• 31 - Ashraf CEO of Travel Through Trauma, on life, healing, and travel
    Oct 16 2025

    Healing Through Travel with Ashraf from Travel Through TraumaIn this episode of 'You Make It Happen', the host welcomes Ashraf, CEO and thought leader of Travel Through Trauma. The conversation delves into Ashraf's inspiring journey of overcoming generational trauma and childhood abuse, and how she found healing through solo travel. Ashraf shares her story of battling complex PTSD, the importance of prioritizing one's happiness, and how her nonprofit organization aims to help others heal through travel. The discussion touches on the power of stepping out of one's environment, discovering self-worth, and the profound impact of solo travel on personal growth and resilience.00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:31 Meet Ashraf: CEO and Thought Leader01:13 Ashraf's Background and Generational Trauma03:35 The Healing Journey Begins04:44 Discovering Solo Travel07:49 The Birth of Travel Through Trauma12:51 Reflections on Pain and Healing22:20 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

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    23 mins
  • 30 - pt 2 Danielle on life, grief, travel and more
    Sep 18 2025

    Navigating Life and Healing: Insights from a Layperson

    In part two of this series, host and guest Danielle delve into topics surrounding life, grief, healing, travel, and personal growth. They discuss the value of lay perspectives on self-improvement, the intricacies of therapy, and how anyone can work on self-healing outside of professional help. They explore the impact of kindness, the challenges of asking for help, and the significance of gratitude and joy. They also touch on personal anecdotes, book recommendations like Dr. Brene Brown's work and 'Happy Fat' by Sofie Hagen, and thoughts on engaging in activities like roller derby and pickleball for decompression.


    00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

    00:29 The Value of Non-Professional Perspectives

    01:50 Therapy and Self-Improvement

    02:42 The Stigma Around Therapy

    04:15 Asking for Help and Vulnerability

    06:49 Venting vs. Processing Emotions

    08:45 Finding the Right Therapist

    09:56 Personal Growth Through Therapy

    14:45 Life's Duality: Horrible and Beautiful

    15:47 The Power of Gratitude

    17:32 The Power of Gratitude and Joy

    18:38 The Importance of Kindness

    21:28 Struggles with Compassion

    22:33 Pet Peeves and Personal Irks

    25:06 Quick Quiz Questions

    30:15 Final Thoughts and Advice

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    32 mins
  • 29 - Danielle on life, grief, travel and more! pt 1
    Aug 21 2025

    Navigating Life's Journey with Danielle's Story of Resilience and Self-Discovery

    In this episode of the 'You Make It Happen' podcast, the host introduces Danielle, a guest who shares her life journey, experiences with vulnerability, grief, and personal growth. Danielle, who hails from Washington State and has a secure upbringing, opens up about her early marriage, the sudden death of her husband, and her subsequent path toward self-discovery. Emphasizing the importance of emotional openness and personal boundaries, Danielle reflects on the impact of travel and the pursuit of happiness on her healing process. The episode delves into the idea that personal development can take many forms outside traditional therapy, highlighting the significance of introspection and the courage to be vulnerable. The conversation also touches on the role of resilience in overcoming challenges and the importance of kindness in dealing with difficult people.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

    00:58 Danielle's Background and Upbringing

    01:36 Marriage and Personal Loss

    02:36 Personal Growth and Healing

    07:36 Travel and Self-Discovery

    18:37 Boundaries and Shame Resilience

    23:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    24 mins
  • 28 - self care? and doing the work
    Jul 17 2025

    In this episode of 'You Make It Happen,' the host, Missy, delves into the concept of real self-care and distinguishes it from escapism. She emphasizes the importance of not just engaging in popular self-care activities like yoga, meditation, and therapy, but actually doing the hard work of feeling and processing emotions such as shame, anger, and grief. Missy shares her personal journey, including years of unproductive therapy and repressed emotions, and stresses the importance of finding the right therapist and being truly self-compassionate. The discussion covers the challenges of setting boundaries, the cultural pressures in the U.S. around work ethic, and the need for genuine rest. Missy invites listeners to rethink their approaches to self-care, focusing on what genuinely renews and heals rather than merely consuming information or engaging in surface-level activities.

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    29 mins
  • 27 - ADHD, numbing, and coping skills pt. 2
    Jun 19 2025

    Understanding ADHD, Numbing, and Shame: Navigating Mental WellnessIn this episode of 'You. Make It Happen.', the host addresses the challenges of maintaining a podcast while balancing mental health, particularly focusing on ADHD and its impact on energy and executive function. She discusses how ADHD results in executive function paralysis and shares personal experiences of managing the overwhelming feelings associated with the disorder. The episode also delves into the topic of numbing—using activities or substances to avoid feeling negative emotions. The host shares insights from Russell Brand's book, 'Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions', and emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel emotions fully. Vulnerable anecdotes are shared to illustrate how old emotional patterns can re-emerge unpredictably. The discussion highlights the struggle with shame, the need for emotional support, and strategies for managing difficult emotions.

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    20 mins
  • 26 - ADHD, numbing, and coping skills pt. 1
    May 15 2025

    Understanding ADHD, Numbing, and Shame: Navigating Mental WellnessIn this episode of 'You. Make It Happen.', the host addresses the challenges of maintaining a podcast while balancing mental health, particularly focusing on ADHD and its impact on energy and executive function. She discusses how ADHD results in executive function paralysis and shares personal experiences of managing the overwhelming feelings associated with the disorder. The episode also delves into the topic of numbing—using activities or substances to avoid feeling negative emotions. The host shares insights from Russell Brand's book, 'Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions', and emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel emotions fully. Vulnerable anecdotes are shared to illustrate how old emotional patterns can re-emerge unpredictably. The discussion highlights the struggle with shame, the need for emotional support, and strategies for managing difficult emotions.

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    22 mins
  • 25 - how to tell if your relationship is unhealthy
    Apr 20 2025

    In this episode of 'You Make It Happen,' host Missy addresses listener requests on how to identify unhealthy or toxic relationships. Missy explores key indicators such as feeling unsafe, unsupported, disrespected, or controlled. She elaborates on the 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' for relationships—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, as defined by John and Julie Gottman. The episode also includes listener questions about dealing with unsatisfactory sex lives and relationship boundaries, offering practical advice on maintaining overall relationship health. Additionally, Missy shares travel tips, such as the value of a Priority Pass and travel credit cards.In this episode of 'You Make It Happen,' host Missy addresses listener requests on how to identify unhealthy or toxic relationships. Missy explores key indicators such as feeling unsafe, unsupported, disrespected, or controlled. She elaborates on the 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' for relationships—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, as defined by John and Julie Gottman. The episode also includes listener questions about dealing with unsatisfactory sex lives and relationship boundaries, offering practical advice on maintaining overall relationship health. Additionally, Missy shares travel tips, such as the value of a Priority Pass and travel credit cards.

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    36 mins
  • 24 - Men, Vulnerability, and Grief: A Deep Dive with Jason
    Mar 20 2025

    Men, Vulnerability, and Grief: A Deep Dive with JasonIn this episode of 'You Make It Happen,' host Missy welcomes guest Jason to discuss the crucial topics of men and vulnerability, exploring how men handle grief and shame. Jason shares his personal journey of raising two kids with special needs and the intense grief following the loss of his son, which led him to help others through writing and community building. They emphasize the importance of men being emotionally open and how societal norms impact male vulnerability. Jason offers practical advice for those struggling to find therapists and discusses generational differences in coping with emotions. The episode wraps with engaging questions about influential books, movies, and travel experiences.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Promotion01:03 Meet Jason: A Journey of Resilience02:53 Facing Unimaginable Challenges07:06 Grief and Healing: A Personal Journey24:59 The Power of Vulnerability29:14 The Importance of Family Lessons29:37 Societal Messages and Male Vulnerability29:45 The Male Grief Constitution30:34 Safe Spaces for Men31:02 The Double Standard in Vulnerability34:46 Listening to Understand, Not to Respond40:15 The Need for Peace at Home43:05 Influential Art and Decompression48:05 Travel Stories and Recommendations53:23 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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    55 mins