The Big Silence

Happy New Year, friends! Bobby and I are excited for 2024, and ready to share our reflections from 2023 and what we’re looking forward to in the new year. In this episode, we get honest about the lessons we learned and challenges we overcame, individually and as a couple, in 2023 before previewing what’s in store for 2024. 

We also get into some fun audience questions about our current fitness obsessions, goals, and how to take the first step towards getting mental health support through both the foundation’s growing offering and other reputable means. 

I’m simply blown away by what we have accomplished through The Big Silence podcast in 2023 – in reaching 2.4 million people with mental health and self-development conversations, we’re among the top rated shows in our category. We feel proud to amplify these voices and excited to continue making an impact in the mental health space.

Cheers to 2024! Let's make sure we're not procrastinating – and instead, celebrating, having fun and following our dreams in the new year. 

(00:01:36) Reflecting on The Big Silence Impact in 2023

(00:04:12) Relationship Challenges & Biggest Lesson Learned in 2023 

(00:13:13) The Biggest Surprise of 2023 

(00:17:01) 3 Places We Want to Visit in 2024 

(00:24:26) Karena & Bobby Audience Q+A 

Resources:

• Connect with Bobby: @whoisbobbygold
• The Big Silence Dance Challenge
• Tone It Up Refresh & Reset Challenge
• 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

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:

Thrive Market | Join in on the savings with Thrive Market today and get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Visit thrivemarket.com/thebigsilence.

I’m thrilled to welcome dancer and performer Anya Garnis to the podcast. I met Anya when I took a dance class with a group of girlfriends; the experience was so joyful and meditative. I was touched by her personal journey with mental health and inspired to share it with this community.

You may know Anya as a dancer and choreographer from So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars Live, and BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing. After years performing all over the world, Anya has returned to her first passion – teaching, creating The Body Instinct, a program where she helps women feel empowered, confident, and connected through dance, yoga, breath work, and mobility movement. 

In today’s episode, Anya shares her story of growing up in Eastern Europe and studying dance from a young age. She gets vulnerable about her career highs and lows, the pressure of being your own brand, and how she lost and rediscovered her love of dance over the years. She tells us about her physical and mental health battles, and how she came out stronger and more centered. 

We also talk about the healing powers of meditation and the importance of melding movement with mindfulness. As fitness professionals and the faces of our brands, Anya and I connected on so many levels. I can’t wait for you to hear this honest, moving conversation. 

Check out The Big Silence social media feeds today where Anya is helping us kick off our dance challenge! And – as always, don’t forget to check in on your friends this holiday season. In the spirit of support, I’ve teamed up with my friend Jewel again to spotlight the Not Alone Challenge throughout this often emotionally charged time of the year. Learn how you can join the fun: here.

(00:04:44) Anya’s Upbringing as a Child Dancer

(00:10:17) Mental Health & Body Image in Ballet

(00:12:19) How so You Think You Can Dance Changed Her Life

(00:15:58) The Pressure When You Are Your Brand

(00:18:18) Emergency Surgery & Suffering in Silence

(00:25:21) How Stress & Diet Impacted Anya’s Illness

(00:29:00) The Best Thing She’s Ever Done for Her Wellbeing

(00:34:47) Rediscovering Fitness & Dance As Joys, Not Jobs

(00:38:30) Building the Body Instinct

(00:43:27) The Power of Dance for Mental Health

(00:48:03) Bringing Mindfulness Into Movement

Participate:

• Not Alone Challenge

Resources:

• Website: The Body Instinct
• Instagram: @anyagarnis
• 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

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.

Today, we have the honor of sitting down with Chase Chewning, an Army veteran and Certified Health Coach who has turned his life's adversities into a source of strength, both for himself and for countless others. 

After sustaining injuries that led to bilateral reconstructive hip surgeries, Chase faced the daunting task of learning to walk again, not once, but twice! This physical struggle coincided with an immense personal loss – the passing of his father to a terminal illness. These experiences, understandably, had a profound impact on Chase's mental health. 

In this episode, Chase shares how he learned to pivot after these life-altering events, transitioning from military life back into civilian life, and enrolling in college at 24 to study exercise science. He  shares how becoming a health coach, supporting and inspiring others in their own healing journeys, led him to confronting trauma and pain he had pushed aside. 

We also explore how he overcame his struggles with PTSD, finding relief through innovative methods like psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and ketamine treatments. 

Chase's story is a powerful example of how one can turn adversity into a purposeful life, inspiring others through his top-ranked Health & Fitness podcast, Ever Forward Radio, and his dedication to helping others "LIVE A LIFE EVER FORWARD." Let's dive in and be inspired by Chase Chewning's incredible journey of resilience and healing.

And – as always, don’t forget to check in on your friends this holiday season. In the spirit of support, I’ve teamed up with my friend Jewel again to spotlight the Not Alone Challenge throughout this often emotionally charged time of the year. Learn how you can join the fun: here.

(00:03:58) Chase’s Early Life & Military Career 

(00:13:27) Suffering Career-Ending Injuries & The Long Road to Recovery

(00:19:04) Pivoting to Health Coaching & Healing In Community

(00:25:45) A Turning Point in Chase’s Mental Health Journey

(00:32:11) Finding Relief through Assisted Psychedelic Psychotherapy

(00:38:36) Profound Healing & Takeaways from PTSD Treatment

(00:48:54) Honoring His Dad’s Legacy: Ever Forward

Participate:

• Not Alone Challenge

Resources:

• Website: chasechewning.com
• Instagram: @chase_chewning
• Podcast: Ever Forward
• 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

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.

Is trauma passed down in our DNA? How can we break that cycle to heal our families and ourselves? These are questions that have been coming up a lot for me, my friends, and our podcast community. Today, I’m excited to tackle these topics with Dr. Mariel Buqué. 

Dr. Buqué is a Columbia University trained psychologist and author of the new book, Break The Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma. In this episode, Dr. Buqué explains what intergenerational trauma is and how it impacts our everyday lives, offering tangible tips to overcome it, plus ways to gently and effectively communicate with family members. She also shares accessible practices to calm the mind and nervous system. 

Plus, we get into a topic that’s absolutely top of mind right now. ’Tis the season for family gatherings – and challenging family dynamics, too. Dr. Buqué gives brilliant advice on how to prepare for and avoid triggers to protect your peace this season. Everyone who is seeing family for the holidays needs to hear this! Make sure to pre-order Break The Cycle, release date January 2nd!

And – as always, don’t forget to check in on your friends this holiday season. In the spirit of support, I’ve teamed up with my friend Jewel again to spotlight the Not Alone Challenge throughout this often emotionally charged time of the year. Learn how you can join the fun: here.

(00:02:32) Dr. Buqué’s Experience Growing Up in Poverty

(00:09:08) Dr. Buqué’s Path to Psychology

(00:11:00) What Does Intergenerational Trauma Mean?

(00:13:50) Tips To Break the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma

(00:16:33) Bringing the Mind & Body Together in Healthcare

(00:21:39) Accessible Practices To Calm Your Mind & Nervous System

(00:25:20) How To Have Hard Conversations With Your Family

(00:30:06) Tips To Navigate Family Gatherings This Holiday Season

Participate:

• Not Alone Challenge

Resources:

• Read: Break The Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma 
• Website: drmarielbuque.com
• Instagram: @dr.marielbuque
• Linkedin: Dr. Mariel Buqué
• Podcast: Break The Cycle with Dr. Mariel 
• 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

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.

We can learn some of our greatest life lessons from those who have passed on. Today, we have a spiritual medium on the podcast for the first time ever. This incredible conversation brought me to tears of joy. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

Rebecca Rosen is an internationally acclaimed medium, speaker, and author of the new book, What’s Your Heaven? Her mission is to open the lines of communication between our world and the spirit world. 

In this illuminating chat, Rebecca shares exactly what a medium is and how she connects with spirits. We explore the essential choice between fear and love, and how we can all create our own version of heaven on Earth. Rebecca gives advice on how to tap into your intuition, recognize signs, and make contact with your loved ones. We also talk about simple ways to cultivate gratitude and joy in your everyday life.

As we were recording this episode, my mother connected and spoke to me though Rebecca. And she said the one thing I’ve always wanted to hear from her. Listen to hear her message and share this episode with anyone who may need a sign, themselves. Even the biggest skeptics will be blown away!

And – as always, don’t forget to check in on your friends this holiday season. In the spirit of support, I’ve teamed up with my friend Jewel again to spotlight the Not Alone Challenge throughout this often emotionally charged time of the year. Learn how you can join the fun: here.

(00:04:15) Rebecca’s Spiritual Awakening

(00:10:50) Learning From Our Spiritual Hand-Me-Downs

(00:14:33) How Do We Create Heaven on Earth?

(00:17:51) Turn Your Natural Gifts Into a Business

(00:19:52) The Difference Between Psychics & Mediums

(00:21:44) Karena’s Mom Shares a Message

(00:26:35) Setting Boundaries With the Spirit World

(00:28:43) Inviting in Spirits Through Intention

(00:31:29) Top Takeaways From Rebecca’s Book

(00:37:04) Simple Steps To Create Joy

Participate:

• Not Alone Challenge
• Bid on "Be a Guest of The Big Silence Podcast"
• Bid on "Be a Tone It Up Trainer"

Resources:

• Read: What’s Your Heaven? by Rebecca Rosen
• Website: rebeccarosen.com
• Instagram: @mediumrebeccarosen
• YouTube: @RebeccaRosenSpiritualMedium
• Podcast: Small Medium at Large 
• Facebook: Rebecca Rosen
• 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

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.

Nurses are on the frontlines caring for us, but how can they best care for their own mental and physical health? In today’s episode of The Big Silence, we pose the question to psychotherapist and psychiatric mental health nurse Dr. Donna Gaffney and wellness coach Nicole Foster.

Donna and Nicole are the authors of the new book, Courageous Well-Being For Nurses. This book – and today’s warm hug of a conversation – are for you if you are a nurse, know a nurse, or want to be inspired by a nurse. No matter what your career path, you’ll learn new ways to prioritize your wellness. 

We explore how to break the stigma of healthcare professionals asking for help, themselves. Donna and Nicole share advice on how to create boundaries between your work and home life, how to fit nourishing foods and movement into a busy schedule, and how to cultivate connection and combat loneliness. We also talk about the residual effects of the pandemic on healthcare workers and touch on how to support loved ones through grief and loss. 

Plus, what is a chocolate meditation? Listen to find out!

And – as always, don’t forget to check in on your friends this holiday season. In the spirit of support, I’ve teamed up with my friend Jewel again to spotlight the Not Alone Challenge throughout this often emotionally charged time of the year. Learn how you can join the fun: here.

Participate:

• Not Alone Challenge
• Bid on "Be a Guest of The Big Silence Podcast"
• Bid on "Be a Tone It Up Trainer"

Resources:

• Read: Courageous Well-Being For Nurses 
• Instagram: @courageouswellbeing
• Dr. Donna Gaffney, Instagram: @donna.a.gaffney
• Nicole Foster, Instagram: @nicolefoster
• Dr. Donna Gaffney, Website: donnagaffney.com
• Nicole Foster, Website: nicolecfoster.com
• Podcast Episode: 33. Learning How To Love Yourself with Gwen Dittmar 
• Debriefing The Frontlines: debriefingthefrontlinesinc.org
• Don’t Clock Out: dontclockout.org
• The Emotional PPE Project: emotionalppe.org
• 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

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.

I’m really excited to dig into a new topic you’ve been asking about – psychedelic therapy. Today, Derek Du Chesne and Dr. Sam Zand demystify the sometimes controversial practice and explain how it is transforming the future of mental health treatment. 

Derek and Dr. Zand are the co-founders of Better U, an alternative mental health platform that offers at-home ketamine therapy and other holistic healing modalities. Their mission is to evolve our understanding of mental health – shifting the conversation from mental illness to mental wellness. 

In today’s episode, Derek and Dr. Zand break down what ketamine therapy actually is, and how it’s different from the party drug and “horse tranquilizer” you may have heard of. We talk about how psychedelic therapy is used as just one part of a holistic approach to move through depression, anxiety, and grief – exploring how ketamine allows people to quiet their inner programming to uncover hidden perspective, purpose, and alignment. 

Derek and Dr. Zand also share their perspectives on chemical imbalances, the effects of psychedelics vs. alcohol, and their compassionate advice for anyone struggling with their mental health right now. This episode is for anyone who is curious and open minded. Share it with your friends to spark a new conversation.

Resources:

• Instagram: @betterucare
• Website: betterucare.com
• Derek Instagram: @derekddd
• Dr. Zand Instagram: @drsamzand
• Podcast Episode: How to Shift Your Self-Talk & Live Fearlessly with Katie Horwitch 
• 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

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.

Today’s re-air puts the spotlight back on Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, aka Dr. Z. She's a national expert in narcissistic abuse and a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of adults with anxiety and mood disorders. She's also a relationship coach and she has her own podcast.

We break down narcissistic personality disorder, harmful Disney messaging, golden child syndrome manipulation, and how to have a healthy relationship with a narcissist who could be a family member, a parent, a sibling. 

This is a commonly requested topic, and a complicated one to try and understand through the lens of logic. In this world, empathy is transactional, confidence is a performance, and there is always a motive. Dr. Jaime delivered so much insight, it’s worth a second listen. 

If you've ever thought you may have been in a narcissistic romantic relationship, or if, in the workplace, you possibly have a narcissist and you don't know how to manage that and be able to do your job – this is the episode for you. Remember, if you love it or you think there's someone out there, a loved one or a friend, that needs to hear this – please share it!

Resources:

• Podcast: It’s Me, Dr. Z 

• Website: drjaimezuckerman.com

• Instagram: @dr.z_psychologist

• Facebook: Dr. Jaime Spinell Zuckerman

• YouTube: Dr. Jaime Zuckerman

• Twitter: @drzpsychologist

• 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

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.

On this beautiful new day, we welcome the talented Kerry Song to chat about my favorite topics – healthy eating, mental wellness, and impact-driven entrepreneurship. Kerry is the founder and CEO of Abbot’s Butcher, a brand that makes delicious, plant-based meats from quality, ethically-sourced ingredients. 

Kerry has always been driven by a mission to serve others. While working with a marketing team for Tony Robbins, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that turned her life upside down. Through her own journey, she discovered the healing power of plant-based eating. On this path, she realized that there were no options for vegan meats that were truly healthy and free of chemicals and additives. So, she did what a driven person does with a good idea – she launched Abbot’s Butcher and grew a mindful, modern brand from the ground up. 

Today, she shares her career journey and gives advice for entrepreneurs who want to make a difference. We talk about how and why food is medicine, and the connection between gut health, immunity, and mental health. We also explore how to make healthier food choices, what to look for on labels, and ways to support your gut. 

I know you’ll be as inspired by Kerry’s story as I am! Bobby and I love their recipes! Make sure to check out Abbot’s Butcher in Whole Foods, Sprouts, Target, and more retailers. 

Resources:

• Instagram: @kerryesong
• Instagram: @abbotsbutcher
• Website: abbotsbutcher.com
• Abbot’s Butcher Recipes: abbotsbutcher.com/recipes
• Clean Makeup Recommendations: saiehello.com and kosas.com
• Clean Lotion Recommendations: mybiosense.com and oseamalibu.com
• Replenysh: replenysh.com
• 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

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.

Personal trainer and amateur boxer, Eric Rakofsky, has always been a fighter. After a challenging upbringing and losing his father at a young age, Eric found purpose in his passion for fitness. He now helps his clients – including influential CEOs and supermodels – connect with their inner strength, in and out of the gym. 

Eric is also a trainer at my favorite gym in Austin, The Kollective. I’m excited to share his story today.

In this episode, Eric opens up about his childhood in Brooklyn and how he processed grief following his father’s death. He shares how he discovered freedom and healing in movement. We talk about how to shift out of a victim mentality, and get Eric’s valuable advice to stay present through life’s challenges. 

He also tells us about his recent treatment for thyroid cancer and the important life lessons that experience taught him. Plus, tune in for his tips on how to get started on a fitness journey, ways to find motivation after a break from exercise, and the secrets to being a leading personal trainer. 

And make sure you don’t miss upcoming Austin retreat announcements by signing up for our newsletter at thebigsilence.com.

• Instagram: @ericrakofsky1
• Instagram: @kollective.inc
• TikTok: @ericrakofsky
• X: @eric_rakofsky
• The Kollective: thekollective.com
• Ladder Training: offer.joinladder.com/rakofsky
• The Adversity Advantage Podcast: From The Streets of NYC to Celebrity Trainer: The Story of Eric Rakofsky
• 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

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.