• Heartbreak and Hope: Addressing School Shootings, Parenting Challenges, and a Paw-sitive Ending
    Sep 23 2024

    Send us a text

    https://acontagioussmile.sellfy.store/Why are our schools still plagued by gun violence despite increased security measures and funding? We reflect on how school shootings have become a distressing norm compared to our own school days, and analyze the data from the K-12 violence project to understand the fear gripping our students. Listen as we highlight a heartwarming initiative where fathers step up to patrol school hallways, and consider the potential rise of homeschooling as a coping mechanism for anxious parents. We emphasize our commitment to the Second Amendment while calling for innovative strategies to protect our children.

    Child abuse, criminal justice, and the responsibilities of parenting are at the forefront of this emotionally charged discussion. Frustration boils over as we scrutinize the lenient treatment of perpetrators who commit unspeakable acts against children, sparking a debate on justice and its impact on victims. Our conversation spans broader societal issues such as the struggles of single parents, unwanted pregnancies, and the misuse of government assistance. Additionally, we question the influence of violent video games on youth behavior and the critical role of parental guidance.

    Finally, we confront the harsh realities of domestic violence and the systemic failures that allow abusers to evade consequences. Heartbreaking personal stories highlight the additional trauma faced by victims, such as the unauthorized use of assault photos for training purposes. We explore the controversial actions of a sheriff who took extreme measures to protect his daughter, and the moral dilemmas that arise from such situations. To light up the end of our intense episode, we share the affectionate bond with my service dog and highlight our latest literary accomplishments, hoping to bring a smile to your face. Thank you for joining us on this profound journey.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Pain and Perseverance: Navigating Narcissistic Family Dynamics, Generational Trauma, and the Path to Self-Acceptance
    Sep 20 2024

    Send us a text

    What if your closest confidants could be the very people who undermine your sense of self-worth? Join us as we unravel the dark and twisted dynamics of narcissistic families with my incredible friend Dana. We'll confront the roles of the black sheep and scapegoat, revealing the consistent and sinister tactics narcissists employ to manipulate and blame. Through our personal experiences, we highlight the struggles faced by those who see through the narcissist's facade and the relentless efforts made to discredit them. Our goal is to shine a light on these destructive patterns and arm you with the awareness needed to avoid falling into their traps.

    Have you ever felt like you're carrying the weight of generational trauma on your shoulders? With reflections akin to David Pelzer's "A Child Called 'It'," we share the grueling journey of growing up in an abusive environment and the Herculean courage it takes to break the cycle. Drawing from our own lives, we explore the emotional and psychological toll of such experiences and emphasize the importance of resilience to heal and nurture future generations. It's a powerful narrative about the choices we make to reject a legacy of pain and build a foundation of love and self-worth.

    Imagine living with the constant need to prove your honesty because your past keeps betraying you. We dive into the lingering effects of childhood trauma, the struggles for validation, and the exhausting patterns of oversharing that follow us into adulthood. Our discussion brings to light the universal need for unconditional love and the arduous journey towards self-acceptance. Through candid stories and raw emotions, we normalize the process of healing and emphasize that being affected by our past doesn't make us broken—it makes us human. Join us for an honest conversation that offers hope, resilience, and the powerful connection of shared stories.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • Tragedy and Triumph: School Shooting Reflections, Protective Parenthood, and Inspiring Guest Story
    Sep 16 2024

    Send us a text

    https://acontagioussmile.sellfy.store/Have you ever wondered what drives the relentless surge in school shootings, and why effective measures still seem out of reach? Join us as we share our raw emotions and personal experiences with gun safety, reflecting on the tragic case of an 18-year-old Waffle House employee and the baffling assassination attempts on former President Trump. We confront these pressing issues head-on, blending serious discourse with personal reflections to shed light on a world that often feels incomprehensible.

    In a more lighthearted segment, we dive into the joys and challenges of parenthood. From the quirky nickname "my little squiggly" to humorous family debates over video games like Fallout, we explore the protective instincts of a father towards his daughter, Faith. You'll laugh along with us as we recount awkward Austin Powers-inspired family moments, and the mother's comical struggle against her daughter's obsession with horror movies. This chapter showcases the warmth and complexity of our family life, where love and laughter often prevail over chaos.

    Finally, we bring you the heartwarming story of Debbie, our upcoming guest, whose journey from personal tragedy to helping others is nothing short of inspiring. Plus, don’t miss our exciting Freebie Friday initiative, where you can snag some awesome downloadable gifts! We also share our plans for a couple's tattoo that symbolizes our bond, and highlight touching encounters with celebrities like Jeff Oxford and Malcolm Goodwin. Their support underscores the power of storytelling and the impact it has on all of us. Tune in for a compelling mix of serious discussion, heartfelt stories, and a sprinkle of humor.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Communication and Growth: Alex's Global Influence, School Shooting Reflections, and Branding Breakthroughs
    Sep 9 2024

    Send us a text

    https://www.speakeralexdumas.com/Can the power of communication truly expand your global influence? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Alex, a dynamic entrepreneur and recent contributor to "A Journey of Riches." Alex delves into his chapter, "Everybody Wins, Including Me: Expanding Global Influence Through Communication," sharing his transformative journey from working with special needs individuals to becoming a sought-after speaker and coach. With a rich background in psychology and a passion for self-discovery, Alex’s insights will inspire you to harness the power of effective communication in your own life.

    We turn our focus to the heart-wrenching tragedy of a school shooting in Georgia, discussing the societal issues that permeate such incidents. Emphasizing empathy, vulnerability, and connection, we explore how these values are crucial in preventing future tragedies. Through heartfelt discussions, we underline the importance of early intervention and the critical role that families and communities play in fostering mental well-being and safety.

    Lastly, we spotlight the significance of personal growth and the power of structured coaching programs. Hear a compelling success story of achieving remarkable feats within tight deadlines and dive into the unique challenges faced by Black executives and women of color in corporate environments. We also introduce the Brand Amplifier Experience, a four-month program designed to elevate personal branding and storytelling skills, featuring the strategic brilliance of my wife, Sarah. This episode is packed with powerful insights, practical advice, and a celebration of personal and professional growth.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Resilience and Reflection: Family Milestones, Security Concerns, and Nostalgic Joys
    Sep 9 2024

    Send us a text

    https://acontagioussmile.sellfy.store/p/breaking-anxiety-the-liberation-lexicon-empowerment-guidebook/What if your most challenging moments could strengthen your family's bond? Join us on an emotional and heartwarming journey as we share an unforgettable evening that includes a special daddy-daughter movie night and the celebration of a unique family milestone. Reflecting on two years since becoming an amputee, we focus on resilience, positivity, and the power of family unity. Listen in as Faith takes charge during our family tattoo session, showcasing her remarkable courage and symbolizing the deep bond we share, especially with my husband planning to adopt her.

    Shifting gears, we tackle the urgent issue of school violence and the pressing need for improved security measures to protect our children. Our discussion spans potential solutions, from increased physical security to the presence of more counselors. We also explore the complex role of involving veterans in school security and address societal priorities, critiquing the irony of spending on luxuries while neglecting basic safety measures. With a touch of political commentary, we compare the perceived competence of current political figures with past leaders, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the state of our nation.

    Finally, embark on a nostalgic trip back to the 80s with us as we discuss fun activity books and share laughs over regional dialects and accents. We emphasize the importance of supporting special needs families and survivors of domestic violence, highlighting the value of community and resources. Wrapping up on a light note, we enjoy a cheerful conversation about life in a cul-de-sac, promote Victoria and Michael's books, and encourage our listeners to smile and savor the little moments in life.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • From Trauma to Triumph: A Journey Through Medical Missteps and Family Struggles
    Sep 4 2024

    Send us a text

    https://acontagioussmile.sellfy.store/Ever wondered how you’d navigate life after a traumatic medical experience? Join us as we share an emotional journey, from the harrowing loss of an arm due to medical malpractice to the inspiring resilience needed to adapt and thrive. Our candid discussion reveals the raw, personal battles and the triumphs that come from learning to perform complex medical procedures with one hand. Along the way, we also touch on the determination it takes to overcome systemic failures in healthcare, and the indomitable spirit that drives us forward.

    But that's not all—family dynamics add another layer of complexity to our story. We openly discuss the pain and struggle of feeling like the black sheep, the heartbreak of witnessing neglect within our closest circles, and the internal conflict that arises when a strained relationship faces a medical crisis. Despite the heavy topics, we sprinkle in our signature humor and light-hearted moments, like our playful banter and a quirky endorsement of "Herb Poopwalk." Don't miss this blend of heartfelt reflection and laughter that makes "A Contagious Smell Unstoppable" a unique listening experience.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Courage and Strain: Honoring Officers and Tackling Family Issues
    Aug 26 2024

    Send us a text

    Have you ever wondered how much media portrayal shapes our perception of political figures? Join us on this impactful episode of Unstoppable as we dissect the razor-tight race between Harris and Trump, alongside my incredible soulmate, Bradneck Husband. We’re raising critical issues about media insensitivity, particularly towards Waltz's son with special needs, and the mounting financial pressures from school supplies to everyday essentials. Our heartfelt tribute to the brave officers who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice underscores the emotional and physical toll of law enforcement. Bradneck Husband shares his invaluable perspective from over 13 years in the field, shedding light on the camaraderie and unseen challenges officers face daily.

    What happens when law enforcement officers encounter individuals with mental challenges or special needs? We examine the urgent necessity for more specialized training and professional aid to prevent unnecessary escalation. This conversation extends to the dire need for better in-service training, particularly in handling domestic violence cases. We challenge the status quo by debating whether senior staff should periodically patrol the streets to stay grounded with real-time challenges. Through continuous, hands-on training, we advocate for a system that better equips officers to handle the complexities of their job.

    Ever felt like the “black sheep” in your family? Our discussion takes a personal turn as we explore the impacts of family dynamics on mental health, inspired by my journey and my books "Who Keep First" and the forthcoming "Knock Knock Who's There." Celebrating the budding talent of young poet Faith, we also introduce our exciting collaboration with Dana on "Nard Nard. Who's There? Help Me, I'm Gasping for Air," tackling the nuanced world of narcissistic family dynamics. Don’t miss our announcement about an intimate Zoom event designed for survivors and thrivers of narcissistic abuse. Join us for an episode that promises to enlighten, challenge, and inspire.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Boundaries and Breakthroughs: Dr. Catherine Cleveland on Navigating Narcissistic Family Dynamics, Empowering Self-Worth, and Healing Through Breathwork
    Aug 24 2024

    Send us a text

    https://clevelandemotionalhealth.com/catherines-books/Unlock the secrets of setting healthy boundaries and breaking away from negative cycles with insights from our special guest, Dr. Catherine Cleveland. In this episode of A Contagious Smile, Dr. Cleveland takes us on her extraordinary journey from the life of a dairy farmer’s wife to becoming a distinguished mental health counselor and author. We explore her acclaimed books, "The Four Essential Pillars of Boundary Setting" and "Cultivating Gratitude, Gratefulness, and Graciousness," and get a sneak peek into her upcoming release, "Kinder to Myself," which is all about fostering self-compassion.

    Our discussion is especially poignant as we tackle the difficult topic of dealing with narcissistic family members, including parents and grandparents. Dr. Cleveland offers valuable advice on recognizing emotional abuse and the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries to protect personal well-being. We delve into real-life challenges faced by those who grew up under narcissistic influence and underscore the significance of mutual understanding and community support in the healing process. This is crucial listening for anyone who has struggled with the shadow of narcissism in their family.

    Furthermore, we explore the science behind narcissism, examining the biological and environmental factors that shape these complex behaviors. Dr. Cleveland shares practical strategies for using body language to empower oneself and avoid manipulation, along with techniques like breathwork to manage anxiety and promote healing. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and expert insights, this episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice aimed at helping listeners reclaim their self-worth and navigate their journey to emotional freedom. Tune in for an enlightening and empowering conversation that promises to transform the way you approach relationships and self-care.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins