Brave, Bold & Unfiltered with Valerie Silveira
Life is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright brutal. So how do you keep going when everything falls apart? That’s exactly what we talk about on Brave, Bold & Unfiltered. This isn’t your typical “feel-good” podcast—it’s raw, real, and unfiltered. My son Sean and I have honest conversations about courage, resilience, grief, faith, and navigating life’s unexpected twists. Why do I care so much about this? Because I’ve lived it. My daughter Jamie was shot at 18 and miraculously survived—but that moment led to a 15-year battle with addiction that nearly destroyed both of us. Then, 12 years and 12 days later, it happened again. This time, it was fatal. Now, nearly a decade later, I’m still fighting for justice, but I refuse to let my story end in tragedy. That’s why we’re here—to talk about what it really takes to stand back up when life knocks you down. And we don’t stop at the tough stuff. Sometimes, we dive into everyday challenges, big questions, or even the occasional random topic—because life isn’t just about the hard stuff. It’s about finding meaning, humor, and the guts to keep going. Expect hard truths, real talk, and maybe even some laughter along the way. Because if we’re going to take down our Beasts, we might as well have a little fun doing it. 💜 Listen or watch now on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform.
Episodes
In this episode of Brave, Bold and Unfiltered, Valerie Silveira reflects on the importance of courage and the influence we have on others, especially in times of darkness. She shares personal stories about her daughter Jamie, the impact of addiction, and the lessons learned through grief and resilience. Valerie introduces her new initiative, Unbreakable Kids, aimed at empowering the next generation. Throughout the conversation, she...
When life comes at you for more than two decades, you either crumble under the weight of it, or you find purpose in the pain.
In this episode, Valerie is joined by her husband, Rich, for an unscripted, spur-of-the-moment conversation about life, dreams, maps burning, and purpose.
If this message resonates, be sure to subscribe, share, and comment! 💜
Your story matters, so live it courageously!
📚Grab a copy of Burn the Map: http://bi...
This is the episode that can change everything for you. This is YOUR time. Your moment—to choose Freedom.
If this episode resonates with you, be sure to subscribe and watch on YouTube. Get a copy of my latest book, Burn the Map. Importantly, share with someone who needs freedom, hope, and courage. 💜
Your story matters, so live it courageously!
📚Grab a copy of Burn the Map: http://bit.ly/4k3UhoT
📌 Helpful Links & Resources
In this episode of Brave, Bold and Unfiltered, Valerie Silveira discusses the themes of resilience and courage in the face of life's challenges. Drawing from her personal experiences, she emphasizes the importance of choosing courage over fear, finding joy amidst pain, and the healing power of laughter. Valerie shares her journey through grief and the ongoing struggles her family faces, encouraging listeners to embrace their own jo...
In this episode, Valerie Silveira discusses themes from her book 'Burn the Map', focusing on the importance of igniting hope and courage in oneself and others, especially during difficult times. She shares personal stories of struggle, resilience, and the transformative power of choosing to inspire others despite one's own challenges. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being a light for others and the impact of persona...
Ever feel like you don't know where to begin to live courageously? In this episode, you will be inspired by the importance of courage, being yourself, and so much more.
We also have a bonus clip with April, one of the Warriors featured in my latest book, Burn the Map.
If this episode inspires you, please share! Spread the hope. 💜
Your story matters, so live it courageously!
📚Grab a copy of Burn the Map: http://bit.ly/4k3UhoT
📌 Helpfu...
Have you ever thought your heart's not built for what you're going through? In this episode, Sean and I talk about the courageous heart. And this week we have a BONUS session where Sean interviews my husband (his step-dad), Rich, about a huge loss Rich sustained as a teenager. Sean and Rich have a shared grief, but they also have a shared courage. P.S. We had no plan for Rich's interview and no idea how emotional it would be. That'...
Nobody signs up for adversity. We do everything we can to avoid it. But no matter how hard we try, storms, setbacks, and fire will find us. The good news? You weren’t just built to survive the fire—you were forged by it.
In Episode 8 of the Burn the Map series, I share the lessons from Chapter Seven, Forged in the Fire. From sea turtles struggling to reach the ocean, to the minefield moments that shake us, this episode is about how ...
Life’s storms come in many forms—grief, betrayal, loss, health battles, unexpected change—and they rarely show up when we’re ready. Some storms give no warning. Others we see coming from miles away. And some rage on for years.
In Episode 7 of the Burn the Map series, I share stories and lessons from Chapter Six, The Storms That Shape Us. We’ll talk about the different kinds of life storms, what they leave behind, and how they can sh...
In this episode of 'Brave Bold and Unfiltered', Valerie Silveira discusses the themes of her book 'Burn the Map', focusing on the importance of letting go of control and embracing life's uncertainties. She shares personal stories and insights, emphasizing that true strength lies in acceptance and the ability to manage one's thoughts, words, actions, and feelings. The conversation explores the impact of labels, the necessity of rele...
What does it take to truly master the warrior mindset? It’s not about perfection—it’s about perspective, persistence, and the willingness to get back up no matter how many times life knocks you down.
In Episode 5 of the Burn the Map series, I talk about the habits, choices, and mindsets that keep Warriors moving forward, even in the face of devastating loss.
This episode also includes a powerful bonus clip from Shawnie, one of the Wa...
The big fat lie we’ve all believed? That courage is reserved for the obviously brave. In reality, courage is built in the middle of fear and uncertainty—and it belongs to everyone.
In Episode 4 of the Burn the Map series, Sean and I sit down to talk about Chapter Three of the book and why courage isn’t about being fearless or perfect. We dive into the messy, raw moments where real bravery is born and share how this chapter’s Warrior...
Fear isn’t just an emotion—it’s a thief. It steals dreams, relationships, and opportunities. In Episode 3 of the Burn the Map series, I dive into Chapter Two of the book: Fear Is Killing Us.
This episode is about recognizing the Beast of fear, how it shows up in your life, and how it silently convinces you to settle for less.
In this episode, Sean & I share:
Fear isn’t just an emotion—it’s a thief. It steals dreams, relationships...
What happens when the life you planned suddenly burns to the ground—or when you realize you lit the match yourself?
In Episode 2 of the Burn the Map series, I dive into Chapter One of the book and the moments that change everything. From the first time my daughter Jamie was shot… to Sandy’s wake-up call… to the kind of fear that paralyzes you when the map disappears—this episode explores the fires we don’t ask for and the ones we st...
Discover the real story behind Burn the Map—and what it means to live with unbreakable courage when life doesn’t go as planned.
In this kickoff episode of the 14-part Burn the Map podcast series, I share why I wrote the book and what I hope it unlocks for you. I’ll take you inside the slow unraveling of my life, my daughter Jamie’s addiction and murder, and how I found the strength to keep going—not with a plan, but with raw, imperf...
Coming Soon: The Burn the Map Podcast Series
Starting this Wednesday, join me for a 14-week series built around my new book, Burn the Map—starting with an introduction, diving into each of the 12 chapters, and closing with a powerful final reflection.
This isn’t just a chapter-by-chapter breakdown. It’s the raw, behind-the-scenes truth—the unfiltered stories, the deeper insights, and the moments that didn’t make it into the book. You...
In this special episode, I answer the questions people ask me most about my personal journey through heartbreak, addiction, grief, and ultimately—healing.
I share the lessons I learned as I tried to navigate my daughter’s addiction, the unimaginable loss that followed, and how I found the courage to choose hope and growth, even when fear tried to take over.
If you’ve ever felt like your map burned and you didn’t know where to go next...
When the unthinkable happens, some people fall apart—and others become the light for the rest of us.
Donna is that light.
In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Donna—one of the 12 Warriors featured in Burn the Map—to talk about what it means to love without limits, to face heartbreak with open arms, and to stand strong even when your heart is breaking.
We explore her journey through the addiction nightmare with her son, Antho...
We’ve laughed in hospital rooms, funerals, courtrooms, and the middle of absolute chaos. Was it inappropriate? Maybe. Did it save us? Absolutely.
In this episode, Sean and I share some of our funniest—and most embarrassing—stories. But this isn’t just a highlight reel of awkward moments. It’s a deep dive into why laughter is more than a coping mechanism. It’s a lifeline.
When the world feels heavy and nothing makes sense, laughter ca...
We spend so much of life trying to avoid the fire.
But what if it’s the very thing shaping you into someone stronger?
In this episode of Brave, Bold & Unfiltered, I talk about the pain, pressure, and heat that can feel unbearable—but often become the forge for our strength.
You don’t become unshakable without going through some shaking.
You don’t develop courage without walking through fear.
If you’re in the fire right now, this one...
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