Dr. Tali Lando was living life at full speed: a physician, a mother, and a professional devoted to caring for others. But everything stopped the moment she discovered her own tumor. In this raw and eye-opening episode of Happiness Sold Separately, she shares her journey from physician to patient, what it taught her about communication, resilience, and joy, and why her new book is a must-read for anyone facing the unthinkable. This is a story of courage, laughter in darkness, and finding meaning when life shifts without warning.

Evil stole his childhood. Silence nearly destroyed him.
Dr. John A. King survived unthinkable acts of abuse and the decades of trauma that followed. In this powerful episode, he breaks his silence to share how pure evil shaped his life, his relationships, and his understanding of love and intimacy.

Dr. King exposes the hidden realities of abuse and human trafficking, and why critical thinking is one of the most powerful weapons against cycles of exploitation. He also introduces The Phoenix Collective, his initiative designed to help survivors rise stronger from the ashes of their past.

This conversation is raw, disturbing, and unforgettable.
It’s not just a story of survival—it’s a fight to confront evil and break its hold.

⚠️ Listener discretion is advised.

What do Glee and Ed Sheeran have in common? Puppet master Steve Troop.

Steve Troop is a puppeteer, comic creator, and animator whose work has appeared on Glee, Teen Titans GO!, Ed Sheeran music videos, and even Broadway. A pioneer of webcomics, Steve has spent decades blending humor, puppetry, and art in ways no one else has.

In this episode, Steve shares his journey from doodling in school to becoming a professional puppeteer and comic creator. He reveals the hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from set, the challenges of designing top-quality puppets, and the joy of teaching and sharing his craft. You’ll learn how creativity fuels happiness — and why sometimes the best characters are robot dogs

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Steve Troop! Subscribe to Happiness Sold Separately for more behind-the-scenes stories and creative journeys.

What happens when the system built to “help” you is the same one holding you back?

In this raw conversation, social worker Maisy Cyr goes unfiltered on the realities of self-advocacy, trauma-informed care, and the quiet battles people fight just to be heard. From the stigma around mental health to the way social media erodes self-worth, Maisy exposes the cracks we pretend not to see — and shares how empathy, community, and courage can change everything.

What happens when a nonprofit leader tells the whole truth — the hard, human, healing truth?
In this soul-stirring episode, nonprofit consultant and author Caroline Wienecke opens up about her journey through trauma, homelessness, and finding strength through community support.

She shares how these life experiences shaped her work in the nonprofit sector, and how her book, Finding You, is helping nonprofit professionals rediscover the power of authenticity, empathy, and real connection.

Caroline’s insights will challenge the way you think about nonprofit leadership, burnout, communication, and what it really means to serve others.

🎙️ This episode is for you if you’re:

• A nonprofit professional or executive

• A mission-driven entrepreneur

• Working in fundraising, DEI, or social impact

• Someone craving deeper meaning in your work

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• The hidden emotional cost of nonprofit work

• The intersection of healing and leadership

• Why vulnerability is a superpower in the social impact space

• Behind the scenes of writing Finding You

• How to build healthier, more human-centered organizations

  
  #NonprofitPodcast #SocialImpact #TraumaHealing #NonprofitLeadership #FindingYou #CarolineWienecke #MentalHealthInNonprofits #AuthenticLeadership #WomenInLeadership #BurnoutRecovery #EmpathyAtWork #NonprofitConsulting #CommunitySupport #NonprofitStories #PurposeDrivenWork #LeadershipWithHeart

✨ Description:What happens when you walk away from the “safe” life everyone else wants—and chase your own truth? 🌴 In this powerful episode, Toni Bubb opens up about leaving corporate America, battling health challenges, and rebuilding her life from the ground up—on an island.Toni dives deep into:💥 The turning point that sparked her radical life change🧠 The power of emotional intelligence in leadership💫 How spirituality guided her toward purpose🔥 Her mission to help women avoid burnout & reclaim their confidence👑 The LifeChanger Foundation and why it matters now more than everThis episode is a must-listen for anyone craving more alignment, authenticity, and courage in their personal or professional life. Especially women navigating transitions, burnout, or big dreams.

Description:Maria A. Ellis grew up in a house filled with harmony—but what she reveals in this episode might change how you think about music forever. From the quiet collapse of church choirs to the raw vulnerability of teaching someone to sing, Maria takes us inside a world where music isn't just sound—it's survival. She’s fighting to revive music literacy in ways schools won’t dare teach.Why does she believe music could be lost in a generation?And what radical truth did she discover while leading choirs that almost made her quit?

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Description:What if the key to thriving at work—and in life—wasn’t just performance, but authenticity? In this powerful episode, LaQuita Cleare shares her extraordinary journey from Hollywood stages to corporate boardrooms, revealing how storytelling can transform leadership, mental health, and human connection.

LaQuita opens up about navigating criticism in the digital age, embracing vulnerability, and building emotional resilience in high-pressure environments. She unpacks her signature framework, the Engagement Code, and shows how connection, content, and delivery are crucial not just for communication—but for cultivating happiness and well-being.

Whether you're leading a team or finding your voice, this episode will inspire you to lead with empathy, connect more deeply, and embrace your story.

Keywords: mental health, happiness, storytelling, emotional wellness, leadership, authenticity, vulnerability, resilience, connection, workplace culture, empathy

What do The Warriors, The Thing, Juilliard, addiction, and forgiveness have in common? One man: Thomas G. Waites. In this gripping and deeply human episode, the cult film icon takes us on a wild ride from his gritty beginnings in street gangs to starring in legendary films and finding salvation through storytelling. Waites pulls back the curtain on the chaos of Hollywood sets, the discipline of Juilliard, and the fragile power of empathy in a cutthroat industry.

He shares the untold stories behind The Warriors and the brutal realities of filming in Alaska, while offering hard-earned wisdom on addiction, leadership, and the redemptive force of art. Plus, a sneak peek into his upcoming play, Lucky Man: A Warrior’s Journey—a raw and powerful reflection on the choices that define us.
If you love film, believe in second chances, or crave stories that stir the soul—this episode is for you.

An inspiring conversation with two-time Dove Award–winning artist, author, and speaker Babbie Mason.

Discover how Babbie’s family roots and the rich emotional expression of the Black church shaped her relentless work ethic and passion for storytelling. From the timeless rhythms of jazz and gospel to the power of authentic mentorship, Babbie shares her journey of using music and words to bridge divides, empower women in faith, and build vibrant communities.

Learn practical strategies for finding stillness in a busy world, honoring your unique gifts, and persevering through adversity. Whether you’re an emerging artist, a faith leader, or anyone seeking encouragement, this episode will uplift your spirit and equip you to tell your own story with courage and grace.

Keywords:
Christian music, Dove Award winner, gospel storytelling, mentorship, empowering women, faith journey, Black church, music ministry, resilience, creative inspiration, stillness practice, authentic living.

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