This week, Laura and Todd sat down with Richard Strother, founder of The Widower's Wingman, who shares his personal experience of losing his wife to cancer and navigating the dating world again. He emphasizes the importance of living with intention and finding clarity in what you want in a relationship. Richard discusses the house rules he and his wife had, including no drama, no bullshit, saying what you mean and meaning what you say, and never losing your sense of humor. He also highlights the challenges and unique insecurities that widowers face when reentering the dating pool. Richard's coaching focuses on helping widowers gain clarity, find closure, and redefine their identity after loss.

**Summary:**

Richard Strother, founder of The Widower's Wingman, shares his personal experience of losing his wife to cancer and navigating the dating world again. He emphasizes the importance of living with intention and finding clarity in what you want in a relationship. Richard discusses the house rules he and his wife had, including no drama, no bullshit, saying what you mean and meaning what you say, and never losing your sense of humor. He also highlights the challenges and unique insecurities that widowers face when reentering the dating pool. Richard's coaching focuses on helping widowers gain clarity, find closure, and redefine their identity after loss.

**Key Takeaways:**

- Living with intention and finding clarity in what you want in a relationship is crucial.

- The house rules of no drama, no bullshit, saying what you mean and meaning what you say, and never losing your sense of humor can help maintain a healthy relationship.

- Widowers often face unique insecurities and challenges when reentering the dating pool.

- Gaining clarity on deal breakers and insecurities is essential for successful dating after loss.

- It's important to focus on personal growth and redefine your identity after the loss of a spouse.

Links: https://rstrother.com/

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This week, Laura and Todd sit down with Amanda McKoy Flanagan and Ginny Olivas-Smith who both discuss their personal experiences with loss and grief on the Sol Rising podcast. They challenge the misconception that grief only comes from the death of a loved one, highlighting that it can also stem from other major life changes. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging grief and providing support to those going through it. They also discuss the impact of grief on the ego and the need for self-compassion and understanding during the grieving process. Amanda shares insights from her book, "Trust Yourself to Be All In Safe, to Love and Let Go," which offers guidance on healing and finding one's true self.

Key Takeaways:

• Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one; it can also stem from other significant losses or life-changing events.
• Grief does not follow a linear path and can involve a range of emotions and stages that may fluctuate over time.
• It is important to provide support and understanding to those experiencing grief, allowing them to express their feelings and share memories of their loved ones.
• The grieving process can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.
• Grief can either bond or separate individuals, depending on how it is processed and communicated within relationships.
• Amanda's book, "Trust Yourself to Be All In Safe, to Love and Let Go," offers guidance and inspiration for healing and finding one's true self through grief.

SOL RISING PODCAST:

Sol Rising: All In on Love, Loss, and Connection is a bi-weekly podcast where you will hear candid, honest, vulnerable conversations sure to pull at your heart strings and enlighten your soul! Conversations revolve around our basic, fundamental, human instinct for connection. Ginny and Amanda explore how emotions—pain, fear, loss, and grief, as well as joy, excitement, happiness, and love—work to either create connection or to hinder it, personally in relationships, and collectively out in the world. It's time to let your soul rise!

Links to Sol Rising Podcast:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solrisingpodcast/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sol-rising/id1675376192

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-sol-rising-109949496/

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Sol-Rising-Podcast/B0BXD7Y7VT

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This week, Laura and Todd sit down with Dr. Wendy Hunter, a pediatrician, who discusses the impact of social determinants of health on pediatric care and the importance of trauma-informed care. She shares her personal experience with Lyme disease and how it has influenced her empathy towards patients. Dr. Hunter emphasizes the need for accessible health information for parents and addresses common concerns such as eczema, constipation, and bedtime anxiety. She also highlights the importance of self-care and having a supportive caregiver for children. Dr. Hunter discusses the role of adverse childhood experiences in long-term health outcomes and the need for trauma-based therapy. She encourages parents to advocate for their children's health and well-being and offers advice for managing parental anxiety.

Key Takeaways:

• Adverse childhood experiences can have long-term effects on a child's health and well-being.
• Trauma-informed care is essential in pediatric medicine to address the social determinants of health and provide support to children and families.
• Parents should prioritize self-care and seek support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals when feeling overwhelmed or anxious about their child's health.
• Open and honest communication is crucial in addressing children's health concerns and providing appropriate care.

Links:

• "The Pediatrician Next Door" podcast: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-pediatrician-next-door-107345953/#:~:text=Pediatrician%20Wendy%20Hunter%2C%20MD%20answers,to%20questions%20about%20kids'%20health.

• ACE screening: https://americanspcc.org/take-the-aces-quiz/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9-6oBhBaEiwAHv1QvFD-Y1tovc_fnZ6DS88qSJfSNBZMmhSb1_h4RUQEtLYn7TJSoEUkLxoCq-IQAvD_BwE

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Laura and Todd sit down with longtime friend Spencer Wetmore, a South Carolina House Representative, where she discusses her background in law and government service, including her family's involvement with the Shannon Faulkner case. She shares her journey from practicing law to getting involved in politics and running for office. Wetmore also talks about her viral videos on TikTok where she passionately speaks about women's reproductive rights. She discusses the recent Supreme Court decision upholding a six-week abortion ban in South Carolina and the potential impact on women. Wetmore criticizes the profit-driven motivations behind these restrictive abortion laws and emphasizes the need for change in public opinion to bring about progress. Wetmore also discusses the trauma that is being mishandled by our government in regards to victims of incest and rape.

Key Takeaways:

• She ran for office after working in government service and wanting to make a difference on the state level.
• The recent Supreme Court decision upholding a six-week abortion ban in South Carolina is a setback for women's rights and could have traumatic effects on women.
• Wetmore's experience with the Shannon Faulkner case and her own personal experiences have shaped her passion for women's issues and reproductive rights.
• National organizations, such as National Right to Life and Alliance Defending Freedom, play a significant role in promoting and drafting restrictive abortion laws.
• Progress can be made by supporting national organizations fighting for reproductive rights and sharing the stories of those affected by these laws.

Links:

https://spencerwetmore.com

Website - https://spencerwetmore.com

Law Firm Website: https://wetmorelawfirm.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SpencerWetmoreforSChouse/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJW1bj6cEgw

Twitter – https://twitter.com/RepWetmore

Abuse Hotline

Check out Next Page at www.nextpagepodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @nextpagepodcast

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This week, Laura and Todd sit down with J.K Emezi who shares his personal journey of overcoming a pornography addiction and discusses the impact of early exposure to explicit content. He explains the concept of "arousal templates" and how they shape our sexual behaviors. J.K also highlights the importance of self-awareness in the "rebooting" process and the need to redefine one's self-image. He emphasizes that recovery is about hitting the reset button and creating an ideal life after overcoming the addiction.

J.K emphasizes the importance of seeking help and setting the intention to speak to somebody about the addiction. He encourages individuals to overcome the arguments and excuses that may arise in their minds and take the first step towards recovery. By shedding light on the shame associated with addiction, individuals can start listening to more material, talking to different people, and seeking the support they need.

Key Takeaways:

• Seek help and set the intention to speak to somebody about the addiction.
• Shed light on the shame associated with addiction to start the recovery process.
• Living each day as if it's the last and going all out in everything is more exciting than going back to the past.

Links:

https://elevatedrecovery.org/

Website - https://elevatedrecovery.org/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jkemezi1

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbqaPKeiNW6R6LECHwQkRug

Twitter – https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FRebootPorn

Abuse Hotline

Check out Next Page at www.nextpagepodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @nextpagepodcast

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Laura and Todd sit down and speak to author and domestic and parental abuse survivor, Laura Lux. Laura Lux shares her personal journey of navigating through failed marriages and mental disorders to the complexities of theoretical polyamory and attempted murder. She discusses her experiences of being sent away to a mental hospital as a teen, becoming a young mother, and her marriages to emotionally abusive partners. Despite the challenges, she maintains her belief in love and the importance of self-reflection. Laura emphasizes the significance of taking one's time, making conscious decisions, and not settling for mediocrity or misery in relationships. She encourages listeners to redefine their lives and not be defined by others' opinions or fear of failure.

Key Takeaways:

• Take your time, make conscious choices, and don't settle for mediocrity or misery in relationships.
• Redefine your life and don't let others define you or fear being seen as a failure.
• It's never too late to make a change and create a new chapter in your life.

Links:

https://www.glitterandglassbook.com/

Website - https://www.glitterandglassbook.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glitterandglassbook/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/glitterandglassbook

Abuse Hotline

Check out Next Page at www.nextpagepodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @nextpagepodcast

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In this week's episode on Next Page, Laura and Todd sit down with Michael Unbroken, who shares his personal journey of overcoming a traumatic childhood marked by abuse, addiction, and homelessness. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life and shares his "mirror moment" when he decided to stop being a victim and become the hero of his own story. Michael also discusses the power of mindset and the role it plays in overcoming trauma. He encourages listeners to give themselves permission to dream of a better life and to take small steps towards that vision. He also highlights the importance of finding community and support in the healing process.He emphasizes the need to take responsibility for one's own actions and choices, including what one consumes and the thoughts one entertains. Michael also highlights the impact of societal indoctrination on anxiety, particularly the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the lack of emphasis on pursuing one's dreams and passions. He further explores the concept of trust in oneself and the fear of being authentic. He encourages listeners to trust themselves and embrace their true selves, despite the fear of judgment and rejection. Michael emphasizes that living authentically and pursuing one's dreams is the key to a fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

• Childhood trauma can have a profound impact on a person's life, but it is possible to overcome and heal.
• Taking responsibility for one's own life is crucial in the healing process.
• Mindset plays a significant role in overcoming trauma.
• Giving oneself permission to dream of a better life and taking small steps towards that vision is essential.
• Finding community and support is crucial in the healing process.
• Trusting oneself is essential for personal growth and authenticity.
• Living authentically and pursuing one's dreams is the key to a fulfilling life.

Links:

https://www.thinkunbroken.com/

Website - https://www.thinkunbroken.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michaelunbroken/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MichaelUnbroken

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC95YX4cZdz39HHIaLZYFsGA

Twitter – https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fthinkunbroken

Abuse Hotline

Check out Next Page at www.nextpagepodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @nextpagepodcast

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In this week's episode of Next Page, Laura and Todd sit down with Erin Riley, survivor of narcissistic abuse and author of "A Dark Force: 20 Years with a Covert Narcissist." Through her gripping and candid narrative, Erin unveils her two-decade journey trapped in a destructive relationship with a covert narcissist. Erin illuminates us about the concealed nature of narcissistic abuse and the profound toll it took on her mental and physical wellbeing. Riley dives deep into the character of a covert narcissist, a deceptively kind and agreeable individual who hides a lack of empathy and manipulative behavior behind a well-crafted facade. She speaks on her childhood and how a pattern of generational trauma and emotional neglect led her to develop a hyper-vigilant personality, a trait that unknowingly set her up for manipulative abuse.

Erin's courageous story continues with her rocky marriage to Fabio, the covert narcissist whose quiet and helpful demeanor initially drew her in. As she navigates through the red flags of Fabio's passive-aggressive behavior, blame-shifting, and avoidance, Erin slowly starts to uncover the distressing truth. When the abuse reaches a breaking point, Erin's desperate attempt to save her relationship ends in betrayal when Fabio brings another woman to Panama. This heart-wrenching experience, along with years of physical and mental strain, initiates her journey to recovery. Erin’s resilience shines through her process of self-reflection, therapy, and acceptance of her codependent tendencies, which eventually leads her to break free from the cycle of abuse. Her invaluable insights serve as a stark warning and beacon of hope for others entangled in narcissistic abuse, emphasizing that recovery, though challenging, is possible with self-compassion, boundary setting, and supportive resources like Erin’s memoir and advocacy work. Episode 42 with Erin Riley is NOT one to miss!

Key Takeaways:

• Growing up in a dysfunctional family can set you up to be vulnerable to toxic relationships.
• Covert narcissists are sneaky and manipulative, often projecting their own self-loathing onto others.
• Trust your gut and recognize red flags in a relationship, such as passive-aggressive behavior and blame-shifting.
• Codependency can make it difficult to leave a toxic relationship, but it's important to prioritize your own well-being.
• Healing from narcissistic abuse involves recognizing your own worth, setting boundaries, and seeking support from others.

Links:

Erin Riley's Book - "A Dark Force - 20 Years With a Covert Narcissist

Website - https://www.erinriley.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/a_dark_force/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adarkforcebook

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75258085-a-dark-force

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinjriley/

More Information about Covert Narcissism

Abuse Hotline

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Ed Cohen is an author, counselor, professor, and advocate for collaborative care and holistic healing. With a PhD in Modern thought from Stanford, Ed has been an award-winning professor of women's, gender and sexuality studies at Rutgers University for the last three decades. He draws on his personal experience with Crohn's disease to explore how Western medicine's focus on science has affected medical practitioners and their patients. In this interview, Ed discusses his journey to healing and how he redefined his relationship with medicine. He emphasizes the importance of caring collaboration in a society that is hyper-focused on individualism. He also shares his thoughts on the history of medicine, the power of language, and the value of reframing our thinking. Additionally, he talks about the impact of the pandemic on our understanding of interconnectedness and toxic individualism. Ed Cohen's experience with Crohn's disease and his insights into the importance of caring collaboration in a society that is hyper-focused on individualism offer a fresh perspective on how we can approach healthcare and healing. By valuing collaborative care and reframing our thinking, we can work towards a more collective and holistic approach to healthcare. Check out Ed's book, "Learning to Heal," and his counseling practice, the Healing Council, to learn more about his approach to healing. Additionally, his thoughts on the pandemic and toxic individualism offer valuable insights into how we can move forward towards a more interconnected and healing world.

About Dr. Cohen

Ed's Book "On Learning to Heal: What Modern Medicine Doesn't Know"

Ed's Book A Body Worth Defending: Immunity, Biopolitics, and the Apotheosis of the Modern Body

Ed's Counseling Center - Healing Counsel: https://healingcounsel.com/about-professor-ed-cohen/

Ed at Rutgers

Rutgers University: https://www.rutgers.edu/

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Laura and Todd celebrate Pride Month with an inspiring interview with living legend L Morgan Lee, the first openly transgender actor to be nominated for a Tony Award for her featured role in "A Strange Loop.” As a seasoned performer with over two decades of experience on various stages, Lee shares her remarkable journey and unwavering advocacy for transgender representation in the arts and invites us into her deeply personal journey of self-discovery and resilience. Spending years performing as a boy before a transformative encounter with a trans person and non-binary individuals sparked deep self-reflection on gender and identity, she finally decided to "come out" as the woman she always knew she was. Lee illuminates her profound realization of her true self and emphasizes that everyone is undergoing a transition – a journey of self-love and self-acceptance. L Morgan also shares with us how her transition has not only reshaped her friendships but also strengthened her relationship with her mother and most importantly, herself. Speaking candidly about the realities and fears of dating as a trans woman, including the tragic instances of violence she experienced, Lee firmly debunks the harmful stereotype that trans women are immune to abuse. In this episode, Lee also delves into the critical discussion of gender-affirming care for children, with Lee advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes mental health and enables children to make informed decisions about their gender identities at their own pace. In this remarkable interview, L Morgan passionately expresses her aspiration to serve as a beacon of representation in the entertainment industry, urging everyone to embrace their true selves and calling for increased visibility and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community. Don't miss out on this inspiring journey of self-acceptance, advocacy for trans rights, and a rallying call for love.

Links for L Morgan Lee:

L Morgan on Wikipedia

L Morgan on IMBD

L Morgan Lee Interview on Today

L Morgan Lee’s Official

Website

Daily News Interview

L Morgan on Instagram

L Morgan on Twitter

L Morgan on Facebook

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