The Big Silence

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.

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.