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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:

Love Unscripted A Journey Beyond Traditional Bonds, Medical Self-Empowerment, and Celebrating the Individual Spirit Feb 14, 2024

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Ever find yourself questioning the fanfare of Valentine's Day or pondering the true weight of love in our lives? I'm Ann Victoria, and in this special edition of the Unstoppable Podcast, I'm sharing my take on why February 14th might not fully encapsulate the spirit of love. We'll chat about moving beyond the conventional, celebrating relationships that are built on more than just romance, and the non-traditional bonds that feel like family. Plus, I'll let you in on what makes my perfect day – spoiler alert: it involves coziness and a certain Starbucks beverage – and why opting for fiery over sweet could be a heart-racing choice for me, literally!
Navigating the healthcare system with allergies can be like walking a tightrope without a net – especially when it comes to iodine, a common yet critical allergen. Listen up as we highlight the importance of advocating for oneself in medical environments and the empathetic care we should all be championing. I also reflect on a miraculous medical marvel: the unexpected growth of bone tissue post-surgery, which has us rethinking the resilience and mysteries of the human body. And for those deep-thinkers out there, we're not skirting around life's philosophical edges, sharing personal musings on faith and purpose with a dose of respect for everyone's individual journey.
Wrapping up, our podcast isn't just a platform; it's a melting pot of ideas, laughter, and, yes, a touch of rebellion. We celebrate the unique connections we forge here, both between co-hosts and with guests like the unforgettable young prodigy, Fate. Our aim? To spark inspiration and encourage you to claim your uniqueness – and maybe let a curse word fly if it suits the moment. As we cap off this Valentine's episode, join us for an honest, if unconventional, send-off to love, complete with the trials of teenage relationship navigation and the ever-evolving lexicon of slang. Here's to the love of conversation, sweet or not!

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Navigating Life's Hardest Battles: Faith's Defiance Against Illness and Cyberbullying, and the Strength of Family and Community Support Feb 13, 2024

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When you meet someone like Faith, you know right away that she's not just a survivor but a true warrior. Her story isn't just about the battles she's faced with her health; it's about a young woman who stood at death's doorstep and pushed back, hard. Together with her mother, affectionately known as "Mama Shark" for her tenacious advocacy, they've navigated a medical odyssey punctuated with life-or-death surgeries and life support. Their journey, fraught with setbacks and victories, is a profound reflection on the indomitable human spirit and the power of family bonds.
This episode is not just about overcoming physical challenges, it's also about the courage to stand up against adversity, even in the virtual realms of online gaming. Faith's protective instincts extend beyond the hospital room, as she becomes a champion against cyberbullying for her 'little brother' Logan. The discussion opens up to the pressing issue of creating safer gaming environments and the responsibility we all share to protect one another, highlighting the importance of allyship in every aspect of life.
Finally, we embrace the emotional fortitude that's essential in navigating the rough seas of life. You'll hear about the importance of hope, the depth of empathy, and the resilience required not just to survive, but to thrive. As Faith's narrative unfolds, we're reminded that support can come from the most unexpected places, and sometimes the battles fought behind hospital curtains are as intense as those fought against invisible online foes. Tune in for a raw and inspiring conversation that's sure to touch your heart and ignite a flame of empathy and action within you.

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Embracing Life's Fragility: Heartfelt Lessons from Near Loss, Personal Transformations, and the Bonds of Community Support Feb 05, 2024

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When life's fragile thread nearly slipped from our grasp, the night we almost lost Faith became a haunting reminder of life's precious unpredictability. In this heart-to-heart exchange, Michael and I unveil the emotional whirlwinds that accompanied the near loss of our daughter, the sudden partings with cherished friends, and the invaluable lessons these pivotal moments ingrained within us. We traverse the path of learning to appreciate the now, shedding the weight of negativity, and fortifying ourselves against life's unforeseen challenges with essential preparations like living wills and medical powers of attorney. Seamlessly, we move to the everyday treasures we often overlook, those simple interactions with loved ones whose absence would leave a void no words could fill.
Transitioning from the profound to the personal, I recount a transformative encounter with Brittany, the stylist who unlocked an inner beauty I had forgotten. This tale of rejuvenation blossoms into a candid discussion about body image, scars that map our stories of survival, and the confrontations with self-acceptance. We navigate the tough terrains of abusive relationships, applauding the valiant who escape and the courageous men who defy stigmas by acknowledging their own victimhood. Celebrating community ties, we highlight the support from friends like Malcolm Goodwin, our Wags for Wishes initiative that promises to gift a dog to a family in need, and the shared mission to find loving homes for four more dogs. Through laughter and light-hearted debates, Michael and I illustrate the invisible threads of support and love that bind our family together, inviting you to join the conversation and find solace in the solidarity of our shared experiences.

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Triumph Over Tragedy: Faith's Incredible Journey from Multiple Organ Failure to Infectious Laughter and Unbreakable Family Bonds Feb 02, 2024

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As the sun set on what seemed to be an ordinary evening, Faith's world was turned upside down, leading to a story of survival that defies the odds. Picture a family dinner abruptly interrupted, spiraling into an emergency that challenges a young girl's very existence. We recount how Faith, an extraordinary teenager, emerges from the shadow of multiple organ failure, with an arsenal of fourteen surgeries under her belt, and a kidney failure scare that nearly led to a transplant. In an engaging conversation with Faith, we discuss her unforeseen journey from a dire prognosis to the moment her nephrologist delivered unexpectedly good news, capturing the essence of human resilience and the power of community support.
Laughter, they say, is the best medicine, and Faith surely proves it with a hospital prank that could make even the sternest nurse chuckle. I'll take you behind the scenes of a masterful teenage ruse, involving the entire hospital floor, that turns the anxiety of hospital discharge into a moment of pure comedic relief. Faith's infectious spirit not only brings joy to her father, Michael, but also offers a beacon of hope to listeners. Through an emotional father-daughter bond that only strengthens with each shared challenge, Faith's narrative is not just an account of recovery, but a testament to the love and humor that can carry us through life's toughest trials. Join us for an episode that's as much about the infectious laughter between father and daughter as it is about the strength found in the face of adversity.

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Navigating the Storm of Crisis: A Family's Voyage Through Faith's Medical Emergency, Strength Found in Unity, and the Healing Embrace of Community Support Jan 25, 2024

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When your world flips upside down in an instant, how do you cope? This episode is a raw and intimate portrait of our family's struggle and resilience as we faced our daughter Faith's life-threatening medical crisis. From the harrowing rush to the emergency room to the multitude of medical procedures that followed, we, Michael and Victoria, along with our indomitable Faith, lay our journey bare. We share the emotional tempest that ensued, swept with moments of despair, but anchored by an outpouring of community support and the unexpected lifelines from friends and even strangers.
As we navigated the choppy waters of an extended hospital stay, our family's bond was both tested and fortified. We reflect on the nuances of coping with the everyday practicalities of hospital life, from shared meals to maintain proximity to the significance of humor in the darkest of times. The strength we found in each other's presence, the joy in simple conversations, and the protective love that shielded Faith from the bleakest realities of her situation are all part of this episode's heart-to-heart confession. We shed light on the emotional toll of feeling like a medical case to some, yet feeling seen and heard by others, such as nurses who joined in our family's playful pranks, proving that laughter can indeed be the best medicine.
Sitting with us at the mic, you'll feel the gravity of our appreciation for every gesture of kindness and every contribution to our GoFundMe, which kept us afloat in the most turbulent times. We discuss the epiphanies that come with facing mortality, the importance of legal preparedness, and the profound lessons learned about never taking moments with loved ones for granted. Our gratitude stretches to the support animals that offer comfort, and the friends that stand by us, reminding us that every day is a precious gift. Join us in this deeply personal episode as we celebrate Faith's spirit, our journey together, and the contagious smile that has become our beacon of hope.

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Embracing the Miracle of Perseverance: Faith's Valiant Journey Through Critical Illness, Family Resilience, and the Embrace of Community Support Jan 08, 2024

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Every family has their crucible moments, but few can compare to the journey of Faith, a young girl fighting for her life with the kind of tenacity that redefines the word 'miracle'. This episode takes you through the heart of a family's struggle, their endurance against overwhelming medical emergencies, and the profound impact of community support during the darkest of times. As Faith's mother shares the raw and honest reality of their situation, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the power of hope.
From the deafening symphony of life support machines to the silent strength that reverberates through hospital walls, Faith's story is a testament to resilience. This conversation explores not just the physical battles fought in the ICU but also the emotional and financial toll of an extended hospital stay. It's a deep dive into the complexities of critical care, the essence of community support, and the unconditional love that sustains a family in crisis. Join us as we bear witness to Faith's incredible journey and the unwavering spirit of those who stand with her.

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Embracing Hope Amidst the Storm: Faith's Courageous Fight Against a Medical Crisis, Family Unity, and the Healing Power of Community Support Dec 31, 2023

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Every family has its crucible, and ours has been the fierce battle our daughter Faith is waging for her life. In a riveting narration of events that have unfolded over the past week and a half, we open up about Faith's generous soul, now fighting through a medical crisis that has thrown our lives into a tailspin. Through missed holidays and a string of critical surgeries, this episode is a raw testament to the fear, hope, and love that has been our anchor in these dark times.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for their prayers and support, and we reflect on the profound impact this ordeal has had on our relationships. The silence of some has been deafening, yet the support of others has been a beacon of light. As we confront the realities of hospital life and its financial burdens, we find solace in the kindness of strangers and the solidarity of true friends. This conversation touches on the resilience in adversity, the power of community, and above all, the indomitable spirit of our daughter, Faith.

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Resonating Redemption: Martin's Inspiring Shift from DUI Despair to a Lifeline of Hope and Healing Dec 31, 2023

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When the echoes of a tragic past meet the harmonies of redemption, the resultant melody can be nothing short of powerful. Martin's journey stands as a testament to this truth, as he shares his transformation from a man haunted by a fatal DUI incident to a beacon of hope. Alongside my co-host Whitney Lee, we witnessed Martin's raw vulnerability as he narrated his life-altering moment and his subsequent rebirth as the director of cultural engagement at Lines for Life. This episode is a deep exploration into the heart of accountability and the strength of the human spirit to not just endure but to emerge with a mission to serve and heal others.
Amidst the concrete walls and iron bars, Martin found a path to healing; it’s a story that could belong to any of us. Facing the families of those he hurt was a profound step in his prison journey, where accountability met grace at DUI victim impact panels. We heard how these moments of raw exchange and shared pain became a catalyst for change. This narrative extends beyond incarceration, as Martin continues to raise awareness about the ripple effects of DUI, reaching out through social media and public speaking engagements. Our conversation also veers into Oregon's pioneering approach to substance abuse, illustrating how compassionate support can successfully replace punitive measures.
This episode is woven with insights that promise to linger long after the final words fade. Martin's experiences with identity in the penal system, the challenges of reintegration, and the indomitable will to transform pain into lessons for life are stories that need to be heard. As Martin eloquently puts it, understanding the 'why' behind our struggles is as important as the 'what.' Our dialogue also extends an invitation to you, our listeners, to engage with us in this ongoing narrative of transformation and triumph. As we wrap up, we’re excited to unveil more thematic conversations in the future and eagerly await your suggestions for our podcast's name—a symbol of the community and conversation that we are building together.

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Stitching Joy and Resilience: Unwrapping Holiday Laughs, Confronting Family Myths, and Celebrating the Human Spirit with Make-A-Wish Dec 21, 2023

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When you picture a family gathered around the holiday table, do you ever wonder about the untold stories, the laughter that binds, and the strength found in adversity? That's the tapestry we weave in this heartwarming episode of Contagious Smile, Unstoppable, where we, Victoria and Michael, join forces with Make-A-Wish to spread joy with our furry friends and share the resilience of the human spirit. We reveal our own family's festive shenanigans and unwrap the emotional journey of confronting long-held misunderstandings about my father, which reshaped our concept of kinship and perseverance in love.
Strap in for a ride through the comedic rollercoaster of domestic life, where the trivial becomes the treasure trove of memories. Our chat zigzags from the struggle of unshared McDonald's fries to the sweet victory of an apple pie craving, underscoring the intricate dance of communication and expectation in relationships. Laughs are guaranteed as we reflect on the magical moments that make family life the chaotic yet utterly delightful adventure it is. Tune in for an episode that's not just about finding laughter in the little things, but cherishing those shared smiles that make the journey so worth it.

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Turning Turmoil into Triumph: Steve Wilson's Candid Chronicle of Bipolar Disorder, Family Fortitude, and Navigating Teen Mental Health Dec 20, 2023

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When life throws curveballs, some knock it out of the park with a story of resilience that commands attention. Meet Steve Wilson, our guest on Teen Talk Podcast, whose humor and old-school wisdom weave through his narrative of living with bipolar disorder—a tale that began in the shadow of childhood trauma. His journey to a correct diagnosis wasn't straightforward, and along this winding path, Steve highlights the indispensable role of family, the power of respect, and the pressing issue of mental health among today's youth. Prepare to be moved by his reflections on a marriage that has withstood the tests of time and illness, and take a page from his book "Teetering on a Tightrope: My Bipolar Journey" as we shed light on the complexities of bipolar disorder and the often-overlooked aspects like sexual health.
Our conversation with Steve is an odyssey through the silent battles and evolving perspectives on mental health struggles, with a special focus on the teenage landscape. We celebrate the shift towards openness and the importance of speaking out, magnified by Steve's personal triumphs and tribulations, including his fight with terminal cancer. As the discussion unfolds, we touch on the lifeline of human connection—how a single act of reaching out can change a life. This episode is a heartfelt testament to the power of voice in the face of adversity and a reminder that amidst the challenges, there is always a beacon of hope. Tune in for a profound exchange that reaffirms our mission: to support, to save lives, and to instill the courage to step into the light.

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