A Contagious Smile Podcast
A Contagious Smile is a powerful platform dedicated to uplifting and empowering special needs families and survivors of domestic violence. Through heartfelt stories, we shine a light on the journeys of extraordinary individuals who have overcome unimaginable challenges. Their triumphs serve as a testament to resilience and strength, inspiring others to rediscover their own inner light. Each episode features candid interviews with survivors, advocates, and experts who provide valuable resources and insights to support those on their own paths to healing and empowerment. Join us as we celebrate the power of resilience, the beauty of shared stories, and the unstoppable spirit of those who turn adversity into hope. Let us guide you in rekindling your spirit, because every smile tells a story of courage and transformation.
Episodes
Mark Wright's story redefines what's possible after traumatic injury. As the first amputee motorcycle officer in United States history, Mark demonstrates that our physical limitations are often far less restrictive than our mental ones.
When Mark crashed his motorcycle after a late-night shift, hitting a disabled vehicle with no lights, his world changed forever. Multiple compound fractures left his...
The pollen count is high and so are the emotions in this raw, unfiltered conversation between Victoria and Michael. Between sneezes and watery eyes, they dive into the grueling realities of advocacy work—the sleepless nights, endless paperwork, and emotional toll that comes with fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Victoria opens up about a new family she's working with, revealing the comp...
Take a deep breath with us as we explore the transformation that awaits beyond toxic relationships. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we step away from the heaviness of narcissistic abuse to focus on something equally important. This beautiful life exists on the other side of healing.
One host shares her harrowing health journey, describing how narcissistic abuse physically manifested as a life-threatenin...
Ever wondered what happens when you throw together a redhead, a redneck, and a family dynamic that thrives on elaborate pranks? This raw, unfiltered episode takes you straight into the chaotic heart of family relationships where shoes get thrown in restaurant parking lots and trucks become canvases for bird droppings and marshmallows.
But beneath the laughter lies something deeper. When our conversation shift...
Taking a deep breath becomes an act of revolution after escaping narcissistic abuse. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Faith and Dana step away from their usual format to share profound insights about life after abuse—and why that journey is worth every difficult step.
Faith arrives emotionally drained from six days of intense advocacy work, including a harrowing six-hour standoff, prompting a candid disc...
Every survivor deserves a voice—regardless of gender. When Michael witnessed his wife Victoria's domestic violence advocacy work up close for the first time, it sparked a raw, necessary conversation about who abuse affects and how cycles can be broken.
Victoria pulls back the curtain on her nearly two decades as an advocate, showing how she bridges the gap between survivors, law enforcement, and the cour...
Heartfelt celebrations and serious conversations collide in this candid episode where we start by toasting Michael's first colonoscopy (yes, really!) and the clean bill of health that followed. It's a perfect reminder that sometimes the most uncomfortable moments become our greatest gifts to those we love - as Michael puts it, "I want to live longer for my family."
The energy shifts as we ...
The moment Ken Kunkin made that fateful tackle during a Cornell University football game in 1970, his life's trajectory ...
Financial abuse remains one of the most powerful yet least understood tactics used by abusers to maintain control. In this raw, emotional conversation, two survivors share their hard-earned strategies for financially preparing to escape dangerous relationships.
The hosts reveal detailed methods that helped them break free—from getting cash back at checkout and removing that portion of receipts, to building re...
When Malcolm Goodwin reached out to thank Victoria for saving his friend's life, it reinforced exactly why the Contagious Smile podcast exists. "I'm not looking for praise or notoriety," Victoria shares with raw honesty. "When I went through this and was laying on the floor bleeding, not wanting to get up, I wished someone could say 'I've got you. You're not alone.'" T...
In this heartfelt episode, It's a colorful tapestry woven from laughter, memories, and the anticipation of what lies ahead.
We discuss the nuances of gifting experiences over material items and reflect on what it means to prioritize relationships and shared moments. We also introduce an upcoming Podcast-a-thon aimed at supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization dedicated to bringing joy to ch...
What does it mean to transform personal trauma into a mission that uplifts others? Join Victoria and Michael as they unveil several groundbreaking initiatives designed to create safe spaces for those who need them most.
The excitement is palpable as Victoria announces their podcast-a-thon benefiting Give Kids the World, an extraordinary organization providing magical experiences for children with critical ill...
Victoria and Michael open the doors to their new passion project, the "Stucco Squad" – a vibrant, supportive community designed specifically for children with special needs. Named after their service dog (who was in turn named after Victoria's law enforcement nickname), this initiative creates a space where extraordinary kids can connect, celebrate their uniqueness, and participate in engaging activitie...
Ready to take your podcasting journey to the next level? Join us as we unveil the strategies that have launched our show into the top 1% globally! This episode is packed with invaluable insights into niche selection, content creation, and behind-the-scenes looks at what it takes to grow an audience. Discover the tools that can streamline your production process, plus tips on how to connect with fellow podcasters and b...
Discover the true value of community, love, and support in our latest episode that focuses on how we navigate family dynamics and overcome personal struggles. Co-host Dana bravely shares her recent experiences with illness, showcasing the incredible support found in close friendships. As we discuss the complexities of familial relationships, we delve deep into the dynamics of narcissism and how it can negatively impac...
Imagine a day where your phone takes a backseat, and family fun becomes the main event. We decided to unplug for a while and embrace the simple joys of technology-free bonding. Alongside the initial grumbles, we found laughter, productivity, and a surprising sense of fulfillment. Plus, you'll get a kick out of the prank that almost had Michael believing a beauty mishap — his quick thinking saved the day! Join us ...
Ever announce your bathroom breaks at home? It might sound strange, but it's all part of the fun and laughter we share in our family. This episode, we introduce my wife Victoria's impactful book on dealing with life's real challenges, like navigating narcissists and setting boundaries with toxic family members. We also touch on the serious issue of cyberstalking, offering practical tips to keep your onl...
Imagine standing in a courtroom, tears of joy streaming down your face as your daughter reads a poem so touching that even the judge is moved. That's exactly the kind of emotional whirlwind we experienced when my husband officially adopted our daughter, Faith. This episode is all about that pivotal moment, the laughter, the tears, and the symbolic fresh start that came with replacing her birth certificate's ...
What do you do when your estranged father becomes your cyberstalker? Victoria and I kick off our return after a rocky January by unraveling this unsettling tale. We share candid reflections and humor as Victoria opens up about her "sperm donor" father, who, despite his obsession, showed zero concern during her daughter Faith's health crises. Through this bizarre saga, we discuss the perplexing behavior ...
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