Little Victories

In this episode of Little Victories, Kathy sits down with Ray Aubel to explore the hidden emotional weight LGBTQ+ people carry long after coming out.

Together, they unpack how early survival patterns and constant hyper-vigilance impact the nervous system into adulthood. Ray shares why hypnotherapy reaches deeper layers where traditional talk therapy can stall, and how unlearning chronic people-pleasing creates a path to genuine self-worth and authentic living.

Key Topics Covered:

• Unpacking early "safety armor" and nervous system stress
• Why hypnotherapy helps rewire deep-seated protective habits
• Breaking free from people-pleasing to reclaim your authentic self

  intuitivemindhypnosis.com

  Instagram: @ray.aubel

What happens when we lean in to listen to the people we love?

In this intimate episode, Kathy sits down with her daughter, Gina, for a candid heart-to-heart about navigating the hard stuff. Gina shares her lived experience, reflecting on personal identity, the gifts she carries, and her hopes for the future.

Together, they model what it looks like to move past the fear of "saying the wrong thing" and create a safe space for genuine understanding, connection, and growth. Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation on love, growth, and the power of listening to understand. 

In this episode:

• Listening with Love: How curiosity—opens the door to deeper, more meaningful conversations.
• Gina’s Lived Experience: Real stories on navigating identity, embracing unique strengths, and building a path forward.
• The Nuance of Language: Why the words we choose matter when honoring and respecting individual identity.
• Identity & Strengths: Gina’s perspective on growing up, overcoming obstacles, and recognizing her personal gifts.
• https://aane.org/

What if the secret to living big, vibrant, and completely unscripted in your 60s wasn’t about staying in control, but about learning how to surrender to the dance?

In this heartfelt and beautifully raw conversation, Kathy Brophy is joined by her friend, fellow dancer, and attorney Tracy D. Galloway for a deep dive into what it truly means to live fully in midlife. Together, they explore the unexpected parallels between ballroom dance and personal transformation, showing how the physical structure of movement can help us navigate life’s biggest transitions.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Healing Power of Loss: Tracy shares her intimate journey through grief after her mother’s passing, and how allowing herself to cry unlocked a softer, more authentic version of herself.
• Finding a New Rhythm: Kathy opens up about her personal path to sobriety and how trading alcohol for the dance floor expanded her capacity for deep feeling, clarity, and vitality.
• The Metaphor of the Lead and Follow: How the dynamics of dance partnerships can teach us about trust, connection, and breaking societal expectations.
• Choreographing Change: A look at Kathy’s advocacy for gender-diverse dance partnerships and how stepping outside traditional norms fosters true belonging.

Whether you are navigating a major life transition, looking to deepen your emotional resilience, or ready to claim your own space on the dance floor of life, this episode is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to change the tempo and live loud.

Tracy D. Galloway, Esq., M.A.

(Master of Arts in Psychoanalysis)

Divorce  Attorney & Coach

108 Williams Street, Wrentham, MA 02093

Email:                        [email protected]

Website (attorney):   www.tracygalloway.com

Website (coach):       www.thedivorcebootcamp.com

Instagram:                 @calliemalee

Instagram:                 @divorce.bootcamp 

Youtube:                    @divorce.bootcamp

TikTok:                       @the.divorce.bootcamp

6 in 10 people in the US have a personal connection to adoption.

Unlock the complex, lifelong journey of adoptees in this eye-opening episode featuring Ellie Robinson, COO and co-founder of Adoptee Identity. She reveals how the invisible aspects of adoption shape identity, emotions, and relationships—and why understanding these nuances can dramatically change how we support and connect with adopted individuals. Prepare to rethink adoption narratives, embrace the “and”—love and grief, joy and loss—and discover practical tools to foster understanding, especially with healthcare and education professionals.

From the raw story of meeting her birth family to the powerful concept of "coming out of the fog," Ellie shares insights that challenge the simplistic stories we often hear. You'll discover: the significance of language like “biological unknowns,” how common experiences such as feeling different or facing medical questions can be navigated with empathy, and how to create community support through innovative resources like their conversation card deck and upcoming digital platform. These tools are designed to empower adoptees to express feelings, claim their story, and find belonging in a world that often misunderstands their experiences.

We break down the steps for allies—from teachers to healthcare providers—to build awareness and support, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions and creating safe spaces. Ellie also discusses her organization's impressive growth, including the upcoming app launch for summer 2026, aimed at expanding access to resources and community for anyone with biological unknowns—including donor-conceived and kinship families.

This episode is essential listening for adoptees seeking validation or those supporting loved ones through their journeys. If you're a professional, parent, or educator wanting to foster authentic conversations and stronger connections, Ellie’s insights offer tangible steps to make a real difference. Your understanding could be the bridge that helps someone embrace their full identity, with all its joys and challenges.

Visit www.adoptee-identity.com

to learn more about resources, including the impactful conversation card decks and ongoing support groups like Adoptees Connect. Join the movement to include adoptees in conversations about identity and belonging—and learn how to listen, ask, and support with compassion.

At 54, Jo Moseley realized that life is very short and precious. Her paddleboarding journey coast to coast across northern England is a testament to courage, resilience, and the pursuit of joy. In this episode, Jo shares how paddleboarding helped her regain confidence after setbacks and became a symbol of perseverance. Discover the mental and physical benefits of watersports and how setting bold goals can lead to self-discovery. Jo's insights on overcoming self-doubt and embracing challenges will inspire you to pursue your dreams, no matter your age. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that reminds us it's never too late to make a splash in life. She is a bestselling author to 3 books: 

• Stand Up Paddleboarding in Great Britain - Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in England, Scotland and Wales (2022) 
• Stand Up Paddleboarding in the Lake District - Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in Cumbria (2024).
• Adventures on the Water - The Power of Paddleboarding to Change Lives (2025) 

    * https://www.jomoseley.com/

Expert esthetician  Carlen Van Scyoc, sits down to talk about skincare and self-care. Discover how the human touch, stress management, and simple at-home practices can transform your skin and well-being—regardless of age or skin type.

Carlen shares her journey from feeling out of place in a beauty industry that once overlooked self-care to creating a thriving practice rooted in nurturing and authenticity. She reveals the power of holistic skin health, debunking myths like the fear of oils and the misconception that sensitive skin is only for the fair-skinned. 

Contact Carlen: [email protected]

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The critical role of human touch in healing and emotional release, especially for seniors and those facing loss
• How to effectively manage acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation without relying solely on medications
• Simple, practical skincare tips for busy at-home routines—no fancy gadgets needed

Unlock the secrets to thriving in every stage of life with Ricci Lee Hotz—professional ballroom dancer and licensed dietitian nutritionist. Discover how she manages the demands of dance and health, from fueling for performance to navigating body changes after 60. This episode reveals real strategies, inspiring insights, and practical advice that empowers you to embrace your evolving body, fuel it mindfully, and stay active doing what you love.

We explore the nuanced impact of hormonal shifts on aging bodies, especially post-menopausal women, emphasizing personalized nutrition adjustments. Ricci sheds light on cutting-edge topics like GLP-1 drugs—how they work, their role in appetite regulation, and the importance of maintaining balanced eating routines when using them. Her guidance is essential for anyone curious about current health trends and how they intersect with long-term wellness

This episode isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving, feeling unstoppable at any age.

https://www.dancesportdietitian.com/about-ricci-lee

Join Kathy Brophy on "Little Victories" as she welcomes Kristi Nelson, author of "Wake Up Grateful" and executive director of a network for Grateful Living. With over 30 years in nonprofit leadership and a master's from Harvard Kennedy School, Kristi shares transformative insights on embracing gratitude and living life with fullness. Discover the profound impact of gratefulness and how it can enrich your everyday experiences. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the beauty of life and the power of grateful living. 

https://www.kristinelson.net/

In this episode of Little Victories , host Kathy Brophy speaks with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, MD, an orthopedic surgeon, about the importance of maintaining bone and joint health as we age. They discuss the benefits of dance and music in reducing cognitive decline, the impact of menopause on joint health, and the significance of exercise for women over 60. Dr. Wittstein also addresses common concerns regarding hormone therapy and medications for osteoporosis, emphasizing that it's never too late to make positive changes for better health.

Co-Author: The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan: Help Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis and Arthritis

I close out 2025 with reflections and appreciations for this Love Train season. Thank you to all of my guests !

"When you love someone, You pay attention."