The Big Silence

On this episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with singer-songwriter Lindsey Ray — a powerhouse behind the scenes of the music industry with credits including Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato, and Tiësto. But beyond the accolades lies a story of self-reinvention, mental health awakening, and the hard decision to walk away from “success” in search of authenticity. From her childhood anxiety and people-pleasing tendencies to leaving a thriving music licensing career, Lindsey shares what it means to choose yourself — again and again.

Whether you're a fellow artist, a sensitive soul, or someone standing at the edge of a life change, Lindsey’s story offers hope that the biggest wins come when we stop performing for approval and start living for ourselves.

What Happens When Success Doesn’t Make You Happy Anymore?

Lindsey reflects on the emotional toll of chasing external validation — and what it took to finally start writing a new story for herself.

(00:02:10) The Silent Battle of Mental Health: From Anxious Childhood to Empowered Voice

• Lindsey opens up about suffering silently for years — and the weight that lifted once she could name and share her mental health struggles.
• Why childhood wounds often resurface in adulthood — and how Lindsey finds beauty in understanding that connection.
• How Tone It Up, The Big Silence, and building community around mental health gave her a new mission.
• Her journey from hiding anxiety to embracing it as part of her truth.

(00:08:30) From MySpace to Mariah Carey: The Wild Ride of an Indie Artist

• How a MySpace video and an open mic night changed everything.
• The unconventional way she ended up featured on a Tiësto track using an iPhone mic — while sick with strep throat.
• Why she created alter egos like Raelle and Aliana to explore different music styles.
• Learning the industry “rules” and why she ultimately rejected them to stay true to herself.

(00:21:00) When the Dream Isn’t Enough: Walking Away at the Peak of Success

• Despite success in sync licensing, Lindsey realized she wasn’t fulfilled — and decided to walk away from a decade-long partnership.
• The emotional, financial, and identity crisis that followed.
• Discovering that people-pleasing was driving her choices, not passion.
• Learning to let go of needing external approval and define her worth on her own terms.

(00:26:00) Rituals for Healing: How Lindsey Stays Grounded Today

• Her go-to grounding practices: walks in the woods, bath rituals, lifting heavy weights, and alone time.
• The importance of solitude as a sensitive person and empath.
• Setting boundaries around emotional energy and people-pleasing.
• The ongoing lesson: healing is not a finish line — it’s a lifelong practice.

(00:30:00) Redefining Success: Full Belly Breaths, Saying No, and Living Truthfully

• Lindsey redefines success as peace, alignment, and the courage to say no.
• How she’s learned to trust her body, her voice, and her path — even when it’s uncertain.
• The power of living authentically and inspiring others to do the same.
• Why letting go of what no longer serves you is sometimes the bravest thing you can do.

This episode was Filmed at the Thompson Nashville. 

Thanks for the support from our partners, including: 

BetterHelp: Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and...

What if your pain could become someone else’s healing? On this episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with rising country star Avery Anna on the eve of her 10th Grand Ole Opry performance. From humble beginnings recording in her mom’s bathtub to signing with Warner Music Nashville, Avery’s journey is anything but typical. But it’s her vulnerability that sets her apart. Inspired by fan-written “Let Go Letters” — anonymous notes sharing raw experiences of trauma, self-doubt, body image struggles, and more — Avery turned these confessions into her sophomore album, Let Go Letters (out May 16). In this heartfelt conversation, she shares how music became her therapy, how she balances the pressures of social media, and why songs like “Danny Don’t,” “Grave,” and “Self-Esteem for Sale” might just save a life.

How Can We Transform Pain into Purpose Through Music?

Avery reveals how fans’ anonymous letters inspired her to write songs that create community, healing, and understanding — proving we are never truly alone in what we’re going through.

(00:01:00) From TikTok to the Grand Ole Opry — Avery’s Unexpected Breakthrough

• Pandemic boredom led Avery to post singing videos on TikTok — one went viral, launching her career.
• Discovered by band Parmalee and signed to Warner Music Nashville within months.
• Talks about imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and how faith and family keep her grounded.
• How her upbringing in a close-knit, faith-based family in Flagstaff, Arizona shaped her values.

(00:04:50) The Birth of Let Go Letters: Turning Fans’ Pain Into Powerful Music

• Avery began collecting anonymous fan letters at her shows, sparking the concept for Let Go Letters.
• Writing songs like “Danny Don’t” based on a letter from a fan contemplating suicide.
• The emotional toll and responsibility of holding space for her fans' deepest traumas.
• How her music offers a safe space for healing — not just for fans, but for herself too.

(00:09:30) Writing About the Unspoken: Body Image, Sexual Trauma, and Self-Worth

• Songs like “Vanilla” and “Grave” tackle sexual trauma with raw honesty.
• “Self-Esteem for Sale” reflects the pressure of being a product on social media.
• Avery shares how she protects her mental health by setting boundaries with technology.
• The importance of reminding herself that her worth comes from who she is, not what she posts.

(00:20:00) Pre-Show Rituals, Tour Life, and the Realities Behind the Glam

• Touring isn’t all glitz: van life, flat tires, and DIY road trips with her band.
• Her quirky pre-show routine: honey shots, prayer circles, and unplugging from social media.
• Why “Vanilla” is her favorite song to perform — a moment of collective healing on stage.

00:28:00) Songs That Heal: The Butterfly Project, My Mother Lies, and More

• Inspired by a letter about self-harm, “The Butterfly Project” reminds listeners their pain impacts those who love them.
• “My Mother Lies” explores how negative self-talk is passed down through generations.
• Avery’s hope is that these songs help fans find their voice, their healing, and their community.

This episode was Filmed at the Thompson Nashville. 

Thanks for the support from our partners, including: 

BetterHelp: Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and enjoy a...

What does it truly mean to live with intention—from the food we eat, to the candles we burn, to how we heal our inner child? This week on The Big Silence, Karena sits down with sustainable living expert and “EcoBabe” Monica Richards for an eye-opening, heart-filling conversation about how sustainability is more than composting—it's a lifestyle of reverence, joy, and healing. Monica shares her journey from a farm girl in Michigan to a TV host, interior designer, and now powerful advocate for the planet and our mental wellness. From practical eco-hacks to personal stories of spiritual alchemy and boundary-setting, this episode is packed with accessible shifts you can make today to live a cleaner, more conscious life—from the inside out.

What does sustainability have to do with your self-worth and mental health?

Monica doesn’t just talk eco-living—she lives it through purpose, resilience, and healing. In this conversation, we explore how your outer world reflects your inner work—and why it all starts with intention.

(00:03:29) Starting Small with Sustainability: The All-or-Nothing Myth

• Sustainability is not about perfection—it’s about intention.
• Monica explains why the “cancel culture” in the eco-space is actually hurting the movement.
• Simple first steps: Start with one drawer, one habit, one food scrap bin.
• How petitions, composting apps, and even your shampoo bar can make a major impact.

(00:08:29) Building a Passion-Driven Life: Career, Risk & Freedom

• Monica opens up about struggling with finances and not always being understood by family.
• Why aligning your purpose with impact is worth every risk.
• The truth about entrepreneurship: sleepless nights, inner healing, and never really “clocking out.”
• Why Monica’s word for the year is “freedom”—and how she’s manifesting it.

(00:12:23) From Scarcity to Sovereignty: Inner Child Work & Alchemy Healing

• How Monica overcame a "play small" mindset around money and worth.
• A deep dive into her practice of alchemy—healing trauma through gratitude, trust, and love.
• A triggering moment with a stranger becomes a portal to growth.
• The unexpected power of talking to your inner child using a favorite childhood photo.

(00:27:12) Sustainable Interior Design & What’s Hiding In Your Home

• The toxic truth about candles, plastics, and your indoor air.
• Top 3 home changes Monica notices immediately (and how you can fix them).
• Favorite low-waste, clean beauty and personal care brands.
• How shampoo and conditioner bars can eliminate plastic and elevate your hair game.

(00:37:10) The Mental Health of Consumption & Conscious Media Detoxing

• How digital overload affects our energy and mental health.
• Monica shares why being selective about what you consume (including the news!) is self-care.
• What it means to create from your “inner space.”
• Final takeaway: Everything you create begins inside. Go inward, connect with your inner child, and start healing.

Thanks for the support from our partners, including: 

Fatty 15 I Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15 levels to help you live healthier, longer. Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/TBS and using code TBS at checkout!

Guest Info:

Website: ecobabe.co

Instagram:

What happens when the pain you’ve been running from becomes the very thing that sets you free? In this moving episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with somatic therapist and author Britt Piper to explore the transformative journey from trauma to healing. Britt shares her deeply personal story—of childhood abandonment, sexual assault, addiction, and eventual redemption—and how somatic therapy became the missing piece in her healing puzzle. Together, they dismantle the silence around pain, trauma, and recovery, while offering tangible tools to begin reconnecting with your body, your story, and your truth.

If you've ever felt like healing was out of reach or wondered if you'd ever be able to trust again—this conversation is your permission slip to begin.

Can We Ever Fully Heal From Trauma We Don’t Remember?

Britt answers this by redefining what healing actually looks like—and how the body always remembers, even when the mind does not.

00:01:13) Who Am I Without My Title? Britt’s Story Begins

• Britt shares how she’s choosing to define herself by her humanity, not her job.
• She opens up about being a survivor of complex trauma—and why authenticity matters now more than ever.
• Introduces somatic therapy and how it differs from traditional talk therapy.
• Describes the moment she realized trauma was stored in her body, not just her mind.

(00:05:50) Early Trauma, Numbing, and Rock Bottom in a Jail Cell

• Britt reflects on growing up in a household that ignored pain and buried emotion.
• She recounts the series of self-destructive behaviors that led to hospitalization and arrest.
• Shares how a judge’s unexpected words became a turning point: “You need to learn how to live with your pain.”
• Describes the raw, detox-like physical process of emotional release while in jail.

(00:13:55) The Healing Power of Somatics: Britt’s Transformation

• Britt explains how somatic experiencing changed her life—and how she got off meds as a result.
• She began training with pioneers like Dr. Peter Levine and launched her own trauma recovery program.
• Her book, Body First Healing, offers a blend of science and memoir to make trauma healing accessible.
• Emphasizes the body’s ability to heal when we stop bypassing it.

(00:17:30) Trust, Attachment & Finding Love After Trauma

• How Britt learned to trust again and build a relationship after abuse.
• She explores attachment styles and how her marriage helped her rewire old trauma.
• Her husband’s wisdom: “You need to learn to love yourself more than you love me.”
• Somatic tools for navigating relationships with grace, even when triggers arise.

(00:24:55) Inner Child Work, Co-Regulation & Somatic Love Language

• Britt breaks down “parts work” and how our younger selves show up in adult relationships.
• The science behind co-regulation and why calm nervous systems heal together.
• How to track body cues (like tightening or softening) to determine if something is a “yes.”
• The role of touch, consent, and boundary mapping in relational healing.

(00:26:48) Healing From Sexual Assault: Where to Start

• Why healing ≠ justice—and why survivors should never be pressured to report.
• Tools for reclaiming agency: from choosing how to share your story to developing a “support plan.”
• The Now What Workbook: Britt’s free guide to navigating life after sexual trauma.
• Key reminder: “You don’t need to relive it to heal it.”

(00:33:52) Motherhood, Panic Attacks & Intergenerational Healing

• How becoming a mom triggered Britt’s own unresolved early childhood trauma.
• The emotional and physical signals that led her to understand her anxiety...

What if your anxiety, gut issues, or chronic fatigue aren’t just “mental”—but messages from your body asking you to slow down, clean up, and tune in? In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Mona Sharma—a former luxury beauty exec turned celebrity wellness expert—shares her personal journey from corporate burnout and heart surgeries to building an "at-home ashram" for healing. Mona breaks down how unresolved stress, toxic products, and hustle culture disconnect us from our own vitality, and how even small changes to your environment and routine can radically transform your health. This is not about all-or-nothing wellness—this is about reclaiming your body’s wisdom, one choice at a time.

Can You Really Heal Yourself By Cleaning Out Your Cabinet?

Mona believes you can. But it starts with understanding how clutter, chemicals, and cortisol create chaos in your body—and how to shift back to balance.

(00:00:00) Mona’s Breaking Point: From Fashion World to the ER Table

• Mona shares how corporate life and untreated stress led to two heart surgeries by age 24.
• Doctors offered no root-cause insight—just meds and more surgeries.
• A trip back to her childhood ashram helped her reconnect with the healing power of food, nature, and rest.
• “The doctors wanted to treat my symptoms, but not my story.”
• 
  

(00:12:18) Build Your Ashram at Home: Rituals, Food, and Space That Heal

• Rise with the sun, meditate, and simplify your schedule to support circadian rhythms.
• Use your home as a wellness sanctuary—starting with your kitchen, then skincare, then sleep space.
• “Eat like you love yourself”: whole foods, healthy swaps, and reduce toxins with apps like Yucca and EWG.
• Bonus: Herbal teas, salt-boosted hydration, and blackout curtains make a big impact.
• 
  

(00:22:33) From Hustle to Harmony: Rewiring the Nervous System

• Mona reveals how stress became her identity—and how letting go of hustle was the hardest part.
• She discusses the societal pressure to “do it all” and why honoring your energy is the new productivity.
• “Rest is scheduled at the ashram. Why isn’t it scheduled in your life?”
• Healing comes from permission: to pause, to not perform, and to prioritize joy.
• 
  

(00:29:57) Celebrity Wellness: How Mona Became Will Smith’s Private Chef

• Mona’s wellness career snowballed after a chance client connection—Jonathan from the Property Brothers.
• She later supported Will Smith, Jay Shetty, and Julianne Hough through holistic lifestyle overhauls.
• The root of her approach: personalized protocols that combine ancient wisdom with functional testing.
• “It’s not just about what you eat—it’s how you live, breathe, and rest.”
• 
  

(00:44:07) Start Here: Three Questions to Create Your Wellness Plan

• What are the 3 main imbalances you feel? What’s contributing to them?
• Use that insight to create your action plan—no overhaul needed.
• Ditch the diet fads and increase gut-friendly fiber from real, colorful foods.
• “There’s no red pill. Your diet should be as unique as your fingerprint.”
• 
  

Thanks for the support from our partners, including:

Ketone IQ | This episode is sponsored by Ketone-IQ. Save 30% off your first subscription order and receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ at ketone.com/TBS.

Guest Info:

• Website: monasharma.com
• Instagram:...

What if the chemicals in our food, water, and everyday products were silently impacting our mental health? This week on The Big Silence, I sit down with Dr. Aly Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist, integrative medicine specialist, and environmental health expert, to explore the hidden connection between toxins and brain health. From the rise of autoimmune diseases to how endocrine-disrupting chemicals might be affecting our mood, weight, and overall well-being, Dr. Cohen breaks it all down in a way that’s practical and science-backed—without the fear factor. We also dive into her personal journey, why filtering your water is a game-changer, and how small, mindful swaps can make a huge difference. Plus, I put some of my own everyday products to the test—let’s just say I had some wake-up calls! If you’re ready to take small, powerful steps toward feeling your best, grab Dr. Cohen’s book Detoxify, follow The Smart Human, and start making changes without the overwhelm.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:01) How Everyday Toxins Impact Autoimmune Diseases, Hormones & Mental Health

(00:11:12) Detox Your Daily Life: Simple Swaps for a Healthier Home & Body

(00:22:53) The Hidden Links Between Toxins, Gut Health, & Mental Wellness

(00:35:29) Toxic or Safe? Breaking Down Everyday Products & Safer Swaps

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: alycohenmd.com

• Instagram: @thesmarthuman

• Read: Detoxify by Dr. Aly Cohen

Resources:

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

• 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:

Timeline Longevity | Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/TBS.

FATTY15 | Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15 levels to help you live healthier, longer. Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/TBS and using code TBS at checkout!

Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber Brooks knows the immense pressure of elite gymnastics—where fear-based coaching, emotional suppression, and relentless expectations shape young athletes. In this episode, she opens up about the resilience it took to unlearn those survival tactics and how retiring at just 18 forced her to redefine her identity beyond competition. Now the head coach at the University of Arkansas, Jordyn is reshaping gymnastics culture, creating a healthier environment where athletes can thrive without sacrificing their well-being. She shares her journey of healing from body image struggles, finding purpose in coaching, and preparing for motherhood. Jordyn also reflects on her experience on Special Forces, where she reached her mental and physical limits and made the powerful decision to step away for her mental health—proving that true strength lies in self-awareness, boundaries, and rewriting the rules for the next generation.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:34) Redefining Success in Sports: Building Resilience & Healthy Mindsets

(00:13:05) Jordyn’s Olympic Journey & Navigating Life After Retirement

(00:25:08) Healing Her Relationship with Food & Preparing for Motherhood

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @jordyn_wieber

Resources:

• 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:

Ketone IQ | Visit ketone.com/TBS for 30% off your first subscription!

What if facing death was the key to truly living? I’m sitting down with my dear friend, Darlene Cordero—founder of Wellness Culture, author of The Healer’s Playbook, and a true force of nature when it comes to uplifting others. After years of success in corporate finance and media, she walked away to pursue a deeper calling—but it wasn’t until a life-altering cancer diagnosis that she truly understood what it meant to live with purpose. In this conversation, we explore what it means to prioritize yourself in a world that constantly asks for more, the role of community in healing, and how to show up for loved ones facing illness. Most of all, Darlene teaches us that healing isn’t just about survival—it’s about embracing joy, connection, and the time we have right now. Together, we break the silence on death and uncover the ultimate truth: once you accept your mortality, you can finally start to live.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:52) How Darlene Built a Purpose-Driven Career in Wellness

(00:13:46) How a Cancer Diagnosis Transformed Darlene’s Perspective on Life

(00:21:09) Darlene’s Daily Practices While Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis

(00:33:00) The Secret to Living Fully: How Embracing Death Can Set You Free

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: wellnessculture.co

• Instagram: @meetdarlene

• Read:  The Healer's Playbook by Darlene Cordero

Resources:

• 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:

Timeline Longevity | Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/TBS.

FATTY15 | Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15 levels to help you live healthier, longer. Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/TBS and using code TBS at checkout!

We’re breaking the silence on vaccines—one of the most polarizing and complicated conversations in parenting. I’m joined by Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, a Board-Certified Pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine, who believes parents deserve open, judgment-free discussions on vaccines, chronic illness, and raising healthy kids. Known for his popular Instagram @DrJoelGator and his upcoming book Between a Shot and a Hard Place, Dr. Gator is cutting through the noise to bring clarity to a topic that’s often confusing—or even censored.

In this conversation, we break down the rise of chronic illness in kids, how modern lifestyles are impacting their health, and what parents can do to take back control. Dr. Gator shares his unique approach—blending the best of Western medicine with holistic wellness—so parents can move beyond the “all or nothing” mindset. We also dive into movement, nutrition, and environmental awareness as key factors in reducing the rising rate of chronic illness. Tune in to find the right vaccine approach for your family, and make empowered choices.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:17) Choosing the Best Vaccine Plan for Your Child

(00:09:15) Why Are Kids Sicker Than Ever?

(00:15:57) The Top 3 Ways to Combat Chronic Illness in Kids

(00:25:40) Why Parents Don’t Trust Doctors Anymore & How to Fix It

(00:32:51) The Right (and Wrong) Way to Talk About Vaccines

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: integrativepediatricsandmedicine.com

• Instagram: @DrJoelGator

• Read: Between a Shot and a Hard Place by Dr. Joel Gator Warsh

Resources:

• 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:

Ketone IQ | Visit ketone.com/TBS for 30% off your first subscription!