A Contagious Smile Podcast

Send us Fan Mail One phone call, one prescription, one quiet apartment, and a life splits into before and after. We sit down with Katie Rizzo, a former high school anatomy and AP biology teacher, to talk about the loss of her firstborn son Nicholas to opioid addiction and overdose, and the brutal moment she realised grief was no longer an event, it was part of her identity. Katie brings a rare mix of tenderness and clarity to subjects many of us avoid: bereaved parenthood, the stigma around substance use disorder, and the chaos a family carries while trying to save someone they love. She walks us through Nicholas’s story, from an adventurous childhood to injuries, painkillers, and the spiral that so often defines the opioid crisis. We also get honest about anger, blame, and how “legally acceptable” prescribing can still create devastating outcomes. Then Katie shares the framework that changed how she survives: the “trimesters of grief.” She explains why grief can feel like a pregnancy you cannot end, how art becomes a lifeline, and why telling the truth out loud can be a form of healing. We also talk non opioid pain management options, shame, recovery support, and why law enforcement and healthcare need more trauma informed responses during wellness checks and overdose calls. If you care about grief support, addiction recovery, opioid addiction education, or helping families after overdose, this conversation will stay with you. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the line that hit you the hardest. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A quiet town in Maine. A historic 1830s farmhouse and barn. A veteran with seven years of sobriety and a plan that flips the usual “tourism takes from locals” story on its head. We brought back our friend JJ Holly to do something different: a walking tour of Ripple Retreat in West Paris, where he’s building an alcohol-free wellness and event space designed to create real, measurable community impact. His promise is bold and specific: after opening on 7 April 2027, Ripple Retreat will return 75% of profits to the town of West Paris and local charities. As JJ shows us around, you’ll hear what’s coming to life on the property: Studio 22 for yoga, meditation, massage, Reiki, and holistic healing during the week, plus music lessons and kid-friendly programming that feels like a throwback to real community. Weekdays also include affordable Airbnb stays in two apartment-style units, with easy access to Maine ski resorts like Sunday River, Black Mountain, and Mount Abram. On weekends, the full property becomes a place for sober weddings, retreats, and gatherings, with clear rules that protect peace and neighbors: no alcohol and no music past 10 p.m. The heart of this conversation is JJ’s story. He shares how the loss of Commander Murphy Sweet shaped his life, how he survived a dark moment overseas, and why recovery starts with reaching out and learning to love yourself. He also tells the unforgettable “White Socks” story from Baghdad, a reminder that tiny choices can create enormous ripples. That’s the same idea behind his fundraiser: a $5 “cup of love” on ripple-retreat.com to help fund the rebuild, plus weekly updates so supporters can track the progress. If this moved you, subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so more people can find Ripple Retreat and the recovery message behind it. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The scariest part of a mental health crisis isn’t always the symptoms. It’s the moment you realise nobody is talking to each other and your loved one is getting treated like a problem instead of a person. We sit down with veteran attorney and caregiver advocate Michael Machnac to share a major new partnership bringing his care coordination work together with Victoria’s trauma-informed recovery approach, aimed squarely at the families and individuals who feel trapped in the gaps of the system. We get specific about what “care coordination” actually means: building a complete history, understanding the family ecosystem, aligning providers around one direction, and making the patient the captain of the ship. Along the way, we unpack why modern healthcare navigation is so exhausting, from repeated paperwork to siloed hospitals and rushed appointments that leave dignity behind. We also talk candidly about crisis response, autism and de-escalation, and the difference between being managed and being heard. You’ll hear what we’re planning next for Mental Health Awareness Month, why we’re launching a podcast series to share real strategies (not just complaints), and how character and habits can help you climb out of your own rut when life hits hard. If you’ve ever felt alone on the “crazy train” of mental health advocacy, this conversation is your reminder that you’re not imagining it and you’re not on your own. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more caregivers and survivors can find these tools. What’s the biggest communication breakdown you’ve seen in healthcare? Michael Mackniak Website: https://michaelmackniak.com Care Coalition: Care Coalition – https://carecoalition.org Academy: https://guardian-academy.thinkific.com Email: mike@guardian-ct.org Support the show

Send us Fan Mail “Why don’t you just leave?” gets thrown at survivors like it’s a simple fix, so we slow it down and tell the truth. We’re Stucco, Rusty, Sexy Victoria, and Michael, and we talk through what actually keeps people in abusive relationships: isolation, money, kids, pets, housing, fear, and the very real danger that comes with trying to exit without a plan. If you’ve ever judged someone for staying, or blamed yourself for going back, this conversation is built to challenge that reflex and replace it with clarity. Victoria brings the clinical lens and lived experience, and we dig into why the average survivor may return again and again when the safety plan is not in place. We also talk about the shelter dilemma and why “removing the victim” can feel like losing your home twice. From there, we get into trauma after survival: PTSD, complex PTSD, and the triggers that can show up in everyday life long after the relationship ends. We also call out how often obvious abuse signs get minimized in medical settings, and what trauma-informed care should look like instead. We don’t stop at survival. We talk boundaries with family and “out of the woodwork” people who only show up when they want something, plus the difference between real change and manipulation. We go straight at narcissistic abuse and accountability, and we share what recovery looks like when someone finally chooses a different life. If you want practical support, we point you to a free escape plan course at Monstermile.mn.co. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave us a review so more survivors can find these resources. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail One phone call can flip your whole world. We start with real life and real laughs, then move into the kind of story that makes your stomach drop: what happens when a school says your child had a medical emergency, but the timeline and the paperwork don’t match what you know to be safe care. We talk about why families choose no contact, why the “but they’re your parents” line misses the point, and how breaking generational trauma often looks like setting boundaries that others don’t understand. We also get honest about modern distraction, screen time at the dinner table, bullying on social media, and the hard truth that “talk to your kids” only works when adults slow down and truly listen. From there we dig into healthcare access and patient advocacy: long waits for specialists, rushed appointments, and how the system can accidentally funnel people toward unsafe answers. Then Victoria tells the full Faith story from a parent-advocate lens, including IEP details, school accountability, documentation, and why staying calm can be your sharpest tool when everything is on the line. If you care about special needs parenting, IEP meetings, school safety, teen mental health, patient rights, and protecting your peace, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe, share with a parent who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Burnout does not always look like falling apart. Sometimes it looks like answering messages at midnight, working seven days a week, and telling yourself you will rest after the next task. We get honest about what happens when your life becomes one long to do list, why “just push through” stops working, and how switching things up can be the difference between staying steady and giving up. Along the way, our newest golden retriever River Rose tries to steal the mic and reminds us that joy can be loud and inconvenient. We also go deeper than productivity. We talk about trauma recovery, body dysmorphia, and the ways survivors try to feel safe again, from hiding in oversized clothes to avoiding photos. From amputation pain and coping habits to rebuilding health with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, we share what has helped, what has not, and why the real goal is feeling healthier, not chasing perfection. Michael opens up about a new diabetes diagnosis and the lifestyle changes that come with it, plus the kind of unfiltered marriage humor that only happens when you have nothing left to hide. Then we bring it back to commitment and purpose. We talk about what keeps a marriage from going stale, what “all in” really means, and why advocacy matters when families are trying to survive the court system. If you are navigating burnout, work life balance, diabetes, GLP-1 weight loss, or healing after abuse, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more survivors and caregivers can find the support. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A blood test can be louder than any argument, and we start there: Michael’s A1C comes back at a 9, and suddenly “I’ll deal with it later” is not an option. We talk candidly about diabetes, cravings, and the awkward first days of a lifestyle change when the fridge is full of bread, pasta, ice cream, and old routines. We also get into GLP-1 medications, including the real-world differences people feel with options like semaglutide and tirzepatide, and why the goal is health, not hype. Then we make a sharp but necessary turn into domestic violence awareness. We break down why people misunderstand what they’re seeing in public, how victims often shut down as danger escalates, and what it can mean to intervene in a way that de-escalates instead of inflaming the moment. From law enforcement protocol to lived experience, we talk about weapons access, permits, and why violence plus a gun is a combination that changes everything in seconds. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so we share practical personal safety tips you can use immediately: getting your head out of your phone, using simple car settings to reduce risk, and what to do if someone tries to drag you toward a vehicle. We also share updates on our work, scholarships, and community support, plus a check-in with Eddie Raven Scott from Creepy Coffees and Flagstaff CreepyCon with an easy way to help the mission. If this hits home, subscribe, share it with someone you care about, and leave a review so more people can find these conversations. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Loneliness doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes it looks like a full contact list, nonstop group chats, and a Friday night with nobody to actually meet. We sit down with Gaborg, co-founder of Friending, to talk about why modern life is producing more isolation in spite of constant connectivity and what we can do about it before it gets worse. If you’ve felt burned out by social media, tired of shallow scrolling, or unsure how to make friends as an adult, this conversation gets practical fast. We unpack the real-world problem Friending is built to solve: people mistaking screen time for friendship. Gaborg explains how the app pushes you toward in-person connection by limiting texting, matching you through shared-interest “RU In” activity cards, and focusing on people in your local area. We also dig into safety and trust, including third-party identity verification to reduce catfishing, a Bluetooth requirement to confirm friendship only after you meet face to face, and future plans for emergency alert features. Then we zoom out to the bigger cultural shift: AI companions, humanoid robots, and the risk of replacing human relationships with always-available tech. We talk about kids and teens losing basic social skills, why “no phones at the table” matters, and small habits that bring real community back into everyday life. If you’re ready to trade endless messages for actual coffee, walks, concerts, and conversations, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review telling us: what’s one screen habit you want to change? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A lot of people want the wild FBI stories. We wanted the part that lingers after the story ends, what the work does to your nervous system, your faith, your marriage, and your view of other people. Former FBI agent Eric Robinson joins us with zero script and a ton of honesty about how you stay human when your job is to stare at the worst of human behaviour all week. Eric talks SWAT life and the “can’t turn it off” moments, including how a simple sound can kick your body into go mode. We get into his biggest long-haul financial fraud investigation, the surreal world of fake foreign bonds, and why calm curiosity beats chest-thumping when you need a confession. He also connects his years as a pastor to law enforcement, explaining how he sees justice as service, not ego. We go wider into real prevention: mass shooting warning signs, the fear of “looking foolish” that keeps people silent, and what intervention can look like when someone is suicidal or dangerous. We also talk teen prostitution and the manipulation tactics pimps use to control vulnerable kids. Eric closes by sharing his upcoming book, Irreverend: From Saving Souls to Chasing Sinners with the FBI, built from cases, humour, and hard-earned after-action lessons. If you like grounded true crime, FBI stories, first responder mental health, and practical safety insight, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review. What part of this conversation hit you the hardest? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A Broadway-directing Hollywood powerhouse drops in, tells Michael he’s flat-out wrong about being “bad at podcasting,” and then takes it further by reading Faith’s poem on air. That single moment cracks the whole night open. We talk about what authentic confidence sounds like, why a real voice beats a polished persona, and how the right encouragement can change the way you show up in your work and relationships. From there, we shift into what influence actually means when the cameras are off: Victoria’s recognition as a top empowered women leader, getting approached by strangers who feel safe, and the quiet responsibility of being someone people trust with trauma stories. We also highlight practical resources through the Contagious Smile Academy, including free and low cost courses and the growing scholarship impact for survivors, veterans, caregivers, amputees, and special needs families. If you’re searching for empowerment coaching, trauma support, survivor education, or authentic podcasting advice, you’ll find plenty to hold onto here. Then we go where a lot of people are afraid to go: viral teen dating videos, sexualised content for clicks, and what it does to standards, consent, and self-worth. We bring it back to relationships and healing, including why inner character outlasts looks, and how intimacy shows up in small, everyday acts of care. Along the way, we also celebrate our Creepy Coffee partnership and the chaos that comes with a bag of whole beans and two stubborn hosts. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs a boost, and leave a review with the one takeaway you’re keeping. What part of the conversation hit closest to home? Support the show

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Send us Fan Mail Some people don’t hate you because of what you did. They hate you because you healed, and now they can’t control you. Tonight we get honest about narcissistic parents, the scapegoat role, and that gut-punch realisation Victoria shares: “She doesn’t like me because I fixed what she broke.” We talk about how toxic family systems survive on leverage, blame, and silence and what changes when a partner helps you rebuild boundaries and self-trust. Then we go where most couples won’t go on mic: cheating, betrayal, and the slow work of rebuilding trust after infidelity. Michael owns his past and we dig into the real question listeners ask in private, can a cheater change? We break down what made change possible for us, why transparency matters, and how you protect your relationship when someone tries to plant doubt in your head. It’s raw, funny in places, and still respectful to the pain underneath. We also talk body image and survival, including scars from surgeries, weight changes during recovery, and a real-world GLP 1 weight loss update. And we balance the heavy with the everyday love that actually keeps a marriage steady: the bath stopper, the fresh towel, the goofy routines, and yes, the frozen waffles in bed. We close with what’s next for the show, including events, new projects, and an upcoming guest we’re genuinely excited about. If this resonates, listen, share it with someone rebuilding their life, and please subscribe and leave a review. What part of healing has been the hardest for you to protect? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Somebody can be sitting in an urgent care exam room with bruises, fear, and an abuser answering every question and still have no clear way to say, “I’m not safe.” We go there, plainly and practically, with our guest Dr. Joshua Hess, a physician and former teacher who now hosts the research-driven podcast Oh, That’s a Fact. We talk about what medical teams can notice when a patient can’t speak freely, plus simple ways to ask for privacy without escalating danger. From nonverbal cues to requesting a private consult or a social history update, the goal is one thing: create a moment of safety. We also dig into why leaving can be the most dangerous time, what a real safety plan can look like, and how small steps like digital hygiene, cash stashing, and changing routines can reduce risk. Then we zoom out to health and recovery. We get into power naps, sleep quality, and the very real consequences of untreated sleep apnea including the danger of falling asleep while driving. If CPAP hasn’t worked for you, we cover practical options like different mask styles, refitting, and adding humidity for comfort. We also share microhabits that rebuild agency, from mirror greetings and a written victory log to hydration, saying no, and box breathing to calm your nervous system. If you care about trauma-informed care, domestic violence support, sleep apnea education, and real-world habit change, you’ll find tools you can use today. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the takeaway you’re actually going to try. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail He’s supposed to be “Dad” and he’s supposed to be safe. Then one phone call turns into months of ambulance rides, doctor appointments, opioid red flags, and a home that slowly stops feeling like home. We share what happened when we took in Michael’s biological father after a death in the family, believing we were doing the right thing and trying to build a relationship that never had a real chance to grow. Along the way, we also talk about a different kind of vulnerability: what it takes to trust your spouse with the parts of you that still feel tender. We get honest about trauma scars, body dysmorphia after domestic violence, and the lingering medical impacts of strangulation injuries. A mammogram and follow-up breast ultrasound adds another layer, reminding us how fast fear can spike and how powerful real support can be in a moment when you feel alone. Then the story goes darker: an overdose reversed with Narcan, a demand from doctors to take over medication management, escalating manipulation, and pressure to get involved in illegal activity. When suicide enters the conversation, firearms safety becomes immediate and non-negotiable. We talk about what we found, what professionals told us, and the cost of trying to save someone who refuses help, including job loss and financial fallout. If you’re navigating elder care, addiction, caregiver burnout, mental health crisis, or family fraud, this conversation is a blunt reminder to document everything, trust your gut, and set boundaries early. If this hit home, subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What boundary do you wish you had set sooner? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Responsibility sounds like a boring word until life makes it personal. We kick things off with a question we’ve all wrestled with: how do you actually teach responsibility, especially to teens, without turning your house into a battleground? From a blunt teen pregnancy “what if” to the very real chaos of a brand-new puppy, we talk about how responsibility isn’t a speech, it’s a pattern: face what needs to be faced, stop procrastinating the hard talk, and follow through even when it’s inconvenient. Then we go deeper into why avoiding truth is so exhausting. We share what it’s like living around narcissistic behavior, abuse dynamics, and the “black sheep” role where the person holding the facts becomes the biggest threat. We get into why survivors cling to their word, why evidence matters when people rewrite history, and why silence gives abusers room to keep winning. We also touch on a cease and desist letter tied to Victoria’s evidence-based writing and what happens when people accidentally identify themselves by trying to shut the truth down. We also bring it back home to parenting and day-to-day life: loving your kid while still holding the line, using calm consequences instead of yelling, and giving children room to decompress after a brutal day. Along the way, we share a few lighter stories about celebrities, respect in relationships, and an upcoming co-hosting moment we’re genuinely excited about. If any of this hits close to home, listen, share it with someone who needs it, and leave us a review. What’s one boundary you’ve set that changed your life? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail People love our chemistry and our laughter, but we don’t pretend life is perfect. We keep our home “drama trauma-free” by choice, even when outsiders try to pull us into mess, guilt, or old family patterns. That simple rule sparks a bigger conversation about what it really takes to protect a marriage, rebuild trust, and keep joy from being negotiable. We go deep on relationship healing and hard honesty. Michael owns his past infidelity and talks about what finally changed when he stopped chasing ego and started choosing character. Victoria breaks down narcissistic abuse in plain language, including the way charm can turn into control, and why boundaries sometimes mean walking away from people you never expected to lose. If you’ve been through betrayal, manipulation, or an abusive relationship, you’ll hear validation plus practical mindset shifts. We also talk family advocacy, especially the loneliness many special needs parents face when “friends” disappear. From court and restraining orders to safety planning at home, we share why we take protection seriously without letting fear run our lives. And because this is us, you’ll also get the real-life chaos: service dogs, brand-new puppies, and the kind of humor that helps you breathe again. If you want more support, we mention our online academy with accessible courses and scholarships, plus Victoria’s books on narcissism and recovery. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs a push toward peace, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Support the show

Send a text A Sunday lands us in the emergency room, and somehow it starts with a “gunshot wound” joke and ends with one of our most honest conversations yet. We walk you through what happened, what helped, and why a simple decision to get checked out can be the difference between powering through and protecting the people who depend on you. Yes, there’s a neon pediatric bandage. Yes, there’s whining about the IV. And yes, there’s also gratitude for nurses who bring skill and humor when you need both. Once we get home, real life keeps moving: we introduce our newest family members, two white golden retriever puppies, and talk about the messy, sweet reality of building a calm home. Then we pivot into heavier ground and do not sugarcoat it. We talk about cheating, the mechanics of hiding it, the exhaustion of living a double life, and the red flags partners should actually watch for if something feels off. We also connect it to the mission behind A Contagious Smile Unstoppable: domestic violence advocacy, survivor safety, and support that respects privacy. We share updates on free survivor support groups and the trauma-informed work we are growing, plus a candid check-in on GLP-1 weight loss, body dysphoria, and what change really feels like week to week. If you like unscripted conversations that swing from funny to real without losing the point, hit play. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more survivors and families can find this community. Support the show

Send a text A lot can happen in one night at our house: a hurting back, a clean bedroom victory, a few laughs we didn’t plan on, and the kind of deep parenting truth that only shows up when you stop pretending life is tidy. We start with something simple and powerful, our children’s book series and the “I choose my brave” moments that help kids handle embarrassment, anxiety, and new challenges with real coping skills, not empty pep talks. If you’re looking for social emotional learning tools that are actually easy to use at home, you’ll hear exactly how we build them into a story. Then we shift into advocacy and gratitude. We talk about being welcomed into meaningful spaces, why support groups matter, and big recognition that’s coming during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, including a magazine cover feature. Even with awards and headlines, we keep coming back to the same point: the work is about survivors, special needs families, and the people who need a safe next step, not about collecting titles. We also pull back the curtain on what we’re writing next, including a new teen series and a supernatural story that pushes us outside our comfort zone. Along the way, we share new puppy news, a few home-life updates, and the kind of marriage banter that keeps things honest. We close with our strongest parenting takeaway: listen to your kid all the way through, because trust decides everything. If this conversation hits home, subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more families and survivors can find us. Support the show

Send a text The jokes land fast, but the truth lands harder. We pull back the curtain on how narcissism doesn’t end with parents—grandparents can cross lines too, using children’s stories or medical needs to win attention, favors, even faster restaurant tables. That’s not quirky family drama; it’s exploitation. We talk through the damage it causes, how to set boundaries that actually hold, and the real-world signs that tell you it’s time to pull the plug on access. From there we get practical. Victoria reads prompts from her new healing workbook on life after narcissistic abuse, sharing why survivors overwork, how identity gets tangled in roles, and what it feels like when safety finally returns to your body. We revisit a harrowing NICU memory to show how institutions often misread trauma—calm abusers are believed, panicked victims are questioned—and how journaling can help you reclaim facts and voice before systems try to tidy your story. It’s raw, it’s specific, and it leads to tools you can use today. We balance the heavy with hope: a new humanitarian award, a call for sponsors who believe in survivor advocacy, and a live read from the Stucco Squad children’s series that teaches little ones to “choose your brave” in simple, everyday moments. There’s golden retriever love, craft bracelets, and shoutouts to upcoming guests whose humor and heart keep us going. We also reflect on public figures who quietly serve—visiting children’s hospitals, standing up in court—and why that kind of integrity matters for anyone rebuilding after abuse. If you’re tired of being told to calm down while the abuser charms the room, you’ll feel seen here. Come for the candor, stay for the tools: boundary scripts, reflective questions, and proof that messy truths still change lives. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs strength today, and leave a review telling us the boundary you’re ready to enforce. Your brave counts. Support the show

Send a text A toga on the cover and a chiropractor who sends Michael flying might sound like pure chaos, but the laughter is only the doorway. We use that breath of humor to step into what really matters: building a trauma‑informed academy that protects survivors with layered security, clear boundaries, and scholarships that remove financial roadblocks. We share why we refuse rapid‑fire conversation formats—because healing needs time and trust—and how our platform’s multi‑step authentication, hidden profiles, and strict no‑soliciting policy were designed to keep abusers out and survivors safe. From there, we move into hard truths about power, image, and accountability. Victoria previews Shielded, a book calling out the systems that fail victims, and recounts a courthouse-and-hospital chapter where a mother drew a line no abuser could cross. We contrast performative “family” brands with real integrity, talk about job loss for choosing honesty over upsells, and explain why our mission relies on sponsors and small donations to keep access open to anyone in crisis. Awards are nice; safety is the point. We also break down narcissistic parenting with practical clarity: cold museum-houses dressed in money, broken boundaries, relentless control, and the golden child vs scapegoat trap that turns siblings into strangers. Under the polish sits insecurity and entitlement. Against that backdrop, we model a different path with a tender mother–daughter exchange about apology, repair, and unconditional love—language that addresses choices without wounding the person. And we make a rare invitation: if you are an abuser willing to speak on record with respect, we’ll listen, ask hard questions, and shine light where silence keeps harm alive. If this conversation resonates, join the academy, explore free collections, or request a scholarship so cost never stands between you and safety. Support the work with a “buy me a coffee,” subscribe for future episodes, and share this with someone who needs a reminder: boundaries are love in action. Support the show