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Today, I'm having a conversation with grief expert and founder of Widows Rising Together, Dr. Lynn Banis. The discussion explores the profound and often misunderstood nature of grieving—not only the physical loss of loved ones but also the emotional and spiritual grief stemming from life-altering changes such as loss of identity, career transitions, and major life disruptions. 

Dr. Banis shares her deeply personal experiences with compounded grief, having lost her mother, brother, and husband within two-and-a-half years, revealing the complexities and challenges of grieving multiple losses simultaneously. Not only that, but losing the main support that she had for grief during all of that.

Then, Dr. Banis provides powerful insights and practical advice for anyone facing grief, emphasizing that grieving is not an endpoint but a natural and temporary part of life's journey. She highlights common pitfalls like burying oneself in busyness to avoid confronting emotions and underscores the importance of genuine community and emotional support.

We also address contemporary approaches to loss, including how "celebrations of life" positively reframe funerals to aid in healing, and shares strategies for preserving cherished memories without becoming trapped by them, such as story-sharing after someone has passed away, rather than living in fear of them.

Additionally, we address losing a life-partner and moving forward constructively after loss, maintaining honor and connection to those lost while building a new, purposeful chapter of life. Dr. Banis emphasizes that personal strength, trust in oneself, and a willingness to seek support are key elements of healing. 

https://app.widowsrisingtogether.com/

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I'm joined by humanitarian and philanthropist Morgan DeNicola to discuss the profound impact of global volunteering and humanitarian aid. 

Ms. DeNicola shares how her passion for teaching evolved into an international mission dedicated to supporting communities in need across Africa and beyond. From building schools and orphanages to promoting emotional healing from historical trauma like genocide, Ms. DeNicola highlights the importance of compassionate action and the powerful role empathy plays in creating sustainable change.

We then get into covering common misconceptions about international aid, particularly addressing cultural misunderstandings and the importance of respectful, culturally-sensitive approaches. She recounts her eye-opening experiences in Rwanda, detailing how community-driven forgiveness programs have allowed former militia members and victims' families to coexist and rebuild together after the horrors of genocide. Her insights showcase the universal human capacity for forgiveness and reconciliation, providing lessons that extend far beyond any borders. I then tie in how forgiveness and community can affect the life of prisoners after they serve their sentence and try to merge back into society.

Lastly, we address the broader implications of humanitarian work and why helping other countries ultimately benefits local communities, even back home in the United States. We share advice for those who want to get involved in humanitarian missions, emphasizing transparency, personal alignment, and taking tangible actions beyond mere monetary donations. Additionally, we advise researching all communities and missions before donating money, time, and both.

https://denicolafamilyfoundation.org/

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Karen Dittman to talk about parenting when life takes unexpected and painful turns. We discuss what it means to remain a parent for life—especially when adult children struggle with addiction, abusive relationships, and instability. This episode centers on unconditional love, boundaries, and the emotional weight parents carry when they are forced into roles they never anticipated, including becoming primary caregivers to their grandchildren.

Ms. Dittman shares her family’s journey through the COVID era, watching her daughter spiral into addiction following domestic abuse and fentanyl exposure, and the heartbreaking reality of stepping in to raise her granddaughter while her daughter disappeared into active addiction. We talk openly about fear, uncertainty, guardianship, relapse cycles, and the internal battle parents face when hope rises and falls repeatedly. This conversation highlights the tension between helping and enabling, loving without control, and learning when to release outcomes to God.

We also explore faith, healing, and long-term restoration. Ms. Dittman explains how her relationship with God deepened during these years, how surrender replaced self-blame, and why identity cannot be rooted in a child’s choices. We close with discussion of her book Thriving in Grace, her wellness work, speaking ministry, and a powerful reminder that parents are responsible for love and guidance—not for the decisions their children ultimately make.

https://karenadittman.com/

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Mario Wissa, a social communication expert, author, and speaker whose work spans cultures, continents, and decades of study. We break down what communication actually is—and why most people misunderstand it. This conversation explores intrapersonal, interpersonal, and group communication, starting with the most overlooked foundation: how we communicate with ourselves.

Mr. Wissa shares his journey growing up in Egypt, immigrating to the United States, and discovering how culture, language, vulnerability, and emotional awareness shape human connection. We discuss the importance of internal processing, self-reflection, and spending intentional time with yourself in order to improve relationships, creativity, and clarity. This episode highlights why silence itself is communication, how misinterpretation multiplies in group dynamics, and why awareness matters more now than ever in a technology-driven world.

We also dive into parenting, early childhood development, and the long-term impact of communication during the first years of life. Mr. Wissa explains how emotional presence, nonverbal cues, and authentic connection influence identity, confidence, and relational health well into adulthood. We close by discussing his books, coaching work, and how communication affects career direction, personal growth, and the relationship we build with our future selves.

https://mariowissa.com/

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Dr. Greg Stewart, counselor, coach, and author of the I³ framework, to break down how emotional intelligence truly works and why so many people feel overwhelmed, reactive, and exhausted by their emotions. We explore the core concept of I³—Information, Interpretation, and Intensity—and how misunderstanding any one of these leads to emotional inflation, conflict, and poor decision-making.

Dr. Stewart explains how most people react emotionally before gathering full information, allowing assumptions, lies, and trauma to distort their interpretation of reality. We discuss why emotional intensity must match the actual level of threat, how insecurity and identity wounds amplify reactions, and how unresolved trauma—both big “T” and little “t”—causes people to relive past pain in present situations. This conversation highlights why feeling triggered is often a signal for internal growth, not external control.

We also dive into how emotional goals drive behavior, why paths to those goals matter more than feelings alone, and how modern culture—including social media, politics, and relationships—has blurred the line between empathy and enablement. Dr. Stewart shares practical insight on emotional responsibility, personal boundaries, couples dynamics, leadership under pressure, and how faith, truth, and discipline stabilize identity and emotional regulation in an increasingly reactive world.

https://linktr.ee/drgregstewart

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I'm celebrating Purim, live streaming onto multiple platforms to hold a conversation about recent developments with my journey of faith, as well as to read the Book of Esther. I've been called a wannabe Hebrew, a part-time Jew, a cultural appropriator, and received quite the backlash from people for my recent decisions of faith, such as celebrating Purim and following the Mosaic Law. 

I was once Catholic, but have long since moved away from that denomination, and all denominations. I do not believe we are called to be Christian, Baptist, Catholic, or whatever else you may call yourself. Most Churches, religious organizations, and believers have lost sight of the actual Word of God. Many have made up too many additional "laws" and others have become too secular. There is a major lack of balance in this world, when it comes to faith, but we have THE book that gives us that exact balance.

"Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you." ~Deuteronomy 4:2

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Vik Dashtor, host of Dash It Out, for a reunion episode that brings our previous collaboration full circle. When I first appeared on his show, it was undergoing a transformation after a long hiatus. Now, Mr. DashTor returns to Couple O’ Nukes with a fully rebranded podcast, new energy, and a fresh sense of identity—right down to the hairstyle that kicked off our conversation. He describes his old “press look” versus his natural style today and how both reflect the duality in his life: introverted roots and bold expression. 

Mr. DashTor breaks down the meaning behind Dash It Out, explaining how the name connects to both his last name and the show’s purpose. He describes it as a space for real talk—after-hours conversations brought to the daytime, covering both the “party lifestyle” and the long-day decompressing that happens in every household. The show isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about giving listeners access to the real stories behind directors, artists, influencers, and creators who discuss both the joys and the sacrifices of their work. 

We dive into political culture, classism, mainstream media, and the state of public discourse. Mr. DashTor shares his views on why politicians often “talk in circles,” how drama fuels relevance, and why systemic problems persist. He talks openly about racism, class division, and the challenges he observed growing up in Washington, D.C., where neighborhoods reveal economic inequality at every turn. He also addresses how news has shifted into entertainment, why people trust podcasters more than traditional media, and why independent creators have become the new frontline communicators. 

Our conversation branches into technology, AI, and the future of creativity. Mr. DashTor and I discuss how younger generations may lose essential life skills if they rely too heavily on technology without learning fundamentals. At the same time, AI has made education more accessible, leveling the playing field for those who lacked opportunities. We talk about the responsibility of creators to preserve authenticity and human craftsmanship in a world where AI can copy but can’t originate soul. 

Before we close, Mr. DashTor opens up about his dreams for the future of Dash It Out: expanding to deeper conversations, launching live panel discussions, pursuing press access, and ultimately turning the show into a syndicated daytime or nighttime program. He explains why he aims to blend entertainment with impact, helping listeners learn from real people, real challenges, and real growth. He even shares his interest in stand-up comedy and the possibility of performing together someday.

https://www.mydashitout.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tripple-shot-of-whisky/id1528898523?i=1000690078131

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

Sign Up For A PodMatch Account: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coupleonukes

*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Ash Perrow, a coach, musician, speaker, and former schoolteacher whose life was forever changed by a single moment in 2005—the stillbirth of his first child. Mr. Perrow explains how that traumatic experience locked in what would eventually become severe PTSD, depression, adrenal fatigue, and years of emotional shutdown. He describes the birth room, the silence, the shock, and the immediate belief that he needed to protect his family from anything bad—even when nothing could have prevented what happened. That moment created a fear-driven survival state that he carried for years. 

Mr. Perrow walks me through how PTSD slowly took over his life. He worked full-time as a deputy principal, slept only one to two hours a night, and became manic with the need to “provide,” despite already earning a strong income. His decisions became irrational, exhausting, and disconnected from his identity. After years of decline, he eventually reached a breaking point—ending up in mental health clinics so overwhelmed he couldn’t even sign his own name. 

As we talk, Mr. Perrow explains that healing didn’t begin until he learned to actually feel his emotions. He describes meeting a therapist who guided him to notice sensations in his body—his throat, his chest, his jaw—helping him understand where unresolved emotions had been stored for years. This somatic approach reshaped his understanding of grief, trauma, and the human need to process feelings rather than suppress them. It revealed why healing is never linear and why emotional pain resurfaces in loops rather than straight lines. 

We discuss how this healing journey deeply impacted his marriage, parenting, and future. Mr. Perrow explains how fear and unprocessed grief created distance in his marriage, eventually contributing to its end. But it also opened new doors: he found solace in music, began performing, and eventually pivoted from teaching into coaching—helping people navigate turning points, break free from emotional barriers, and build futures that no longer have the past standing in front of them. 

Mr. Perrow also breaks down the inner critic—our primal survival mechanism designed to keep us “safe” by preventing vulnerability. He explains how self-sabotage, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and negative self-talk are rooted in ancient tribal survival instincts. His coaching work helps people recognize this internal barrier and learn to move beyond it. We also talk about his podcast Beyond the Turning Point, where he highlights stories of transformation and offers strategies for emotional growth. 

Before we wrap up, Mr. Perrow offers one final message: trust yourself. Whether you’re at rock bottom or rebuilding your future, your heart knows the next step. Healing takes time, it takes feeling, and it takes courage—but every person is capable of creating a beautiful life, one step at a time. 

https://stan.store/ashperrow

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Jessi Hartnett, a smoking cessation mentor, author, and founder of the Honor Your Heart program. Ms. Hartnett brings a perspective we haven’t fully covered on the show yet: nicotine addiction. She explains how her smoking journey began at only 13 years old—driven by curiosity, identity development, the modeling she saw at home, and the search for belonging. She describes how, like many people, she pushed past the sickness and discomfort of the first cigarette because she believed smoking was an initiation into adulthood, acceptance, and social validation. 

As our conversation unfolds, Ms. Hartnett breaks down how smoking quickly became tied to her emotions. Boredom, loneliness, sadness, frustration, perfectionism, and stress all became triggers that drove her to smoke more. She explains how nicotine was never the real addiction—the emotional avoidance was. For years she attempted to quit by throwing out packs, avoiding smoking friends, or trying to power through cravings, but nothing stuck because the emotional triggers remained unaddressed. 

We discuss how yoga, meditation, and inner awareness helped Ms. Hartnett begin shifting her self-talk, understand her emotional patterns, and see what cigarettes were covering up. Her recovery expanded her emotional resilience, rebuilt her confidence, and eventually gave her the strength to become a mother—something she could not imagine during her addiction. She shares how these tools helped her reconnect with her sense of worth and navigate difficult emotions without turning to smoking. 

Ms. Hartnett also tells me about her book Honor Your Heart, a guide designed to help smokers and other addicts explore their inner world, identify wounds, and meet their emotional needs with compassion rather than shame. She explains how the book helps readers build internal safety, understand triggers, and reconnect with their authentic selves so they can begin healing at the root instead of relying on willpower alone. 

Before we wrap up, Ms. Hartnett discusses the new Honor Your Heart Community—an online membership offering emotional support, structured guidance, and group connection for people who want to quit smoking. She created this space because smoking addiction is often overlooked in recovery communities, leaving people without the accountability and support that other addictions receive. Her mission is to provide a safe place where people can learn their patterns, reframe their beliefs, and finally experience freedom from nicotine. 

Honor Your Heart- Use code 15OFF and the link below for 15% off:

https://www.honoryourheart.net?aff=290ca17d55b89391aee43ace59dd7f760656bb652139ba81a02b008b2dac9cc5

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Lady Jen Du Plessis, a speaker, bestselling author, podcaster, business strategist, and the first Dame in the Royal Order of Constantine the Great and St. Helen. Lady Jen shares how she was knighted for her philanthropy, leadership, and her dedication to supporting women and children who are homeless or trafficked. She explains the structure of the Royal Order, the charitable work behind it, and why she is committed to helping others through both financial contributions and hands-on service. 

Our conversation shifts into her early life—one shaped by poverty, addiction, instability, and emotional abuse. Lady Jen reveals what it was like growing up as an only child in a large Catholic family where her parents were the “outcasts.” Her mother was her first bully, her father struggled with alcoholism, and her childhood was filled with fear, chaos, and moments that left deep emotional imprints that carried into adulthood. Those experiences created a driving need to overachieve, and she pushed herself relentlessly in school, sports, and the arts to prove she could break the cycles she was born into. 

Lady Jen takes me through her teenage years, meeting her husband in high school, and how opposites truly attract—she sought stability, while he sought the structure and calm she projected. Together, they worked intentionally to build a different kind of life than the one they grew up in. As she moved into her career, she excelled in the mortgage industry for over 35 years, eventually becoming one of the top loan officers in the country. Her success led to speaking engagements, training opportunities, and podcasting long before it became mainstream. Since then, she has built multiple businesses, written bestselling books, launched several long-running podcasts, and created a global influence in personal development and business growth. 

She explains how emotional intelligence became the turning point that helped her heal old wounds, stop over-proving herself, and start living with intention. Lady Jen also outlines the five pillars she teaches business owners—clarity, credibility, community, communication, and continuity—which she used to build a billion-dollar lending business. We discuss the difference between collaboration and pitching, the importance of specificity, and why conscious consumerism matters more than ever in today’s marketplace. 

As we close, Lady Jen shares her focus for the future: simplifying, streamlining, expanding her mastermind retreats, deepening her international travel, and helping more entrepreneurs move from hustle to harmony. She leaves listeners with the Irish quote her mother taught her—a powerful reminder to treat ourselves and our loved ones with the same kindness and intention we give to the world. 

https://www.ladyjenduplessis.com/

https://www.podcastersatsea.com/

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

Sign Up For A PodMatch Account: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coupleonukes

*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.