The Big Silence

Latest Episodes:

The End of Mental Illness? Dr. Daniel Amen on Brainhealth, Tiny Habits & Hope Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

*Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!* Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn *Could the secret to mental health be linked to brain health rather than what’s inside a pill bottle?* In this illuminating episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with world-renowned psychiatrist, brain health expert, and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Amen. With over 200,000 brain scans and decades of research, Dr. Amen is on a mission to end the stigma around mental illness by reframing it as brain health. Together, they dive into the real causes of depression, the daily habits that heal your brain, and the tiny shifts that can transform your life. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, negative thoughts, or burnout, this conversation will change how you see yourself—and your future. *Is Mental Illness Really a Brain Health Issue?* Dr. Amen challenges the outdated way psychiatry diagnoses mental illness and shows us how brain scans, nutrition, movement, and mindset can unlock the healing we’ve been searching for. *(00:00:00) Rethinking Mental Illness: It Starts with the Brain* ● Why psychiatric diagnoses haven’t evolved since the 1800s and what needs to change ● Depression is like “chest pain”: why we must ask why before we treat ● How Dr. Amen divides depression and anxiety into seven different types ● The four “circles” of health: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual *(00:05:28) What Brain Scans Reveal That Doctors Miss* ● The difference between brain structure scans (MRI, CT) and SPECT scans ● Why PTSD and traumatic brain injury need different treatments, and how scans show the difference ● The danger of misdiagnosing a “busy brain” vs. a “sleepy brain” ● Why more information is always better when it comes to treatment *(00:08:22) Brain Health Habits Anyone Can Start Today* ● Dr. Amen’s three essentials: brain envy, avoiding what hurts, and doing what helps ● Why alcohol and marijuana are not brain-friendly, despite cultural messaging ● The shocking truth about body weight and brain size/function ● How media and marketing feed mental illness *(00:13:37) Social Media, Sleep & The Digital Brain Drain* ● How social media thins your brain’s cortex and lowers self-esteem ● Why more online “connection” often leads to greater loneliness ● Sleep as one of the most underrated brain health tools ● How Dr. Amen balances his social media presence with mental wellness *(00:15:59) Tiny Habits, Big Shifts: Healing Your Brain Daily* ● The simple nightly practice that rewires your brain for positivity ● Why accurate self-talk beats blind positivity ● The “ANTs”: automatic negative thoughts and how to kill them ● Meditation and chanting as proven brain boosters *(00:24:56) Hydration, Food & Loving What Loves You Back* ● Why just 2% dehydration can wreck your focus and coordination ● The story of Nancy, who transformed her life by starting with hydration ● No more fruit juice, and what to do instead ● Secret #4 from You, Happier: Love food that loves you back *(00:30:11) A Mission Too Big for One Person* ● Dr. Amen on founding the Change Your Brain Foundation ● Why infectious diseases like Lyme may play a role in schizophrenia ● Karena shares how changing her mother’s diet extended her life by five years ● Why the fight for brain health is a mission for all of us *Guest Resources* ● Dr. Amen’s Change Your Brain Foundation: https://www.changeyourbrain.org/ ● Take the Brain Health Assessment: https://www.brainhealthassessment.com/ ● Explore his book: You, Happier https://danielamenmd.com/you-happier/ If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources: *Connect with The Big Silence Community* ● Order: The Big Silence Memoir audiobook https://thebigsilence.com/pages/audiobook ● Shop The Big Silence Self Love Collection https://thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all ● Donate to The Big Silence Foundation https://thebigsilence.com/donate

Love, Loss & Looking IRL: Stephanie Fischer on Resilience, Humor & Finding Your Person Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

*What if modern dating wasn’t done with your thumb?* In this refreshing episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Stephanie Fisher, attorney-turned-tech CEO of NeverMissed, a proximity-based dating app designed to get you off your phone and into real life, safely. From a hilariously infamous childhood story to caregiving through cancer, and building a women-led tech company, Stephanie serves up honest, witty, and deeply practical wisdom on love, boundaries, burnout, and choosing yourself. *What if the healthiest way to date is to close the app and look up?* By stripping away the endless swipes and curated profiles, Stephanie argues that confidence, clarity, and community are built in person, one real conversation at a time. *(00:00:00) Why “in‑person first” dating matters* ● NeverMissed’s premise: check in at your current location and only see others who’ve opted in there. Meet IRL, then put the phone down. ● Control & safety: you decide when you’re visible, you can check out anytime, and profiles are photo‑verified to be the real you. ● The point isn’t more messaging. It’s better matching energy in the room, not just in the feed. *(00:01:58) Only‑Child Resilience & a Sense of Humor * ● Early chaos taught self‑advocacy: “Being ‘so mature’ was a response to chaos, not a compliment.” ● Humor as a coping tool: the infamous urologist‑dad pool becomes a lifelong icebreaker and puts a lens on embarrassment and identity. ● Takeaway: Name the chaos, keep the humor, and own your story—it stops owning you. *(00:09:04) Reinvention at 30: Leaving the Comfort Zone* ● Left Dallas for DC to break stagnant patterns: if your environment doesn’t support growth, change the room. ● Dating “decades” shift: bars → questionnaires → intentionality. ● Action: Audit your current circle & city: Do they match who you’re becoming? If not, move or shake up routines. *(00:16:31) How NeverMissed Works (and Why It’s Different)* ● Opt‑in visibility only when you check in at a venue; no searchable database. ● “Fleeting Moments”: post a sighting (“saw you at…”) to reconnect; uses simple descriptors to help find the person. ● Goal: to complement other apps, not replace them. Meet people doing what you already love (gym, tennis, concerts). *(00:20:40) Female CEO in Tech: Owning Assertiveness* ● Navigating “men are talking” energy with receipts: you pay the bills, you set the tone. ● Reframe “bitchy” → clear, paid, and prepared; assertiveness ≠ aggression. ● Tip: Put decisions and boundaries in writing; lead with outcomes and timelines. *(00:31:49) Caregiving Without Losing Yourself* ● Cared for mom and now dad: same love, different game plan. ● Labs don’t lie: cortisol, hormones, sleep. If you don’t delegate, your body will. ● Action: Create a care team (siblings, friends, hospital resources); schedule your appointments first each month. *(00:40:56) Dating‑App Burnout: Getting Your Hope Back* ● Ditch the artificial timeline (“married by 28”); Stephanie married at 39; right person, right time. ● Know yourself → know your filter. Less noise = better choices. ● Micro‑goal: 1 real‑life conversation per week (bookstore, class, coffee line). Momentum beats swiping. *(00:43:59) First‑Date Playbook: Safety + Chemistry* ● Meet in public somewhere you already know; tell a friend your plan and exit time. ● Keep it short & expandable: coffee/happy hour → appetizer if it’s vibing. ● Look for energy match and humor in real time, not clever texts. *(00:50:46) Red Flags & Why IRL Wins* ● People lie online (age, height, income…); in person, height and vibe don’t Photoshop. ● NeverMissed’s opt‑in visibility reduces lurking and encourages direct, respectful approach. ● Gut check /profile banter: trust what you feel in the room. *(00:54:14) What to Wear (and What Not To)* ● Be you: comfort + context over costume. Plan for the activity (Texas heat, walking, etc.). ● Guys: skip the hat; everyone: pick something that lets you focus on connection, not fidgeting. ● Consider a simple “date capsule” outfit to reduce decision fatigue. *(00:56:58) Try NeverMissed (It’s Free)* ● Available on Apple App Store and Google Play; free with all features. ● Designed to nudge you off the couch and into community. Check in, look up, say hi. ● Feedback welcome: the team iterates from real user input. Thanks for the support from our partners, including: *Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!* Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn *Guest Resources* ● https://never-missed.com/ ● https://www.instagram.com/goldfisch5ssf/ If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources: *Connect with The Big Silence Community* ● https://thebigsilence.com/pages/audiobook ● https://thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all ● https://thebigsilence.com/donate

It’s Time to End the Cycle of Self-Abandonment: How to Set Boundaries, Heal Shame, and Reclaim Your Aliveness with Vanessa Bennett Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

*What if the guilt and shame you carry as a mother or caretaker weren’t yours to begin with?* In this episode, Karena Dawn sits down with Vanessa Bennett, LMFT, Licensed Depth Therapist, and author of the new book, The Motherhood Myth, to unpack her new book. From growing up as a “parentified child” to raising her daughter with intention, Vanessa shares how generational wounds, from the “witch wound” to the “mother wound”, shape our lives in ways we may not realize. Together, they explore self-abandonment, the myth of perfection, codependency in relationships, and how to reclaim your identity through micro moments of self-choosing. Whether you’re a mother, daughter, partner, or friend, this conversation offers tangible ways to break cycles, set boundaries, and follow the breadcrumbs back to yourself. *How Do We Heal Generational Wounds Without Losing Ourselves?* Vanessa reveals how recognizing inherited patterns and our part in them is the first step to breaking free. *(00:00:22) Depth Psychology and the Path to Individuation* Vanessa explains depth psychology as the “psychology of the soul,” focusing on the whole being and the unconscious. Her upbringing as a parentified child and how it shaped her initial decision not to have children. The importance of holding your upbringing objectively to heal. “They're not all bad. And also, they're not all good.” *(00:06:11) The Trinity Wound: Witch, Sister, and Mother* The witch wound: epigenetic trauma silencing women’s power, sexuality, and individuality. The sister wound: competition among women fueled by scarcity thinking. The mother wound: how women unconsciously uphold patriarchy and pass down harmful narratives. Why ending these cycles starts with self-awareness and modeling change for the next generation. *(00:12:30) Self-Abandonment, Guilt, and Rebuilding Your Sense of Self* Guilt and shame are by design. They are tools of societal control, not signs you’re broken. Accept guilt as part of the process, then act anyway. Use “micro moments” (like saying no when you mean it) as bricks in the foundation of self-trust. Following breadcrumbs: orienting toward what makes you feel alive, even if it’s small or scary. *(00:22:09) Codependency, Resentment, and Healthy Boundaries* We live in a codependent culture that teaches us to outsource our emotional regulation. Resentment as a diagnostic tool: a signal that a boundary is being crossed or unspoken. Attachment styles are fluid and change depending on the relationship dynamic. The link between resentment and projection and how awareness can stop the cycle. Why attraction often fades when relationships take on a parental dynamic, and how both partners can reclaim responsibility for their own happiness. *(00:32:50) Friendships, Attachment Styles, and Communication* Vanessa and her co-host model conflict resolution through a commitment to talk about issues openly. The cultural trap of expecting a partner to “reparent” us and why it can kill romantic attraction. Building safety without losing mystery or eros in long-term relationships. *(00:40:17) Therapy, Accessibility, and the Power of Group Work* Why therapists need therapists, and the stigma that still exists around seeking help. Alternative paths to healing: coaches, low-cost group programs, and community support. Vanessa’s Inner Compass Collective: a “class pass” of wellness with multiple therapists, coaches, and modalities. *(00:46:25) Breaking Shame with Conversation* Group work and shared experiences dissolve the isolation of shame. Why talking openly about mental health creates collective healing. Vanessa’s call to reject constructed shame and choose to live without it. Thanks for the support from our partners: Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and enjoy a special discount on your first month.If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/ *Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!* Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn Guest Resources Follow Vanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessasbennett/ Join: The Inner Compass Collective: https://www.vanessabennett.com/inner-compass-collective Order: The Motherhood Myth https://www.vanessabennett.com/books Listen: Cheaper Than Therapy the Podcast: https://www.vanessabennett.com/podcast-cheaper-than-therapy If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources: *Connect with The Big Silence Community* https://thebigsilence.com/pages/audiobook https://thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all https://thebigsilence.com/donate

Dream Bigger Than Your Trauma: Natalia Kholodenko on Resilience, War & Reclaiming Joy Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

What if the path to healing wasn’t in returning to the life you had, but in dreaming up an even better one?

In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Ukrainian psychologist and motivational speaker Natalia Kholodenko. Once a TV star living a glamorous life in Kyiv, Natalia lost everything in an instant when war broke out. Forced to flee, she faced displacement, trauma, and the collapse of her identity, but she refused to give up. Now rebuilding her life while helping others do the same, Natalia opens up about finding meaning in pain, rebuilding self-worth, and the daily practices that anchor her through the darkest moments.

Can Your Dreams Be Stronger Than Your Trauma?

Natalia shares how she went from surviving bombings to speaking on international stages, rebuilding her life through imagination, purpose, and healing. Her story is a blueprint for how to find meaning after loss.

(00:01:00) Fame to Flight: Losing It All and Starting Over

Natalia reflects on her life before the war: fame, wealth, and red carpets, and how it all vanished overnight.
The hardest part wasn’t losing material things, but losing the belief in herself.
“You are not alive when you are just surviving,” she says—describing how she knew she had to make a change.

(00:08:00) The Steps to Rebuilding: From Despair to Dreaming

She shares how survivor’s guilt set in and how she found meaning by choosing to live in honor of those who didn’t make it.
“Dream is more powerful than trauma.” Natalia explains how imagining a “huge future” helped her begin again.
From dreams came plans, and from plans came people to help. She shares the importance of turning imagination into action.
Her philosophy: never stop dreaming, because good dreams create good plans, and good plans can fuel a good future.
“We are marketologists for our lives,” she says. Speak bad things, and you’ll believe them. Speak dreams, and your brain follows.

(00:14:00) Leading While Healing: How Helping Others Helped Herself

Even while navigating her own trauma, Natalia started speaking online to women in pain, discovering healing in connection.
She shares how her live streams helped survivors practice joy and laughter, turning them into tools for survival.
“I only found myself again in this life.” Viewing what happened as a gift that helped her discover her life’s work

(00:17:00) Biohacks for the Soul: Daily Rituals That Anchor Her

Every morning, Natalia visualizes giving an interview about her dream life. “I talk to the future me,” she explains.
Cold water immersion is her go-to anti-stress tool
Singing is a daily practice. Even silly made-up songs rewire the brain for joy.
She’s even sung with Gloria Gaynor in support of Ukraine, proof that big dreams can come true.

Guest Resources

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“You Have to Become the Boss of Your Biology” — Dr. Darshan Shah on Mental Health, Longevity & Healing from the Inside Out Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

What if your doctor was the one who needed saving?

In this eye-opening episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Dr. Darshan Shah, a surgeon, longevity expert, and founder of Next Health. After decades in medicine and a career spent helping others, Dr. Shah found himself battling chronic disease, obesity, depression, and burnout. But it wasn’t pills or procedures that saved him. It was a radical shift toward root-cause healing and functional medicine. This episode dives deep into the science behind metabolic health, food and mood, hormones, inflammation, and even Alzheimer’s prevention. If you’ve ever felt like your health was spiraling or your mind was foggy beyond repair, this conversation is your invitation to start again from a smarter, stronger, and more self-aware place.

What’s the Real Cause of Chronic Illness, and Can We Reverse It Without Medication?

Dr. Shah explains why most health advice treats symptoms, not causes, and how root-cause medicine, nutrition, and tracking your biomarkers can change everything.

(00:03:15) When the Doctor Becomes the Patient: Dr. Shah’s Wake-Up Call

At 42, Dr. Shah was 50 pounds overweight, had high blood pressure, prediabetes, and depression — despite being a leading surgeon.
He realized that traditional medicine taught him how to treat disease, but not how to prevent or reverse it.
His journey into functional medicine began with uncovering the root causes of mental and physical illness.
The experience made him rethink everything he thought he knew about health — and launched his mission to transform care from reactive to proactive.

(00:11:05) Food, Mood & Metabolic Disease: What Your Grocery Cart Isn’t Telling You

Ultra-processed foods cause nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and metabolic chaos — and often trigger depression and anxiety.
Reducing sugar and refined carbs (like bread, pasta, and pastries) is critical to brain and body health.
Dr. Shah recommends key books:
Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means
Brain Energy by Dr. Christopher Palmer
Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé
Metabolic health is deeply connected to mental health — you can’t treat one without addressing the other.

(00:14:19) Hormones, Bloodwork & Becoming the Boss of Your Own Biology

Most doctors don’t check thyroid, testosterone, or estrogen levels — even though these regulate nearly every cell in your body.
Annual (or even quarterly) bloodwork is essential to catch changes before they become diagnoses.
At home, you can track body composition with a bioimpedance scale and sleep/stress with wearables.
Knowing your health data empowers you to take action before symptoms spiral.

(00:18:44) Fitness for Longevity: Why “Exercise Snacks” Work Better Than the Gym

Dr. Shah encourages 3–5 minute movement breaks throughout the day — called “exercise snacks” — to counteract sedentary behavior.
Research shows that every 45 minutes of sitting increases your risk of disease. Breaking it up adds up fast.
Karena shares how she intuitively built strength this way with small workout breaks.
Your genome is malleable, based 95% on your day-to-day habits and 5 % genetics.

(00:24:22) Alzheimer’s, Genes & How to Take Control of Your Brain’s Future

Having the APOE gene doesn’t guarantee Alzheimer’s, but lifestyle factors like poor sleep, sugar consuption, and inflammation increase risk.
Dr. Shah outlines 15 modifiable root causes of cognitive decline, from toxins to sedentary behavior.
Healing your gut, balancing blood sugar, and protecting your mitochondria can dramatically reduce your risk.
Recommended read: The End of Alzheimer’s by Dr. Dale Bredesen.

(00:32:49) Inflammation, Gut Health & the Truth About Probiotics

The #1 inflammation marker to know is HSCRP: it should be as close to zero as possible.
Gut health is foundational! 90% of inflammation starts there. That means less sugar, more fiber, fermented foods, and even bone broth.
Oral hygiene matters too: gum disease can lead to systemic inflammation.
Probiotic picks:
Foods first (fermented foods, yogurt, fiber)
Supplements for gut/metabolic health

(00:38:00) Supplements That Work (and the Ones Dr. Shah Takes)

His daily must-haves:
Vitamin D3 + K2
Omega-3s
Methylated B vitamins (especially if you have MTHFR mutation)
Creatine (great for muscle + brain)
Thoughts on stem cell therapy, NAD, and the best forms to use

(00:42:00) Next Health & The Future of Wellness Access

Dr. Shah’s clinics are nationwide (L.A., NYC, Nashville, Austin, Miami), offering biomarker testing, cryotherapy, IVs, and more.
Big Silence listeners can mention the show to receive a complimentary experience at any location.
Download Dr. Shah’s free biomarker guide at https://www.drshah.com/biomarkers to take your first step toward data-driven health.

Guest Resources

Check out his website: https://www.drshah.com/
Get Your FREE Biomarker Guide: https://www.drshah.com/biomarkers
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:

Connect with The Big Silence Community

Trading Toxic Positivity for Mental Optimism: Dr. Deepika Chopra on What Actually Fosters Wellbeing Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

What does it really mean to be optimistic?

In this Flow Space edition of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Dr. Deepika Chopra, known as the “Optimism Doctor”, live from the Women’s Health Summit in LA. Drawing from her background in psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience, Dr. Chopra debunks the myth that optimism is about “being positive.” Instead, she offers science-backed tools to build mental resilience, process worry, and shift your brain toward the future you want to create. From dancing first thing in the morning to scheduling daily “worry time,” this episode is packed with small, powerful rituals to help you feel more joy, no matter where your mind is now.

Could resilience be the true foundation of optimism?

Dr. Chopra shares why optimism isn’t a constant state of happiness; it’s a mindset that acknowledges life’s challenges while staying open to growth, healing, and future possibility.

(00:02:00) Reframing Optimism: It’s Not About Being Positive All the Time

Dr. Chopra defines real optimism as rooted in resiliency and curiosity, not blind positivity.
Being an optimist means recognizing life’s setbacks, but seeing them as temporary and surmountable.
She shares that optimism is a learnable skill, not just a personality trait.
The science shows optimists live longer, thrive more, and have deeper connections.

(00:07:30) From Emo Journaling to Neuroscience: Her Unexpected Path to Optimism

Deepika’s childhood emotional diaries foreshadowed her fascination with human behavior.
Learning that the brain thinks in the future tense.
Helping people anticipate good things and how to train your brain to do it.
Research shows only about 25% of optimism is genetic—the rest is learned.

(00:09:40) Awe, Music, and Movement: Tools to Interrupt Anxiety

Spending just two hours a week in nature significantly lowers stress and improves clarity.
She starts every morning with her “wake-up and dance” routine to set a positive tone.
Feelings of awe: How art, nature, and nostalgia help reset the brain and reduce anxiety.
Happiness hack: Holding onto a positive thought for at least 12 seconds helps the brain create more of them.

(00:12:30) Feel It to Heal It: Why Optimism Starts With Honesty

True optimism requires sitting with hard emotions, not bypassing them.
Dr. Chopra explains the power of curiosity when you can’t access joy.
Being neutral or open, even when in pain, is still progress.
Staying present and inquisitive with where you are in the moment

(00:13:55) Schedule Your Worry: How Boundaries Can Free Your Mind

Dr. Chopra shares her practice of “worry time”—a scheduled slot to process anxious thoughts.
Throughout the day, she defers worries to that time, writing them down or mentally shelving them.
Setting a clear boundary gives worries space without you being consumed by them.
Surprisingly, the best solutions often arise when you’re feeling joy or calm.

(00:16:45) End Your Day With a To-DA! List (Not a To-Do List)

Instead of an anxiety triggering nighttime to-do list, write down daily accomplishments.
Even small wins count. Celebrating them boosts a sense of empowerment and self-worth.
Gratitude can lose impact over time; the To-DA list keeps things specific and fresh.
She emphasizes the power of feeling accomplished before bed.

Thanks for the support from our partners, including:

Guest Resources

If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:

Connect with The Big Silence Community

Let Us Age: Constance Zimmer & Abby Epstein on Midlife Monologues, Menopause Truths & Women Rewriting the Narrative Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

What if midlife wasn’t something to fear, but something to own?

In this empowering episode recorded live at the Women’s Health Summit in LA, Karena sits down with actor and activist Constance Zimmer and filmmaker Abby Epstein to talk about aging, hormones, Hollywood, and how women are finally telling the truth about what it means to grow older. From the early days of the Vagina Monologues to the debut of their new project Midlife Monologues, Constance and Abby are lighting up taboo topics with humor, vulnerability, and a whole lot of truth-telling. This episode will leave you inspired to embrace your story; wrinkles, wisdom, hot flashes, and all.

What happens when women finally speak the unspeakable?

Reframing aging, menopause, and midlife not as an ending, but a power-filled beginning.

(00:00) The Midlife Glow-Up: Why Aging Is the New Prime

Why the TikTok trend on women thriving in their 30s, 40s, and 50s is a needed cultural shift
Ditching the age stigma and embracing confidence in midlife
How storytelling has the power to normalize the aging experience

(03:50) Hormones, Trauma & the Real Talk Around Perimenopause

Karena opens up about early menopause symptoms and trauma-related health shifts
Abby shares insights from her certification as a midlife menopause coach
Why we need to stop associating menopause with a number — and start listening to our bodies
The double-edged sword of hormone therapy and wellness marketing: empowerment vs. exploitation

(08:45) From Hollywood to Hormones: Women's Stories on Stage

Constance reflects on strong female roles and the scarcity of opportunities for women over 50
How UnREAL and Entourage helped shift her career into meaningful, unapologetic characters
Abby shares how directing The Vagina Monologues uncovered deep stories from performers and audiences alike
The emotional labor behind directing: holding space for women’s hidden truths

(12:45) The Birth of the Midlife Monologues

How a casual email turned into a groundbreaking collaboration between Constance and Abby
Collecting personal stories from peers and actors about aging, change, and identity
Why 2026 — the 30th anniversary of The Vagina Monologues — is the perfect time to launch
Their goal: create a theatrical space for stories that ripple into collective healing

(14:45) Redefining Beauty, Power & Purpose as We Age

Why aging women in Europe are revered — and how the U.S. is catching up (slowly)
Constance’s motto: “Just let us age” — and why that’s still a radical statement
The cultural cost of ignoring women's health and midlife experience
Abby and Constance call for more visibility, celebration, and truth in women’s media

Guest Resources

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Media, Micro Workouts, and Owning Midlife with Samantha Skey Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

What if you were leading a major wellness media company while quietly struggling to follow the very advice you publish?

In this refreshingly candid episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Samantha Skey, CEO of SheMedia and founder of Flowspace. Together, they dive into what it really means to age out loud, from the invisible weight of midlife caregiving to the truth about impostor syndrome, mental load, and why self-care often feels like another item on the to-do list. With humor, honesty, and a few clever fitness hacks, Samantha opens up about reclaiming space, not just in media, but in her own life.

Is prioritizing your well-being selfish? Or is it the secret to aging and leading with power?

Redefining success in your 40s and beyond means unlearning hustle culture, normalizing midlife health conversations, and building wellness into the moments you already have, even if it’s just five squats at a time.

(00:00:30) Women’s Health & the Third Chapter: Why Flowspace Matters

Samantha shares how Flowspace was born out of a need to address midlife health, not just motherhood.
“This is not about moms. This is about women prioritizing themselves so that they can have a lifelong experience of wellbeing.”
Perimenopause, caregiving, career shifts: it’s about the stage, not the age.
Flowspace focuses on destigmatizing menopause and spotlighting underused innovations in wellness.

(00:07:09) Finding Strength When You Have None to Spare

Samantha admits: “All the healthy advice on stage? I don’t really do most of it because I’m running the business.”
How “bathing in gratitude” with friendships fuels her resilience
Being mindful about whether she’s mindful is her starting point.

(00:08:40) Impostor Phenomenon in the Boardroom

Samantha challenges the term “impostor syndrome,” calling it a “societal phenomenon” instead.
“In many rooms… the other eight people at the table don’t really want you there.”
She overcomes self-doubt by preparing thoroughly, using handwritten cards as her power tool.
Confidence is built through practice, movement, and strong community.

(00:11:52) Confidence Hacks & Micro-Workouts You’ll Actually Try

Samantha swears by working out before big moments — even if it’s just a few jumping jacks.
Her trick? “I put a set of weights on my kitchen counter… curl, press, curl, press.”
Five squats every bathroom break. “You’ve got the trigger…it’s like cognitive behavioral therapy.”
Can we change our behavior? “I literally publish a platform about making the time for ourselves and changing our behaviors to prioritize ourselves. And yet I don't do it.”

(00:18:56) What’s Next: Flowspace Expansion & Listening to Gen Z

Flowspace is growing: hiring writers, editors, and building community events.
SheMedia is evolving beyond parenting — investing in research around teens, AI, and identity.
Their Gen Z Teen Council keeps them honest (and humble).
“They’re like… that is a trend from like 11 years ago. And you're just finding out about it because you're middle-aged white ladies.”

Guest Resources:

Follow Samantha on Instagram
Get into the Flow Space
Connect with SHEMedia
Listen to her podcast, Finding Flow

If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:

Connect with The Big Silence Community

What If It All Goes Right? Angela Gargano on Resilience, Reinvention & Doing the (Pull-Up) Work Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

What if your lowest moment was the beginning of your greatest transformation?

In this powerhouse episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with six-time American Ninja Warrior, keynote speaker, and Pull-Up Revolution founder Angela Gargano. From tearing her ACL on national TV to moving into her dad’s basement and starting over, Angela’s story is the definition of a comeback. She opens up about identity, healing through movement, and what it really takes to feel strong, mentally and physically. Whether you’re chasing a fitness goal, struggling to find your purpose, or just trying to stay present, Angela’s wisdom will move you. Literally.

How do you rebuild your life when your identity no longer fits, and learn to love yourself beyond your achievements?

Stripping away external validation proves that strength isn’t just physical. It’s about emotional resilience and self-love.

(00:00) From Biochemist to Ninja Warrior: A Wild Career Pivot

Angela’s unexpected leap from lab work to national television
She originally had no clue what American Ninja Warrior was
Her early fitness competition days with Cathy Savage — and how they shaped her confidence
How being labeled “manly” for having muscles became a source of power, not shame

(08:00) Injury, Identity & Starting Over in Her Dad’s Basement

The ACL tear that stopped her Ninja dreams — and forced a reckoning with self-worth
Losing her gym, her career path, and her direction — but finding her mindset
Why so many high achievers link love to accomplishments (and how to break that cycle)
“I just didn’t even know who I was anymore” — Angela on redefining her purpose

(16:00) One Pull-Up Can Change Everything: The Birth of a Movement

How helping Women’s Health editor Liz Plosser get her first pull-up sparked a revolution
Why the pull-up became a metaphor for doing hard things — at any age
Creating community and confidence through movement
Angela’s advice for building your strength, one rep at a time

(20:00) Fitness Without the Finish Line: Training for Life, Not Just Competition

What her workouts look like now — and why mini goals keep her motivated
Angela’s tips for functional strength and long-term health
Her approach to balance: strength training, yoga, and fun
Karena shares her 21-day system to stay accountable and avoid burnout

(25:00) Mental Health, Meditation & Getting Unstuck

How moving your body and getting back to basics can pull you out of a rut
Meditation and breathwork routines — and why they actually work
Tips for navigating anxiety and sleepless nights

(30:00) The New Rules of Wellness: Eat More, Lift More, Live Longer

Why the fitness world is finally embracing protein, muscle, and rest
The rise (and cost!) of Pilates — and Angela’s thoughts on biohacking
What really works for longevity — and what’s just hype
Why failure is just research, every mistake is a step forward

Guest Resources

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Pssst: Sign up for the Tone It Up Summer Sculpt Challenge (beginning July 14) and get access to 5 Days To Zen—an exclusive meditation series with Karena.

The Cure for Everything? Self-Forgiveness: Dr. Samantha Harte on Battling Addiction, Betrayal, and Rewriting Her Story Jul 02, 2025

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What happens when you confront your darkest moments and choose to heal, instead of staying stuck in the pain?

In this raw and inspiring episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn is joined by Dr. Samantha Harte, author of Breaking the Circuit. She’sa physical therapist, author, and sobriety advocate. Harte opens up about rebuilding her life after addiction and navigating a traumatic childhood. Through it all, she discovered the healing power of vulnerability and forgiveness, ultimately learning to rewire her brain and change her story.

Her picture-perfect high school existence masked unbearable pain, leading to a soul-shaking drug overdose. While navigating the challenges of sobriety in the midst of a crumbling marriage and painful loss, Samantha found herself at rock bottom. What came next was a radical reworking of her inner life and the birth of a new identity — one grounded in compassionate curiosity, revolutionary responsibility, and finally, self-forgiveness.

This conversation is a masterclass in what it means to confront your truths, rewire your mind, and write a new story — no matter how broken the past may seem.

How Do We Take Pain and Turn It Into Something Positive, Even Transformative?

Dr. Harte explains why healing begins with self-forgiveness — and how shame, silence, and perfectionism keep us stuck in destructive loops. Learning to forgive, starting with yourself, is key to breaking free from toxic cycles.

(00:058) When Everything Looks Fine — But You’re Falling Apart Inside

The internal divide between outward success and private suffering: “Straddling myself between these two worlds, these two identities, like everything is fine and nothing is ok.”
A very ill-timed overdose that became a wake-up call
The unbearable weight of feeling stuck with yourself when your inner voice becomes your fiercest critic

(00:10:04) Five Years Sober, Still Miserable: The Trap of White-Knuckling Recovery

Perfectionism can doom sobriety: “It works until it doesn’t. Perfectionism collapses in matters of the heart.”
Her marriage collapses under the weight of unspoken resentment, infidelity, and untreated trauma.
“All of those mechanisms that kept me safe as a girl were killing me as an adult.”

(00:18:30) Spiritual Rock Bottom: The Breakthrough Moment That Changed Everything

How addiction takes hold, even when you’re convinced you have it under control
Knowing when you’ve hit "spiritual rock bottom" and turning it into a catalyst for change
Turning your deepest fears and pain into life-altering breakthroughs

(00:22:40) Compassionate Curiosity: The Self-Talk That Can Save Your Life

Intercepting your inner critic with the triangle of compassionate curiosity and radical responsibility: “Why did I just do that?” and “What am I gonna do about it now?”
The parenting advice we all need: how apology clears shame and models emotional intelligence for your kids.

(00:31:30) Betrayal, Infidelity, and the Truth That Finally Came Out

The loss of her sister and her declaration to write a book
Becoming the “girl who 12-stepped the world.” Applying AA’s 12-step program to other aspects of life
“The fear of any type of judgment absolutely collapsed.” Rising to the level of our goals and creating habits

(00:31:30) Healing and Forgiveness: Can You Ever Forgive the Unforgivable?

The struggle and importance of forgiving others (and yourself) in the healing process
Why forgiving betrayal doesn’t mean condoning hurtful actions
The spiritual and emotional liberation that comes with true forgiveness

(00:53:00) Rewiring the Mind: What It Really Means to Break the Circuit

Samantha explains how trauma loops get locked into our bodies — and how to consciously rewire them.
“Pain is a circuit breaker...I wish there was another way.” The necessity of pain on the path to change
Through science, spirituality, and self-inquiry, anyone can change their story.

Guest Resources

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(00:12:30) Feel It to Heal It: Why Optimism Starts With Honesty

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Is prioritizing your well-being selfish? Or is it the secret to aging and leading with power?

Guest Resources:

How do you rebuild your life when your identity no longer fits, and learn to love yourself beyond your achievements?

Guest Resources

How Do We Take Pain and Turn It Into Something Positive, Even Transformative?

(00:058) When Everything Looks Fine — But You’re Falling Apart Inside

(00:18:30) Spiritual Rock Bottom: The Breakthrough Moment That Changed Everything

(00:22:40) Compassionate Curiosity: The Self-Talk That Can Save Your Life

(00:31:30) Betrayal, Infidelity, and the Truth That Finally Came Out

(00:53:00) Rewiring the Mind: What It Really Means to Break the Circuit

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