldBy age seven, our ego is fully formed; from there, every challenge becomes a catalyst for change.Why change should be taught in second gradeThe ego isn’t the enemy of spirituality; it’s the structure that gives creation shape.(06:00) Breaking the Cycle of Trauma and the Parentified ChildBecoming the adult at age five for her younger siblingsThe difference between being a motherless child and a parentified child, and how early responsibility shapes identityNormalized a chaotic environment Building resilience through trauma, and observing life rather than collapsing into it(14:00) Intuition, Empathy, and Doing the WorkWhy empathy is “a psychiatric illness”True healing comes not from identifying with others’ pain but from finding solutions for them.“Understanding comes five years after you’ve solved the problem.”Small, tangible shifts, the “doing”, over endless introspection(21:00) Moving Through Pain: Tiny Goals and Practical HealingWhen life feels unbearable, start with small, manageable goals“Deal with the mammal first.” Care for your physical body before chasing spiritual breakthroughs.Hope doesn’t precede healing; it follows it. You don’t have to feel better to start acting better.“You won’t find hope in the depths of your misery. You’ll find it in movement.”(29:00) Love, Trust, and BoundariesLove is a choice, not blind faith: “Trust means belief without evidence. I have evidence of my love.”Learning boundaries later in life and how porosity versus structure is a lifelong balance.Avoid “magical thinking” in relationships. Build proof, not fantasy.The healthiest relationships are co-created and constantly evolving(31:00) Turning Intuition Into ImpactHow predicting major business outcomes and aiding in medical breakthroughs became her life’s workIntuition is not mystical — it’s mechanical: “We are machines in a mechanical world. Change how you operate, and your world changes.”The Prism offers practical exercises for identifying where you feel discomfort and taking one small, different action.You don’t need to understand your trauma to heal it. You just need to do something new.(48:00) Living What You TeachHow she lives in...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if your lowest moment became the foundation for your purpose?In this heartfelt episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with country music artist Chase McDaniel, who transformed generational trauma, addiction, and mental illness into powerful storytelling through his debut album Lost Ones. From growing up in rural Kentucky with an addicted father to facing panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and the long road to self-love, Chase’s story is both devastating and deeply inspiring. He shares how music became his therapy, how faith reshaped his outlook, and how he learned to live and love again.How Do You Heal When Pain Feels Like the Only Thing You Know?Chase opens up about breaking generational trauma, finding purpose through art, and learning that strength isn’t about faking perfection; it’s more like honesty.(01:00) Growing Up in Chaos — Finding Strength in Small-Town KentuckyA childhood surrounded by addiction, violence, and uncertaintyHow he discovered stability and unconditional loveHis family’s gym became both a sanctuary and a symbol of survivalThat bond inspired “What I Didn’t Have”(10:00) Breaking the Cycle of Pain and AddictionMental illness and suicide ran deep, stories long kept silentThe moment he chose to live differently: “I don’t have to live as the victim.”How truth-telling frees families from generational traumaHealing begins when we stop protecting the lie(17:00) Panic Attacks, OCD, and the Search for ControlThe concussion that ended Chase’s athletic career and triggered relentless panic attacksYears of isolation led him to believe he was losing his mind“My dorm room felt like it was shrinking every day.”Learning to identify triggers, seek help, and rebuild trust in his mind became his turning point(24:00) Love, Faith, and Learning to StayLove once felt like a survival tactic—until he learned to receive it“Imagine a version of you that doesn’t feel this way anymore. That’s who you’re fighting for.”Now in a healthy, patient relationship, he calls love “an act of courage.”Faith re-entered his life while writing Lost Ones, reframing his survival as purpose.(33:00) Finding Purpose Through Music: The Making of Lost OnesChase wrote Lost Ones to process trauma and leave a legacy of hope.“Before I Let You Go” became a letter to his late father—and to himself.His favorite track, “What I Didn’t Have,” honors the grandparents who saved him“I was desperate to get this album out before I died. It’s my reason to live.”(43:00) Turning Pain into PurposeFans have shared how his songs saved their lives and, in turn, healed him.“You’re not alone” isn’t just a slogan; it’s lived experienceAuthenticity over image and purpose over fame“If I can make someone’s life a little easier, that’s the real mission.” Thanks for the support from our partners, including: Visit ForHers.com/BIGSILENCE to get your personalized perimenopause treatment plan today.Guest Resourcesa...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if one terrifying night became the catalyst for a lifetime of healing?In this powerhouse episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Angelo Keely, co-founder and CEO of Kion, to unpack his extraordinary path—from a near-fatal stabbing at 16 to building a company rooted in simple, consistent habits that support both muscle and mood. Angelo breaks down protein (in plain English), and you’ll learn how small, repeatable choices can stack up into real change. He also explains why essential amino acids and creatine are especially impactful as we age. If you’ve wondered how to protect muscle, sharpen your mind, or support mental health without going “all or nothing,” this one’s for you.How Do We Build Muscle and Mood—At Any Age—With Protein, Aminos, Creatine, and Consistent Habits?Angelo shares the science and the systems that actually work, and how to choose one tiny action you can repeat every day for real impact.(00:01:00) What Kion Is—and Why Angelo Says You Don’t “Need” ItPrinciple first, product second: Food comes first; EAAs are a targeted way to stimulate muscle protein synthesis with fewer calories.Non-workout days matter: EAAs still drive protein synthesis—even on rest days.Consistency > intensity: Angelo takes EAAs every morning (often with creatine) to “tell” his body to rebuild.Better together: Taking EAAs before training leverages increased blood flow for greater impact.(00:05:30) From Bad Trip to Bigger Life: Trauma, Accountability, and 20 Years of IntegrationThe turning point: A severe LSD episode led to assault and multiple stab wounds—sparking a decades-long healing journey.Whole-person recovery: Talk therapy, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, movement, and study.Daily rhythm: 15k steps, basic strength work, slow “zone-2” runs, and short family meditations.One thing rule: Pick one change you’ll actually do every day; stack from there.(00:14:30) Protein 101: Why EAAs Can Beat Whey—and Whey Often Beats SteakEnergy vs. materials: Carbs/fats fuel; protein rebuilds tissues, enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters.Quality counts: Higher essential amino acid content + digestibility = stronger protein synthesis signal.Practical takeaway: EAAs can deliver the goal of protein (rebuild/retain muscle) with fewer calories—useful for fat loss without muscle loss.Aging advantage: As we age, we’re less sensitive to protein; powders and EAAs become more useful.(00:31:30) Creatine & Women: Strength, Cognition, and Mood—Minus the “Bloat” MythHow it works: Creatine saturates muscle (and brain) phosphocreatine stores, making reps and sprints feel slightly easier—strength builds over time.Brain benefits: Higher intakes in studies have shown improvements in memory/focus; emerging research suggests better depression outcomes.Myth-busting: Quality creatine monohydrate doesn’t cause true “bloat”; women tend to gain strength/endur­ance—not bulk.Dosage mindset: Daily use matters (not just on lift days). Pair with protein/EAAs and strength work for the compounding effect.(00:40:30) Weight Loss Without Muscle Loss: GLP-1s, Deficits & The Case for More Protein/EAAsThe risk: Calorie deficits (drug-assisted or not) can strip muscle unless protein/EAAs are substantially higher.Target outcome: Lose fat, keep muscle—use EAAs as a “cheat code” to shore up a day’s...