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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:

Unveiling Truths about Self-Defense & Protecting Family: A Deep Dive into Gun Violence, Home Safety, and the Vital Skills for Personal Protection Oct 16, 2023

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Ready to challenge the way you think about self-defense, gun violence, and family safety? This episode promises to do just that. We're unearthing the truth about the survivors of abuse who are often penalized for safeguarding themselves. We're asking the tough questions - why are there laws that seem to punish those defending their families? How does one react in an active shooter situation? And, most importantly, how can we ensure responsible firearm use?
This episode takes a hard look at safety, not just in the context of violence but also in our homes, around our children, and on their social media platforms. How far should we go to protect our precious family members, even our pets, from harm? We've got our hands on the pulse of this issue, exploring things like reliable alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and law enforcement strategies. We're addressing the rise in bullying and violence, the addiction of social media, and the impact they have on our children.
Lastly, we amplify the conversation around child safety, defense against sexual assault, and overall family protection. Is it time for schools to take more action against bullying? Are there enough counselors to support our children? The key is vigilance, safe firearm handling, and effective self-defense training. We're breaking down why it's crucial for both men and women to be prepared for protection. After all, nothing is more precious than our relationships, and they're worth fighting for, even after decades together. So, join us for this enlightening and thought-evoking conversation.

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Bare Souls and Bold Visions: Marla and Dave Thomas's Quest to Reshape Mental Health Perceptions Oct 13, 2023

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Join us for a journey filled with raw emotion, resilience, and redemption. We're sitting down with the dynamic duo, Marla and Dave Thomas, who are widely recognized from the world of entertainment. Amid the glitz and glamour, they've faced an invisible battle: mental health. In our conversation, they bare their souls, sharing their experiences of mental health stigma, both as individuals and parents, and how they've worked to turn their pain into purpose.
Their story begins with their children's struggles with mental health, an issue they prefer to call 'brain difference.' Their foundation emerged from their deepest pain, and their mission: to create change in the way society perceives mental health. They delve into the complexities of parenting, the challenges of dealing with stigma, and the need for increased funding for mental health research. They also reveal how they navigated their relationship under the immense pressure of fame and mental health issues.
Lastly, Marla and Dave discuss their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about mental health through their foundation. They shed light on the struggle of maintaining a positive public perception while addressing mental health issues, the stress of fame, and the pressures of parenthood. Their experiences and reflections serve as a testament to their strength, resilience, and unyielding dedication to cause change in the mental health landscape. Don't miss this inspiring episode that'll leave you with a new perspective on fame, family, and the fight against mental health stigma.

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Delving into Reality TV and Classic Hollywood: Margaret Senior's Journey of Resilience, Family Bonds, and Exploring New Horizons Oct 09, 2023

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What happens when we sit down with Margaret Senior, star of the Real Housewives of New Jersey? We dive deep into her world, where she navigates the rollercoaster of reality TV drama with grace and authenticity. Margaret reveals the powerful bond that exists off-screen among the bravo men, and opens up about a heart-wrenching moment when her daughter's life hung in the balance due to a lung issue.
We trace Margaret's journey from Hungary to the United States, sharing her strong love for animals, her passion for helping others, and her inspiring resilience in the face of adversity. Margaret provides a fascinating insight into New Jersey's booming marijuana industry, discussing her daughter's venture into this blossoming field. We also uncover her daily rituals, beauty secrets, and guilty pleasures, including her fondness for binge-watching British TV.
Lastly, we switch gears to discuss the charm and influence of old Hollywood. Margaret shares her profound appreciation for classic movies and how they've shaped her perspective. From discussing the authenticity of the Real Housewives of New Jersey to exploring Margaret's personal journey and her love for classic Hollywood, this episode is a roller coaster ride filled with genuine insights, laughter, and inspiration. Tune in for a captivating conversation with the elegant and vivacious Margaret Senior. Discover a side of her you've never seen before and be inspired by her strength and tenacity.

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In the Shoes of Diverse Lives: A Celebration of Laughter, Courage, and Creativity Oct 03, 2023

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Join us for this vibrant episode of the Contagious Smile podcast where we traverse a wide spectrum of human experiences. Our guests are as diverse as their stories - from Ocean, a teen designer crafting his own clothing line, to the brave son of a serial killer sharing his remarkable survival journey. Don't miss this rollercoaster of emotion as we chat with the lively Real Housewives of New Jersey star, the compassionate founder of Mom Power, Dave and Marla Thomas, our witty friend who wrote for the Tonight Show, and a resilient tattoo artist who transformed her burn scars into beautiful art.
Prepare to be moved and inspired as we also put the spotlight on the fantastic work of the 262 initiative founder, uniting 262 influential women, including yours truly. Lend an ear to our dear friend, an author who channels her pain into supporting others after losing her son. Stick around for a hearty laugh with our guest, a gentleman who penned jokes for the Tonight Show for 20 years. Get ready to feel the chills as we hear from a burn survivor whose body is her canvas, now a tattoo artist turning scars into masterpieces. Come along for this enriching journey guaranteed to leave you with a contagious smile.

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Strong Stance in Education Crises and America's First Ladies: Advocacy, Inspiration, and a Cherished Puppy Event Sep 26, 2023

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Ever wondered how the choices we make in the education system can impact lives in the most profound ways? Ponder this as we share the riveting journey of Miss Liz, a beacon of resilience and a tireless advocate for children. Be inspired by the brave students in a Pennsylvania school, standing up against new gender-friendly bathrooms, and engage in the pressing discussion about New York's controversial new laws on gender transitioning in schools without parental notification.
On a lighter note, are you curious about the inner world of America's First Ladies, and their untold influence on our society? Let's uncover that together. We navigate through Victoria Cura's book 'Who Kicked First', a beacon of hope for those battling adversity. You can't afford to miss the details of our adorable puppy giveaway event! Lastly, join us as we delve into the heartwarming story of Miss Liz's mission to be a legal guardian at Lightham, a role sorely needed by many more champions like her.

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Juggling Parenting, Podcasting and Puppies: Frank King's Insights on Depression, Reading Doses of Literary Delight, and Navigating Humor in Real-Life Tales Sep 19, 2023

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On this whirlwind episode, we're thrilled to have Frank King, a writer for the Tonight Show and a bodybuilder at 66 years old, to chat with us and share some insights on dealing with depression. This incredible personality brings a dash of humor and honesty to the conversation, making it a must-listen for everyone. We're also buzzing with excitement about the upcoming Podcasting for Pause event, and we take you through the whirl of managing a litter of puppies while juggling our podcasting schedule!
We open up on the fun trials of parenting, weaving in our son's antics and our own banter to keep you chuckling throughout. Then, we take a heartfelt turn, sharing snippets from our daughter's book - a delightful mix of lighthearted exchanges and endearing innuendos. Not to mention our dream about our ideal podcast guest and our parents’ visit, which never fails to bring us joy and laughter. And to cap it all off, we share our take on a wildly popular YouTube video that's been making rounds. So pour yourself a coffee, sit back, and join us as we navigate through our days, filled with family, humor, and real-life tales!

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Navigating Medical Negligence & Addressing Domestic Violence: Personal Tales of Advocacy, Rebound, and the Indispensable Role of Support Systems Sep 14, 2023

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Picture yourself in a hospital room, feeling helpless as your pleas for essential medication for your loved one fall on deaf ears. Could you advocate for their care in the face of such disheartening incompetence? This episode unfolds our personal battle advocating for our daughter's care during a life-threatening medical emergency, providing vital insights into the importance of communication, compassion, and asking the right questions when dealing with hospital staff. We contrast the distressing negligence of one medical facility with the responsive and prepared care given by another, painting a stark picture of the disparities that can exist within the healthcare system.
Ever felt the heartbreak of seeing a baby in NICU with no visitors, or the triumph of a woman surviving and recovering from domestic violence? Our episode doesn't shy away from these tough realities. We share a deeply moving story about a customer's experience with domestic violence, highlighting the power of resilience and the importance of never giving up. Amidst the sorrow, we also find room to laugh, emphasizing the power of humor as a coping mechanism during dark times.
In wrapping up, we underscore the crucial role of support systems, expressing gratitude, and the necessity of having legal affairs in order. We extend a warm message of support and invite listeners to share their difficult hospital experiences on our show. If you know a family ready to open their home to a puppy, we're taking nominations, and we also talk about our fundraising initiatives to care for the puppy. Join us in this rollercoaster of hope, resilience, and love, and remember, you're not alone in this journey.

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Standing Up for Special Needs & Addressing Domestic Violence: Personal Stories of Kindness, Courage, and an Unveiling of New Stories To Come Sep 07, 2023

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Imagine standing up for a kid with special needs, who is being disrespected at a fast-food restaurant, and how that simple act of kindness changes their world. That's exactly what happened to my husband at Wendy's, and the story will not only tug at your heartstrings but also inspire you to treat everyone with kindness, respect, and love, irrespective of their abilities.
In this powerful episode, we'll share personal stories that revolve around overcoming adversity, advocating for those with special needs, and how our faith has guided us through. Get ready to be moved by our tales of compassion, and be prepared to cheer for our commitment to ensuring that our puppies find caring homes filled with love. We hope our stories will motivate you to share your own experiences of standing up for someone with different abilities.
But that's not all! We also delve into the pivotal role kindness plays in our lives. From unforgettable Make-A-Wish trips to the way a simple act of compassion can create lasting memories, we underscore the importance of counting our blessings and spreading joy around. We then take a sobering turn, addressing the serious issue of domestic violence, offering survivors a platform to voice their experiences and support others in similar situations. To wrap it all up, we reveal a sneak peek into our latest book that is in the works, dedicated to all the strong and loving moms out there. So, tune in for an episode that's all about empathy, courage, and the joy of giving back.

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Taming Hectic Mornings & Navigating Chronic Pain: Empowering Strategies, Resilience Stories and Building Digital Lifelines Aug 31, 2023

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Have you ever wondered how you can transform your hectic morning routine into something manageable, even serene? Today, we set the stage for a discussion that will arm you with the tools to do just that. We'll get to the heart of common issues that riddle the start of the day, particularly for families with special needs, sharing a unique framework for problem-solving one issue at a time and making small yet impactful changes.
It's not just about mornings, though. This episode also warmly embraces the topic of living with chronic pain and disabilities. We'll redefine what it means to manage pain without depending solely on medication, introducing distraction techniques and affirming the significance of maintaining a sense of self amidst the struggle. Expect to hear heartening tales of resilience, celebrating the indomitable spirit of those living with pain each day.
In the final part of our conversation, we transform personal narratives of pain into useful resources. We'll explore how you can turn your pain journey into an online course, helping others navigate their struggles. Our guest expert discusses the mental fortitude needed to cope with pain, and we share the inspiring story of a young woman who, despite her disability, sees herself as a symbol of strength. Don’t miss this episode, it’s teeming with inspiration, practical advice, and a sneak peek at an upcoming project focusing on creating better morning routines and managing chronic pain.

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Untangling Domestic Violence Complexities & Delighting in Father-Daughter Humor: From Trauma to Love, Laughter, and Furry Companionship Aug 30, 2023

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Wondering why victims of domestic violence often find themselves behind bars for self-defense, while their abusers roam free? Today, we tackle this pressing issue head-on, inspired by the heartbreaking case of Danica, a 33-year-old woman whose life was tragically cut short. We also explore the oft-overlooked male victims of abuse, emphasizing the importance of open conversation and professional help. And because we believe in love after trauma, we'll share some stories of hope and resilience.
From deep conversations, we then shift into a lighter mood with the humorous father-daughter duo, Faith and Kitten. Their playful pranks and witty banter will have you laughing out loud - a testament to the beautiful bond they share. We'll be navigating through contemporary topics including the current president and Greek mythology. And in the spirit of companionship and unconditional love, we spotlight man's best friend. We share an inspiring tale of a golden retriever's unwavering emotional support during a difficult medical journey and introduce our exciting PuppyTales giveaway. Stay tuned and join us in this roller-coaster of emotions and experiences. From confronting harsh realities to cherishing moments of love, humor, and companionship, we've got a conversation for everyone.

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