Episodes

  • Turning Pain Into Purpose: Christine Magiera’s Story of Survival and Drunk Driving Awareness

    Turning Pain Into Purpose: Christine Magiera’s Story of Survival and Drunk Driving Awareness
    Sep 9 2025
    In this emotional episode I am joined by Christine Magiera, a mother of three, advocate, and survivor, who shares the devastating story of a drunk driving crash that changed her family’s life in an instant. What started as a simple ice cream outing ended in tragedy when their minivan was struck just minutes from home, leaving her youngest son critically injured. Christine recalls the chaos of that night with shattered glass, the blaring horn, and the fear of watching her son airlifted to the hospital. She also speaks of the extraordinary strength of her oldest son, a paramedic in training who stepped in without hesitation, and her husband, a local fire chief who suddenly found himself responding to his own family’s nightmare. She takes us beyond those terrifying moments into the painful aftermath. Her son faced a long recovery, she was left with broken bones and scars, and she lost the career she had built as a transcriptionist. Christine also shares the injustice her family endured when the woman who caused the crash, the wife of a Michigan State Police trooper, was shielded from accountability the night of the accident and refused a breathalyzer. It took months before charges were filed, and reliving the trauma in court, confronting a woman who never apologized, and finally hearing the guilty verdict brought both pain and a small measure of relief. Christine’s story is also about resilience and advocacy. She reminds us that drunk driving is one hundred percent preventable, that one drink can change everything, and that we must start having real conversations with our children about safe choices. We also talk about the promising technology being developed with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to help stop impaired driving, and why accountability, compassion, and community are essential in the healing process. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code JUDGING at https://www.oneskin.co/ This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #oneskinpod #ChristineMagiera #ChristineMagieraStory #DrunkDrivingAwareness #LifeAfterTrauma #ChildSafetyMatters #PTSDRecovery #FamilyStrength #PersonalResilience #HealingJourney #SafetyFirst #AdvocateForChange #RoadSafetyAwareness #EmpowerThroughStory #TraumaAndRecovery #InspirationFromAdversity #FamilyFirstAlways #MakingADifference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • Stronger Immunity, Better Sleep, Longer Life: The MyVitalC Breakthrough with Chief Scientist and Co-Founder Chris Burres

    Stronger Immunity, Better Sleep, Longer Life: The MyVitalC Breakthrough with Chief Scientist and Co-Founder Chris Burres
    Sep 2 2025
    In this episode I welcome back Chris Burres, chief scientist, co-founder of MyVitalC, and host of the podcast Live Beyond the Norms. Since Chris first joined me last December, I have been taking MyVitalC every single day, and nine months later I have not gotten sick once. For someone who usually catches everything from colds to bronchitis, especially when traveling or when my kids bring home school germs, this has been life changing. I am not a paid advertiser, I just believe in this product and want to share what has worked for me. Chris and I discuss the science behind the esss60 molecule, how it supports immunity, reduces oxidative stress, and promotes better sleep, energy, joint health, and even healthier hair and skin. He explains the groundbreaking Nobel Prize winning discovery, the longevity studies with incredible results, and new research showing its powerful effects on liver health and cellular protection, sometimes up to 172 times stronger than vitamin C. We also talk about how modern stress impacts our bodies on a cellular level, why supporting mitochondria is critical for resilience, and how nutrition and muscle maintenance play a role, especially for those on weight loss medications. Chris addresses skeptics with transparency about safety studies, long term use, and why his company is committed to making this science available to everyone rather than keeping it locked behind big pharma. If you have ever wondered how to better protect your health on a cellular level, strengthen your immune system, or simply feel your best as you age, this episode will give you both the knowledge and the motivation to get started. Start your journey to wellness today with MyVitalC and experience the benefits for your energy, immunity, and overall health: https://www.myvitalc.com/ Listen to Chris Burres on Live Beyond the Norms on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #ChrisBurris #MyVitalC #Longevity #WellnessJourney #HealingJourney #HealthAndWellness #PodcastCommunity #Biohacking #TraumaSurvivor #MentalHealthAwareness #MindBodyHealing #SelfCareMatters #EnergyBoost #BetterSleep #Resilience #InnerStrength #LifeAfterTrauma #ImmuneSupport #NaturalHealing #StressRelief #esss60 #HealthyLifestyle #SelfHealing #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalWellness #MindsetShift #CellularHealth #LiveLonger #Wellbeing #HealingTogether #DailyWellness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • Circles of Collaboration: Building Authentic Connections for Growth with Executive Coach and Author Leslie Grossman

    Circles of Collaboration: Building Authentic Connections for Growth with Executive Coach and Author Leslie Grossman
    Aug 26 2025
    In this episode I sit down with executive coach, professor, and four-time author Leslie Grossman to talk about the themes of her newest book, Circles of Collaboration. Drawing from her decades of experience in leadership and her upbringing in a family that modeled the power of community, Leslie shares why genuine connection is more essential than ever in our families, friendships, careers, and beyond. We discuss the unique ways women balance caregiving, connection, and career, and how these skills can become powerful strengths when used with intention. Leslie explains why women need trusted circles of support, how empathy and communication make us natural leaders, and why curiosity and authenticity always matter more than ego or desperation. She also shares practical strategies for building strong, reciprocal relationships—whether you are reentering the workforce, navigating career setbacks, or trying to avoid burnout in a world dominated by screens. From reaching out with sincerity, to moving conversations beyond surface-level exchanges, to finding balance by stepping away from technology and reconnecting with nature, this episode is filled with guidance for both personal healing and professional growth. This heartfelt conversation reminded me that none of us succeed alone. True resilience, purpose, and joy are born from connection, curiosity, and community, and small, sincere actions can change not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. Want to find out more? Get Leslie’s newest book Circles of Collaboration here: https://www.amazon.com/Circles-Collaboration-Christine-Merser/dp/B0FKGQD1V2 This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #Collaboration #Connection #AuthenticRelationships #Curiosity #Community #WomenSupportingWomen #LeadershipJourney #Balance #BurnoutRecovery #PersonalGrowth #ExecutiveCoaching #ThrivingWomen #WorkLifeHarmony #EmpoweredLiving #MeaningfulConnections #Resilience #Mindfulness #WomenInLeadership #InnerStrength #SelfAwareness #LeslieGrossman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • No Longer That Girl: Stephanie Maley on Surviving Trauma and Reclaiming Her Voice

    No Longer That Girl: Stephanie Maley on Surviving Trauma and Reclaiming Her Voice
    Aug 19 2025
    Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of assault, grooming, and trauma that may be difficult for some listeners. In this powerful episode, I sit down with author, nurse, and survivor Stephanie Maley, who bravely shares her story of trauma, survival, and healing. From childhood medical trauma and abandonment to cycles of grooming, and the silence that followed, Stephanie opens up about the hidden scars that shaped her life and the long journey of finding her voice. She describes how growing up in dysfunction and secrecy left her carrying guilt, shame, and fear, while faith and spirituality became both a source of comfort and confusion. We talk about how she sought escape and strength through sports, how therapy and self-discovery became her lifelines, and how her husband’s steadfast love gave her the safety to finally begin healing. Stephanie also reflects on the transformative process of writing her memoir, “No Longer That Girl: Retracing the Scars of Past and Present”, and how movements like #MeToo gave her the courage to confront her past and break cycles of silence. By reconnecting with her younger self, she was able to finally say the words she once couldn’t: “I’ve got you. You are safe.” This conversation is raw, emotional, and deeply human. It is about resilience, courage, and the power of telling your story. Not just to survive, but to reclaim your life. Stephanie’s message is clear: You are not alone. Healing is possible. And no matter how heavy the past feels, there is hope. Stephanie's book “No Longer That Girl” releases November 4th but you can pre-order now at your local bookstore or online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more! Get 15% off OneSkin with the code JUDGING at https://www.oneskin.co/ This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #TraumaRecovery #HealingJourney #oneskinpod #StephanieMaley #PTSDRecovery #EmotionalResilience #SelfLoveJourney #SurvivorStrong #HealingThroughStories #FaithAndHealing #BreakTheSilence #EmpowerSurvivors #NoLongerThatGirl #TraumaAwareness #InnerStrength #HopeAfterTrauma #TraumaSurvivorStories #HealingIsPossible #RiseAboveTrauma #AssaultSurvivor #ReclaimYourStory #SurvivorSupport #Faith #PersonalGrowthJourney #HealingHeart #YouAreNotAlone TraumaToHealing #MindBodyHealing #SafeSpacesMatter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Reclaiming Your Life: Healing Trauma with Patience, Boundaries, and Self-Kindness with Licensed Psychotherapist, Podcaster, and Fellow Survivor Nikki Eisenhauer

    Reclaiming Your Life: Healing Trauma with Patience, Boundaries, and Self-Kindness with Licensed Psychotherapist, Podcaster, and Fellow Survivor Nikki Eisenhauer
    Aug 12 2025
    In this episode I sit down with Nikki Eisenhauer, licensed psychotherapist, mental health podcaster, and fellow survivor, to explore the complex realities of healing from childhood trauma and complex PTSD. Nikki shares her courageous story of growing up in fear and chaos, carrying the impossible burden of protecting her younger sisters, and facing the painful truths of family estrangement. She opens up about how trauma reshapes our nervous systems, why healing is not linear, and the radical patience and self-kindness it takes to reclaim peace. Together, we talk about the necessity of setting boundaries, not just with others, but within our own minds to silence the relentless critical voice that keeps us stuck. Nikki reveals why finding the right therapist is vital, why sampling different therapeutic approaches is part of the process, and how no contact can be a profound act of self-love and protection. This conversation is a testament to resilience, and the unshakable belief that we can rise above our past. Nikki also introduces her transformative Boundaries Intensive, a six-week course designed to equip you with practical tools for creating healthy boundaries, especially during challenging family dynamics and holidays. You can listen to Nikki’s podcast “Emotional Badass” on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Find out more about Nikki’s courses or schedule an appointment through her site: https://www.nikkieisenhauer.com/ This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #oneskinpod #HealingTrauma #MentalHealth #Boundaries #SelfKindness #TraumaRecovery #ComplexPTSD #TherapyJourney #SurvivorStrong #EmotionalWellness #SelfCareTips #NervousSystemHealing #PatienceInHealing #EmotionalBadass #MentalHealthPodcast #TraumaInformed #InnerStrength #SelfLove #Mindfulness #EmotionalHealing #TraumaSurvivor #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthMatters #HealingJourney #TraumaAwareness #BreakTheCycle #HealingIsPossible #SelfCompassion #Resilience #MentalWellness #NikkiEisenhauer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: A Conversation on Perimenopause, Hysterectomies, and Hormone Therapy with Urogynecologist Dr. Shah (Revisited)

    Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: A Conversation on Perimenopause, Hysterectomies, and Hormone Therapy with Urogynecologist Dr. Shah (Revisited)
    Aug 5 2025
    This episode is a revisited conversation with the incredible Dr. Shah from Empower Her Health Center. The information we discussed continues to be just as relevant—and powerful—today. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or listening again, I know you’ll find this discussion just as insightful and empowering as I did the day we recorded it. In this episode, we dive into essential topics like perimenopause, menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and the journey through hysterectomy. I candidly share my personal experiences with hormonal fluctuations, weight gain, complex PTSD, and the life-changing decision to undergo a hysterectomy. Dr. Shah explains the nuances of these transitions, debunking myths and offering practical advice on managing these changes effectively. This conversation is full of valuable insights on the types of hysterectomy procedures, the importance of post-surgery recovery, and innovative approaches to weight loss. She emphasizes the critical role of self-awareness and advocacy, encouraging women to trust their instincts and seek personalized care. Whether you're dealing with hormonal changes, considering HRT, or recovering from a hysterectomy, this episode offers invaluable guidance. My story of resilience, combined with Dr. Shah’s expert knowledge, delivers a heartfelt and empowering message. To learn more about Dr. Shah and her practice, visit: https://www.empowerherhealthcenter.com/about Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/JUDGING This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #advocacy #empowerherhealth #perimenopause #menopause #hormonereplacementjourney #healingjourney #midlifechanges #advocacy #womenshealth #hysterectomy #HRT #honeylovepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Empowered Wellness: Navigating Weight, Hormones, and Hope with Obesity Physician and SoWell Founder Dr. Alexandra Sowa

    Empowered Wellness: Navigating Weight, Hormones, and Hope with Obesity Physician and SoWell Founder Dr. Alexandra Sowa
    Jul 29 2025
    This episode I’m joined once again by someone I truly admire. Dr. Alexandra Sowa is one of the nation’s first certified obesity medicine physicians, founder of the wellness brand SoWell, and author of "The Ozempic revolution" Together, we dive deep into what it really means to reclaim our health, our stories, and our futures. Dr. Sowa brings honesty, expertise, and compassion as we discuss the truth behind GLP1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, debunk the stigma and misinformation swirling around them, and explore why they’re not a shortcut. They are a legitimate and life-changing tool in fighting chronic disease. We also talk about the risks of compounded drugs, the billion dollar waste in the weight loss industry, and how to protect yourself from shady med spas and TikTok trends. We explore the importance of eating enough even when you’re not hungry, the role of protein and fiber, and how natural supplements like berberine, cinnamon, and chromium can support metabolic health with or without medication. Dr. Sowa opens up about her mission to shift the narrative from shame to science, from quick fixes to sustainable change. We talk about how her SoWell products are designed to help people not just survive but truly thrive, and how healing isn't just physical. It’s emotional, political, and deeply personal. We’re not just rewriting the weight loss narrative. We’re building a future rooted in honesty, prevention, and power. Your health isn’t a trend. It’s your birthright. You can find out more and order he book through her site: https://alexandrasowamd.com/ This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #oneskinpod #MentalHealthMatters #JudgingMeghan #GLP1 #WeightLossJourney #Women’sHealth #HormoneHealth #ChronicDiseasePrevention #WellnessJourney #ObesityMedicine #HealthEmpowerment #Supplements #MetabolicHealth #SelfLove #HealthWithoutShame #HealthyAging #PreventionNotCure #WellnessCommunity #MentalHealthAndBody #HormoneReplacementTherapy #Berberine #HealthyLiving #ScienceBasedHealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • From PTA Volunteer to Life-Saving Leader: Heather Bellino on Finding Purpose, Fighting Abuse and Reclaiming Our Voices

    From PTA Volunteer to Life-Saving Leader: Heather Bellino on Finding Purpose, Fighting Abuse and Reclaiming Our Voices
    Jul 22 2025
    In this episode I sit down with Heather Bellino, CEO of the Texas Advocacy Project, to talk about her unexpected journey from PTA volunteer to leading one of Texas’s most impactful nonprofit legal organizations. What began as a school carnival fundraiser turned into a life’s mission helping survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking access the civil legal services they need to reclaim their lives. Heather opens up about the culture of over-apologizing among women, the quiet epidemic of coercive control, and how real abuse rarely starts with violence. It starts with love bombing, manipulation, and slow erosion of boundaries. We dive into the incredible work her team is doing across Texas, including the powerful Teen Ambassadors of Hope program equipping young people to spot red flags, speak up, and protect each other. You’ll hear an unforgettable story of a brave boy on a school bus whose courage changed a life simply because he had the right tools. Heather also gets real about how the legal system often fails victims, why civil legal aid can be the only justice many survivors ever receive, and how critical it is that we create space for people to heal without shame. You can find out more about the Texas Advocacy Project here: https://www.texasadvocacyproject.org/ Get 15% off OneSkin with the code JUDGING at https://www.oneskin.co/ This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #oneskinpod #MentalHealthMatters #JudgingMeghan #HeatherBellino #TexasAdvocacyProject #DomesticViolenceAwareness #CivilLegalAid #WomenEmpowerment #TeenAdvocates #CoerciveControl #SurvivorStories #StopApologizing #FindYourVoice #HealingJourney #NonprofitLeadership #RealLove #TraumaRecovery #HopeAndHealing #SocialJustice #EndAbuse #VoicesThatMatter #PurposeDriven Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins