Real Talk with Tina and Ann

What happens when the people meant to love you become the source of your deepest wounds? In this unforgettable episode, one woman shares her powerful journey through a childhood shaped by betrayal, abandonment, and unthinkable loss—yet somehow, she never gave up.

Her story is raw, riveting, and at times, almost too painful to believe. But it’s also one of grit, transformation, and an inner strength that refused to break. Through eve...

Do you like where your thoughts are taking you? Our minds are powerful instruments, capable of leading us toward hope or trapping us in cycles of fear and doubt. When facing situations we can't change – like caring for a loved one with a debilitating condition or confronting triggering circumstances from our past – our thoughts can either become our prison or our pathway forward.

Fear manifests in countless ways: cons...

Zoe Smith shares her transformative journey from a high-powered career to becoming a holistic healing practitioner, offering powerful insights on overcoming fear to reach our goals and healing the whole self.

• Everything we want exists on the other side of fear, but we must focus on our goals rather than obstacles
• The breath directly connects to our parasympathetic nervous system, making breathwork a powerful tool f...

Zoe Smith's transformation from policy-maker to holistic healer represents a journey many secretly yearn for but few dare to undertake. After years shaping national healthcare policy in the UK, including work on the groundbreaking "Caring for Our Future" white paper, Zoe found herself trapped in the familiar cycle of 70-hour workweeks and diminishing returns on her wellbeing.

The turning point came dramatica...

Tina and Anne explore the complex relationship between joy and grief, examining how these seemingly opposite emotions often coexist and even strengthen each other. They share personal stories of experiencing both simultaneously and discuss strategies for allowing both emotions to breathe.

• Joy and grief create an emotional tug of war that varies in response – sometimes numbing, sometimes pushing, sometimes inspiring
•...

Tom LaGrave shares his remarkable journey from Navy SEAL to licensed clinical social worker, revealing how personal struggle and recovery led him to create Honor Bound Academy, a transformative program for youth transitioning to adulthood. Through his 35 years of experience working with adolescents, Tom has developed a powerful approach that teaches resilience, accountability, and personal responsibility while helping young people ...

When was the last time you truly appreciated an ordinary moment? In this heartfelt conversation, we unpack the counterintuitive idea that mundane moments might actually be the most meaningful parts of our lives.

After recovering from a bout with influenza that swept through the family, we reflect on an elderly relative's wisdom: "Be thankful for just the regular, ordinary moments, because that means everything is...

Can a children's book change a life? In this inspiring episode, author Sasha Saidman reveals how stories about adoption, differences, and self-acceptance meet kids exactly where they are—sparking empathy, imagination, and confidence. From celebrating adoptive families to embracing learning differences like dyslexia, Sasha’s books empower young readers to see their unique stories reflected on every page.

🎧 Listen now and discov...

Urgent: Achievement Center for Therapy Faces Closure – Needs Help NOW!

Shawn Manvell, founder of three therapy centers, is on the brink of shutting down because Tricare, military insurance, has not paid since January 1. The center has transformed lives—helping autistic children find their voice and get off communication devices, preventing feeding tubes, and providing essential therapy for the children of military families. But they...

Can a children's book change a life? In this inspiring episode, author Sasha Saidman reveals how stories about adoption, differences, and self-acceptance meet kids exactly where they are—sparking empathy, imagination, and confidence. From celebrating adoptive families to embracing learning differences like dyslexia, Sasha’s books empower young readers to see their unique stories reflected on every page.

🎧 Listen now and discov...

Victoria Ellen's extraordinary journey from terror to triumph is the heart of this episode. Eight months pregnant and seeking refuge from an abusive marriage, Victoria's tale is a powerful testament to courage and resilience. Supported by her father, she reflects on the fear of the unknown and the importance of having a support system during such critical times. Her story unfolds with raw honesty, highlighting the bravery...

What if the person who vowed to love and protect you was the very one orchestrating your pain? Join us on Real Talk with Tina and Ann as Ann sits down with Victoria Ellen, the courageous author of "Painting in the Rain: A True Story of Trickery and Triumph." Victoria shares her chilling journey of surviving domestic abuse at the hands of her former husband, Daryl—a charming facade that masked a controlling and dark nature...

Ever wondered why some behaviors are mistaken for attention-seeking when they're really cries for connection? Join us on a heartfelt exploration of the thin line between these two often-confused concepts. Real Talk with Tina and Ann uncovers the hidden motivations behind seemingly disruptive actions, emphasizing the importance of understanding and fulfilling the innate human need for connection. By sharing intimate stories and...

Mental health is vital, especially amid the chaos of current events. This episode weaves personal stories with insights on finding balance, kindness, and the importance of prioritizing peace at home over the noise outside.

• The impact of the news on mental health
• Humor and light-heartedness in navigating tough narratives 
• Personal anecdotes showcasing the importance of family and memories
• The essential f...

 Join Denise Bard and Ann as we unravel the complexity of what truly lies beneath behaviors labeled as attention-seeking, especially in children dealing with trauma. Trauma and loss can profoundly impact a child’s need for connection. We aim to shift perspectives, advocating for empathy and understanding from adults and educators towards children unfairly labeled as “bad.”

Our conversation extends beyond childhood, explori...

Kari Baker joins us for a heartfelt conversation that reveals the hidden layers of parenting children with invisible neurological differences. From wrestling with the emotional intricacies of isolation and uncertainties to navigating the special education system, we promise you'll walk away with practical tools and a refreshed perspective. Kari's insights are not just theoretical; they're born from experience, making...

Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt exploration into the world of parenting children with neurological differences. Our guest, Kari Baker, shares her courageous journey from a thriving career in financial services to her new path as an advocate for invisible neurological differences. Through candid anecdotes, Kari reveals how her son Brady’s diagnosis of autism and ADHD reshaped her family’s life and led her to establish Kind Fa...

What if you could transform your life not by setting daunting goals, but by embracing subtle, sustainable habits? This week on Real Talk with Tina and Anne, we promise to guide you through the journey of personal growth and self-care, inspired by James Clear's "Atomic Habits." We share personal stories, especially those that resonate with mothers who often put others first, highlighting the profound effect addiction ...

Holidays can be a complex tapestry of emotions, where joy and sorrow often weave together, creating a season that's as challenging as it is beautiful. Picture this: you're working at a Battered Women's Shelter during the holiday rush, finding moments of happiness amid heartbreak. Our episode peels back the layers on these poignant experiences, sharing personal stories that highlight the power of kindness and the bitt...