Episodes

  • S2E12: Loving and Leaving Alcohol with Stefanie Wilder-Taylor

    S2E12: Loving and Leaving Alcohol with Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
    Dec 2 2025
    In the season two finale of The Happily Never After, host Heather McG welcomes bestselling author Stefanie Wilder-Taylor to discuss her journey with alcohol and sobriety. Stefanie candidly shares her experiences, from the role alcohol played in her life to the pivotal moment that led her to getting sober. The conversation delves into self-awareness, acceptance, and how to change the things in our life that aren't serving us.

    ABOUT STEFANIE WILDER-TAYLOR
    Stefanie is the author of six books including the bestseller Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay and her latest, Drunk-ish. She’s been seen on NickMom hosting her humorous talk show Parental Discretion with Stefanie Wilder-Taylor, she’s also the host of four podcasts: For Crying Out Loud, Bored AF, Rose Pricks – a Bachelor Roast, and Drunk-ish.
    • Learn more about Stefanie, including her work and classes, at stefaniewildertaylor.com

    ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER
    The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
    • New episodes every Tuesday.
    • Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatheathermcg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG for related content and discussion.
    • Read The Happily Never After on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Learn more about Heather McG at ⁠⁠⁠www.heathermcg.com
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • S2E11: Childfree After Infertility with Carrie Hauskens

    S2E11: Childfree After Infertility with Carrie Hauskens
    Nov 25 2025
    Carrie Hauskens is here to talk about why she is happily childfree after a long journey through infertility. After surviving treatments, surrogacy, and devastating loss, Carrie has redefined her life's plan, and it turns out, life today is pretty great. She's sharing all that she has learned through this experience with incredible candor, emotional meaning, and the kind of humor you develop after making it through the deep trenches of life. This can't miss conversation is for anyone who has found themselves making a hard left after life didn't turn out the way they had originally planned. Sometimes the new destination is happier than you could have imagined.

    ABOUT CARRIE HAUSKENS
    Carrie is a freelance writer and MFA student based in Northern California. Her expertise is writing about infertility and the many tangents that radiate from that experience. Her trademark is vulnerable and authentic writing.
    • Follow Carrie on Instagram at @bloomingwithcare
    • Follow Carrie on TikTok at @bloomingwithcare
    • Read more from Carrie at Blooming with Care

    ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER
    The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
    • New episodes every Tuesday.
    • Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatheathermcg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG for related content and discussion.
    • Read The Happily Never After on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Learn more about Heather McG at ⁠⁠⁠www.heathermcg.com
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • S2E10: Take Charge of Your Love Life with Drea Renee

    S2E10: Take Charge of Your Love Life with Drea Renee
    Nov 18 2025
    Drea Renee is here to share what she's learned about love, and why we all need to get more comfortable when relationships don't work out. She's talking about taking control of her love life, creating a full, happy life, and the life decision that changed everything for her. This is a conversation about leveling up by letting go, and it all starts with you.

    ABOUT DREA
    Drea Renee is a media personality, host, and longtime poker insider who has spent over a decade on some of the biggest stages in the game, from the World Poker Tour to PokerGO and the WSOP. Beyond the poker felt, she is the co-host of the hit podcast Hey Babe, Can We Talk?, a show that dives into modern dating, relationships, and self-growth with humor, honesty, and heart. Known for blending wit with real talk, Drea has created a space where guests and listeners alike can laugh, reflect, and get closer to themselves and their partners. Whether she’s interviewing world-class poker players or unpacking the chaos of love and connection, Drea’s signature energy makes every conversation both entertaining and meaningful.
    • Follow Drea at @heybabecanwetalk


    ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER
    The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
    • New episodes every Tuesday.
    • Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatheathermcg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG for related content and discussion.
    • Read The Happily Never After on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Learn more about Heather McG at ⁠⁠⁠www.heathermcg.com
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • S2E9: After the Altadena Fires with Vanessa Bennett

    S2E9: After the Altadena Fires with Vanessa Bennett
    Nov 11 2025
    In this episode of The Happily Never After, host Heather McG welcomes Vanessa Bennett, a licensed depth psychotherapist and author, to discuss the profound journey of resilience and self-discovery following life's unexpected challenges. Vanessa has worked with so many via her professional expertise as a therapist, but this year she was personally challenged as she lost her home in the devastating Altadena fires. She will talk to us about what happened, the aftermath, and the new chapter she is beginning in Costa Rica. She will also talk about her powerful new book The Motherhood Myth, which critiques societal myths about motherhood, offers tools for self-reclamation, and provides guidance on redefining parenting, intimacy, and one's sense of self.

    ABOUT VANESSA BENNETT
    Vanessa is celebrated for her deep, soulful exploration of the cultural, social, and relational dynamics that shape motherhood and our most vital connections. After thirteen years in corporate advertising, she became a licensed depth therapist—skilled at combining Jungian and depth-oriented psychology to bring "below the neck" work to the surface. Her work is the go‑to resource for anyone ready to move beyond performance and step into authentic, wholehearted living.
    • Learn more about Vanessa at VanessaBennett.com

    ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER
    The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
    • New episodes every Tuesday.
    • Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatheathermcg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG for related content and discussion.
    • Read The Happily Never After on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Learn more about Heather McG at ⁠⁠⁠www.heathermcg.com
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • S2E8: The Journey Through Identity with Dr. Nellie Tran

    S2E8: The Journey Through Identity with Dr. Nellie Tran
    Nov 4 2025
    In this episode of "Happily Never After," host Heather McG welcomes Dr. Nellie Tran, a professor at San Diego State University and daughter of Vietnamese refugees. Together, they explore the profound impact of generational trauma, the experience of migration, and the resilience found in connecting to your roots. Nellie shares her family's harrowing escape from Vietnam, the challenges they had to overcome, and the reclaiming of her ancestral roots. This conversation delves into the power of storytelling in healing and understanding our past. Tune in for an inspiring dialogue on history, identity, and the enduring spirit of family.

    ABOUT DR. NELLIE TRAN
    Dr. Nellie Tran (she/they) grew up as the daughter of Vietnamese refugee "boat people" and is now a professor at San Diego State University. Her work and passion focus on making sense of the traumas we inherit, reclaiming identity, and creating spaces where our stories matter. Her most recent project centers on reclaiming the family traumas and stories that war and migration once made unspeakable.
    • Follow Dr. Nellie on TikTok at @drnellie
    • Follow Dr. Nellie on Instagram at @drnellietran
    • Learn more about Dr. Nellie on her website at nellietran.com
    ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER
    The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
    • New episodes every Tuesday.
    • Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatheathermcg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG for related content and discussion.
    • Read The Happily Never After on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Learn more about Heather McG at ⁠⁠⁠www.heathermcg.com
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • S2E7: The Divorce Survival Guide with Kate Anthony

    S2E7: The Divorce Survival Guide with Kate Anthony
    Oct 28 2025
    In this compelling episode of The Happily Never After, host Heather McG welcomes Kate Anthony, renowned author and host of The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast. Together, they delve into the complexities of divorce, exploring Kate's personal journey and her work as a divorce coach. Discover insights on navigating emotional abuse, the importance of self-discovery, and the societal challenges women face in leaving toxic relationships. Whether you're contemplating a major life change or seeking empowerment, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice for reclaiming your happiness. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges norms and inspires transformation.

    ABOUT KATE ANTHONY
    Kate Anthony is the author of The D Word: Making the Ultimate Decision About Your Marriage, host of the critically acclaimed and New York Times recommended podcast The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast and the creator of the groundbreaking online coaching program, "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" which helps women make the most difficult decision of their lives using coaching tools, relationship education, geeky neuroscience, community support, and deep self-work. Kate is certified as a Domestic Violence Advocate, a Co-Parenting Specialist, and a High Conflict Divorce Coach.
    • Follow Kate on Instagram at @kateanthony_divorcecoach
    • Follow Kate on Facebook at Your Divorce Survival Guide
    • Learn more about Kate at KateAnthony.com
    ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER
    The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
    • New episodes every Tuesday.
    • Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatheathermcg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG for related content and discussion.
    • Read The Happily Never After on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Learn more about Heather McG at ⁠⁠⁠www.heathermcg.com
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • S2E6: The Path to Adoption with Denise Hendricks

    S2E6: The Path to Adoption with Denise Hendricks
    Oct 21 2025
    In this heartfelt episode of The Happily Never After, host Heather McG welcomes Denise Hendricks, an award-winning television producer and proud mom, to share her journey to motherhood through adoption. From her early career days at The Oprah Show to navigating the complexities of adoption, Denise opens up about the challenges and joys of becoming a mother. Tune in to hear about the emotional highs and lows, the importance of a supportive community, and the life-changing decisions that have shaped Denise's path. Whether you're considering adoption or simply seeking a compelling, meaningful story, this episode offers valuable insights, heartfelt moments, and a lot of laughs.

    ABOUT DENISE HENDRICKS
    Denise Hendricks is an award-winning television producer, and writer, but the title she enjoys most is Mom. She has been in the news and entertainment industry for several years producing for: CNN, MSNBC, The Oprah Winfrey Show, the OWN network, HLN, ABC, BET’s late- night talk show The Mo’Nique Show, and for NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX television news affiliates across the country.
    She is currently Supervising Producer of CNN Headlines, the streaming channel for cable news giant CNN.

    Denise holds a B.S. in Journalism from Florida A&M University, an M.A. in Christian
    Education from the Interdenominational Theological Center, and a Screenwriting certificate
    from Emory University.

    She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., and the Producers Guild of America. Denise resides in Atlanta with her 9 year old son, they both love to travel, visit parks and spend time with family and friends.
    • Follow Denise on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cdenisehendricks
    • Connect with Denise on LinkedIn

    ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER
    The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
    • New episodes every Tuesday.
    • Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatheathermcg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG for related content and discussion.
    • Read The Happily Never After on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Learn more about Heather McG at ⁠⁠⁠www.heathermcg.com
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • S2E5: Write Your Next Chapter with Shayna Ferm Bryan

    S2E5: Write Your Next Chapter with Shayna Ferm Bryan
    Oct 14 2025
    Shayna Ferm Bryan and her co-founder Tracey Tee designed The Pump and Dump Show to connect to new moms about the realities of motherhood with humor, music, and community. Their show was growing exponentially, until in 2020 the covid-19 pandemic brought about an unexpected collapse. Today, Shayna is sharing candid reflections about her journey in forging a new path as a women's fiction author. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and the unexpected paths that lead to personal growth.

    ABOUT SHAYNA FERM BRYAN
    Shayna is a lifelong creative with nearly thirty years as a performer, producer, musician and writer. After building the brand, Band of Mothers, which included a nationally touring comedy show for moms called The Pump and Dump Show, alongside the Band of Mothers Podcast co-produced by Warner Bros, Shayna has redirected her talent to writing women's fiction novels that focus on crisis and self-discovery in midlife.
    • Follow Shay on Instagram at @shaynafermwrites
    • Learn more about Shay at her author website
    • Mentioned in this episode: Heather Garbo Book Coaching
    ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER
    The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
    • New episodes every Tuesday.
    • Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatheathermcg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG for related content and discussion.
    • Read The Happily Never After on Substack at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Learn more about Heather McG at ⁠⁠⁠www.heathermcg.com
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins