The Big Silence

Today I’m chatting with Erin Treloar about how to lean into intuitive eating, find food freedom, and embrace self-love! Erin is a mom of two, health coach, meditation teacher, and host of the Raw Beauty Talks podcast. Her practice, rooted in intuitive eating, mindfulness, and self-love, is dedicated to forging a new paradigm of wellness.

Erin also founded the non-profit organization Free to Be, which has taught media literacy and positive body image tools to over 2,500 youth.

In today’s conversation, she shares powerful lessons from her journey, including navigating an eating disorder from a young age and the profound impact of media on our self-esteem. She opens up about working with a life coach and somatic therapist to heal her eating disorder and offers practical advice for healing emotional wounds, learning to communicate with your body, and identifying hunger cues.

We also discuss tips for staying present, dealing with perfectionism and comparison, and what to do if you’re struggling with internet-fueled influences and the impact of Ozempic on body image. Plus, experience an incredible somatic practice for connecting with your body.

Erin provides practical tips and tools from her personal healing journey and from helping her clients find food freedom and self-compassion. If you struggle with emotional eating, you’re not alone; Erin’s work provides a compassionate landing place for you to start healing and embracing all that life has to offer!

(00:02:34) Lessons Learned from Navigating a Childhood Eating Disorder

(00:13:57) How to Start Healing Emotional Wounds & Find Self-Love

(00:22:38) Intuitive Eating Through a Somatic Practice for Connecting to Your Body

(00:32:50) Navigating Body Image in the Weight-Loss Drug Era

(00:39:23) Erin Shares a Healthier Approach to Comparison

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: freetobetalks.com

• Food Freedom Method: rawbeauty.co/foodfreedom

• Instagram: @rawbeautytalks

• Podcast: Raw Beauty Talks

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence

Today’s story is about turning trauma into teachings. (Triggering content warning)

I am thrilled to introduce Marc Pimsler, an experiential counselor and the co-founder and executive director of the International Society for Experiential Professionals. As the owner of MVP Consulting, Marc has dedicated his career to helping families and individuals navigate trauma, addiction, and the journey to healing.

Marc’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that a therapist can only guide clients as far as they have personally traveled, making his own story of trauma and resilience incredibly powerful.

In our conversation, Marc opens up about his heartbreaking journey from childhood to adulthood, sharing the abuse he endured in mental hospitals as a young child and the pivotal moment he decided to seek therapy and begin his recovery journey. He shares what led him to experiential therapy, explaining how it differs from traditional talk therapy and why it’s not your fault if you feel therapy hasn’t worked for you.

Marc also reveals insights on finding joy and gratitude, even in times of pain, the key contributors to his recovery, and the lessons we can all apply to foster deeper connections with those around us.

Each nugget of wisdom is sure to give you a memorable “aha” moment. Marc is truly a calming presence and beautiful example of the incredible purpose that can come from pain. I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation with Marc!

(00:02:27) What is Experiential Counseling?

(00:06:07) Understanding the Imprints of Childhood & Ancestral Trauma

(00:16:19) Finding Freedom: The Path of Addiction & Trauma Recovery

(00:23:42) Turning Pain into Purpose: Finding Effective Healing Modalities

(00:34:24) Advice for Navigating Painful Seasons & Cultivating Compassion

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: marcpimsler.com

• LinkTree: linktr.ee/marcvpimsler

• Instagram: @mpimsler

• Event: isep.co

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with...

The Big Silence is proud to welcome the fabulous Gala Darling to the show. She's the bestselling author of Radical Self-Love, Radical Radiance, and Hologram Heart, and she's all about helping women love themselves and live their dreams. Gala's been on a mission to bring EFT tapping into the modern zeitgeist, inspired by her own journey of healing from an eating disorder and depression.

She's fun, unconventional, and brings a ton of energy to everything she does. You might've caught her TEDTalk or seen her in Vogue and the New York Times – she's everywhere!

In this episode, Gala breaks down the basics of EFT tapping, shows us how it can help decrease our stress and deal with our trauma, and even guides us through a mini tapping session. Plus, she shares juicy details about her dating life, including going on 52 dates and getting engaged at 40!

She also shares amazing advice for all the single women out there, about how to amp up the good vibes before a first date, her first date uniform, and tapping techniques to calm any nerves. She even gives a peek into her new course, Lover Girl (comment or message her the word Lover on Instagram for more details!)

We also chat about her choice to not have kids and how she handles those conversations with people she’s dating and her family. Gala brings an empowering message on how women can embrace being single, recognize if they're in a healthy relationship, and practice radical self-love. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

(00:03:34) Transforming Lives with EFT Tapping (+ Mini Tapping Session!)

(00:12:19) Journey to Love: Engaged at 40 & Advice from 50 First Dates

(00:25:35) Choosing a Child-Free Life

(00:30:47) Get the Single Girl Glow Up & Manifest Your Perfect Partner

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: galadarling.com

• Instagram: @galadarling

• YouTube: Gala Darling

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by

Nikkiey Stott, the dynamic founder of WarriorBabe, Certified Personal Trainer, BSN and host of The Macro Hour podcast is here to share her journey from bodybuilder to online fitness coach on a mission to empower women to transform their lives both mentally and physically.

Nikkiey’s journey into the fitness industry began in 2015, leading her to become a celebrated figure in the bodybuilding world. She achieved professional status in two federations and was named the Top Women’s Physique Athlete with the OCB Federation in 2018.

Her transition from nursing to founding WarriorBabe in 2018 allowed her to create a community that fosters purpose, discipline, and support for women.

In this episode, we delve into Nikkiey’s fascinating story, including how a breakup led her to a bodybuilding career, and the mental and physical toll that it took on her – even ending up in the hospital twice. We shine a bright light on the unhealthy side of bodybuilding many people don’t see, and how it can lead to harmful habits.

We also discuss the rise of Ozempic use in the fitness industry and how it leads to unrealistic expectations and pressure – a cultural issue, one can worry, has only just begun.

Understanding how important it is to be strong as we get older, Nikkiey shares her secrets to building (and keeping) muscle, her current workout regimen, and practical tips for creating sustainable fitness habits.

Tune in to hear Nikkiey's insights on balancing discipline, self-awareness and fitness goals to be your most authentic, healthy self!

(00:03:16) Nikkiey’s Bodybuilding Career Journey

(00:13:23) The Harsh Reality of Bodybuilding No One Talks About

(00:19:48) WarriorBabe: The Path to Creating an Authentic Fitness Brand Online

(00:29:50) Nikkiey’s Guide to Protein & Building Sustainable Habits

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: warriorbabe.com

• Instagram: @nikkieystott

• Instagram: @warriorbabe

• Podcast: The Macro Hour

• YouTube: WarriorBabe

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence...

I’m super honored and grateful to have connected with today’s brilliant guest, Danny Morel. Danny is a life coach and spiritual leader who has helped millions of people awaken, heal, and transform their lives.

His podcast, The Higher Self with Danny Morel, became the number one spirituality podcast within six months – how amazing is that? His event, Awaken Your Highest Self, is quickly becoming the go-to for spiritual awakening. You might even see me there this summer!

In this episode, Danny gets really open and vulnerable sharing his journey from rock bottom to spiritual awakening. He talks about his childhood and the challenges that come with living in a single-parent household. We then unpack how those early experiences shaped his emotional and physical wellbeing, and how he had to shift his mindset to pursue his dreams in real estate.

I really resonated with Danny's story about losing his mother and how it led to his spiritual transformation. I could relate so much to confronting those deep, old woundings and the impact of our parental relationships on our own lives.

We talk about what has helped each of us move forward in life, balancing feminine and masculine energies, and the sacrifices we need to make to find true happiness and peace.

This episode is raw and full of powerful insights on how to start healing your heart, and have a more authentic approach to work, relationships, health, and finances. If you're ready to let go of what's holding you back and awaken their highest purpose, potential, and power, you won't want to miss this one.

(00:04:32) How Our Childhood Experiences Influence Our Emotional & Physical Well-Being

(00:13:39) Rock Bottom Is a Gift: Danny’s Story of Loss & Transformation

(00:23:25) How To Awaken Your Highest Self

(00:32:23) Understanding the Roles of Feminine & Masculine Energy

(00:41:59) Actionable Steps To Start Healing Your Heart

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Event: Awaken Your Highest Self hosted by Danny Morel (use code KARENA for 20% off)

• Instagram: @dannymorel

• Podcast: The Higher Self

• YouTube: The Higher Self

• Website: dannymorel.com/awakenu

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to

Tune in for a special catch-up episode with Karena! In today’s episode, we hear all about the inspirations behind The Big Silence Foundation and how you can be involved in our many programs for mental health support.

Then, Karena dives into an update on her summer so far – flying around the country for biohacking and mental health conferences and speaking engagements, including a horror travel story that led to missing her lunch date at the United Nations. True to form, she shares how she was able to navigate the redirection and choose peace, offering important advice to keep in mind for those chaotic travel days.

Karena also shares how she’s incorporating play and fun into her summer, with unique ideas to foster deeper connection on your next friend date. She shares what it was like visiting Aspen for the first time, her favorite hike spot in Denver, and easy tips for starting to incorporate meditation into your day.

Don’t miss an update on how you can get special access to new, exclusive content from her upcoming audiobook. Let’s get those endorphins going and have a good time!

(00:01:23) Get to Know Karena & The Big SIlence Foundation

(00:05:06) My Brand New Baddie Biohacker Routine

(00:08:21) Choosing Peace: Navigating Travel Changes

(00:15:02) Tone It Up Beginner Meditation Tips

(00:17:38) Rethinking Girl Time: Ideas for Summer Fun Activities

Click here for full show notes

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Big Silence Merch | Go to thebigsilence.com/merch to shop new summer fits and impact lives by supporting our mental health programs & initiatives. 100% of your purchase goes to support mental health!

I’m so thrilled to welcome my friend, my trainer, the Glute Goddess herself, Sandy Brockman to the show! Today, we’re talking all about the number one workout Sandy recommends for women: strength training. Sandy shares how she first fell in love with weights, getting strong through strength training early on in her fitness journey, and details why she insists it’s the best way to stay fit as you age (yes, even over cardio!)

We talk about the science behind growing muscles, why glute strength is so important, and her new 6-week workout program in collaboration with Women’s Health Magazine. We also dive into Sandy’s advice for anyone who feels intimidated by the gym, and how her program can help you gain confidence through lifting weights.

Of course, we also explore the mental health benefits of strength training, even how hard lessons we learn in the gym can translate to our personal lives, outside of it.

Bonding over being bad*** women in fitness over 40, we get ultra-honest in an important exchange around how womens’ bodies change as we age, and how to best support them through the hormonal shifts experienced in perimenopause and menopause.

Sandy also shares her protein guidelines for building and maintaining muscle, and recommends her favorite protein sources to get you to your goals. Make sure to check out Sandy’s incredible glute workout and experience the power of strength training for your overall physical and mental health!

(00:03:24) Why Do Women Need Strength Training More Than Cardio?

(00:14:46) Booty by Brockman: How To Grow Your Glutes

(00:24:12) Sandy’s Advice for Getting Back Into a Gym Routine

(00:32:36) Menopause & Strength Training: Support Through Hormonal Changes

(00:44:00) Sandy’s Protein Recommendations for Women

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @sandybrockmanfitness

• Women’s Health Magazine 6-week glute workout

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by

I am thrilled to have the founders of Vitaclean, Sara Douglas and Kristina Velkova, joining us LIVE in The Big Silence studio. Many people don’t realize the impact that unfiltered shower water can have on their skin and hair, causing complicated issues like acne, eczema, and dry scalp. Vitaclean, a female-founded and led business, was born from this realization, offering triple-filtered Vitamin C and aromatherapy shower heads that help combat these problems while providing a spa-like experience.

In this episode, we get into Sara and Kristina's entrepreneurial journey, from meeting in a yoga studio to creating a product that has changed the lives of thousands. We explore how Vitaclean addresses common hair and skin issues linked to water filtration, the benefits of Vitamin C in keeping water clean, and their innovative approach to business.

We also touch on mental health, discussing how struggling with skin and hair issues can affect one’s confidence and wellbeing. Plus, Sara and Kristina share their wellness non-negotiables and how they find peace in their busy lives as female founders and entrepreneurs leading a global team.

And! Don’t miss a fun story about how Leonardo DiCaprio inspired the brand and how Vitaclean supports The Big Silence with their drop-for-drop initiative. Join us as we navigate topics like entrepreneurship, the importance of self-care, and the mental health benefits of feeling good in your own skin.

Thank you to Vitaclean for offering 10% off shower heads that revitalize your water for The Big Silence listeners. Visit vitacleanhq.com/KARENADAWN and use KARENADAWN for 10% off your order!

(00:02:47) The Birth & Evolution of Vitaclean

(00:14:49) Lessons from Sara & Kristina’s Entrepreneurial Journey

(00:21:34) Addressing Common Hair & Skin Issues with Water Filtration

(00:27:11) Finding Peace as a Female Entrepreneur

(00:41:21) Sara & Kristina’s Wellness Non-Negotiables

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: vitaclean.co

• Instagram: @vitaclean_official

• Instagram: @sarakdouglas

• Instagram: @kristinavelkova

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special...

Today, we welcome the inspiring and relatable Dr. Morgan Anderson to the show – a distinguished clinical psychologist, relationship coach, leading attachment theory expert, and author of the relationship self-help book, Love Magnet.

Dr. Morgan has dedicated her career to unraveling the intricacies of love and connection, bringing over a decade of practical experience to her role as a relationship expert, and shaping the discourse around modern dating and relationships. Dr. Morgan empathically guides individuals through her method, blending the science of attachment theory with real-world insights for amazing results.

In this vulnerable and heartfelt conversation, Dr. Morgan opens up about her own experiences with loss and grief at a young age which led her on a mental health journey and mission to help others. She breaks down the hallmarks of attachment styles and provides actionable tips for breaking free of old patterns and moving towards a secure attachment style.

We also talk about the importance of learning how to self-regulate and set up a culture for your relationship around your shared goals and values – just like you would with a business or brand!

Dr. Morgan also opens up about an incredibly important mental health topic: loss of a loved one by suicide. She talks about how this loss motivated her desire to help people have healthy relationships, and shares her advice for communicating your concern with a loved one who’s trapped in an unhealthy scenario.

This conversation is full of incredibly helpful advice for anyone looking to understand their attachment style and dive deeper into healing. This is your reminder that you are worthy of a loving, secure relationship!

(00:04:42) Dr. Morgan’s Personal Journey of Loss, Grief & Healing

(00:12:02) Exploring Attachment Styles: Anxious, Avoidant & Disorganized

(00:21:14) Tips for Moving to a More Secure Attachment Style

(00:27:13) Cultivating a Healthy Relationship Through Self-Regulation Practices

(00:37:38) Creating Your Relationship Culture & Navigating Hard Times in a Healthy Way

(00:42:53) A Compassionate Conversation Around Losing a Loved One by Suicide

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: drmorgancoaching.com

• Facebook: Dr. Morgan Coaching

• Instagram: @drmorgancoaching

• YouTube: Dr. Morgan TV

• Podcast: Let’s Get Vulnerable

• Read: Love Magnet by Dr. Morgan Anderson

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big