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A Contagious Smile Podcast — Kids & Family
A Contagious Smile Podcast

Stop surviving and start thriving. A Contagious Smile is a globally ranked podcast providing a safe haven for abuse survivors and special needs families navigating the journey of trauma recovery. Whether you are healing from domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, childhood trauma, or the daily challenges of disability advocacy, our mission is to turn your pain into power.

Each episode features raw, authentic conversations with survivors, mental health experts, and advocates who share actionable resources for PTSD healing, resilience building, and emotional wellness. We go beyond the struggle to highlight the triumphs of the special needs community, offering support for caregivers and individuals with disabilities who are rewriting their own narratives.

Hosted by Victoria Cuore, an award-winning trauma advocate and survivor, this podcast delivers the “blueprints” for recovery, not just Band-Aids. Join our community to find hope, humor, and the unstoppable spirit needed to rekindle your inner light.

Latest Episodes:

When Blood Isn't Thicker Than Water Aug 25, 2025

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What would you do if you witnessed a violent attack in public? Would you step in to help, or freeze in the moment? This raw, unfiltered conversation begins with Michael and Victoria discussing a disturbing video of a random stabbing at Walmart, questioning why bystanders failed to intervene when they had the power to stop the threat.
The couple doesn't shy away from difficult topics as they share their perspectives on self-defense, situational awareness, and the Good Samaritan Law that protects those who step up in dangerous situations. Their passion for protecting others extends beyond physical safety into the emotional realm, where they've created an academy offering affordable healing resources for survivors of abuse.
Victoria opens up about her experiences with narcissistic family members, detailing the manipulation tactics like silent treatment and blame-shifting that defined these relationships. The painful authenticity in her voice resonates as she describes how narcissists refuse accountability and twist situations to make victims feel responsible for abuse. Michael's supportive presence highlights how healing relationships can develop even after experiencing profound betrayal from those who should have provided safety and love.
The conversation shifts to parenting concerns about today's screen-obsessed youth, the couple's shared joy in their strong family bonds, and Victoria's upcoming medical procedures resulting from past abuse. Their natural banter and occasional humor provide welcome relief from heavy topics while showcasing the genuine connection that defines their relationship and podcast.
Whether you're navigating complex family dynamics, recovering from abuse, or simply interested in authentic conversations about life's challenges, this episode offers validation, perspective, and hope. Subscribe now to join this supportive community where healing is prioritized and real talk is always on the menu.

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Shattering Family Cycles Aug 19, 2025

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Silent Grandparents, Loud Love: A Daughter's Fight for Life Aug 11, 2025

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When doctors told us to call a priest because our daughter wouldn't make it through the night, we refused to accept that fate. Through dozens of surgeries, kidney failure, and countless medical interventions, we fought alongside Faith as she battled for her life. Today, she's not only thriving but hitting bullseyes at the shooting range during her recent birthday celebrations.
This episode takes you on an emotional journey through Faith's remarkable story – from her joyful birthday weekend complete with bowling adventures and her first-ever experience firing a real gun, to the heart-wrenching reality of family members who couldn't spare even ten seconds to send a birthday text. The contrast becomes even more stark when Victoria reads Faith's powerful letter from their upcoming book "Dear Silence," addressed to grandparents who were conspicuously absent during her life-threatening hospitalization.
"You didn't just miss my fight for life, you forfeited your place in it," writes Faith, now 19, who has endured over 54 surgeries in her young life. Her raw words capture the profound pain of abandonment during life's most critical moments, while highlighting the extraordinary strength she's developed as a result. The conversation expands to explore how true family is defined not by blood, but by who shows up consistently – like the strangers who brought food and offered help during Faith's hospital stay, demonstrating more authentic care than some biological relatives.
Between these powerful reflections, Victoria and Michael share insights about their educational program "Stucco Squad," designed to make learning fun for children with special needs, and offer humorous marriage advice centered on the importance of laughter and authenticity in relationships. The episode serves as both a celebration of Faith's resilience and a profound meditation on what it truly means to be family.
Join our community at acontagioussmile.com, where you can access our Academy resources, including Victoria's new ebook "Puppet Mastering the Manipulator," and learn more about the upcoming release of "Dear Silence" during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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Phoenix Rising: From Silent Victim to Unstoppable Voice Aug 04, 2025

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When we talk about domestic violence, the most damaging question survivors hear is "Why didn't you just leave?" In this raw and powerful episode, Victoria and Michael pull back the curtain on this misconception, sharing stories from their upcoming book project "Dear Silence, You Lost."
Victoria reveals a particularly moving submission from a child who once resented their mother for staying in an abusive relationship, only to later understand that leaving might have meant losing the protection their mother provided. This perspective shift challenges the judgment many survivors face and highlights the impossible choices victims must navigate within broken systems.
Drawing from personal experience, Victoria discusses her own journey of survival, including the physical consequences she still manages daily—hearing loss that will soon require major surgery, living with one arm, and dealing with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Yet despite these challenges, she focuses on creating accessible healing resources for others. "Nobody signs up and says 'hey, I want to be that battered wife,'" she reminds listeners. "And so many people are so quick to jump to ridicule instead of saying 'let me be your safe space.'"
The conversation shifts to breaking free from narcissistic relationships, with both hosts sharing their experiences with narcissistic parents who never take accountability for their actions. For those struggling with similar relationships, they offer practical advice on establishing boundaries and reclaiming personal power.
Their Trauma-Led Advocacy Academy—the first of its kind worldwide—offers affordable and free courses covering everything from healing resources to educational content for special needs children. "When you're going through healing, you shouldn't have to decide between paying your rent or mortgage or healing," Victoria explains, highlighting why keeping costs minimal remains their priority despite financial challenges.
Have you experienced domestic violence or narcissistic abuse? Share your story anonymously for the upcoming book by emailing phoenix@acontagioussmile.com, or explore healing resources at acontagioussmile.com.

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Dear Silence: When Survivors Finally Speak TRIGGER WARNING Jul 28, 2025

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What happens when survivors of domestic violence finally break their silence? In this raw, powerful episode, we unveil "Dear Silence," our groundbreaking international book project launching this October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This collection will feature letters from survivors who've endured the unimaginable—giving voice to those who were told to stay quiet for far too long.
Behind every "why didn't you just leave?" lies a complex reality that most people fail to understand. We dismantle this harmful question by exploring the impossible choices victims face, particularly mothers who endure abuse to shield their children from harm. When the system fails to recognize the escalating patterns of domestic violence, victims often sacrifice their own safety to protect those they love most.
Victoria shares her own harrowing journey, revealing the permanent physical consequences of her abuse—titanium jaw replacements, near-total hearing loss, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome requiring spinal implants. These ongoing medical challenges demonstrate how domestic violence creates trauma that survivors must manage decades after escaping their abusers.
Some of the most heartbreaking submissions to "Dear Silence" come from children who witnessed abuse. One child wrote about always sleeping on the edge of the bed so their mother would have somewhere safe to retreat during nighttime violence—a devastating reminder that children see and understand far more than we realize.
We also discuss our Academy, featuring over 120 affordable courses designed to support healing. Victoria's newly launched course on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome offers unique insights from someone living with this challenging condition, continuing our mission to make healing accessible to everyone regardless of financial circumstances.
Join our movement by submitting your story to phoenix@acontagioussmile.com. Whether you're a survivor, witnessed abuse, or lost someone to domestic violence, your voice matters. Together, we're breaking the silence that protects abusers and building a community where survivors are heard, believed, and supported.

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You Are A Warrior: Breaking The Cycle of Abuse Jul 21, 2025

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The scars of domestic violence often remain long after the abuse ends. Victoria's story reveals the staggering physical toll—over 120 surgeries in nearly two decades with more to come—including an upcoming radical ear procedure that will leave her completely deaf in one ear. Yet despite never experiencing a pain-free day in almost twenty years, her positivity remains unshaken.
"If anyone has the reason to be like, screw the world, screw everybody in it...it would be me," Victoria acknowledges. "But I'm not going to let that piece of crap win." This defiant statement encapsulates the extraordinary resilience that defines her journey from victim to advocate.
The podcast delves into powerful moments of maternal protection, like when Victoria's "tiger mom" instinct emerged after her abuser threatened their unborn child. Though she typically remained silent to avoid further violence, this threat awakened something fierce within her. This protective instinct ultimately gave her the strength to escape and rebuild her life.
Victoria passionately challenges the excuse that abusers behave as they do because of difficult childhoods. "Because somebody had a bad childhood, that doesn't mean it's okay to make your spouse your playground for violence," she asserts, noting that many people with challenging upbringings—including herself and her husband—choose to break cycles of abuse rather than perpetuate them.
Today, Victoria and her husband have transformed their painful experiences into purpose by creating an academy with resources for domestic violence survivors and special needs families. Their message to those still suffering resonates with hard-earned wisdom: "You are one hell of a warrior...we're going to help you heal, and we are going to be with you every step of the way."
Join our community at ContagiousSmile.com where you'll find resources, support, and proof that healing isn't just possible—thriving is too.

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Surviving & Thriving Despite Trauma Jul 20, 2025

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When Victoria speaks of making a deal with the devil to protect her unborn child, you understand immediately this isn't an ordinary story of survival. Having endured over 100 surgeries resulting from brutal domestic violence, Victoria Cure has transformed unimaginable trauma into a mission that defines resilience in its purest form.
"How much more do I have to give?" It's the question her daughter asked during a life-threatening hospitalization, and now Victoria finds herself wondering the same as she faces complete hearing loss—a cruel twist for someone who was once a master of sign language but now has only one arm to sign with after amputation.
In this vulnerable, unfiltered conversation with her husband Michael, Victoria reveals the physical toll of her past abuse: titanium jaws, replaced shoulder and hip, and now deteriorating hearing and speech capabilities. Yet what shines through isn't bitterness but an unwavering commitment to ensure others don't suffer alone.
The couple shares how they've created the Contagious Smile Academy, offering over 100 affordable or free courses for special needs families, domestic violence survivors, and anyone seeking healing. From practical resources like IEP advocacy to courses with titles like "My Butt is on Bluetooth," Victoria's approach blends profound wisdom with life-affirming humor.
"Healing shouldn't come with a price tag," Victoria insists, explaining their scholarship program for those who can't afford even their minimal fees. Operating from their home without taking salaries, they've grown from zero to millions of followers by remaining authentic in a world that often rewards superficiality.
Victoria's message resonates far beyond abuse survivors: "You are not your diagnosis, you are not your condition." Her refusal to be defined by trauma while acknowledging its reality offers a blueprint for finding purpose through pain. As she charges her various medical implants and faces yet another surgery, her greatest fear isn't what else can be taken from her body, but losing those she loves.
Listen, share, and consider supporting their mission by attending their upcoming webinar or donating just $5 to provide a scholarship—because as Victoria reminds us, with one in four women experiencing abuse, everyone knows someone who needs this lifeline.

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THE BEST OF THE BEST WEBINAR Jul 13, 2025

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The "We Built This" global summit created a powerful space where survival transforms into thriving. Hosted by Victoria Cure, domestic violence survivor and founder of A Contagious Smile, this event brings together an extraordinary collection of voices who've turned their deepest wounds into wisdom.
Susan O'Mallan introduces her groundbreaking Thriver's Own Motivational Model, addressing the critical gap between crisis intervention and truly reclaiming joy after trauma. Carrie Blazer reveals the surprising connection between emotional pain and enlightenment through physics principles that explain how our darkest valleys create momentum for our greatest heights. Whitney Knox delivers crucial estate planning guidance specifically tailored for survivors navigating the complexities of protecting themselves and their loved ones.
The summit takes a profound turn as Keelan Flukiger shares his near-death experience and the WIPOS framework (Worth, Identity, Possibility, Ownership, Sovereignty) that emerged from his journey back from addiction and despair. Shane Boyd, who miraculously survived being run over by a truck, teaches us to recognize fear as a compass pointing toward growth rather than a signal to retreat.
Emily courageously reveals her path as a trauma-surviving mother breaking generational cycles, while Allison Graham offers practical resilience techniques through reframing negative thought patterns. Air Force veteran JJ Hawley's emotional account of contemplating suicide and finding purpose through sobriety culminates in his creation of Ripple Retreat—a healing space for recovery built on giving back to community.
The event concludes with powerful perspectives from Victoria and her husband Michael, who demonstrate the possibility of building a loving relationship after experiencing abuse. Their partnership embodies the summit's core message: with the right support and tools, survivors can create lives of purpose, joy and unconditional love beyond their trauma.
Join the Contagious Smile Academy to access resources designed by those who've walked this path. Whether you're taking your first steps toward freedom or are well along your healing journey, this community stands ready to walk beside you, reminding you that you are never alone.

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Embracing Authenticity: How Honest Relationships Thrive Jul 12, 2025

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The anticipation is palpable as Victoria Coure and Michael dive into their latest episode, announcing that their upcoming webinar has generated remarkable interest, and their global speaking opportunities have sold out in record time! This success comes alongside features in over 50 media publications, including two fresh magazines that arrived just that day: Podcastars and Equubator. Perhaps most exciting? They’re featured in Women’s Weekly with none other than Adele gracing the cover.
Behind their growing platform lies a passionate commitment to accessibility. Victoria reveals that neither of them has taken a paycheck despite working 16+ hour days. Their Academy offers courses at a fraction of industry prices—most under $100, with many completely free—covering platform costs while maintaining their scholarship fund for those unable to afford even modest fees.
The Stucco Squad courses, named after Victoria’s service dog, represent their heartfelt mission to support children in building self-esteem and navigating challenging situations. As Victoria poignantly shares a Michael J. Fox quote: "If you don’t learn a certain way, you make a different way. Doesn't mean you can't learn." This philosophy drives their creation of engaging educational resources that help children thrive through alternative learning approaches.
The conversation takes a candid turn as they explore relationship boundaries and personal values around monogamy, showcasing their authentic communication style and genuine connection. These unfiltered moments reveal the human side behind their professional endeavors—two people committed to helping others while staying true to themselves.
Want to discover how they've turned passion into impact? Their webinar starts tomorrow at 2:00 PM Eastern, where they'll share strategies that have helped them grow from zero followers to millions without expensive marketing teams. Join them to learn how you might transform your own ideas into meaningful resources that help others while honoring your values.

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Untitled Episode Jul 10, 2025

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