The Big Silence

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.

Today we’re catching up on life lately with my dear friend and social media manager, Deseray Cummings. From funny dating stories (yes, there’s a wild one about a celebrity on Raya!) to navigating hormone changes to the healing journey Deseray started through therapy – we’re diving deep and keeping it fun the way true friendships do! Plus, I’ll share some thoughts on grief as I reflect on the three-year anniversary of my mom’s passing, and how I manifested meeting Deepak Chopra – it’s all about that energy, baby. So, pour yourself a glass of wine or a Magic Mind (my favorite!), and let’s get comfy for some real girl talk. I hope you leave with a good laugh and a reminder that you're never alone.

(00:07:58) Exploring The Landscape of Modern Dating with Karena’s Social Media Manager

(00:14:54) Discovering Calm Energy with Magic Mind (Dating in LA Story Time!)

(00:20:31) Embracing Change: Navigating Hormones, Aging, and Emotional Growth

(00:31:18) Advice for Navigating Grief & Friendship Changes

(00:38:57) Fun Community Questions & Karena & Deseray’s Guide to Manifesting

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @_deseray

• Shop Magic Mind: magicmind.com/tbs and use code TBS for 20% off one time purchases or 48% off your first subscription

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

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.

Dr. Anna Cabeca is a triple-board-certified OB-GYN, author, podcast host and pioneering voice in women’s health. Dr. Anna’s unique perspective on health stems from her own battle with premature menopause, a challenge she faced head-on and reversed, leading to the natural conception of her daughter at the age of 41.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Anna shares her expertise on the complexities of hormonal changes and the importance of managing stress to combat premature menopause. She offers practical advice on improving sleep quality, how women can safely navigate the increased sensitivity to caffeine and alcohol, what workouts to do in different phases of your cycle, and how often you should be seeing your OB-GYN. Tune in for a conversation that is filled with actionable insights to help you thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually as you age!

(00:03:28) Tackling Stress to Reverse Premature Menopause

(00:13:44) Boosting Progesterone & Oxytocin for Healthy Aging

(00:20:18) Reducing Cortisol for Better Sleep in Perimenopause & Menopause

(00:39:07) Safely Consuming Alcohol & Caffeine in Menopause

(00:44:25) Scheduling OB-GYN Visits & Improving Intimacy As We Age

(00:51:05) Cycle-Synced Workouts & Celebrating Menopause

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: drannacabeca.com

• Instagram: @thegirlfrienddoctor

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 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:

The Big Silence Merch | Go to thebigsilence.com/merch to shop new summer fits and impact lives by supporting our mental health programs & initiatives. 100% of your purchase goes to support mental health!

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.

Twenty years ago, ICU nurse Amy Loughren unknowingly befriended one of America's most notorious serial killers, a story depicted in Netflix’s “The Good Nurse” and the documentary “Capturing the Killer Nurse.” In this episode, Amy shares how childhood abuse shaped her path, from becoming a nurse to uncovering the horrifying truth about her friend. We discuss hospital cover-ups and how Amy found healing through spirituality and non-traditional therapies. Now a certified Meditation Teacher and Clinical Hypnotherapist, she helps healthcare workers avoid burnout and embrace holistic wellness. Note: This episode may be troubling for some listeners.

(00:03:41) Amy’s Journey: From Childhood Abuse to Becoming An ICU Nurse

(00:18:52) How Amy Befriended a Serial Killer

(00:30:15) Becoming the Good Nurse: Exposing a Serial Killer & Hospital Cover-Ups

(00:46:17) Embracing Spirituality & Non Traditional Therapies

(00:55:43) How To Support Your Mental Health As A Healthcare Professional

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @amythegoodnurse

• Website: amythegoodnurse.com

• Read: The Good Nurse by Charles Graeber

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:

Vitaclean | Visit vitacleanhq.com/THEBIGSILENCE and use code TBS at checkout for 10% off your first purchase. $5 from each sale will go to The Big Silence Foundation, and $5 from each sale will go to Drop4Drop, an organization that Vitaclean works with to build wells in communities that have no access to water.

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.

Josie Santi is living her best life, and she’s here to tell you that you can too! Wellness editor and podcast host at the beloved online women’s community, The Everygirl, Josie has dedicated her professional life to imparting her gained wisdom on the women and girls who need it most. This conversation takes us from embarrassing adolescent moments in junior high hallways to unlocking master manifestation levels through super self-esteem. Josie’s got it going on, and has gifted The Big Silence audience with some lifestyle gold today.

(00:03:05) The Everygirl: A Real-Life Barbieland Media Empire

(00:05:37) Josie Santi’s Early Life Mental Health Challenges

(00:15:45) Links Between Mental Health, Fertility & Menstrual Cycles

(00:19:24) Hormone Hierarchy 101: The Basics of Your Body

(00:24:28) Breaking the Stigma of Menopause

(00:31:22) Take Home Manifestation & Career Building Tips

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @josie.santi

• Website: Wellness By Josie

• The Everygirl Podcast: @theeverygirlpodcast

• The Everygirl: @theeverygirl

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:

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 | Go to thebigsilence.com/merch to shop new summer fits and impact lives by supporting our mental health programs & initiatives. 100% of your purchase goes to support mental health!

Step into the empowering world of Tamara Walcott, plus size fitness queen and two-time world champion powerlifter. Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Tamara has defied the odds to become a record-breaking athlete, resilient mompreneur, and beacon of inspiration. Her story is one of triumph over food addiction and obesity, where she embraced mental resilience and celebrated every victory along the way. Tamara’s journey isn't just about physical strength—it's about reclaiming one's life and rewriting the narrative of what it means to be powerful.

(00:02:55) Breaking the Stigma of Food Addiction

(00:12:08) Tamara’s Impressive Powerlifting Career & How Injury impacts Mental Health

(00:17:53) Navigating Grief & Building A Legacy

(00:25:41) Addressing the Dangers of Dieting Down & Celebrating Women in Sports

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: tamarawalcott.com

• Instagram: @tamarawalcott.shw

• Event: MSMS Tour 2024

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:

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.

Vitaclean | Visit vitacleanhq.com/THEBIGSILENCE and use code TBS at checkout for 10% off your first purchase. $5 from each sale will go to The Big Silence Foundation, and $5 from each sale will go to Drop4Drop, an organization that Vitaclean works with to build wells in communities that have no access to water.

Ali Prato is the host of Infertile AF, the number one infertility podcast, an IVF mom and a secondary infertility warrior. Ali’s mission is to create a space she wished existed during her own journey and to ensure that others grappling with similar issues, or simply seeking to understand them, are not alone.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding and perhaps find the support you need!

(00:02:58) Ending the Stigma Around Secondary Infertility & IVF

(00:10:10) Real Talk on How Infertility Impacts Relationships

(00:16:31) IVF Preparation & Protocol 101

(00:22:56) Advice for Supporting Loved Ones Going Through Infertility

(00:32:35) Ali’s Career from Playboy to Podcaster & Embracing Transitions in Life

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @infertileafstories

• Podcast: Infertile AF

• Infertility Support Group: Fertility Rally

• Website: infertileafgroup.com

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!

Mentioned in this episode:

Seed | Go to seed.com/karena and use code '25KARENA' to get 25% off your first month of DS-01.

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.

Today I’m chatting with Erin Treloar about how to lean into intuitive eating, find food freedom, and embrace self-love! Erin is a mom of two, health coach, meditation teacher, and host of the Raw Beauty Talks podcast. Her practice, rooted in intuitive eating, mindfulness, and self-love, is dedicated to forging a new paradigm of wellness.

Erin also founded the non-profit organization Free to Be, which has taught media literacy and positive body image tools to over 2,500 youth.

In today’s conversation, she shares powerful lessons from her journey, including navigating an eating disorder from a young age and the profound impact of media on our self-esteem. She opens up about working with a life coach and somatic therapist to heal her eating disorder and offers practical advice for healing emotional wounds, learning to communicate with your body, and identifying hunger cues.

We also discuss tips for staying present, dealing with perfectionism and comparison, and what to do if you’re struggling with internet-fueled influences and the impact of Ozempic on body image. Plus, experience an incredible somatic practice for connecting with your body.

Erin provides practical tips and tools from her personal healing journey and from helping her clients find food freedom and self-compassion. If you struggle with emotional eating, you’re not alone; Erin’s work provides a compassionate landing place for you to start healing and embracing all that life has to offer!

(00:02:34) Lessons Learned from Navigating a Childhood Eating Disorder

(00:13:57) How to Start Healing Emotional Wounds & Find Self-Love

(00:22:38) Intuitive Eating Through a Somatic Practice for Connecting to Your Body

(00:32:50) Navigating Body Image in the Weight-Loss Drug Era

(00:39:23) Erin Shares a Healthier Approach to Comparison

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: freetobetalks.com

• Food Freedom Method: rawbeauty.co/foodfreedom

• Instagram: @rawbeautytalks

• Podcast: Raw Beauty Talks

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:

Vitaclean | Visit vitacleanhq.com/THEBIGSILENCE and use code TBS at checkout for 10% off your first purchase. $5 from each sale will go to The Big Silence Foundation, and $5 from each sale will go to Drop4Drop, an organization that Vitaclean works with to build wells in communities that have no access to water.

Today’s story is about turning trauma into teachings. (Triggering content warning)

I am thrilled to introduce Marc Pimsler, an experiential counselor and the co-founder and executive director of the International Society for Experiential Professionals. As the owner of MVP Consulting, Marc has dedicated his career to helping families and individuals navigate trauma, addiction, and the journey to healing.

Marc’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that a therapist can only guide clients as far as they have personally traveled, making his own story of trauma and resilience incredibly powerful.

In our conversation, Marc opens up about his heartbreaking journey from childhood to adulthood, sharing the abuse he endured in mental hospitals as a young child and the pivotal moment he decided to seek therapy and begin his recovery journey. He shares what led him to experiential therapy, explaining how it differs from traditional talk therapy and why it’s not your fault if you feel therapy hasn’t worked for you.

Marc also reveals insights on finding joy and gratitude, even in times of pain, the key contributors to his recovery, and the lessons we can all apply to foster deeper connections with those around us.

Each nugget of wisdom is sure to give you a memorable “aha” moment. Marc is truly a calming presence and beautiful example of the incredible purpose that can come from pain. I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation with Marc!

(00:02:27) What is Experiential Counseling?

(00:06:07) Understanding the Imprints of Childhood & Ancestral Trauma

(00:16:19) Finding Freedom: The Path of Addiction & Trauma Recovery

(00:23:42) Turning Pain into Purpose: Finding Effective Healing Modalities

(00:34:24) Advice for Navigating Painful Seasons & Cultivating Compassion

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: marcpimsler.com

• LinkTree: linktr.ee/marcvpimsler

• Instagram: @mpimsler

• Event: isep.co

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 | Go to thebigsilence.com/merch to shop new summer fits and impact lives by supporting our mental health programs & initiatives. 100% of your purchase goes to support mental health!

The Big Silence is proud to welcome the fabulous Gala Darling to the show. She's the bestselling author of Radical Self-Love, Radical Radiance, and Hologram Heart, and she's all about helping women love themselves and live their dreams. Gala's been on a mission to bring EFT tapping into the modern zeitgeist, inspired by her own journey of healing from an eating disorder and depression.

She's fun, unconventional, and brings a ton of energy to everything she does. You might've caught her TEDTalk or seen her in Vogue and the New York Times – she's everywhere!

In this episode, Gala breaks down the basics of EFT tapping, shows us how it can help decrease our stress and deal with our trauma, and even guides us through a mini tapping session. Plus, she shares juicy details about her dating life, including going on 52 dates and getting engaged at 40!

She also shares amazing advice for all the single women out there, about how to amp up the good vibes before a first date, her first date uniform, and tapping techniques to calm any nerves. She even gives a peek into her new course, Lover Girl (comment or message her the word Lover on Instagram for more details!)

We also chat about her choice to not have kids and how she handles those conversations with people she’s dating and her family. Gala brings an empowering message on how women can embrace being single, recognize if they're in a healthy relationship, and practice radical self-love. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

(00:03:34) Transforming Lives with EFT Tapping (+ Mini Tapping Session!)

(00:12:19) Journey to Love: Engaged at 40 & Advice from 50 First Dates

(00:25:35) Choosing a Child-Free Life

(00:30:47) Get the Single Girl Glow Up & Manifest Your Perfect Partner

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: galadarling.com

• Instagram: @galadarling

• YouTube: Gala Darling

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:

Seed | Go to seed.com/karena and use code '25KARENA' to get 25% off your first month of DS-01.