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 🎙️ Episode 12 Summary with Simona Pappalardo

Today I sit down with the inspiring Simona Pappalardo, global executive turned leadership coach, speaker, and author of Authentically Yours. Born in Milan, she’s lived in Scotland, Malaysia, and now the U.S., believing every transition holds a hidden chapter waiting to be written.

Simona shares how a childhood cartoon sparked her love for engineering and how she navigated a male-dominated field, learning to lead with empathy, courage, and imperfect action. She opens up about defining moments, advocating for her Malaysian colleagues, guiding multicultural teams, trusting herself despite doubt, and choosing decisions over perfection.

We also dive into life beyond titles: her shift from engineering to coaching, blending cultural traditions with her husband, and her deeply personal IVF journey, teaching lessons on patience, surrender, and self-worth. Simona reminds us that courage is often quiet, dreaming bigger, and giving yourself permission to shift. Music and authenticity have been anchors through it all.

Fun full circle moment: I met Simona through her amazing editor, Brunella Costagliola, who also worked with past guests Jose Raymundo and Chris Kruger. Her book Authentically Yours launched December 1st, and she once dreamed of it under a Christmas tree, ready to inspire someone to live authentically. Her official launch party is December 9th in New York City, details are in the show notes.

To get in touch with Simona:
📧  [email protected]
🌎  https://coachingwithsimona.com/

📖 Purchase "Authentically Yours" on Amazon: Released Dec.1st!
https://a.co/d/3AGB7oc

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There is so much to be grateful for this year!  ❤️

As I look back on these last 8 months, I’m filled with so much gratitude for every story, every conversation, and every person who has joined me either on the mic and have listened from across the U.S. and abroad.

This is a special episode on Hidden Chapters sharing my heartfelt THANK YOU with the help of some of my wonderful guests from the show.  They are sharing their own gratitude this season or a little piece of advice!

My hope is that this season you will find time to rest, reflect on your own journey this year, and find encouragement from all of the stories shared here! 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!   

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In this solo episode, Genevieve shares a metaphor that changed the way she sees healing: Kintsugi,  the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Instead of hiding the cracks, Kintsugi highlights them, honoring the story of what the piece has been through.

Genevieve talks about the cracks in our own lives the heartbreaks, the disappointments, the losses, the moments that left fractures we tried to hide. And how, with time, faith, community, and grace, those same cracks can become the parts of us that shine the most.

You’ll hear stories from past guests, reflections on healing, and a personal look at what it means to be “mended with gold.” If you’ve ever felt broken, unfinished, or unsure how to begin again this one is for you.

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🎙️ Summary

In this episode of Hidden Chapters, Genevieve shares her personal journey of navigating hidden chapters in her life, particularly focusing on the emotional struggles faced by her generation, Gen X. She discusses the importance of emotional expression, the cost of suppression, and the need for healing and forgiveness. 

Genevieve reflects on her parenting approach with her daughters, emphasizing the significance of modeling emotional awareness and openness. 

The episode encourages listeners to explore their own hidden chapters and seek healing through self-reflection and connection.

 🎧Takeaways: 

• Healing starts in the pages still in progress.
• Some chapters aren't ready to be shared because they're still being processed.
• Strength without expression does come at a cost.
• Hidden chapters begin demanding attention in midlife.
• Resentment can build into bitterness and anger if left unaddressed.
• Forgiveness is essential for overall well-being and health.
• Hidden chapters can be what we hide from ourselves.
• It's important to model emotional openness for the next generation.
• Teaching emotional awareness can break cycles of suppression.
• Healing doesn't erase old pages; it gives courage to write new ones.

💭 Reflection prompts:

• What chapter in your life is still unfolding?

• Which emotions are asking to be recognized?

📖 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hidden Chapters
00:05 The Burden of Suppression
02:38 The Cost of Emotional Strength
04:52 Forgiveness and Healing
06:59 Parenting in a New Era
08:11 Finding Healing and Reflection

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Episode Summary 

Some stories look easy from the outside… until you hear the pages turn. Christin opens up about losing both her parents in high school, dealing with her brother’s addiction and time in jail, setting hard boundaries, and still building a life full of faith, service, and hope. Grief became her roadmap: keeping busy enough to process it, seeking wise counsel, and letting God hold the pieces she couldn’t.

We follow her through military life at Fort Rucker and Colorado, where a rough command season collided with family challenges and early signs of her daughter’s special needs. Christin became the guide she wished she had helping new Army spouses learn the real language of aviation and how clear expectations can protect a marriage. She also reflects on her time as a military spouses, sharing the challenges, joys, and the supportive power of community, especially through her volunteer work with Operation Deploy Your Dress, a program that uplifts military spouses.

At the heart of this episode is motherhood and advocacy. Christin shares her daughter’s adoption story, the moment ADHD changed everything, and how early intervention, speech therapy, and occupational therapy made a real difference. She’s honest about public meltdowns, the courage it takes to medicate when needed, and helping her daughter find independence through sports and routines. Now in education, she keeps her library as a safe space for students who need a reset—a reminder that empathy can be taught, practiced, and passed on.

If you’re carrying loss, parenting through uncertainty, or supporting someone with special needs, Christin’s story is full of hope and gentle challenges: believe in tomorrow, set boundaries that protect your home, and trust that beauty can grow from ashes. Listen, share it with a friend who needs courage, and subscribe for more hidden chapters worth hearing.

❤️ Connect with Christin:
📬  Email: [email protected]

👗 Operation Deploy Your Dress information: https://operationdeployyourdress.org/

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🎙️ 

Episode Summary

In Unmasking My Hidden Chapter: When “I’m Fine” Wasn’t the Truth, Genevieve shares a season she doesn’t talk about often, the years she spent teaching even though her heart wasn’t in it. After failing her Praxis exams and questioning her purpose, she found herself putting on a smile and saying “I’m fine” when she really wasn’t.

In this episode, Genevieve talks about what it felt like to keep that mask on for so long and what finally helped her take it off. She opens up about the pressure to prove herself, the lie that she wasn’t enough, and the truth she found in Scripture that reminded her who she really was.

This episode isn’t about Halloween costumes , it’s about the real-life masks we wear to look okay when we’re not. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or felt like you had to keep it all together, this one will remind you that God already calls you enough, even when you don’t feel like it.

✨ Episode Takeaways

• We all wear masks sometimes to protect ourselves, to fit in, or to avoid being misunderstood.
• Self-doubt has a sneaky voice, but it’s not the truth.
• Scripture reminds us who we really are when the world tells us otherwise.
• When we start unmasking, we start growing one layer at a time.
• Becoming your true self isn’t instant… it’s a journey, and it’s worth every step.

Resources talked about in the episode: 

Insights Discovery Assessment: https://www.insights.com/us/

Mel Robbins Podcast Episode 329 with Dr.Todd Rose https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-one-research-study-will-change-how-you-think-about/id1646101002?i=1000728615600

Scriptures mentioned: 

• Romans 12:2 
• Ephesians 6:11
• 2 Corinthians 10:5
• Psalm 139:14
• Psalm 119:9-16

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In this special episode of Hidden Chapters, I step on stage for the very first time at the Military Influencer Conference and share my story as a retired military spouse, navigating grief, identity, loss, and the journey of figuring out who I am along the way. I talk about how Hidden Chapters came to be, the healing power of storytelling, and why sharing our hidden stories matters.

During the talk, I invited the audience to share one word that describes their own hidden chapter, which later became a word cloud you can check out on my social media pages. This live, real, and honest talk reached both military and civilian listeners, and it reminded me why telling our stories and connecting with others is so important.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your story matters, this episode is a little nudge that it absolutely does and sometimes, sharing it on a stage (or even a podcast) can be more powerful than we imagine.

Takeaways from my talk: 

• Hidden chapters are the parts of our lives that shape us the most.
• The podcast was born from a desire to share personal stories.
• Navigating life changes can lead to feelings of loss and identity.
• Sharing stories can be a therapeutic process for both the storyteller and the audience.
• Engaging with the audience helps to create a sense of community.
• The impact of personal stories can resonate with many, fostering connection.
• The journey of podcasting began as a way to find one's voice.
• Hidden chapters often reveal struggles that are not visible on the surface.
• Stories of resilience and strength can inspire others to share their own. 

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What do you do when the life you thought you knew is turned upside down?

In this deeply personal conversation, Jennifer Blankenship shares her journey through betrayal, discovering her husband’s long-term affair and hidden family, and navigating the emotional aftermath as a retired, divorced military spouse. She opens up about the complexities of narcissistic abuse, the trauma bonds that kept her tied to a painful situation, and the challenge of reclaiming her identity while protecting her family.

Faith became her anchor during this season of life, guiding her healing, helping her process grief, and giving her strength to step into her next chapter. Jennifer also talks about the courage it took to self-publish her memoir, the transformative power of sharing her story, and her desire to support others facing similar struggles.

If you’ve ever faced betrayal, loss, or the challenge of rediscovering yourself, Jennifer’s story will meet you where you are and show how her own journey of pain has become a ministry of hope, resilience, and faith for others.

Takeaways from our conversation: 

• Faith played a crucial role in Jennifer's healing journey.
• Jennifer's journey emphasizes the power of resilience and hope. Jennifer discovered a DFAS form that revealed her entitlement to her ex-husband's military retirement.
• The Ex-Military Spouse Protection Act was crucial in securing her financial rights post-divorce.
• Jennifer's faith remained strong throughout her struggles, providing her with comfort and guidance.
• Jennifer aims to help others who have experienced betrayal by sharing her story.
• She believes that sharing her story can lead others to find hope and healing. 

📖  You can purchase Jennifer's book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7KWQQmB

🔗  Reflecting His Heart Ministries: https://reflectinghisheartministries.com/
📬  You can send Jennifer a message at: [email protected] 

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From arriving in the U.S. without knowing a word of English to rising through the ranks to become a Sergeant Major, Jose Raymundo’s story is one of struggles, triumphs and deep resilience.

In this conversation, Jose opens up about the hidden chapters behind his military career, the emotional weight of service, the quiet battles few ever saw, and the courage it took to share his story in his new memoir.

We talk about what it really means to transition from military to civilian life, the lessons that come from counseling and self-reflection, and the healing power of reconnecting with family. Jose reminds us that behind every uniform is a human story and that sharing those stories can bring light, hope, and healing to others walking the same road.

So many hidden chapters in his story, I can't wait to share. 

Takeaways from our conversation: 

• Jose's journey highlights the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life.
• Writing a book can be a therapeutic process, but it also brings up painful memories.
• Transparency in storytelling fosters connection and relatability with the audience.
• Language barriers can complicate the military experience for non-native speakers.
• The importance of mentorship and support in achieving personal goals.
• Family connections play a crucial role in personal development and healing.
• Reactions from family members can lead to unexpected insights and healing.
• Future aspirations include writing more about the hidden struggles of veterans.

 📖 You can purchase Jose's book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/j7El8lb

You can also reach out to Jose on Facebook:
FB author page: Jose F Raymundo- Author-

Email José:  

  📧 [email protected]

  📧  [email protected]

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What do you do when everything that once defined you begins to shift?

In this heartfelt conversation, Lindsay Swoboda joins me to talk about navigating life after her husband’s military retirement, launching her first book, and learning to balance who she is as a writer, wife, and woman in transition.

Together, we talk about the tension between holding on and letting go, how dreams evolve, how relationships change, and how creativity can feel both healing and heavy at the same time. Lindsay opens up about the hidden struggles behind creating something deeply personal, the emotional weight of identity shifts, and the courage it takes to keep showing up through uncertainty.

If you’ve ever felt caught between where you’ve been and where you’re headed, this conversation will remind you that change doesn’t erase you, it reveals who you’re becoming.

Lindsay's Book and Author recommendations: 📚

Nicole Gulotta "Wild Words": https://www.nicolemgulotta.com/

Stephanie Duncan Smith Substack Slant Letter "What Publishing Can and Cannot Do For You" 

Anne Lamott "Bird by Bird" quotes 

Barbara Brown Taylor: https://barbarabrowntaylor.com/

All the links to connect with Lindsay:  

IG: @lindsay.swo  www.instagram.com/lindsay.swo/

Substack: The Eleven O'Clock Number | Lindsay Swoboda | Substack

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayswo

Email: [email protected]

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