In Shock Podcast

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In this episode, I’m breaking down 4 practical things you can start doing right now to stop living paycheck to paycheck and finally get your finances back on track.
Whether you’re drowning in bills, skipping meals to feed your kids, or just sick of feeling stuck and stressed — you are NOT alone. I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what I did to pull myself out of being broke and start rebuilding my life financially.

✨ Here’s what we’ll cover:

The harsh reality of financial stress & why it’s one of the biggest causes of anxiety and depression

How losing a 6-figure job and going through a divorce left me broke with 3 kids during the 2008 financial crisis

The moment I hit rock bottom and how it changed everything

The importance of facing your finances head-on & building a simple budget (even if it’s scary)

Why you need to ruthlessly cut expenses and how to find hidden money leaks

How to tap into your skills to earn extra cash, start small side hustles, and create new income streams

The mindset shifts that helped me stop feeling like a victim and start taking action

Creative ways to make money even when nobody’s hiring (pet sitting, organizing, meal prepping, fitness training & more)

I’ll also share personal stories that prove how being broke doesn’t have to define you forever. These small steps really do add up, and I promise you can rebuild — no matter how hopeless it might feel right now.

📝 Ready to stop just surviving and start moving forward?
Grab a notebook (or a simple spreadsheet), get real about your numbers, and let’s figure this out together.

Thank you for tuning in! I truly appreciate every one of you, whether you’re here for the first time or have been with me from the start.

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Subscribe & Catch full episodes of In Shock Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@inshock.podcast 📺
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Life doesn’t come with a warning. One moment everything’s fine, the next you’re blindsided by a cancer diagnosis, a financial crisis, a breakup, or devastating loss. In this episode, I’m sharing 8 essential strategies to help you navigate those moments when life completely knocks you off your feet—and trust me, I’ve been there.

From finding a rock-hard lump in my breast, to being told I had stage 3 cancer, to multiple surgeries, learning to live without my breasts, facing a recurrence, radiation, brain aneurysms, strokes, melanoma—my story is proof that resilience isn’t something we’re born with. It’s built, tested, and strengthened through every curveball life throws.

👉 In this episode, you’ll hear:
✅ How I faced my second breast cancer diagnosis—and why it hit harder than the first.
✅ What it felt like to ignore my instincts, delay my appointment, and then hear “you have breast cancer.”
✅ The brutal reality of mastectomies, tissue expanders, nipple reconstruction, and what it’s like to see yourself in the mirror after surgery.
✅ How setbacks like liver issues forced me off medication and why I had to fight so hard for the right treatment.
✅ How repeated health scares—breast cancer TWICE, melanoma, aneurysms, strokes—pushed my resilience to the limit.
✅ And most importantly, the 8 powerful strategies I’ve learned to get through life’s hardest moments.

💥 These 8 resilience strategies will help you:

1. Trust Your Instincts – Your Gut Knows More Than You Think

2. Advocate for Yourself – No One Will Do It for You'

3. Build Your Support System – You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

4. Progress Isn’t Linear – And That’s Okay

5. Strength Isn’t Just Physical – It’s Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual

6. Your Mental Health Deserves Just as Much Attention as Your Physical Health

7. Control What You Can – Let Go of What You Can’t

8. Resilience Is a Skill – And You’re Stronger Than You Think

Thank you for tuning in! I truly appreciate every one of you, whether you’re here for the first time or have been with me from the start.

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Subscribe & Catch full episodes of In Shock Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@inshock.podcast 📺
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For daily doses of  Inspiration Follow me @inshock.podcast on Instagram | TikTok | Facebook  

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In this episode, I sit down with my lifelong friend Amorette to explore her courageous journey through drug and alcohol addiction—and how she rebuilt her life from the ground up.

Amorette and I have known each other since we were 7 years old, sharing everything from Charlie Brown nicknames to the ups and downs of growing up. Over the years, we’ve both faced breast cancer, painful divorces, and the loss of our parents. But Amorette’s story takes a raw and deeply inspiring turn that we’re honored to share with you.

✨ In this episode, we talk about:

Growing up surrounded by addiction—and how it quietly took hold of her life from an early age.

Using alcohol, painkillers, Xanax, and cocaine to escape until it nearly destroyed everything: relationships, careers, even her beautiful homes.

Hitting rock bottom and making the bold decision to get clean—alone—without rehab or structured programs.

The brutal physical and emotional toll of withdrawal, and why going through that fire made her determined to never look back.

Learning how to cope with difficult emotions, triggers like anger, and discovering new ways to soothe and ground herself.

How life turned around: new love, moving to Taos, rebuilding her work and creativity, and finally living fully present.

Amorette’s story is living proof that it’s never too late to turn your life around. As she says, recovery is a personal journey, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and you have to be an active participant in your healing. Whether it’s reaching out to friends, joining a support community, or having the courage to face your emotions head-on—there is a path forward.

🌿 If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction:
Know that help and hope are out there. This video is here to show that you’re not alone—and that even the deepest struggles can lead to growth, healing, and a life you love.

Thank you for tuning in! I truly appreciate every one of you, whether you’re here for the first time or have been with me from the start.

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Subscribe & Catch full episodes of In Shock Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@inshock.podcast 📺
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For daily doses of  Inspiration Follow me @inshock.podcast on Instagram | TikTok | Facebook  

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🎙 In this episode of In Shock, I share the raw story of my very first cancer diagnosis — lip cancer caused by years of sun worshipping with zero sunscreen.

It started as a tiny spot on my lip that I ignored for months, thinking it was just an ingrown pimple. That tiny spot grew, hurt, and eventually turned out to be squamous cell carcinoma, an advanced skin cancer that almost required extensive reconstructive surgery.

I take you through every step of my journey:

The carefree days of baking in the sun covered in baby oil

Getting second-degree sunburns so bad I ended up in the ER

Spotting a small bump on my lip that changed everything

The shock of being diagnosed with lip cancer while driving down the freeway

Undergoing painful Mohs surgery, awake for a 7-hour procedure as layer after layer of my lip was removed

Seeing my face after surgery and the emotional trauma of living with scars

Learning the importance of early detection, sunscreen, and regular skin checks

But this is more than just a cancer story. It’s about:
🌱 Becoming your own health advocate
📖 Building a medical binder, asking questions, bringing friends to appointments
💛 Finding strength in your community, and learning not to go through scary moments alone
🙏 And realizing how quickly life can change — and why protecting yourself matters.

🔥 Why this matters:

We’re all vulnerable to cancer, whether it’s from sun damage, family history, or pure chance.

Early detection saved my life — and it could save yours.

This diagnosis was just the start. I went on to face melanoma, breast cancer (twice), strokes, aneurysms, and more. I’ll be sharing all of it on this channel, plus stories from amazing guests who’ve faced their own life-altering curveballs.

👉 If you or someone you know is navigating a cancer diagnosis or skin cancer scare, please share this video.
Together, we can build a supportive community so no one feels alone in these terrifying moments.

Thank you for tuning in! I truly appreciate every one of you, whether you’re here for the first time or have been with me from the start.

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Subscribe & Catch full episodes of In Shock Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@inshock.podcast 📺
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For daily doses of  Inspiration Follow me @inshock.podcast on Instagram | TikTok | Facebook  

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In this episode, we dive deep into the overwhelming stress of financial hardships — from sudden job loss, unexpected bills, and mounting debt, to the emotional toll of trying to keep your family afloat.

I’ve been there. During the 2008 financial crisis, I lost my six-figure job, went through a divorce, had three kids to support (including private school tuition), and relied on credit cards just to put food on the table. I was drowning in debt, humbled by trips to thrift stores and even grocery shopping in a friend’s pantry. It’s a chapter of my life I’ll never forget.

That’s why I believe it’s so important to build a strong financial foundation, understand your options, and have honest conversations about money.

I’m joined by bankruptcy attorney Alia Khan, the Bankruptcy Queen, who shares how bankruptcy actually works, who qualifies, and why it’s often a smarter, less damaging path than debt consolidation. We bust the myths, talk about rebuilding credit, and explore how to protect your future — your car, home, retirement, and peace of mind.

🎯 Here’s what you’ll learn on this channel:
✅ How to overcome financial struggles, job loss & crushing debt
✅ The truth about bankruptcy vs. debt consolidation
✅ How to protect your assets and rebuild credit
✅ Real stories of resilience — from divorce, cancer, strokes, to financial rock bottoms — and finding joy again
✅ Tools, mindsets, and support systems to help you rise, heal, and rebuild your life

💛 You’re not alone.
No matter what financial or life hardship you’re facing, there’s a way forward.
Subscribe to hear inspiring stories, practical strategies, and honest talks about navigating life’s biggest shocks — and coming out stronger on the other side. 

To learn more from Alia, be sure to follow her on Tik Tok and Instagram @thebankruptcyqueen
You can also visit her website and reach out to her directly to connect with her about your options. 

Contact Information:
Alia Khan
akhanlawoffices.com
(800) 419-8950

Thank you for tuning in! I truly appreciate every one of you, whether you’re here for the first time or have been with me from the start.

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Subscribe & Catch full episodes of In Shock Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@inshock.podcast 📺
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For daily doses of  Inspiration Follow me @inshock.podcast on Instagram | TikTok | Facebook  

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In this episode, we explore the unimaginable loss of a spouse — and the strength it takes to navigate grief, raise children, and rebuild life after tragedy.

My dear friend Anne-Marie shares her incredible story of resilience after losing her husband, Alexander, in a sudden ski accident. Left with two children (ages 12 and 16) and an unfinished home her husband had been building, she faced emotional devastation and overwhelming practical challenges.

✨ Together we talk about:

How she supported her children through grief, including sending her son to Comfort Zone Camp, a life-changing experience that helped him step back from the brink of suicide.

The importance of grief counseling for kids and teens, even when they resist.

How she stayed connected to Alexander’s memory, honored his wishes, and continued talking openly about him at home.

The beautiful, unexpected connections formed through Alexander’s organ donations, including a recipient who developed a sudden passion for home remodeling after receiving Alexander’s liver.

Anne-Marie also shares:

Why she believes grief isn’t linear — and doesn’t actually diminish over time. Instead, we build the muscles to carry it.

The power of letting yourself fully feel the feelings, even if it means sobbing over sympathy cards with your morning coffee.

How practical help from friends (food, handling the memorial, helping with her unfinished home) and corporate support (an unexpected three-year leave from her employer, IBM) gave her the space to process and heal.

🌱 Key grief resources we discussed:

Comfort Zone Camp (comfortzonecamp.org): a free grief camp for kids ages 5–18.

The Widowed Mom Podcast by Krista St. Germain — a supportive community & powerful tools for navigating widowhood.

Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's Five Stages of Grief, an insightful framework (even if grief is rarely that linear).

💛 Whether you’re a widow, facing a sudden loss, trying to support grieving children, or simply looking for stories of human resilience — this conversation will remind you you’re not alone.

Thank you for tuning in! I truly appreciate every one of you, whether you’re here for the first time or have been with me from the start.

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Subscribe & Catch full episodes of In Shock Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@inshock.podcast 📺
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For daily doses of  Inspiration Follow me @inshock.podcast on Instagram | TikTok | Facebook  

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Join Teresa on In Shock as she opens up about a period of intense health struggles that left her truly "in shock.  Over just five years, she battled cancer four times, survived three strokes, and underwent brain surgery for two aneurysms. In this inspiring episode, she shares her personal journey and the key strategies that helped her not just survive, but thrive. Discover the importance of building a strong support system, finding joy even in dark times, and creating a plan to navigate the unknown. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing adversity or seeking inspiration.

Thank you for tuning in! I truly appreciate every one of you, whether you’re here for the first time or have been with me from the start.

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Subscribe & Catch full episodes of In Shock Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@inshock.podcast 📺
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For daily doses of  Inspiration Follow me @inshock.podcast on Instagram | TikTok | Facebook  

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to In Shock, the show about overcoming life’s toughest moments.

Here, we talk about those gut-wrenching times that leave us reeling — whether it’s a cancer diagnosis, a divorce, financial hardship, losing someone you love, or simply watching your entire world change in an instant.

I’m Teresa, a four-time cancer survivor who’s also navigated strokes, brain aneurysms, and more curveballs than most people face in a lifetime. But I didn’t just survive — I learned how to thrive, rebuild, and find joy again.

This is about sharing real stories of resilience and personal transformation.
You’ll hear my own raw experiences plus conversations with incredible guests who’ve faced everything from devastating loss to shocking health scares. Together, we explore how to:
✨ Protect your peace (and your kids’) even when your life feels shattered
✨ Build a strong support system — your village — to lean on when things get messy
✨ Use laughter and joy as tools to heal during dark times
✨ Create a plan to regain clarity and reduce fear
✨ Shift your mindset so you can rise again, stronger and more self-aware

Whether you’re dealing with a cancer journey, a painful breakup, money problems, or just feeling lost after years of putting yourself last, know this: you will find yourself again. It may take a year or two, but the joy that returns is deeper than anything you’ve felt before.

I’m here to help you navigate it all — with practical tools, real talk, and a whole lot of heart.

Subscribe and join me each week for stories that prove you’re not alone, that healing is possible, and that there is life (and laughter) on the other side of your hardest moments.

💛 Thanks for being here. You’re stronger than you think.

Thank you for tuning in! I truly appreciate every one of you, whether you’re here for the first time or have been with me from the start.

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Subscribe & Catch full episodes of In Shock Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@inshock.podcast 📺
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For daily doses of  Inspiration Follow me @inshock.podcast on Instagram | TikTok | Facebook