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...

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 redefining success started with your nervous system?In this powerful, live from New York conversation, Karena sits down with therapist and author Israa Nasir to unpack why achievement alone can still leave us feeling empty. You’ll learn how to rebuild self-worth and regulate anxiety in a content-saturated world, and how to set boundaries that deepen connection. From cultural myths about “hustle” to cognitive distortions, this is a grounded, practical path back to yourself.How do we reclaim self-worth beyond achievement in a content-saturated world?Stepping off the productivity hamster wheel shows that worth isn’t earned by output. It’s built through nervous-system safety, self-trust, and boundaries that honor your life.(00:59) Toxic productivity, defined- spot the driversNaming the emotions behind the urge to do more Ask: “What value am I sacrificing for this outcome?”Track when achievement ≠ fulfillment to find misalignmentSwap “more” for “meaning”: one priority per day(06:11) High-achiever mind traps + overcommitment fixesChallenging the idea “If I did it, it must’ve been easy—so it doesn’t count.”Log weekly wins before raising the bar againRecalibrate unrealistic timelines without self-shamingBuild buffer time into every “yes”(10:47) 7 types of rest & creative regulationThe 7 Types of Rest Dr. Saundra Dalton-SmithRotate rest: physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, spiritualEmotional rest = time you don’t process feelings—protect itTry “mediocre hobbies” for nervous-system careSchedule short, low-stakes creative breaks to prevent rumination(14:29) Anxiety in an info storm: design your media dietPractice monotasking to lower baseline arousalLong-form inputs lengthen dopamine loops and build patienceReduce tab clutter; batch-check news/social to curb hypervigilanceNotice fragmentation triggers and step away(25:41) Boundaries that deepen connection (and when to go firm)Lead with “I can/can’t…” vs. policing others—invite dialogueExpect pushback; validate feelings without abandoning limitsContext matters: choose low-drama exits on charged topicsDistinguishing privacy from secrecyThanks for the support from our partners, including: Guest ResourcesRead the Book: Toxic ProductivityExplore: The Well Guide Follow Israa on InstagramJOIN US: "Fall Into Motion" with Tone It Up! The Program begins October 20th, sign up now: https://my.toneitup.com/pages/fall-into-motionIf this episode moved you, please consider...

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 moment you thought would end your life became the start of a mission to save millions?In this extraordinary episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with suicide prevention advocate, storyteller, and best-selling author Kevin Hines. At 19, Kevin jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge — and lived to talk about it. Since then, his journey has become a beacon of hope, proving that resilience, love, and the right words at the right time can rewrite any story. From the sea lion that kept him afloat to the love story that began in a psych ward, Kevin shares the lessons he’s learned about staying, surviving, and thriving.How do you find the will to live when your own mind tells you otherwise?Kevin shows us that survival is not just possible. It can be the foundation for a life full of purpose, healing, and connection.(00:00) From Trauma to Adoption: The Early YearsKevin’s childhood of neglect, poverty, and losing his brother in foster careHow the Hines family gave him stability, love, and a new beginningHiding behind the mask of “everything’s fine”(07:57) Living With Bipolar Disorder & Suicidal IdeationWhy silence and shame keep so many from getting helpKevin’s mantra: “My thoughts do not have to become my actions”The four words that have kept him alive for 25 years(11:40) The Golden Gate Bridge Attempt & Miracles That FollowedThe instant regret that 19 survivors reported feelingThe sea lion that kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrivedHow a stranger’s phone call set off a chain of lifesaving miracles(15:27) Turning Pain Into Purpose: Speaking, Writing & AdvocacyKevin’s mission to share his story His workbook The Art of Wellness and the daily practices he lives byHow routines like breathwork, exercise, and sleep protect his brain health(18:51) Love in the Psych Ward: Kevin & Margaret’s StoryMeeting his future wife during his third involuntary stayThe “worst first date ever” Why unconditional love and partnership became his ultimate source of strength(21:13) The Fight for Safety at the Golden Gate BridgeHow Kevin and his father co-founded the Bridge Rail FoundationThe long battle to install suicide prevention netsWhy saving lives matters more than “aesthetics” or money(23:58) How to Save a Life: What to Say When Someone’s in PainThe exact questions anyone can ask when they see someone strugglingWhy simply stopping and caring could make the differenceKevin’s reminder that suicide is never the solution; it’s the problem(25:58) Daily Mental Health Habits That WorkThe 23-minute rule for exercise and better moodUsing logic and support to combat paranoiaWhy therapy, meditation, and medication all play a role(31:01) Living Proof That Healing is PossibleHow Kevin’s work has reached over 3 billion viewers worldwideThe thousands of people who’ve written to say his story saved their livesHis message: every waking moment is a gift worth staying forGuest...

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 fear wasn’t an enemy to conquer, but a source of fuel for creativity? In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with actor, teacher, and Committed Impulse founder, Josh Pais. From growing up in New York’s gritty Alphabet City to starring in over 150 films and shows alongside legends like Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, and Joaquin Phoenix, Josh’s story is one of resilience, presence, and creative freedom. He opens up about his new book, Lose Your Mind, how anxiety can become fuel instead of a roadblock, and why the unknown is the most powerful space for growth. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or simply trying to quiet the self-judgment in your head, Josh’s wisdom will shift the way you experience fear and creativity.How can we reframe fear as a source of creative energy?Josh reveals how fear, anxiety, and even sadness aren’t enemies to suppress but sensations to ride — opening the door to authentic expression, connection, and freedom.(00:01:00) From Ninja Turtles to NeuroscienceHow Josh’s father, a physicist who worked with Einstein, influenced his view of emotions as atomic vibrations.Early struggles with anxiety and why suppressing fear disconnects us from authenticity.(00:11:30) The Four Access Points to PresenceJosh’s simple framework: “I’m back,” body awareness, breath, and environment.Why tuning into sensation creates connection, from courtroom lawyers to surgeons in the OR.How these tools help shift from self-judgment into creativity.(00:20:00) Feeling Without FixingWhy any sensation, even anxiety, shifts in 7–12 seconds when fully felt.Josh guides Karena through noticing “atomic” sensations in her body.Why honoring sadness, joy, and fear unlocks energy instead of draining it.(00:27:30) Growing Up in Alphabet CityJosh’s childhood surrounded by artists, danger, and addiction in Lower Manhattan.How play and imagination became his lifeline.The decision to step away from drugs and lean into creativity as a survival tool.(00:34:50) Lessons from LegendsStories from working with De Niro, Streep, Joaquin Phoenix, and more.Why the most powerful acting lesson he ever learned was simply: “Just talk to the person.”Josh’s mantra before every scene: “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”Guest ResourcesFollow Josh Pais on InstagramGet his new book Lose Your MindLearn more about Committed Impulse trainingJOIN US: "Fall Into Motion" with Tone It Up! The Program begins October 20th, sign up now: https://my.toneitup.com/pages/fall-into-motionIf this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:Connect with The Big Silence Communitya...

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 a cancer diagnosis collides with raising $10 million in venture capital?On this episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Vanessa Rissetto, registered dietitian, CEO and co-founder of Culina Health, and cancer survivor who’s redefining resilience. From growing up in a Haitian household to building the only nutrition company backed by a big insurance provider, Vanessa’s story is proof that success is about more than grit — it’s about honesty, boundaries, and balance. She opens up about her diagnosis, how entrepreneurship pushed her to the brink, and why learning to say “no” has become her ultimate health strategy.How Do We Redefine Health and Success Beyond Hustle Culture?Vanessa shares how her cancer journey shifted her perspective from chasing external validation to prioritizing joy, mental health, and self-care, while still leading a groundbreaking health-tech company.(00:01:00) From Dietitian to Tech CEO: Building Culina HealthWhy Vanessa decided to take insurance when most dietitians catered only to the eliteHow COVID opened doors for telehealth and scaled her business to $1M in under a yearThe bold move that got Blue Cross Blue Shield on her cap table — a first in the industryHer mindset shift: every investor “no” was just practice for the next “yes”(00:10:30) Cancer, Entrepreneurship, and the Cost of External ValidationThe overlooked symptom that led to Vanessa’s breast cancer diagnosisRaising $10M in venture funding while undergoing treatment — and why she now calls it “f***ing stupid”How avoidance, anxiety, and resentment crept in post-diagnosisThe power of saying “no” as a complete sentence(00:17:00) Back to Basics: Nutrition, Myths, and Mental HealthWhy she believes restrictive diets like keto miss the bigger pictureThe truth about protein, fasting, and why micro-counting often backfiresHow Vanessa balances Doritos, home-cooked meals, and plant-based principlesNutrition as behavior change, not just “eat more vegetables”(00:29:00) Therapy, Caregiving, and Whole-Person HealingHow Culina Health integrates with physicians and therapists for 360° careThe role of dietitians in eating disorder recovery and mental health supportWhy therapy for caregivers is just as important as therapy for patientsVanessa’s own two-therapist system: one for trauma, one for feelings(00:35:00) Menopause, Midlife, and Finding JoyHer experience with medically induced menopause and brain fog Why women need different strategies after 35 How AI is reshaping the future of nutrition and health-techThe freedom of midlife: smaller circles, more joy, and living on your own termsThanks for the support from our partners, including: Guest ResourcesFollow Vanessa on InstagramLearn more about Culina HealthFollow Culina Health on InstagramIf this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:Connect with The

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 the “perfect” relationship is powered by control, confusion, and intermittent kindness?In this powerful conversation, Dr. Nadine Macaluso, somatic psychologist and author of Run Like Hell, breaks down trauma bonds. She explains why love-bombing feels so intoxicating at first, and how to rebuild trust in yourself after leaving a toxic dynamic. We cover red flags, green flags, co-parenting with a difficult ex, and why “boring” can actually mean safe, steady, and good.How do you recognize when love turns into control, and find the courage to walk away from a trauma bond?Escaping toxic cycles isn’t just about leaving the situation. It’s about relearning safety, trusting your own signals, and choosing peace over chaos.(00:26) Origin Story & Reinvention at Any AgeGoing back to school at 39 and finishing a doctorate at 45 proves reinvention is possible at any ageHow early exposure to feelings and psychology sparked Nadine’s pathTherapy as a lifeline when chaos became overwhelming(04:03) Love-Bombing & Early Red FlagsThe intoxicating “soulmate” language and excessive attention of love-bombingWhy mismatched words and actions are an early signal to noticeTuning into your body’s warning signs when something feels off(07:09) What a Trauma Bond Really IsTwo defining conditions: intermittent abuse and a power imbalanceHow Nadine’s Trauma Bonds Assessment and the Big Five test can offer clarityWhy it’s critical to drop self-blame and focus on prevention(11:20) Healing Timeline, Boundaries & Green FlagsWhy healing from a trauma bond takes about two yearsThe relief of “I hear you” as a sign of safetyQuick red flags to avoid: boundary-plowing, sudden rage, and chronic inconsistency(21:50) Co-Parenting, Somatic Tools & Choosing PeaceCo-parenting from authenticity instead of rebellion or people-pleasingHow to track emotions somatically—where feelings live in the bodyReframing “boring” as safe, steady, and priceless for long-term peaceThanks for the support from our partners:Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and enjoy a special discount on your first month.If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/Guest ResourcesVisit Dr. Nae’s WebsiteFollow her on InstagramRead her book, Run Like Hell

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 breakdown you feared was actually the doorway to your greatest sense of peace?In this transformative episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and Dear Gabby podcast host Gabby Bernstein. From uncovering repressed childhood trauma in her mid-30s to navigating postpartum depression with courage and honesty, Gabby shares the tools that helped her move from chaos to calm. She opens up about EMDR therapy, medication without shame, reparenting the inner child, and finding relief one step at a time. Whether you’re in the depths of anxiety, grieving a loss, or simply craving a gentler way to heal, Gabby’s wisdom offers both compassion and practical next steps.How do you combine spiritual tools and evidence-based therapy to heal trauma without shame, guilt, or overwhelm?Healing isn’t about being “fixed.” It’s about creating safety, awareness, and compassion so you can finally live in peace.(02:06) Naming the Why Behind PatternsSpirituality and sobriety can plant seeds, but trauma will still surface in anxiety, addiction, or control.Memory of trauma can return much later in life; healing doesn’t require forcing recall.Recognizing “what happened to me” instead of “what’s wrong with me” reframes the path forward.(05:09) EMDR, DemystifiedBilateral stimulation (eye movement, tapping, sounds) opens a safe “window of tolerance.”Starting with a present trigger often links back to earlier wounds.Small issues may shift quickly; deeper trauma requires more time but reduces triggers steadily.(09:02) Postpartum Depression: When Meditation Isn’t EnoughSigns include panic attacks, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. This is biochemical, not a personal failing.Antidepressants can create a baseline of safety so therapy becomes effective.Meds are not a shortcut but a foundation; Gabby paired them with three therapy sessions a week.(14:37) Grief Without GuiltApproach grief in doses: feel some, then step back before re-engaging.Notice when numbing shows up; honor it as a protective strategy.Relief through TV, rest, or joy is part of healthy grieving, not a failure.(18:51) Getting Unstuck: The 3-Question InventoryAfter each trigger, ask: 1) What triggered me? 2) What do I feel? 3) How do I run from it?Recognize patterns as protective, not personality flaws.Writing it down builds compassion and creates room for change.(20:30) Reparenting Yourself with the 4 S’sSafe: Breathwork, sleep, and grounding to calm your nervous system.Seen: Validate your wins and speak to yourself with compassion.Soothed: Make therapy and support part of your routine.Secure: Consistency builds an inner foundation of trust and resilience.(24:54) Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Proceed with CareShould only be done with trained clinicians under clinical guidelines.Medication conflicts exist; research protocols carefully.Curiosity is valid, but sobriety and safety must guide decisions.(28:57) Resources & Next...

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/KarenaDawnCould the secret to mental health be linked to brain health rather than what’s inside a pill bottle?In this illuminating episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with world-renowned psychiatrist, brain health expert, and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Amen. With over 200,000 brain scans and decades of research, Dr. Amen is on a mission to end the stigma around mental illness by reframing it as brain health. Together, they dive into the real causes of depression, the daily habits that heal your brain, and the tiny shifts that can transform your life. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, negative thoughts, or burnout, this conversation will change how you see yourself—and your future.Is Mental Illness Really a Brain Health Issue?Dr. Amen challenges the outdated way psychiatry diagnoses mental illness and shows us how brain scans, nutrition, movement, and mindset can unlock the healing we’ve been searching for.(00:00) Rethinking Mental Illness: It Starts with the BrainWhy psychiatric diagnoses haven’t evolved since the 1800s and what needs to changeDepression is like “chest pain”: why we must ask why before we treatHow Dr. Amen divides depression and anxiety into seven different typesThe four “circles” of health: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual(05:28) What Brain Scans Reveal That Doctors MissThe difference between brain structure scans (MRI, CT) and SPECT scansWhy PTSD and traumatic brain injury need different treatments, and how scans show the differenceThe danger of misdiagnosing a “busy brain” vs. a “sleepy brain”Why more information is always better when it comes to treatment(08:22) Brain Health Habits Anyone Can Start TodayDr. Amen’s three essentials: brain envy, avoiding what hurts, and doing what helpsWhy alcohol and marijuana are not brain-friendly, despite cultural messagingThe shocking truth about body weight and brain size/functionHow media and marketing feed mental illness(13:37) Social Media, Sleep & The Digital Brain DrainHow social media thins your brain’s cortex and lowers self-esteemWhy more online “connection” often leads to greater lonelinessSleep as one of the most underrated brain health toolsHow Dr. Amen balances his social media presence with mental wellness(15:59) Tiny Habits, Big Shifts: Healing Your Brain DailyThe simple nightly practice that rewires your brain for positivityWhy accurate self-talk beats blind positivityThe “ANTs”: automatic negative thoughts and how to kill themMeditation and chanting as proven brain boosters(24:56) Hydration, Food & Loving What Loves You BackWhy just 2% dehydration can wreck your focus and coordinationThe story of Nancy, who transformed her life by starting with hydrationNo more fruit juice, and what to do insteadSecret #4 from You, Happier: Love food that loves you back(30:11) A Mission Too Big for One PersonDr. Amen on founding the Change Your Brain FoundationWhy infectious diseases like Lyme may play a role in schizophreniaKarena shares how changing her mother’s diet extended her life by five yearsWhy the fight for brain health is a mission for all of usGuest...

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 modern dating wasn’t done with your thumb?In this refreshing episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Stephanie Fischer, attorney-turned-tech CEO of NeverMissed, a proximity-based dating app designed to get you off your phone and into real life, safely.From a hilariously infamous childhood story to caregiving through cancer, and building a women-led tech company, Stephanie serves up honest, witty, and deeply practical wisdom on love, boundaries, burnout, and choosing yourself.What if the healthiest way to date is to close the app and look up?By stripping away the endless swipes and curated profiles, Stephanie argues that confidence, clarity, and community are built in person, one real conversation at a time.(00:00) Why “in‑person first” dating mattersNeverMissed’s premise: check in at your current location and only see others who’ve opted in there. Meet IRL, then put the phone down.Control & safety: you decide when you’re visible, you can check out anytime, and profiles are photo‑verified to be the real you.The point isn’t more messaging. It’s better matching energy in the room, not just in the feed.(01:58) Only‑Child Resilience & a Sense of Humor (The infamous pool story)Early chaos taught self‑advocacy: “Being ‘so mature’ was a response to chaos, not a compliment.”Humor as a coping tool: the infamous urologist‑dad pool becomes a lifelong icebreaker and puts a lens on embarrassment and identity.Takeaway: Name the chaos, keep the humor, and own your story—it stops owning you.(09:04) Reinvention at 30: Leaving the Comfort ZoneLeft Dallas for DC to break stagnant patterns: if your environment doesn’t support growth, change the room.Dating “decades” shift: bars → questionnaires → intentionality.Action: Audit your current circle & city: Do they match who you’re becoming? If not, move or shake up routines.(16:31) How NeverMissed Works (and Why It’s Different)Opt‑in visibility only when you check in at a venue; no searchable database.“Fleeting Moments”: post a sighting (“saw you at…”) to reconnect; uses simple descriptors to help find the person.Goal: to complement other apps, not replace them. Meet people doing what you already love (gym, tennis, concerts).(20:40) Female CEO in Tech: Owning AssertivenessNavigating “men are talking” energy with receipts: you pay the bills, you set the tone.Reframe “bitchy” → clear, paid, and prepared; assertiveness ≠ aggression.Tip: Put decisions and boundaries in writing; lead with outcomes and timelines.(31:49) Caregiving Without Losing YourselfCared for mom and now dad: same love, different game plan.Labs don’t lie: cortisol, hormones, sleep. If you don’t delegate, your body will.Action: Create a care team (siblings, friends, hospital resources); schedule your appointments first each month.(40:56) Dating‑App Burnout: Getting Your Hope BackDitch the artificial timeline (“married by 28”); Stephanie married at 39; right person, right time.Know yourself → know your filter. Less noise = better choices.Micro‑goal: 1 real‑life conversation per week (bookstore, class, coffee line). Momentum beats swiping.(43:59) First‑Date Playbook: Safety + ChemistryMeet in public somewhere you...

What if the guilt and shame you carry as a mother or caretaker weren’t yours to begin with?In this episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Vanessa Bennett, LMFT, licensed depth therapist, and author of the new book, The Motherhood MythFrom growing up as a “parentified child” to raising her daughter with intention, Vanessa shares how generational wounds, from the “witch wound” to the “mother wound”, shape our lives in ways we may not realize. Together, they explore self-abandonment, the myth of perfection, codependency in relationships, and how to reclaim your identity through micro moments of self-choosing. Whether you’re a mother, daughter, partner, or friend, this conversation offers tangible ways to break cycles, set boundaries, and follow the breadcrumbs back to yourself.How Do We Heal Generational Wounds Without Losing Ourselves?Vanessa reveals how recognizing inherited patterns and our part in them is the first step to breaking free.(00:00:22) Depth Psychology and the Path to IndividuationVanessa explains depth psychology as the “psychology of the soul,” focusing on the whole being and the unconscious.Her upbringing as a parentified child and how it shaped her initial decision not to have children.The importance of holding your upbringing objectively to heal. “They're not all bad. And also, they're not all good.”(00:06:11) The Trinity Wound: Witch, Sister, and MotherThe witch wound: epigenetic trauma silencing women’s power, sexuality, and individuality.The sister wound: competition among women fueled by scarcity thinking.The mother wound: how women unconsciously uphold patriarchy and pass down harmful narratives.Why ending these cycles starts with self-awareness and modeling change for the next generation.(00:12:30) Self-Abandonment, Guilt, and Rebuilding Your Sense of SelfGuilt and shame are by design. They are tools of societal control, not signs you’re broken.Accept guilt as part of the process, then act anyway.Use “micro moments”  (like saying no when you mean it) as bricks in the foundation of self-trust.Following breadcrumbs: orienting toward what makes you feel alive, even if it’s small or scary.(00:22:09) Codependency, Resentment, and Healthy BoundariesWe live in a codependent culture that teaches us to outsource our emotional regulation.Resentment as a diagnostic tool: a signal that a boundary is being crossed or unspoken.Attachment styles are fluid and change depending on the relationship dynamic.The link between resentment and projection and how awareness can stop the cycle.Why attraction often fades when relationships take on a parental dynamic, and how both partners can reclaim responsibility for their own happiness.(00:32:50) Friendships, Attachment Styles, and CommunicationVanessa and her co-host model conflict resolution through a commitment to talk about issues openly.The cultural trap of expecting a partner to “reparent” us and why it can kill romantic attraction.Building safety without losing mystery or eros in long-term relationships.(00:40:17) Therapy, Accessibility, and the Power of Group WorkWhy therapists need therapists, and the stigma that still exists around seeking help.Alternative paths to healing: coaches, low-cost...

What if the path to healing wasn’t in returning to the life you had, but in dreaming up an even better one?In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Ukrainian psychologist and motivational speaker Natalia Kholodenko. Once a TV star living a glamorous life in Kyiv, Natalia lost everything in an instant when war broke out. Forced to flee, she faced displacement, trauma, and the collapse of her identity, but she refused to give up. Now rebuilding her life while helping others do the same, Natalia opens up about finding meaning in pain, rebuilding self-worth, and the daily practices that anchor her through the darkest moments.Can Your Dreams Be Stronger Than Your Trauma?Natalia shares how she went from surviving bombings to speaking on international stages, rebuilding her life through imagination, purpose, and healing. Her story is a blueprint for how to find meaning after loss.(00:01:00) Fame to Flight: Losing It All and Starting OverNatalia reflects on her life before the war: fame, wealth, and red carpets, and how it all vanished overnight.The hardest part wasn’t losing material things, but losing the belief in herself.“You are not alive when you are just surviving,” she says—describing how she knew she had to make a change.(00:08:00) The Steps to Rebuilding: From Despair to DreamingShe shares how survivor’s guilt set in and how she found meaning by choosing to live in honor of those who didn’t make it.“Dream is more powerful than trauma.” Natalia explains how imagining a “huge future” helped her begin again.From dreams came plans, and from plans came people to help. She shares the importance of turning imagination into action.Her philosophy: never stop dreaming, because good dreams create good plans, and good plans can fuel a good future.“We are marketologists for our lives,” she says. Speak bad things, and you’ll believe them. Speak dreams, and your brain follows.(00:14:00) Leading While Healing: How Helping Others Helped HerselfEven while navigating her own trauma, Natalia started speaking online to women in pain, discovering healing in connection.She shares how her live streams helped survivors practice joy and laughter, turning them into tools for survival.“I only found myself again in this life.” Viewing what happened as a gift that helped her discover her life’s work(00:17:00) Biohacks for the Soul: Daily Rituals That Anchor HerEvery morning, Natalia visualizes giving an interview about her dream life. “I talk to the future me,” she explains.Cold water immersion is her go-to anti-stress toolSinging is a daily practice. Even silly made-up songs rewire the brain for joy.She’s even sung with Gloria Gaynor in support of Ukraine, proof that big dreams can come true.Guest ResourcesFollow Natalia on Instagram + @kholodenkon Visit her websiteHelp Ukrainians in needIf 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...

What if your doctor was the one who needed saving?In this eye-opening episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Dr. Darshan Shah, a surgeon, longevity expert, and founder of Next Health. After decades in medicine and a career spent helping others, Dr. Shah found himself battling chronic disease, obesity, depression, and burnout. But it wasn’t pills or procedures that saved him. It was a radical shift toward root-cause healing and functional medicine. This episode dives deep into the science behind metabolic health, food and mood, hormones, inflammation, and even Alzheimer’s prevention. If you’ve ever felt like your health was spiraling or your mind was foggy beyond repair, this conversation is your invitation to start again from a smarter, stronger, and more self-aware place.What’s the Real Cause of Chronic Illness, and Can We Reverse It Without Medication?Dr. Shah explains why most health advice treats symptoms, not causes, and how root-cause medicine, nutrition, and tracking your biomarkers can change everything.(00:03:15) When the Doctor Becomes the Patient: Dr. Shah’s Wake-Up CallAt 42, Dr. Shah was 50 pounds overweight, had high blood pressure, prediabetes, and depression — despite being a leading surgeon.He realized that traditional medicine taught him how to treat disease, but not how to prevent or reverse it.His journey into functional medicine began with uncovering the root causes of mental and physical illness.The experience made him rethink everything he thought he knew about health — and launched his mission to transform care from reactive to proactive.(00:11:05) Food, Mood & Metabolic Disease: What Your Grocery Cart Isn’t Telling YouUltra-processed foods cause nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and metabolic chaos — and often trigger depression and anxiety.Reducing sugar and refined carbs (like bread, pasta, and pastries) is critical to brain and body health.Dr. Shah recommends key books:Good Energy by Dr. Casey MeansBrain Energy by Dr. Christopher PalmerGlucose Revolution by Jessie InchauspéMetabolic health is deeply connected to mental health — you can’t treat one without addressing the other.(00:14:19) Hormones, Bloodwork & Becoming the Boss of Your Own BiologyMost doctors don’t check thyroid, testosterone, or estrogen levels — even though these regulate nearly every cell in your body.Annual (or even quarterly) bloodwork is essential to catch changes before they become diagnoses.At home, you can track body composition with a bioimpedance scale and sleep/stress with wearables.Knowing your health data empowers you to take action before symptoms spiral.(00:18:44) Fitness for Longevity: Why “Exercise Snacks” Work Better Than the GymDr. Shah encourages 3–5 minute movement breaks throughout the day — called “exercise snacks” — to counteract sedentary behavior.Research shows that every 45 minutes of sitting increases your risk of disease. Breaking it up adds up fast.Karena shares how she intuitively built strength this way with small workout breaks.Your genome is malleable, based 95% on your day-to-day habits and 5 % genetics.(00:24:22) Alzheimer’s, Genes & How to Take Control of Your Brain’s FutureHaving the APOE gene doesn’t guarantee Alzheimer’s, but lifestyle factors like poor sleep, sugar consuption, and inflammation increase risk.Dr. Shah outlines 15 modifiable root causes of cognitive decline, from toxins to sedentary behavior.Healing your gut, balancing blood sugar, and protecting your mitochondria can dramatically reduce your risk.Recommended read: The End...

What does it really mean to be optimistic?In this Flow Space edition of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Dr. Deepika Chopra, known as the “Optimism Doctor”, live from the Women’s Health Summit in LA. Drawing from her background in psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience, Dr. Chopra debunks the myth that optimism is about “being positive.” Instead, she offers science-backed tools to build mental resilience, process worry, and shift your brain toward the future you want to create. From dancing first thing in the morning to scheduling daily “worry time,” this episode is packed with small, powerful rituals to help you feel more joy, no matter where your mind is now.Could resilience be the true foundation of optimism? Dr. Chopra shares why optimism isn’t a constant state of happiness; it’s a mindset that acknowledges life’s challenges while staying open to growth, healing, and future possibility.(00:02:00) Reframing Optimism: It’s Not About Being Positive All the TimeDr. Chopra defines real optimism as rooted in resiliency and curiosity, not blind positivity.Being an optimist means recognizing life’s setbacks, but seeing them as temporary and surmountable.She shares that optimism is a learnable skill, not just a personality trait.The science shows optimists live longer, thrive more, and have deeper connections.(00:07:30) From Emo Journaling to Neuroscience: Her Unexpected Path to OptimismDeepika’s childhood emotional diaries foreshadowed her fascination with human behavior.Learning that the brain thinks in the future tense.Helping people anticipate good things and how to train your brain to do it.Research shows only about 25% of optimism is genetic—the rest is learned.(00:09:40) Awe, Music, and Movement: Tools to Interrupt AnxietySpending just two hours a week in nature significantly lowers stress and improves clarity.She starts every morning with her “wake-up and dance” routine to set a positive tone.Feelings of awe: How art, nature, and nostalgia help reset the brain and reduce anxiety.Happiness hack: Holding onto a positive thought for at least 12 seconds helps the brain create more of them.(00:12:30) Feel It to Heal It: Why Optimism Starts With HonestyTrue optimism requires sitting with hard emotions, not bypassing them.Dr. Chopra explains the power of curiosity when you can’t access joy.Being neutral or open, even when in pain, is still progress.Staying present and inquisitive with where you are in the moment(00:13:55) Schedule Your Worry: How Boundaries Can Free Your MindDr. Chopra shares her practice of “worry time”—a scheduled slot to process anxious thoughts.Throughout the day, she defers worries to that time, writing them down or mentally shelving them.Setting a clear boundary gives worries space without you being consumed by them.Surprisingly, the best solutions often arise when you’re feeling joy or calm.(00:16:45) End Your Day With a To-DA! List (Not a To-Do List)Instead of an anxiety triggering nighttime to-do list, write down daily accomplishments.Even small wins count. Celebrating them boosts a sense of empowerment and self-worth.Gratitude can lose impact over time; the To-DA list keeps things specific and fresh.She emphasizes the power of feeling accomplished before bed.Thanks for the support from our partners, including: Guest ResourcesExplore her websitea...

What if midlife wasn’t something to fear, but something to own?In this empowering episode recorded live at the Women’s Health Summit in LA, Karena sits down with actor and activist Constance Zimmer and filmmaker Abby Epstein to talk about aging, hormones, Hollywood, and how women are finally telling the truth about what it means to grow older. From the early days of the Vagina Monologues to the debut of their new project Midlife Monologues, Constance and Abby are lighting up taboo topics with humor, vulnerability, and a whole lot of truth-telling. This episode will leave you inspired to embrace your story; wrinkles, wisdom, hot flashes, and all.What happens when women finally speak the unspeakable?Reframing aging, menopause, and midlife not as an ending, but a power-filled beginning.(00:00) The Midlife Glow-Up: Why Aging Is the New PrimeWhy the TikTok trend on women thriving in their 30s, 40s, and 50s is a needed cultural shiftDitching the age stigma and embracing confidence in midlifeHow storytelling has the power to normalize the aging experience(03:50) Hormones, Trauma & the Real Talk Around PerimenopauseKarena opens up about early menopause symptoms and trauma-related health shiftsAbby shares insights from her certification as a midlife menopause coachWhy we need to stop associating menopause with a number — and start listening to our bodiesThe double-edged sword of hormone therapy and wellness marketing: empowerment vs. exploitation(08:45) From Hollywood to Hormones: Women's Stories on StageConstance reflects on strong female roles and the scarcity of opportunities for women over 50How UnREAL and Entourage helped shift her career into meaningful, unapologetic charactersAbby shares how directing The Vagina Monologues uncovered deep stories from performers and audiences alikeThe emotional labor behind directing: holding space for women’s hidden truths(12:45) The Birth of the Midlife MonologuesHow a casual email turned into a groundbreaking collaboration between Constance and AbbyCollecting personal stories from peers and actors about aging, change, and identityWhy 2026 — the 30th anniversary of The Vagina Monologues — is the perfect time to launchTheir goal: create a theatrical space for stories that ripple into collective healing(14:45) Redefining Beauty, Power & Purpose as We AgeWhy aging women in Europe are revered — and how the U.S. is catching up (slowly)Constance’s motto: “Just let us age” — and why that’s still a radical statementThe cultural cost of ignoring women's health and midlife experienceAbby and Constance call for more visibility, celebration, and truth in women’s mediaGuest ResourcesFollow Constance on InstagramFollow Abby on InstagramSee the Midlife MonologuesIf 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...

What if you were leading a major wellness media company while quietly struggling to follow the very advice you publish?In this refreshingly candid episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Samantha Skey, CEO of SheMedia and founder of Flowspace. Together, they dive into what it really means to age out loud, from the invisible weight of midlife caregiving to the truth about impostor syndrome, mental load, and why self-care often feels like another item on the to-do list. With humor, honesty, and a few clever fitness hacks, Samantha opens up about reclaiming space, not just in media, but in her own life.Is prioritizing your well-being selfish? Or is it the secret to aging and leading with power?Redefining success in your 40s and beyond means unlearning hustle culture, normalizing midlife health conversations, and building wellness into the moments you already have, even if it’s just five squats at a time.(00:00:30) Women’s Health & the Third Chapter: Why Flowspace MattersSamantha shares how Flowspace was born out of a need to address midlife health, not just motherhood.“This is not about moms. This is about women prioritizing themselves so that they can have a lifelong experience of wellbeing.”Perimenopause, caregiving, career shifts: it’s about the stage, not the age.Flowspace focuses on destigmatizing menopause and spotlighting underused innovations in wellness.(00:07:09) Finding Strength When You Have None to SpareSamantha admits: “All the healthy advice on stage? I don’t really do most of it because I’m running the business.”How “bathing in gratitude” with friendships fuels her resilienceBeing mindful about whether she’s mindful is her starting point.(00:08:40) Impostor Phenomenon in the BoardroomSamantha challenges the term “impostor syndrome,” calling it a “societal phenomenon” instead.“In many rooms… the other eight people at the table don’t really want you there.”She overcomes self-doubt by preparing thoroughly, using handwritten cards as her power tool.Confidence is built through practice, movement, and strong community.(00:11:52) Confidence Hacks & Micro-Workouts You’ll Actually TrySamantha swears by working out before big moments — even if it’s just a few jumping jacks.Her trick? “I put a set of weights on my kitchen counter… curl, press, curl, press.”Five squats every bathroom break. “You’ve got the trigger…it’s like cognitive behavioral therapy.”Can we change our behavior? “I literally publish a platform about making the time for ourselves and changing our behaviors to prioritize ourselves. And yet I don't do it.”(00:18:56) What’s Next: Flowspace Expansion & Listening to Gen ZFlowspace is growing: hiring writers, editors, and building community events.SheMedia is evolving beyond parenting — investing in research around teens, AI, and identity.Their Gen Z Teen Council keeps them honest (and humble).“They’re like… that is a trend from like 11 years ago. And you're just finding out about it because you're middle-aged white ladies.”Guest Resources:Follow Samantha on InstagramGet into the Flow SpaceConnect with SHEMediaListen to...

What if your lowest moment was the beginning of your greatest transformation?In this powerhouse episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with six-time American Ninja Warrior, keynote speaker, and Pull-Up Revolution founder Angela Gargano. From tearing her ACL on national TV to moving into her dad’s basement and starting over, Angela’s story is the definition of a comeback. She opens up about identity, healing through movement, and what it really takes to feel strong, mentally and physically. Whether you’re chasing a fitness goal, struggling to find your purpose, or just trying to stay present, Angela’s wisdom will move you. Literally.How do you rebuild your life when your identity no longer fits, and learn to love yourself beyond your achievements?Stripping away external validation proves that strength isn’t just physical. It’s about emotional resilience and self-love.(00:00) From Biochemist to Ninja Warrior: A Wild Career PivotAngela’s unexpected leap from lab work to national televisionShe originally had no clue what American Ninja Warrior wasHer early fitness competition days with Cathy Savage — and how they shaped her confidenceHow being labeled “manly” for having muscles became a source of power, not shame(08:00) Injury, Identity & Starting Over in Her Dad’s BasementThe ACL tear that stopped her Ninja dreams — and forced a reckoning with self-worthLosing her gym, her career path, and her direction — but finding her mindsetWhy so many high achievers link love to accomplishments (and how to break that cycle)“I just didn’t even know who I was anymore” — Angela on redefining her purpose(16:00) One Pull-Up Can Change Everything: The Birth of a MovementHow helping Women’s Health editor Liz Plosser get her first pull-up sparked a revolutionWhy the pull-up became a metaphor for doing hard things — at any ageCreating community and confidence through movementAngela’s advice for building your strength, one rep at a time(20:00) Fitness Without the Finish Line: Training for Life, Not Just CompetitionWhat her workouts look like now — and why mini goals keep her motivatedAngela’s tips for functional strength and long-term healthHer approach to balance: strength training, yoga, and fun Karena shares her 21-day system to stay accountable and avoid burnout(25:00) Mental Health, Meditation & Getting UnstuckHow moving your body and getting back to basics can pull you out of a rutMeditation and breathwork routines — and why they actually workTips for navigating anxiety and sleepless nights (30:00) The New Rules of Wellness: Eat More, Lift More, Live LongerWhy the fitness world is finally embracing protein, muscle, and restThe rise (and cost!) of Pilates — and Angela’s thoughts on biohackingWhat really works for longevity — and what’s just hypeWhy failure is just research, every mistake is a step forwardGuest ResourcesFollow Angela on InstagramVisit her websiteListen to her podcastIf this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our...