The Big Silence

Latest Episodes:

94. Vibe Check! Learn How To Process Your Intuitive Energy with Kate Hobbs Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever felt like you absorbed the emotions of those around you? Or, do you find that people often divulge private thoughts or feelings to you – even complete strangers? Life as an empath can take many directions, but they all lead back to energetic entanglement.

Our guest today is energy transmuter and spiritual dot connector, Kate Hobbs. A native of New York City, an intuitive empath, certified energy healer, and relationship consultant, Kate is passionate about helping people release blocks, overcome obstacles, and excel to the next level.

We talk about how growing up amidst individuals struggling with depression and addiction issues, she felt isolation, anger, and frustration within the mental health community. In her healing journey, Kate explored many healing modalities, endurance challenges, courses, mentors, and mindset training – even endurance challenges – giving her a diverse perspective.

We detail her journey as an adopted child, finding her birth parents, and rebelling in her 20s. Then, realizing her empathic gifts for what they are, she began to use them to change her life, and so many others since.

This conversation takes us from the depths of despair and confusion to the peaks of self-discovery and spiritual actualization. It’s about meeting, knowing, and understanding your true self in order to better meet, know, and understand those around you.

(00:03:36) Kate’s Adoption Story & Finding Her Birth Parents

(00:08:44) Addiction & Depression in the Household

(00:10:57) Adjusting to Her Natural Intuitive Gifts

(00:23:20) Energy Entanglement & Balance Practices

(00:35:33) Benefits of Extreme Physical Challenge

(00:40:20) Narcissism & the Giver-Taker Dynamic

(00:51:06) Kate’s Intuition Coaching Work

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: insightwithkate.com

• Instagram: @insightwithkate

• Instagram: @khhobbs13

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

93. The Gut Talk Girls on How Our Gut Health Impacts Our Mental Health Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

Gut health is a topic that intertwines deeply with both mental and physical health, and today’s guests are here to shed light on how a happy gut is key to creating a happy life.

I am excited to introduce Jill and Jenna, sisters and hosts of the incredible Gut Talk podcast. These two are on a mission to revolutionize your perspective on health. They believe in simplifying health concepts and championing the notion that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness.

It's all about finding what uniquely works for you! Now that’s a message we can rally around.

Their podcast is a treasure trove of insights, delving into the nuances of gut health, a subject that's gaining popularity yet remains shrouded in mystery for many. Our conversation today is not just informative but also a lot of fun!

In this episode, we unpack how exactly our mental health issues like anxiety and depression are linked to gut issues. Jill and Jenna share their personal journeys and how they've navigated their own gut health challenges. We delve into the science of the mind-gut connection, discuss the differences between conventional and functional doctors in treating gut issues, along with recommended tests for a deeper understanding of your gut's health.

Diet and lifestyle factors, like the impact of gluten and alcohol, are on the table too, offering practical insights into how you can nurture a healthy gut. Plus, they address listener questions on a range of topics, from dealing with parasites to preventing bloating after workouts and detox methods for heavy metals.

For anyone eager to learn more about how their body works – and of course, enhance their gut health – Jill and Jenna's Gut Talk podcast is the go-to resource for invaluable tips on identifying symptoms and finding solutions that work for you.

(00:04:15) Jill & Jenna’s Gut Health Journeys

(00:14:04) Revealing Science Behind the Gut-Brain Connection

(00:20:35) Addressing Gut Issues with a Functional Approach

(00:28:44) Diet & Lifestyle Tips for Optimal Gut Health

(00:37:52) Community Questions: Parasites, Bloating & Detox

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @guttalkgirls

• RTik Tok: @guttalkgirls

• Podcast: GUT TALK with Jill and Jenna

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Factor | This episode is sponsored by Factor. Head to factormeals.com and use code thebigsilence50 to get 50% off.

92. Karena & Bobby on How To Navigate Valentine’s Day if You’re Feeling Triggered Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

While Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and affection, it can also stir a whirlwind of emotions for many, particularly those dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or depression. It's like Mother's Day or Father's Day; there’s a variety of different experiences and feelings people face. The reality is, these holidays can be triggering and hard to navigate.

That’s why we’ve done our research, and in this episode, Bobby and I are sharing three tips for coping with our feelings and emotions this holiday from Dr. Cortney Warren’s book, Letting Go Of Your Ex. We also share stories from our first date and Valentine’s Day, giving some ideas for celebrating love without causing financial stress, and embracing simple yet profound ways to make those around us feel loved.

We hope to bring a smile to your face and remind you that you're not alone in your journey. Whether you're celebrating, reflecting, or just trying to get through the day, this episode is a reminder that every emotion is valid and that there are ways to navigate through them.

We love you, we're here for you, and remember, you are never alone. Happy Valentine's Day! And don't forget to share this podcast with someone who might appreciate our stories and tips, or who simply needs a little lift today.

(00:00:53) Recognizing the Highs & Lows of Valentine’s Day

(00:07:49) Creatively Planning Meaningful Low-Cost Experiences

(00:18:07) Removing Performative Pressure & Setting Boundaries

(00:22:51) We’re Taking the Show on the Road!

Resources:

Read: Letting Go Of Your Ex by Dr. Cortney Warren
Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all
Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing
Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn
Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence
Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel
Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thrive Market | Join in on the savings with Thrive Market today and get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Visit thrivemarket.com/thebigsilence.

91. Connect to Your Vocal Power: How To Heal Anxiety & Increase Confidence with Maryn Azoff Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

Today’s episode is for anyone who loves to sing and dance. We’re joined by the remarkable Maryn Azoff, a classically trained singer and much more – a spirit lifter, soul emancipator, and fear crusher.

Maryn empowers people globally through her Vocal Transformation Method, teaching the transformative power of the human voice. Maryn's method blends ancient wisdom and vocal techniques from diverse cultures, reawakening the body-mind-spirit connection.

In this conversation, we explore Maryn’s journey to discovering her voice and passion for singing as she shares insights on our innate vocal instincts from birth, the transformative power of our voice, and techniques for recognizing and releasing trauma in the body. She also dishes on advice for anyone struggling with anxiety, self-confidence or confronting fears around not being “good enough” – leaving us with breathing technique tips to shift our nervous system state.

Maryn teaches us how to use our voice to connect with the earth and heal ourselves, reminding us that our inner child has so many gifts to explore if we allow them the chance. She empowers us with the knowledge that we’re capable of more than we give ourselves credit for.

I’m excited to add voice to my mental health tool box, and for those interested, I recommend looking into Maryn’s courses and retreats for a deep dive into this incredible healing art form.

(00:05:44) Maryn’s Journey to Finding Her Voice & Healing Childhood Trauma

(00:10:09) Understanding Our Natural Instincts To Use Our Voice

(00:16:53) How To Recognize if You’re Holding Trauma in Your Body

(00:24:28) How To Create a Vibrational Cleaning With Your Voice

(00:32:07) Maryn’s New Vocal Workout for Self-Expression

(00:35:30) Embracing All We Are Capable of Through Vibrational Healing

Guest Info:

Website: vocaltransformation.com
Instagram: @vocal_transformation
Retreats: vocaltransformation.com/retreat

Resources:

Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all
Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing
Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn
Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence
Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel
Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

ClearStem | Visit clearstemskincare.com and use code THEBIGSILENCE for 15% off your order!

90. I Am Always Me: Katie Horwitch Shares Tips for Embodiment & Confidence Building Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

Katie Horwitch is a writer, speaker, mindset coach, and women’s empowerment activist. She’s also the founder of WANT: Women Against Negative Talk, a platform that gives women tips, tools, motivation, and inspiration to live fearlessly. And she’s back for another conversation on the podcast, this time visiting The Big Silence studio in person.

Touring in Austin to promote her book, Want Your Self, Katie and I take this opportunity to go even deeper into subjects we covered in October – and crack open a few interesting new ones, too. Starting with a rewind to trace her shift from fitness to self-development, we touch on her writing process, dating lessons, and life as an introvert in New York City.

Of course, we hop around tips and takeaways from the book, as well – delving into her embodiment journey, tips for telling the difference between intuition and triggered suspicion, reframing failure when it comes to your 2024 goals, and so much more.

Katie is raw and honest in the retelling of her ups and downs – as she says, always doing her best to represent her most true self. I’m so thankful she was able to join the show again, and hope you enjoy Part 2 of our inspiring and educational conversation.

(00:06:58) Catching Up With Katie Horwitch

(00:14:57) Finding Confidence in Community

(00:26:35) Falling Off the Wagon: How to Reframe Failure

(00:36:29) Settling Into the Frequency of a New Home

(00:43:02) Motivational Mindset Tips for Creative Writers

(00:52:33) Embodying Self: Past, Present & Future

(00:56:49) Intuition vs. Triggered Suspicion

Guest Info:

Website: katiehorwitch.com
Women Against Negative Talk (WANT): wantyourself.com
Podcast: WANTcast: The Women Against Negative Talk Podcast
Read: Want Your Self
Instagram: @katiehorwitch
Facebook: Katie Horwitch
Rewrite Your Inner Story: How to Shift Your Self-Talk & Live Fearlessly with Katie Horwitch #76

Resources:

Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all
Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing
Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn
Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence
Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel
Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

89. Become Your Most Powerful Self: Exploring Embodiment Practices for Inner Strength with Alexis Artin Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Get ready to dive into an episode that's all about strengthening your intuition and embracing your best self with Alexis Artin. She's not just a leading growth coach; she's a powerhouse in the world of female embodiment, and she's here to share her incredible journey and tips for strengthening the mind-body-heart-soul connection.

Alexis is a master at blending fitness trends with deep, transformative self-care. From her days in Hollywood to becoming a leader in female empowerment, she's got some amazing stories about personal development, letting go of self-judgements and limiting beliefs, how to truly connect with your inner strength and build resilience.

Alexis is also a main brain behind Soulsway Practice, an innovative approach to fitness that's all about meditation, mindfulness, connecting to your sensual side and getting in touch with your body on a deeper level. Think of it as your guide to merging mental wellness with physical fitness, which I am so excited to try.

So get ready for some real talk on how to tune into your intuition, make those big career changes, really align your reality with your soul’s purpose, and make self-improvement a fun and fulfilling adventure. And if you enjoy this conversation with Alexis, check out her new podcast, Look At Me Now!

(00:06:17) From Hollywood Secret Weapon to Female Embodiment Coach

(00:11:21) Advice for Following Your Intuition & Making a Career Switch

(00:17:14) How to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Body

(00:28:20) Soulsway’s Embodiment, Meditation, Mindfulness & Sensual Fitness Classes

(00:44:00) Look At Me Now: The Inspiration Behind Her New Podcast

Guest Info:

Website: alexisartin.com
Instagram: @alexis_artin
TikTok: @alexisartin
Soulsway: soulswaypractice.com
Podcast: Look At Me Now
LinkedIn: Alexis Artin

Resources:

Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all
Tone It Up Refresh & Reset Challenge 2024
Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing
Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn
Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence
Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel
Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thrive Market | Join in on the savings with Thrive Market today and get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Visit thrivemarket.com/thebigsilence.

88. You Are NOT Your Past! Take Home Tips for Turning Adversity Into Triumph with Doug Bopst Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

When we experience bullying or face emotional hardship, it’s hard to imagine a world in which everything will turn out okay. At just 20 years old, Doug Bopst was addicted to opiates and spent time in jail for “possession with intent to sell.” It felt like a death sentence at the time. But in dedicating himself to doing the work to shift out of a victim mindset, mindful movement, and the people who believed in him, this is not where Doug’s story ends, but where it begins.

Doug Bopst is an award-winning personal trainer, author of three books, and host of the Adversity Advantage Podcast on a crusade to inspire others to overcome adversity and become the best version of themselves. Doug has been featured on NBC’s ‘Today Show,’ Men’s Health, Forbes, Rich Roll’s podcast, Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu, The Skinny Confidential Him and Her podcast, and more. There’s even a short documentary about his story, From Felony to Fitness to Free.

In this honest conversation about facing demons and coming out the other side as a changed person, Doug reveals how he was able to kick addiction and reinvent himself, sharing how instrumental exercise and talk therapy have been in healing childhood wounds and limiting beliefs.

Doug and Karena discuss how important it is to be surrounded by people with similar values, not let the fear of other people’s opinions keep you from being true to yourself, and build self-trust and resilience through doing hard things. No matter how low you’ve been, Doug’s story is proof that you can heal and become the best version of yourself.

(00:03:27) Becoming a Felon at 20: Childhood Wounds Lead to Life-Changing Choices

(00:19:03) What Doug Lost (and Gained) While In Prison

(00:28:48) Processing Limiting Beliefs & Strengthening Self-Trust Through Talk Therapy

(00:38:40) Overcoming Victim Mentality & Healing in Community

(00:44:24) Cultivating Resilience by Making Peace With the Past

Resources:

Website: dougbopst.com
Instagram: @dougbopst
YouTube: Doug Bopst
Podcast: The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst
Read: The Heart of Recovery by Doug Bopst
Documentary: From Felony to Fitness to Free
Tone It Up Refresh & Reset Challenge 2024
Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing
Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn
Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence
Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel
Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

87. Toxic Love: Trauma Bonding & Relationship Red (and Green!) Flags with Dr. Nadine Macaluso Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

We hear terms like narcissist, love bombing, and trauma bonding a lot on social media. But what do they actually mean? And how can you recognize the signs so you can avoid, or begin to heal from, a toxic relationship?

We explore these complex questions with Dr. Nadine Macaluso, a somatic psychologist and psychotherapist, in today’s episode of the podcast. Dr. Macaluso’s mission is to break the stigma of abusive relationships– and her first book, Run Like Hell, will be released this month.

In this conversation, Dr. Macaluso shares her story of leaving her marriage to Jordan Belfort, the stockbroker infamously known as the Wolf of Wall Street, and reveals her journey to becoming a therapist at age 39 – giving us a great illustration of why it’s never too late to start something new.

She tells us all about pathological relationships, trauma bonding, and love bombing while revealing how to recognize if you’re in a toxic relationship. Plus, advice for nurturing relationships, co-parenting, and spotting red (and green!) flags while dating.

We wrap up by answering questions from The Big Silence community. Nobody teaches us about relationships in school. Today, we’re all getting an essential education!

(00:03:13) What Led Nadine to Her Therapy Career at Age 39

(00:06:55) Dating The Wolf of Wall Street

(00:09:43) Recognizing the Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

(00:14:23) How Long Does It Take To Heal From a Toxic Relationship?

(00:19:42) What Is a Trauma Bond?

(00:21:22) Trauma’s Profound Impact on the Body

(00:22:34) Identifying Red (and Green!) Flags in Dating

(00:25:31) Co-Parenting With a Toxic Ex

(00:27:07) What Is Somatic Psychology?

(00:30:16) Questions From The Big Silence Community

(00:38:10) Why Everyone Should Be Taught About Relationships

Resources:

Read: Run Like Hell by Dr. Nadine Macaluso
Website: drnae.com
Instagram: @therealdrnadine
TikTok: @drnaelmft
YouTube: The Real Dr. Nadine
Brainmanager Big Five Personality Quiz
Tone It Up Refresh & Reset Challenge 2024
Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing
Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn
Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence
Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel
Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thrive Market | Join in on the savings with Thrive Market today and get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Visit thrivemarket.com/thebigsilence.

86. Accepting Change & Prioritizing Relationships in 2024 with Bobby Goldstein & Karena Dawn Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

Happy New Year, friends! Bobby and I are excited for 2024, and ready to share our reflections from 2023 and what we’re looking forward to in the new year. In this episode, we get honest about the lessons we learned and challenges we overcame, individually and as a couple, in 2023 before previewing what’s in store for 2024.

We also get into some fun audience questions about our current fitness obsessions, goals, and how to take the first step towards getting mental health support through both the foundation’s growing offering and other reputable means.

I’m simply blown away by what we have accomplished through The Big Silence podcast in 2023 – in reaching 2.4 million people with mental health and self-development conversations, we’re among the top rated shows in our category. We feel proud to amplify these voices and excited to continue making an impact in the mental health space.

Cheers to 2024! Let's make sure we're not procrastinating – and instead, celebrating, having fun and following our dreams in the new year.

(00:01:36) Reflecting on The Big Silence Impact in 2023

(00:04:12) Relationship Challenges & Biggest Lesson Learned in 2023

(00:13:13) The Biggest Surprise of 2023

(00:17:01) 3 Places We Want to Visit in 2024

(00:24:26) Karena & Bobby Audience Q+A

Resources:

Connect with Bobby: @whoisbobbygold
The Big Silence Dance Challenge
Tone It Up Refresh & Reset Challenge
Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing
Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn
Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence
Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel
Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thrive Market | Join in on the savings with Thrive Market today and get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Visit thrivemarket.com/thebigsilence.

85. Movement Is Medicine: Healing Through Dance & Mindfulness with Anya Garnis Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

I’m thrilled to welcome dancer and performer Anya Garnis to the podcast. I met Anya when I took a dance class with a group of girlfriends; the experience was so joyful and meditative. I was touched by her personal journey with mental health and inspired to share it with this community.

You may know Anya as a dancer and choreographer from So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars Live, and BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing. After years performing all over the world, Anya has returned to her first passion – teaching, creating The Body Instinct, a program where she helps women feel empowered, confident, and connected through dance, yoga, breath work, and mobility movement.

In today’s episode, Anya shares her story of growing up in Eastern Europe and studying dance from a young age. She gets vulnerable about her career highs and lows, the pressure of being your own brand, and how she lost and rediscovered her love of dance over the years. She tells us about her physical and mental health battles, and how she came out stronger and more centered.

We also talk about the healing powers of meditation and the importance of melding movement with mindfulness. As fitness professionals and the faces of our brands, Anya and I connected on so many levels. I can’t wait for you to hear this honest, moving conversation.

Check out The Big Silence social media feeds today where Anya is helping us kick off our dance challenge! And – as always, don’t forget to check in on your friends this holiday season. In the spirit of support, I’ve teamed up with my friend Jewel again to spotlight the Not Alone Challenge throughout this often emotionally charged time of the year. Learn how you can join the fun: here.

(00:04:44) Anya’s Upbringing as a Child Dancer

(00:10:17) Mental Health & Body Image in Ballet

(00:12:19) How so You Think You Can Dance Changed Her Life

(00:15:58) The Pressure When You Are Your Brand

(00:18:18) Emergency Surgery & Suffering in Silence

(00:25:21) How Stress & Diet Impacted Anya’s Illness

(00:29:00) The Best Thing She’s Ever Done for Her Wellbeing

(00:34:47) Rediscovering Fitness & Dance As Joys, Not Jobs

(00:38:30) Building the Body Instinct

(00:43:27) The Power of Dance for Mental Health

(00:48:03) Bringing Mindfulness Into Movement

Participate: