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What happens when the world suddenly goes silent on one side? Victoria's recent ear surgery has left her completely deaf in one ear, forcing her to navigate a new reality where simple interactions become profound challenges. In this raw and emotional episode, we take you through the journey of adaptation and resilience that follows a life-altering medical procedure.

The moment hits hardest at a store checkout when Victoria can't hear the cashier speaking to her deaf side. It's a stark reminder of what life will be like moving forward—a reality made more poignant by the memory of asking loved ones to speak "one more time in my right ear" before surgery. With a cochlear implant priced at $300,000 and not covered by insurance, Victoria faces permanent unilateral hearing loss with remarkable courage.

Despite facing significant health challenges, both hosts refuse to succumb to bitterness. "We have the right to be absolutely bitter and the nastiest of people. But we're not," Victoria explains. This philosophy extends to their work helping others heal from trauma through their academy and free courses—efforts that have earned them five global awards yet still attract criticism from those who seem determined to "rain on their parade."

The episode offers beautiful glimpses into their family life, from their daughter Faith's touching pre-surgery gifts to their service dogs' intuitive adaptation to Victoria's recovery needs. Even while managing pain and adaptation, Victoria maintains her unstoppable spirit—cleaning kitchens at 4 am and baking muffins without pain medication.

Join us for this intimate look at maintaining humanity, humor, and hope when life changes in an instant. And if our work resonates with you, consider supporting our mission to make healing accessible to all through the donation button at acontagioussmile.com. Even $5 helps us continue offering free resources to those who need them most.

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Three years after losing her limb, Victoria marks her "FU anniversary" with a raw, unfiltered conversation about survival, resilience, and finding your voice after trauma. This special edition podcast takes listeners on a deeply personal journey through narcissistic family dynamics and the challenging path of the family "black sheep."

Victoria shares exciting news about her new anthology "Dear Silence You Lost, We Get the Last Word" – a powerful collection of survivor stories from around the world. This international gathering of voices breaks the silence surrounding abuse in all its forms: emotional, physical, verbal, and sexual. With all proceeds funding healing scholarships, the project embodies Victoria's commitment to providing support without financial barriers.

The heart of this episode explores the psychological terrain familiar to many listeners – the impossible dynamics of narcissistic family relationships. Drawing from decades of therapy and her own painful experiences, Victoria articulates how narcissists systematically undermine and isolate the family truth-teller. She vulnerably shares her journey of surviving domestic violence that left her with over 100 surgeries, metal throughout her body, significant hearing loss, and ultimately, amputation.

Despite these challenges, Victoria transformed her trauma into purpose. Alongside her husband, she's created award-winning resources for survivors while building a family based on the unconditional love and support she never received growing up. Her memoirs "Who Kicked First?" and "Nard Nard Who's There?" document her experiences with evidence-based accounts, offering validation for others on similar journeys.

The episode closes with a powerful message for fellow black sheep and scapegoats everywhere: your worth isn't determined by those who can't accept responsibility for their actions. Though healing isn't easy, remembering your inherent value is the first step toward reclaiming your life after narcissistic abuse. If you've ever felt misunderstood, devalued, or silenced within your family, this conversation will resonate deeply and remind you that you're not alone.

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