The Big Silence

Case Kenny, creator of The New Mindset Journal and host of New Mindset, Who Dis?, redefines mindfulness by combining journaling, breathwork, and music into a lively, accessible practice. His unique “golden retriever style”—warm, curious, and open—makes self-growth relatable for millions. In this episode, Case delves into the power of vulnerability, reimagines mindfulness, and shares insights on maintaining independence in relationships. He also unpacks how language shapes identity and offers practical tools to overcome imposter syndrome. For anyone looking to embrace a mindful, joyful life, this episode is a must-listen.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:51) Case’s Journey to Embracing Vulnerability, Authenticity & The Art of Being Present

(00:15:17) Maintaining Independence In Relationships & Redefining Mindfulness

(00:27:17) Case’s Daily Writing Process & The Power of Language in Self-Discovery

(00:34:53) Overcoming Criticism, Imposter Syndrome & Embracing a Joyful Mindset

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: newmindsetwhodis.com

• Instagram: case.kenny

• Read: That’s Bold of You by Case Kenny

• YouTube: Case Kenny

• Podcast: New Mindset, Who Dis? With Case Kenny

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Act + Acre | Holidays have started early! Visit ActandAcre.com now for their sitewide Black Friday Sale. Use code ‘TBS30’ for a special discount just for Big Silence listeners. That's ‘TBS30’ code for 30% off.

Therapy for All Donations | Give now at thebigsilence.com/donate to bring change and help increase access to mental healthcare! Your donations supports Therapy for All and increases access to mental health resources.

Andra Liemandt, founder and CEO of The Kindness Campaign®, is transforming kids' lives by teaching self-love and emotional health from an early age. Sparked by a tragedy in her friend's family, Andra’s mission is to empower kids with tools for emotional resilience and kindness. Through art, music, and programs like the “magic mirror,” The Kindness Campaign partners with schools to create safe spaces where children can learn to understand and express their emotions. Join us as we dive into Andra’s advice for empowering a kinder, more resilient generation with mental health tools that work for adults, too!

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:21) The Kindness Campaign’s Mission to Promote Mental Health & Body Kindness

(00:17:25) Passion-Driven Learning: Helping Kids Find Their Passions & Navigate Challenges

(00:26:00) TKC’s In-School Programs & Tools to Support Mental Health

(00:34:24) Building Self-Love through Gratitude, Creativity & Finding Your Superpower

(00:44:01) The Inspiration Behind TKC’s Bracelet-Making Volunteer Program

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: tkckindness.org

• Andra’s Instagram: @andraliemandt

• The Kindness Campaign Instagram: @tkckindness

• Read: Enoughie Finds His Superpower

Resources:

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Big Silence Merch | Visit thebigsilence.com/merch to shop The Big Silence apparel, and start a conversation with us! All of your purchase goes to support mental health resources.

Pique Life | Get up to 20% off Pique's Radiant Skin Duo plus a free starter kit with link piquelife.com/tbs.

If you’ve ever faced the unsolicited question, “When are you having kids?” or the comment, “But you’d be such a great mother,” this episode is here to offer support and perspective. Karena sits down with Ruby Warrington, author, podcast host, and creator of the Sober Curious movement, whose new book and podcast, Women Without Kids, is reframing what it means to choose a child-free life. In this conversation, Ruby and Karena explore how complex family histories, including experiences of parentification, shaped their views on motherhood. They discuss how both couples have navigated the decision to remain child-free, managed familial and societal pressures and navigated the isolating “othering” that many child-free women experience. This episode encourages open, compassionate dialogue that destigmatizes and honors women’s choices, celebrating the courage it takes to live authentically and embrace a path that is deeply personal and uniquely fulfilling.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:04:51) How The Way We Were Mothered Influences the Decision to Mother

(00:17:57) Normalizing The Nuances of Being Child-Free

(00:27:16) Facing Genetic Challenges & Generational Stigmas

(00:42:22) Creating Chosen Family, Embracing Empathy & Redefining Norms

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: rubywarrington.com

• Instagram: @rubywarrington

• Podcast: Women Without Kids

• Read: Women Without Kids by Ruby Warrington

Resources:

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Therapy for All Donations | Give now at thebigsilence.com/donate to bring change and help increase access to mental healthcare! Your donations supports Therapy for All and increases access to mental health resources.

Pique Life | Get up to 20% off Pique's Radiant Skin Duo plus a free starter kit with link piquelife.com/tbs.

Mark Groves is here to discuss finding liberated love by understanding attachment styles, uncovering blind spots that prevent healthy relationships, and breaking free from codependency. If you’re not familiar with his work, Mark is a Human Connection Specialist, founder of Create the Love, and host of the Mark Groves Podcast. His work bridges the academic and human aspects of connection, inviting us to explore the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful sides of relationships. His new book, Liberated Love, co-authored with his wife, is out now!

In this conversation, Mark breaks down secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment styles, drawing connections between our childhood wounds, attachment styles, and relationship patterns. He guides us to uncover core wounds leading to codependency, and how to build comfort with setting boundaries and trusting our choices. Mark also shares why he left social media for six months, and how it can affect mental and nervous system health.

Tune in for motivating advice on shifting victim mentality, breaking shame cycles, and creating meaningful change in your life and relationships.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:29) Turning Heartbreak Into A Self-Development Journey

(00:20:45) Why Mark Left Social Media

(00:35:35) Understanding Attachment Styles & Quitting Codependency

(00:44:13) Uncovering Common Blind Spots in Relationships

(00:56:14) Embracing the Path to Growth

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Read: Liberated Love by Mark Groves

• Website: markgroves.com

• Podcast: markgroves.com/podcast

Resources:

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and enjoy a special discount on your first month.

Act + Acre | Visit ActandAcre.com and take the quiz on their website to see what hair & scalp system is right for you. Use code TBS20 for 20% off your purchase.

If you have anxiety, Dr. John Delony wants you to know it’s not your fault. We live in a world that constantly threatens our nervous system, and in this episode we unpack how we can start healing. Dr. Delony is a two-time #1 national bestselling author and the host of The Dr. John Delony Show. With two PhDs and over 20 years of experience in counseling, crisis response, and higher education, he has dedicated his life to helping people navigate tough decisions, improve their relationships, and understand they are worth being well.

This episode is sponsored by Ketone-IQ. Save 30% off your first subscription order and receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ at ketone.com/TBS.

In our conversation, Dr. Delony opens up about the practices he uses to manage stress as the Dean of Students at multiple universities. We dive into some of the biggest challenges people face today, from feeling overwhelmed by anxiety to navigating relationships as we grow and evolve. Dr. Delony provides tools for healthy communication, tips for avoiding the trap of victim identity, and insights on how financial stress can impact our mental health. Don’t forget to check out his latest book, Building a Non-Anxious Life for more support and education!

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:51) Advice for Stress Management & Creating Community

(00:15:35) Understanding & Addressing Causes of Modern Anxiety

(00:27:00) Overcoming Trauma & Avoiding Victim Identity

(00:32:44) Building Strong Relationships: Keys to Growth, Intimacy & Communication

(00:55:59) Life Hacks that Boost Connection & Mental Health

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: ramseysolutions.com/john-delony

• YouTube: The Dr. John Delony Show

• Instagram: @johndelony

Resources:

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Ketone IQ | Visit ketone.com/TBS for 30% off your first subscription!

In this episode, I sit down with Helen Reavey, founder of Act + Acre, celebrity hairstylist, and trichologist. After years of working with top names in the industry, Helen created Act + Acre, the world’s first Cold Processed® hair wellness brand focused on scalp health. Visit Act + Acre and take the quiz on their website to see what hair & scalp system is right for you. Use code TBS20 for 20% off your purchase.

Helen explains why caring for your scalp is just as important as your skin and dives into the science of scalp aging (which happens six times faster than your face!), the scalp's microbiome, and how stress impacts hair loss. Helen also shares tips on how often to wash your hair and whether you can train your scalp to go longer between washes. Plus, she offers advice for women in their 40s looking to strengthen fine hair, sharing her favorite products for a holistic hair care routine. If you're ready to improve your hair and scalp health, this episode is packed with actionable tips!

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:06:56) Why Scalp Health Matters

(00:12:55) Managing Hair Loss & The Ideal Hair Wash Routine

(00:20:09) Meditation, Morning Routines & Holistic Scalp Health

(00:29:44) Helen’s Holistic Hair & Scalp Regimen for Stronger, Healthier Hair

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: actandacre.com

• Instagram: @helenreavey

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Therapy for All Donations | Give now at thebigsilence.com/donate to bring change and help increase access to mental healthcare! Your donations supports Therapy for All and increases access to mental health resources.

By 2030, 1.2 billion of us will be in menopause, yet many still feel lost navigating this transition. That’s where today’s guest, Esther Blum, comes in. A Registered Dietitian, menopause expert and bestselling author, Esther has spent 27 years helping women thrive through menopause. Esther empowers women with the tools they need to master menopause, from balancing hormones to advocating for themselves with their doctors. In this episode, she shares advice on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), tips for managing the “menopot” body shape through nutrition and strength training, and the role of trauma in perimenopause. Remember, you don’t have to suffer through perimenopause! You deserve to feel your best in every stage of life.

(00:03:54) How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office

(00:15:32) Pelvic Floor, Vaginal Care, and Gut Health During Perimenopause

(00:22:36) Optimize Your Nutrition & Workouts for Perimenopause

(00:39:27) How Trauma Impacts Perimenopause & Tools for Healing

(00:47:09) 5 Habits to Feel Your Best During Perimenopause

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: estherblum.com

• Instagram: @gorgeousesther

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Big Silence Merch | Visit thebigsilence.com/merch to shop The Big Silence apparel, and start a conversation with us! All of your purchase goes to support mental health resources.

Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and enjoy a special discount on your first month.

Hannah Eden is an absolute superstar in the fitness world who has inspired so many of us with her raw honesty and fierce drive. Hannah started as a CrossFit athlete in 2013, but her journey has taken her far beyond that. From founding PumpFit Club to creating the HEF Training App and launching her own apparel line, FYR, she’s built a global fitness empire. But what makes Hannah so special is her openness about the challenges she’s faced along the way, including her personal struggles with identity, mental health, and redefining her approach to fitness.

In this episode, Hannah shares how she moved from a party lifestyle to becoming a dedicated athlete, and the hard lessons she learned by pushing herself the wrong way. We also dive into her transformative experience in a darkness retreat, where she faced suppressed memories head-on, and the tools she used to reconnect with her authentic self. Plus, Hannah talks about the balance of entrepreneurship, her transition into motherhood, and her favorite biohacks to keep it all together. This is an episode you don’t want to miss—Hannah’s story is full of wisdom, strength, and inspiration.

(00:04:20) What Shaped Hannah’s Early Identity

(00:16:24) Hannah’s Personal Growth Journey: Facing Reality & Embracing Authenticity

(00:26:28) Hannah’s Transformative Darkness Retreat Experience & Reflections

(00:37:26) Balancing Motherhood & Building An Online Fitness Empire

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: hannahedenfitness.com

• Instagram: @hannaheden_fitness

Resources:

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Ketone IQ | Visit ketone.com/TBS for 30% off your first subscription!

Dr. Latt Mansor, Research Lead at Ketone-IQ and consultant to the world’s top performers, joins me to dive into the science of ketones and how we can leverage them for productivity and mental clarity. With his PhD from Oxford and years in healthcare, Dr. Latt explains how ketones fuel the brain, regulate appetite, and even help with sleep apnea. Plus, he shares insights from his research around sarcopenia and how we can prevent muscle loss as we age. I also loved hearing about his meditation practice and current fitness goals. If you’re ready to try Ketone-IQ, save 30% and get a free six-pack at ketone.com/TBS!

(00:04:20) How Dr. Mansor Transformed His Health & Unlocked the Power of Ketones

(00:10:45) All About Ketones: The Brain’s Preferred Energy Source

(00:20:46) Ketones: The Key to Appetite Control, Better Sleep & Optimal Brain Health

(00:31:50) Nutrition & Workout Tips for Preventing Muscle Loss

(00:37:43) Dr. Mansor's Approach to Mental & Physical Health

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Shop Ketone IQ: Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ with ketone.com/TBS

• Instagram: @lattmansor

Resources:

• Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Big Silence Merch | Visit thebigsilence.com/merch to shop The Big Silence apparel, and start a conversation with us! All of your purchase goes to support mental health resources.

Therapy for All Donations | Give now at thebigsilence.com/donate to bring change and help increase access to mental healthcare! Your donations supports Therapy for All and increases access to mental health resources.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Tay Lautner and Shannon McPeek, two incredible women making waves in healthcare mental health advocacy. Tay shares her journey of battling PTSD, triggered by the pandemic, and how she transitioned from nursing into advocacy with The Lemons Foundation and her podcast, The Squeeze. Shannon, founder of Operation Happy Nurse, opens up about her experience working in the NICU, dealing with OCD and depression, and finding healing through community support. Together, they discuss the emotional toll of nursing, burnout, and their decision to leave the profession. They also share the mental health tools they’ve developed and emphasize the importance of community in the healing process. Tune in for their powerful insights and advice for navigating high-pressure careers.

(00:03:49) Confronting Mental Health Challenges in Nursing & Creating Support Systems

(00:14:21) Facing Burnout & Normalizing Career Shifts for Better Mental Health

(00:24:15) Healing through Community & Honest Mental Health Conversations

(00:31:31) Shannon & Tay’s Mental Health Tools

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Shannon’s Instagram: @smcpeek

• Operation Happy Nurse: operationhappynurse.org

• Tay’s Instagram: @taylautner

• The Lemons Foundation: lemonsbytay.com/the-lemons-foundation

Resources:

• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

• Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and enjoy a special discount on your first month.

The Big Silence Merch | Visit thebigsilence.com/merch to shop The Big Silence apparel, and start a conversation with us! All of your purchase goes to support mental health resources.