Your Radical Truth podcast

What happens when the very laws meant to protect children instead give predators a license to abuse? In this episode of Your Radical Truth Podcast, host Margaret Mary O’Connor speaks with survivor, advocate, and bestselling author Donna Simmons, whose life story exposes the devastating reality of child marriage in the United States. Donna reveals how systemic failures, generational trauma, and outdated laws continue to silence survivors and perpetuate abuse. At just 16, she was forced into marriage—a betrayal legitimized by the system itself. Rather than remain silent, Donna transformed her pain into purpose. Today she leads the fight to end child marriage, hold institutions accountable, and empower survivors to reclaim their voices. Her memoir, From Ashes to Flame, is more than a personal story. It is a call to action, urging lawmakers and communities alike to confront the truth and demand change. This conversation is raw, urgent, and necessary. Tune in to hear how Donna Simmons is breaking cycles of trauma, challenging systemic betrayal, and sparking a movement for justice. Listen now: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/044-Donna-Simmons

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, revealing a system that treats childbirth as an illness rather than a natural process. Reverend Brighid Danielle Curby Hegdale, ordained in the Reformed Anamkara Celtic Church and a longtime doula, joins host Margaret Mary O’Connor on Your Radical Truth Podcast to uncover the truth about midwifery, doulas, and the need for genuine consent in maternal care. Reverend Hegdale shares her personal story of birth trauma, her decades of experience supporting women and families, and her journey into priesthood. This conversation explores how midwifery has supported families for centuries, why doulas are vital, and how faith and advocacy intersect to restore dignity in birth. Full post here: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/043-Danielle-Hegdale

What happens when life ends suddenly, without warning or time to say goodbye? Few people have confronted that mystery as closely as Father Nathan G. Castle, O.P., a Dominican priest with an extraordinary ministry. For more than three decades, Father Nathan has been called in dreams to help souls who died traumatically or abruptly. Over 600 individuals who passed through accidents, violence, or sudden events have appeared to him seeking peace, healing, and a way forward. With prayer partners beside him, Father Nathan guides these souls through what he calls Interrupted Death Experiences™. His role is not about chasing the supernatural but about offering pastoral care and helping the departed release trauma so they can move into the light. In this powerful conversation with host Margaret Mary O’Connor, you’ll hear how: Souls can become “stuck” after sudden death and what helps them move on Truth and compassion bring healing, even in the afterlife Families sometimes witness near-death visitations that ease the transition A young baseball player nicknamed “Iron Mike” found freedom after decades of guilt and confusion Speaking openly about mystical encounters helps others share their stories without shame Father Nathan also draws a clear line between his ministry and necromancy, explaining how his Dominican leadership recognizes this unique calling as part of his vocation. His stories reveal the profound variety of afterlife experiences and the hope that peace is always possible. Resources Mentioned: Father Nathan’s website: nathan-castle.com Afterlife Interrupted series A conversation filled with faith, mystery, and compassion, offering a rare glimpse into what may await on the other side of life’s most sudden endings. www.YourRadicalTruth.com/42-Father-Nathan    

Up to 70% of new moms face crushing exhaustion and overwhelm in their baby’s first year — yet many suffer in silence. On this episode of Your Radical Truth, Margaret Mary O’Connor talks with Maria Moreno, founder of Mindful Mother, about her journey from postpartum depression and dangerous sleep deprivation to becoming a certified sleep consultant and motherhood life coach. Maria shares gentle, proven strategies for improving infant sleep without hours of crying, why pediatricians often miss the signs of postpartum sleep struggles, and how lack of rest affects a mother’s mental health, relationships, and safety. She also introduces Tumago, her line of sensory-friendly comfort blankets designed for babies, toddlers, and children with autism or ADHD. If you’re a new mom, an overwhelmed parent, or someone supporting one, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and the reminder that motherhood should not mean burnout. Full post at: www.yourradicaltruth.com/014-Maria-Moreno   

Kellina Powell was a happy-go-lucky four-year-old when her world suddenly changed. After experiencing severe illness, she lost her hearing. What followed could have been a story of limitation, isolation, and struggle. Instead, it became one of resilience, transformation, and leadership. Today, Kellina is a Deaf coach, international speaker, 4X best-selling author, and entrepreneur who is deeply committed to creating a more inclusive and empowering world for Deaf and disabled individuals. Kellina recently joined Margaret Mary O’Connor on the Your Radical Truth podcast to share her extraordinary journey. She opens up about growing up Deaf, breaking down barriers, and using her voice to ignite change for future generations. Finding Purpose in the Face of Adversity Losing her hearing at a young age presented Kellina with countless challenges. From navigating communication hurdles to confronting a society that often fails to include or understand the Deaf experience, her early years were marked by a sense of otherness. Yet, rather than let her circumstances define her, Kellina chose to redefine the narrative. She became determined to live life fully, not in spite of being Deaf, but proudly because of it. Her lived experience became the foundation for a mission-driven life, one rooted in empowerment, education, and advocacy. Empowering Young Adults with Disabilities Kellina’s coaching practice focuses on helping young adults with disabilities build confidence, develop a strong sense of identity, and gain the tools they need to thrive. She understands what it feels like to be misunderstood or underestimated, and she brings a rare level of empathy and insight to every coaching session. In the podcast, she explains how her work is not just about helping individuals achieve their personal goals. It is about giving them the skills to live boldly in a world that may not always be ready to support them. Kellina’s coaching is as much about mindset and self-belief as it is about strategy and action. Full post: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/040-Kellina-Powell   

Only 1 in 5 women feel comfortable talking about menopause. That statistic is not just shocking—it’s damaging. On my podcast, Your Radical Truth, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. J. Michelle Vann about why this silence is so harmful and how we begin to break it. We talked about the vital conversations that should be happening between mothers, daughters, and grandmothers. Dr. Vann shared the inspiration behind Sistas Can We Talk and how her nonprofit is helping women build trust, community, and confidence around their health. This episode is for every woman who has ever felt overlooked or unheard during a major life transition. www.YourRadicalTruth.com/039-Dr-Michelle-Vann  #MenopauseAwareness #GenerationalWellness #FaithAndWellness  

Thousands of children are believed to be born to Catholic priests, yet their stories have been buried under decades of secrecy and shame. On this episode of the Your Radical Truth Podcast, I sat down with Linda Kelly Lawless, an Australian genealogist who discovered through DNA testing that her biological father was a Catholic priest. What followed was a six-year uphill battle to have the Church simply acknowledge the truth. Her story is one of courage, perseverance, and the deep trauma caused by institutional denial. Linda is now the first person in Australia to have her birth certificate legally corrected in such a case. This episode isn’t just about her, it’s about a silenced population finally being heard.  www.yourradicaltruth.com/038-Linda-Kelly-Lawless #CatholicChurch #DNAJustice #YourRadicalTruthPodcast  

Only a small fraction of military veterans become priests, and fewer still find their calling in an independent Catholic tradition like the Celtic Christian Church. In this inspiring episode of Your Radical Truth, host Margaret Mary O’Connor welcomes Father Thomas Marble, a combat medic turned priest, healer, and author. Father Thomas shares how a life of constant relocation, 22 years in the military, and a deep yearning for spiritual truth led him to Celtic Christianity. He opens up about his experiences in Bosnia, his training in psychiatric nursing and chaplaincy, and how divine guidance pointed him toward a more inclusive, healing-centered form of faith. Discover how his novel The Mission blends fantasy with Celtic wisdom, why radical hospitality is central to his ministry, and how his current studies in herbalism are helping him prepare for a new chapter of holistic healing. Tune in for a moving conversation about service, sacred calling, women priests, and the power of spiritual authenticity. Learn more at www.YourRadicalTruth.com/037-Father-Thomas-Marble

Did you know nearly 12 million adults in the U.S. are misdiagnosed annually, with some errors leading to serious harm or death? This staggering fact set the stage for a jaw-dropping episode of the Your Radical Truth Podcast, hosted by Margaret Mary O’Connor. In this deeply moving interview, guest Jessica Summers shares her harrowing and ultimately redemptive journey from thriving fashion designer to near-death patient, addiction, institutionalization, and homelessness - and how she reclaimed her voice, power, and purpose. From Fashion to Freefall Jessica Summers appeared to have it all: a successful career, a family, and a vibrant life. But her second pregnancy marked the beginning of a downward spiral. What began as routine prenatal care turned catastrophic when a medical oversight - retained placenta - set off a cascade of chronic infections, pain, and overprescription. “I was doing everything I was told,” Jessica recalls, “but instead of healing, I got sicker.” Each new symptom was met with a new medication - antibiotics, painkillers, antipsychotics - each pulling her deeper into the system that was supposed to help her. The Medical System’s Dark Underbelly Jessica’s story highlights what many women in medicine quietly endure: being dismissed, overmedicated, or misdiagnosed. Diagnosed with conditions she didn’t have and subjected to medications that made her worse, she was labeled “non-compliant” when she tried to advocate for herself. “If you don’t have an eyeball hanging out, they don’t believe how sick you are,” she says. At her lowest, Jessica found herself in a psychiatric facility, forcibly medicated, ignored, and punished for asking questions. This episode of Your Radical Truth is essential listening for women navigating healthcare, particularly those in the marginalized, chronically ill, or overmedicated communities. It’s a wake-up call to question blind trust in a system that often gaslights women’s pain. Full post: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/036-Jessica-Summers

According to Statistics Canada, nearly 1 in 5 Canadians aged 15 and older live with one or more disabilities—yet many of their stories remain untold. On this episode of Your Radical Truth, host Margaret Mary O’Connor shines a spotlight on one of those voices. Meet CJ Janzen—“The Singing Speaker”—a queer, disabled advocate, storyteller, and artist living with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), a severe chronic illness that leaves them mostly bedbound. From working as a paramedic and scuba instructor to launching {dis}ABILITY Unleashed, CJ’s life defies convention. Their journey of surviving childhood abuse, alcoholism, and complex chronic illness is matched only by their resilience and determination to create inclusive spaces where disabled artists can thrive. With a mantra of “Choose to live joyously within the tempest of adversity,” CJ uses story, song, and strategy to challenge stigma and ignite hope. In this heart-opening interview, they speak candidly about brain fog, living with limited energy, and finding purpose in creative advocacy. Whether organizing Disability Pride Month events from bed or writing for anthologies like Start Over and Pillow Writers, CJ is committed to amplifying the voices too often left out. They remind us that joy, connection, and meaning are still possible—even in the hardest moments. To learn more, visit www.YourRadicalTruth.com/035-CJ-Janzen 

Despite selling over 90 million books worldwide, Judy Blume remains one of the most banned authors in America. On Your Radical Truth, host Margaret Mary O’Connor welcomes bestselling author and cultural commentator Rachelle Bergstein to explore Blume’s fearless legacy - and the fierce censorship she faced. In this powerful episode, Rachelle, author of The Genius of Judy, shares why Blume’s honest portrayals of puberty, sexuality, and family life resonated so deeply with generations of readers - and why her books continue to spark controversy today. From the 1970s battles over Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret to today’s alarming surge in modern-day book bans, Judy Blume’s story remains more relevant than ever. Rachelle and Margaret Mary dive into: How Blume’s books became lifelines for young readers when adults stayed silent Why today’s censorship battles are even more dangerous than those of the past The chilling rise of historical erasure through modern legislation How Blume’s creative rebellion helped fuel the modern feminist voice Rachelle also discusses her new book, The Genius of Judy, a USA Today bestseller praised by BookPage, The Los Angeles Times, Kirkus Reviews, and more. Learn why Blume’s timeless stories still matter - and why protecting the freedom to read has never been more urgent. Find The Genius of Judy wherever books are sold and follow Rachelle’s work on her Substack newsletter, Banner Year, where she tracks the escalating crisis of book banning in America. Full shownotes: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/034-Rachelle-Bergstein 

You Change Your Frequency, You Change Your Life  Featuring Selina Maitreya on Your Radical Truth Podcast www.YourRadicalTruth.com/033-Selina-Maitreya  What if the key to transforming your life isn’t outside of you—but within your energy? In this enlightening episode of Your Radical Truth, host Margaret Mary O’Connor welcomes internationally respected author and spiritual teacher Selina Maitreya to explore how shifting your vibrational frequency can radically change your life. After a traumatic brain injury upended her successful consulting career, Selina began receiving spiritual guidance that led her to record an entire book—by voice—over five years. The result is Raise Your Frequency, Transform Your Life, a practical, powerful roadmap for anyone ready to respond to life’s challenges with love, not fear. Together, Margaret and Selina dive into: The two core frequencies that shape our daily experience How trauma opened the door to spiritual awakening Why your attention is your most powerful tool Easy, everyday phrases that immediately shift energy A hands-on spiritual toolkit to navigate chaos with clarity If you’ve ever felt stuck in emotional overwhelm or wondered how to break free from ego-based patterns, this episode is for you. Selina shares wisdom that is as practical as it is profound, helping listeners recognize that even in the hardest moments, we always have a choice. Listen now and discover how raising your frequency could be the game-changer your life has been waiting for. #SpiritualAwakening #YourRadicalTruthPodcast #RaiseYourFrequency #EnergyHealing #ConsciousLiving

80% of women entrepreneurs report feeling held back by limiting beliefs. That startling statistic underscores why conversations like this one with Erin Newman matter so much. On the Your Radical Truth podcast, hosted by Margaret Mary O’Connor, Erin dives deep into how unexamined beliefs can sabotage success—and how tapping, hypnosis, and somatic practices can radically transform your life and business. From Catholic Roots to Soul-Led Coaching Raised in the Catholic tradition, Erin Newman grew up with a set of beliefs that subtly (and not so subtly) influenced what she thought was possible, especially as a woman. Over time, she unraveled those internalized messages and began helping other women do the same. Today, she is a spiritual life and business coach for female entrepreneurs who want to embrace their soul’s calling and generate sustainable income doing what they love. Through her unique blend of somatic, subconscious, and ancestral healing tools, Erin supports her clients in regulating their nervous systems, releasing self-doubt, and welcoming in financial and emotional abundance. The Belief-Shifting Magic Process Erin shared a practical and powerful technique she calls the Belief-Shifting Magic Process, which integrates EFT tapping—a method that involves gently tapping on acupressure points while talking through limiting beliefs or emotional stress. While tapping may seem unconventional, it's backed by science and widely recognized for calming the nervous system. “You don’t need homework or equipment,” Erin explains. “You just start tapping and talking. It’s like a deep breath for your energy system.” Whether it’s fear of launching a podcast, anxiety about money, or feeling stuck in a career, Erin shows how even 10 minutes a day of tapping can move emotional blocks and create space for new outcomes. Hypnosis: Rewriting the Inner Narrative In addition to tapping, Erin often guides her clients through self-hypnosis, a gentle but effective way to bypass the conscious mind and plant new, empowering beliefs. She describes it as “creating a new movie in your mind”—one where peace, joy, love, and success are not only possible but expected. By bringing her clients into a deeply relaxed state—what she calls “the liminal space”—Erin helps them reprogram stories of not-enoughness into narratives of worth, expansion, and purpose. Full post at: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/032-Erin-Newman  

In the 1960s, as images of police dogs and fire hoses unleashed on Black Americans filled TV screens across the nation, a generation of children—Black and white—were learning, in real time, the searing reality of racism in America. It was a pivotal time, one that promised change with the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, but failed to deliver on that promise for decades. Today, those struggles echo loudly in our current climate, as books are banned, history is whitewashed, and communities once again fight for a seat at the table. On this episode of Your Radical Truth, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Regina Vincent-Williams, a transformational speaker, author of Split Shift: Busing and Desegregation, 1954–2024, and a living witness to the trauma and resilience of school integration in Alabama. “We Survived It”: A Firsthand Account of Integration Growing up in Alabama just miles from Birmingham, Dr. Regina experienced the fallout of a society grappling with change. In 1970—sixteen years after the Supreme Court ordered school desegregation—her high school, Talladega High, finally integrated. But what should have been a move toward equality came with devastating consequences. Students were separated by "split shifts"—a scheduling scheme that limited educational access and fractured lifelong friendships. Some students, many of whom had never even been in a fight, were permanently expelled with no hearing, no return date, and no diploma. “I wondered myself how I got into college,” she said. “I didn’t have advanced math, foreign language, or hard sciences. Yet somehow, I made it. Others weren’t so lucky.” This wasn’t just Talladega—it was systemic across the South. Communities had over a decade to prepare for integration, yet when it finally came, the result was chaos, displacement, and erasure. Full post at: https://www.YourRadicalTruth.com/031-Dr-Regina   

On a recent episode of Your Radical Truth, host Margaret Mary O’Connor welcomed Dr. Brad Montagne, a functional medicine expert with over four decades of experience helping patients recover from chronic illness. With a global reach and deeply holistic approach, Dr. Montagne laid bare the systemic failures of modern medicine while offering empowering solutions for those seeking true healing. A Broken Medical System and the Rise of Chronic Illness According to a 2008 article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, medical education has remained largely unchanged for over a century. This outdated system produces doctors unprepared to handle 75% of their patients—those suffering from chronic illnesses. Dr. Montagne pulled back the curtain on this crisis, revealing how most medical schools teach virtually nothing about chronic conditions. Instead, the focus remains on acute care and pharmaceutical solutions, leaving countless patients misdiagnosed, dismissed, or untreated. The Origins of Functional Medicine Functional medicine began as a grassroots movement among chiropractors and nutritional experts seeking deeper healing through holistic practices. Dr. Montagne credits early pioneers and his own decades of research for shaping his comprehensive approach. He emphasized that true functional medicine evaluates the root causes of illness—such as gut health, environmental toxins, and stress—not just symptoms. Dr. Jeffrey Bland is often cited as the father of functional medicine, but as Dr. Montagne noted, it was the original clinical techniques, not lab tests, that held the real power. Unfortunately, many practitioners have since drifted from those foundational diagnostics, chasing protocols over personalization. Full post at: https://www.YourRadicalTruth.com/030-Dr-Brad-Montagne 

For centuries, many have viewed God through a single lens—male, paternal, kingly. But what if we've only been seeing half the image? In this powerful episode of Your Radical Truth podcast, host Margaret Mary O’Connor sits down with spiritual director and author Catherine Cowell to explore the often-overlooked feminine side of God. From hidden biblical metaphors to personal awakenings, this conversation invites us all to re-examine the divine with fresh eyes. Meet Catherine Cowell: A Guide for Spiritual Exploration Catherine Cowell is no stranger to deep reflection and meaningful mentorship. As an adoptive parent, she works closely with families of children with additional needs, helping them weave together parenting and spirituality—a focus that also shapes her current PhD research. In addition to her coaching and spiritual direction, Catherine is the host of the Loved, Called, Gifted podcast, where she unpacks themes of identity, purpose, and faith. Based in Stoke-on-Trent, England, Catherine brings both scholarly insight and lived experience to her work. The Question That Opened a Door Catherine recalls the pivotal moment that set her on this journey. Over lunch, a friend casually remarked, “If men and women are both made in God’s image, then God must be just as feminine as masculine.” That simple statement stirred something unexpected within her. “I felt both agreement and discomfort,” she shares. “It was like my inner ‘good Christian’ voice told me not to go there. But I couldn’t ignore the nudge.” That nudge eventually led to Finding God’s Feminine Side, a book that challenges traditional paradigms and invites readers to explore the feminine within the divine. More at: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/029-Catherine-Cowell

Why Women Must Reclaim ‘Selfish’: Tina Fletcher’s Bold Message on Prioritizing Personal Power According to the American Psychological Association, women are significantly more likely than men to report chronic stress, largely due to caregiving and the emotional labor of balancing family and work responsibilities. On a recent episode of Your Radical Truth podcast, host Margaret Mary O’Connor explored this reality with Tina Fletcher, speaker, author, and coach, who is leading a movement to help women stop living on autopilot and reclaim their personal power. Why Women Are Running on Empty “Women are taught from a young age that selflessness is virtuous,” Fletcher explained during the interview. “But constantly putting others first leaves us drained, undervalued, and stuck in cycles of exhaustion.” Fletcher shared her insights from years of working as a coach and strategist, as well as her own journey as a mother of five. She pointed out how women often don’t recognize how deeply ingrained these patterns are until burnout becomes unavoidable. Full post at: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/028-tina-fletcher   

Transitioning from military to civilian life is one of the biggest challenges veterans face, and mental health struggles often go unspoken. In this powerful episode of Your Radical Truth Podcast, host Margaret Mary O’Connor welcomes Annette Wittenberger, a retired U.S. Army veteran, mental health advocate, speaker, and author of The Wall Between Two Lives. Annette shares her deeply personal story of navigating PTSD, anxiety, and depression after service, and how she turned her struggles into advocacy. As the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Veteran Lifestyle Magazine, she is on a mission to bridge the gap between military and civilian communities through storytelling and support. We also tackle the urgent crisis of TRICARE delays, leaving veterans without access to critical mental health care. With potential VA job cuts impacting thousands, now is the time to take action and stand up for those who served. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about resilience, healing, and the fight for better veteran support. https://yourradicaltruth.com/027-Annette-Whittenberger 

Is it ever too late to chase your dreams? Ann Alexander-Cedar doesn’t think so. After a 16-year hiatus, she fearlessly relaunched her acting career at 47, landing roles with Netflix, Hallmark, and A24. Now, she helps creatives over 40 turn their passions into purpose through ACT Bold and Passion Project to Pro. In this episode of Your Radical Truth, Ann shares how to break through fear, embrace reinvention, and create a sustainable career doing what you love. If you’re ready to take bold action, this conversation is for you! More at: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/026-Anne-Alexander-Sieder

Father Anne is not only a highly recognized woman within the movement for women’s equality in the Catholic Church but also a favorite among listeners of the Your Radical Truth Podcast, hosted by Margaret Mary O'Connor. Back by popular demand, Father Anne delves even deeper into the pressing issues surrounding women's roles in the clergy, offering candid insights and powerful perspectives. Synodality and the Future of the Catholic Church Father Anne offers a compelling analysis of Pope Francis's efforts to implement Vatican II's synodality. While acknowledging the historical significance of the synod process, she highlights its shortcomings. Synodality's promise to include the global church in meaningful discussions has often faltered due to resistance from bishops, leaving many Catholics unaware of its existence. According to Father Anne, the next Pope will play a pivotal role in determining whether synodality takes root or fades back into the hierarchical, monarchical model of the past. For true progress, the Church must openly acknowledge unresolved doctrines, particularly regarding the ordination of women. More at: www.yourradicaltruth.com/025-father-anne