Send us a text

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.

Support the show

Send us a text

Support the show

Send us a text

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.

Support the show

Send us a text

Support the show

Send us a text

Support the show

Send us a text

What would you do if you witnessed a violent attack in public? Would you step in to help, or freeze in the moment? This raw, unfiltered conversation begins with Michael and Victoria discussing a disturbing video of a random stabbing at Walmart, questioning why bystanders failed to intervene when they had the power to stop the threat.

The couple doesn't shy away from difficult topics as they share their perspectives on self-defense, situational awareness, and the Good Samaritan Law that protects those who step up in dangerous situations. Their passion for protecting others extends beyond physical safety into the emotional realm, where they've created an academy offering affordable healing resources for survivors of abuse.

Victoria opens up about her experiences with narcissistic family members, detailing the manipulation tactics like silent treatment and blame-shifting that defined these relationships. The painful authenticity in her voice resonates as she describes how narcissists refuse accountability and twist situations to make victims feel responsible for abuse. Michael's supportive presence highlights how healing relationships can develop even after experiencing profound betrayal from those who should have provided safety and love.

The conversation shifts to parenting concerns about today's screen-obsessed youth, the couple's shared joy in their strong family bonds, and Victoria's upcoming medical procedures resulting from past abuse. Their natural banter and occasional humor provide welcome relief from heavy topics while showcasing the genuine connection that defines their relationship and podcast.

Whether you're navigating complex family dynamics, recovering from abuse, or simply interested in authentic conversations about life's challenges, this episode offers validation, perspective, and hope. Subscribe now to join this supportive community where healing is prioritized and real talk is always on the menu.

Support the show

Send us a text

Support the show

Send us a text

When doctors told us to call a priest because our daughter wouldn't make it through the night, we refused to accept that fate. Through dozens of surgeries, kidney failure, and countless medical interventions, we fought alongside Faith as she battled for her life. Today, she's not only thriving but hitting bullseyes at the shooting range during her recent birthday celebrations.

This episode takes you on an emotional journey through Faith's remarkable story – from her joyful birthday weekend complete with bowling adventures and her first-ever experience firing a real gun, to the heart-wrenching reality of family members who couldn't spare even ten seconds to send a birthday text. The contrast becomes even more stark when Victoria reads Faith's powerful letter from their upcoming book "Dear Silence," addressed to grandparents who were conspicuously absent during her life-threatening hospitalization.

"You didn't just miss my fight for life, you forfeited your place in it," writes Faith, now 19, who has endured over 54 surgeries in her young life. Her raw words capture the profound pain of abandonment during life's most critical moments, while highlighting the extraordinary strength she's developed as a result. The conversation expands to explore how true family is defined not by blood, but by who shows up consistently – like the strangers who brought food and offered help during Faith's hospital stay, demonstrating more authentic care than some biological relatives.

Between these powerful reflections, Victoria and Michael share insights about their educational program "Stucco Squad," designed to make learning fun for children with special needs, and offer humorous marriage advice centered on the importance of laughter and authenticity in relationships. The episode serves as both a celebration of Faith's resilience and a profound meditation on what it truly means to be family.

Join our community at acontagioussmile.com, where you can access our Academy resources, including Victoria's new ebook "Puppet Mastering the Manipulator," and learn more about the upcoming release of "Dear Silence" during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Support the show