The Big Silence

Let’s talk about self-talk. How you speak to yourself sets the tone for everything else in your life. That’s why I’m so excited to welcome Katie Horwitch – passionate writer, mindset coach, and women’s empowerment activist – to The Big Silence podcast today.

Katie is the founder of WANT: Women Against Negative Self-Talk, a platform that gives women tools, motivation, and inspiration to shift their internal conversations in a more positive direction. Her first book, Want Your Self: Shift Your Self-Talk and Unearth The Strength In Who You Were All Along, comes out on October 3rd.

In today’s episode, Katie shares a robust toolkit and tangible tips to transform your self-talk – and these aren’t your typical BS Instagrammable platitudes! Outlining key lessons from her book, we explore the difference between self-love and self-like, how to navigate comparison mode on social media, and insightful ways to face your inner critic. 

Katie also shares her personal gratitude practice and why it’s so essential. Plus, she reveals one of my favorite new tricks – how to have a “planned freakout.” She even leaves us with some helpful homework to feel more centered, grateful, and fearless.

After you listen to this episode, tag me and Katie on Instagram and tell us what you’re grateful for today. And be sure to check out her new book!

Resources:

• Read: Want Your Self: Shift Your Self-Talk and Unearth The Strength In Who You Were All Along by Katie Horwitch

• Instagram: @katiehorwitch

• Website: katiehorwitch.com

• Website: womenagainstnegativetalk.com

• Facebook: Katie Horwitch 

• Podcast: WANTcast: The Women Against Negative Talk Podcast 

• 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 so excited to welcome Demi-Leigh Tebow, a powerhouse entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe to the show today. After a traumatic carjacking experience, Demi dove into learning about gender-based violence and human trafficking. She then founded Unbreakable, a confidence-building conference that educates, empowers, and equips women to overcome challenges and break barriers. 

Today, she opens up about the carjacking experience and how she trusted her intuition to fight back. We explore her healing journey through trauma counseling and EMDR therapy. We also talk about ways to tackle our everyday lives with confidence, how a small act can make a big impact, and Demi’s #1 practice for her mental health. Plus, she shares a genius tip for holding yourself accountable and staying motivated in your workout routine. 

Demi radiates strength, optimism, and resilience. I know you’ll be inspired by her story and unbreakable mission to uplift women. Make sure to check out the Unbreakable conference October 7th in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Remember – for the month of September, in collaboration with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we're seeking your support to raise $10,000 to help 100 people through our Therapy for All program. Support the fundraiser here.

Resources:

• Instagram: @demitebow

• Website: demileigh.com

• TikTok: @demitebow

• YouTube: @demitebow2962

• Facebook: Demi-Leigh Tebow

• X: @DemiTebow

• Register for Unbreakable Conference: demileigh.com/unbreakable

• Unbreakable Instagram: @togetherunbreakable

• Podcast: Unmasking Resilience: From Messy Minds to Mental Mastery with Dr. Caroline Leaf #69 

• 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.

Snake Sabo spent years suffering in silence, afraid to talk about his experiences with severe depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-harm. Now, he speaks openly about his journey and shares our passion for breaking the stigma around mental health. 

We’re thrilled to welcome Snake Sabo, a legendary musician and the guitarist of heavy metal band Skid Row. In this vulnerable conversation, Snake opens up about receiving a mental health diagnosis in the 1970s, before any information or support was available to him. He shares stories of overcoming generational trauma, abuse, and self-harm as a teenager. We talk about how he found his calling as a musician, how he got his nickname from Jon Bon Jovi, and the healing power of music. We also explore how he supports his mental health on tour, and the tools he turns to today to manage anxiety and depression. 

What stands out to me the most is how the stigmas Snake faced in the 70s and 80s still persist today. “The big silence is what makes this thing become perpetual,” he said. We’re breaking those patterns with conversations like this. Thank you for being a part of our movement!

Remember – for the month of September, in collaboration with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we're seeking your support to raise $10,000 to help 100 people through our Therapy for All program. Support the fundraiser here.

Resources:

• Instagram: @snakesabo16

• Skid Row: skidrow.com

• Tour Schedule: skidrow.com/tour

• Podcast: You Don’t Have To Suffer for Your Art with Lindsey Morgan

• Tone It Up 2023 Fall Power Up Challenge: toneitup.com/powerup

• 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.

It is a great honor to have bestselling author, spiritual leader, and 2024 presidential candidate Marianne Williamson on the podcast. She has changed millions of lives – including mine, I have been following her work since I started my own spiritual journey in my 20s – and she continues to do so every day with her deep passion and purpose for healing our world. 

In this dynamic, thought-provoking conversation, Marianne and I talk about how we as individuals can impact the collective. We explore the intersectionality of mental health, how to protect America’s youth, how to bring less fear into politics, and ways to create a more compassionate society. 

Marianne also speaks on the importance of owning your inner light as a means to enlighten others, believing we each have the power, and the responsibility, to bring light into the darkness. “There are forces in the world that would bring you down, and there is a spirit in us all that would lift us up.” That is her message to the community today. 

She embodies that spirit and inspires it in all of us. This conversation is truly life changing, and I can’t wait for you to hear it!  

Remember – for the month of September, in collaboration with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we're seeking your support to raise $10,000 to help 100 people through our Therapy for All program. Support the fundraiser here.

Resources:

• Instagram: @mariannewilliamson

• Website: williamsonlearningcenter.com

• Campaign Website: marianne2024.com

• YouTube: Marianne Williamson Community

• Read: A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

• Read: A Year of Miracles by Marianne Williamson

• Read: A Course in Miracles by Foundation For Inner Peace

• 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 am thrilled to welcome Kimberly Van Der Beek and Peggy Rometo to the show. Recently, I chatted with them on their amazing podcast, Bathroom Chronicles, instantly falling in love with their warm energy, vulnerability, and deep insights. I know you will too!

Peggy is a spiritual teacher and world-renowned energy expert who helps others discover their intuitive gifts. Kimberly was a strategic advisor, producer, and activist before marrying actor James Van Der Beek, having six children, and moving their family to a ranch outside of Austin. From the ranch’s rustic bathroom, Kimberly and Peggy co-host Bathroom Chronicles, which gives a microphone to the honest, hilarious, and revealing conversations women have in the bathroom. 

In today’s episode, we have a revealing conversation of our own. We talk about how Peggy and Kimberly met (at the same retreat Kimberly met James) and how they sustain and strengthen their friendship through the ebbs and flows of lived experiences. 

Peggy gives advice for tapping into your psychic gifts and explains what Mercury Retrograde really means. Kimberly vulnerably shares her experience with pregnancy loss in the public eye. Then, they both reveal their secrets to staying positive during challenging times. You won’t want to miss this one, and make sure you catch my episode on Bathroom Chronicles, too! 

Remember – for the month of September, in collaboration with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we're seeking your support to raise $10,000 to help 100 people through our Therapy for All program. Support the fundraiser here.

Resources:

• Podcast: Bathroom Chronicles on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 

• Podcast Instagram: @bathroomchroniclespodcast

• Kimberly’s Instagram: @vanderkimberly

• Peggy’s Instagram: @peggyrometo 

• Listen to Karena on Bathroom Chronicles #023

• 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’re all going to die. But how many of us live along the way?

That is the question that wellness leader, Kris Carr, poses to the community today. After following one another for many years, she finally joins us on the podcast for a deep dive into her journey and mission.

As a New York Times bestselling author, wellness activist, and cancer thriver, Kris leads the charge in the fight against disease, empowering people to take back their physical and mental health. You’ll hear examples of her own strength throughout the conversation; we can all learn from how she lives with perseverance, positivity, and presence. 

In this episode, we talk about Kris’s journey with stage 4 cancer. At 31, she was given 10 years to live. 20 years later, she is not only surviving – but thriving. Kris also shares how she coped with grief and survivor’s guilt in the wake of her father’s death. 

We talk vulnerably about the hard conversations you face when you’re losing a parent – unpacking the difference between fear and anxiety, not abandoning yourself, and how to support friends who are experiencing loss.

We end on a light note with five fun things you don’t know about Kris Carr. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation. And be sure to pre-order Kris’s latest book, I’m Not a Mourning Person, today! 

Resources:

• Instagram:@crazysexykris

• Facebook: Kris Carr

• Website: kriscarr.com

• Read: I’m Not a Mourning Person by Kris Carr

• Read: Crazy Sexy Kitchen by Kris Carr

• Read: Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr 

• Read: Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor by Kris Carr 

• Pinterest: @CrazySexyKris

• Research Mentioned: Dr. Judson Brewer

• 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.

Executive Handyman, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

I’m honored to introduce you to Katrina Surdi, a radiant Tone It Up girl, mental health advocate, devoted kindergarten teacher, and certified yoga instructor. Katrina has been a leader in the Tone It Up community for more than twelve years, where she has forged lifelong friendships and motivated others with her strength, positivity, and vibrant spirit. 

You can count me as one of the countless women who Katrina has inspired. 

Despite facing tragedy and addiction in her family, Katrina remains a shining light. Resilience is her superpower, and she shares it with everyone in her life. She shows us that resilience doesn’t have to look a certain way, and that overcoming grief is an ongoing process.

In this vulnerable conversation, Katrina talks about her experiences losing family members and friends, tips for resilience, and advice for helping others navigate grief. We also explore how she nurtures her own physical and mental health through exercise, yoga, meditation, and the power of community. Katrina shares how she prioritizes self-care, even as she is a caretaker to her students and family. 

I’m excited for you to learn from Katrina’s openness, unwavering dedication to wellness, and her ability to find strength in the face of life’s challenges. 

Resources:

• Instagram: @katrinasurdi

• Learn about the Bellevue mudslide and support Katrina’s family: bellevuemudslide.com

• Podcast: From Messy Minds to Mental Mastery with Dr. Caroline Leaf #69

• Read: How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess by Dr. Caroline Leaf

• Tone It Up: @toneitup

• Newsletter: Sign Up for Email Updates

• 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.

Executive Handyman, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

We are truly honored to welcome Dr. Caroline Leaf, a renowned communication pathologist, audiologist, and clinical and cognitive neuroscientist with an expertise in psychoneurobiology and metacognitive neuropsychology. For over four decades, Dr. Leaf has been at the forefront of mind-brain research, tirelessly exploring the profound ways our minds shape our brains, control our thoughts, and ultimately define our mental well-being. 

Drawing from her own rich history in the field, and as the host of the widely popular podcast of her own – Cleaning Up the Mental Mess – she has been instrumental in changing lives through her bestselling books, leading research, and innovative interventions. 

In this episode, we dive deep into topics like the changing landscape of mental health diagnosis, the uniqueness of every mind, the critical role of open discussions during tumultuous times like divorce, and the groundbreaking work behind the NeuroCycle app. We also touch upon empowering tools to communicate emotions, understanding the ripple effects of suppressed trauma, and equipping educators to better support both parents and students. 

Let's open our minds and hearts to the wisdom Dr. Leaf brings to the table. Remember to subscribe for more insightful discussions and share this episode with loved ones who might benefit from hearing it.

Resources:

• Read: Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess

• Read: How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess

• Facebook: @drleaf

• Instagram:@drcarolineleaf

• YouTube: @DrCarolineLeaf

• Website: drleaf.com

• NeuroCycle: neurocycle.app

• 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.

Executive Handyman, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Jenna Phillips Ballard remembers experiencing severe depression as a teen, crippled by a fear of being misunderstood, bullied by classmates, ruminating on the experience of her own funeral. Then, she fell – suffering a traumatic head injury that would influence the rest of her life.

Today, we’re joined by a powerhouse woman, leader, coach, trainer, author, and now – musician! Jenna Phillips Ballard has worked with the biggest names in the entertainment industry (this conversation includes mention of Ben Stiller, Katy Perry, Blink 182, even Beyonce!).

During this time she was one of LA’s most sought-after fitness experts and a guest on shows such as Dr. Phil and The Doctors. She has been featured on KTLA, Good Morning LaLa Land, and The American Dream Show and featured in Lucky, Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, and Madame Figaro magazines.

In 2009, she discovered the world of emotional intelligence, experiential training, and somatic practices. She then realized she had a bigger calling and began studying human behavior, leadership, and a variety of transformational methods – co-founding Ascension Leadership Academy (ALA) with her husband in 2016. 

Together, they have coached thousands of people into their greatness and supported dozens of companies in multiplying their performance, effectiveness, and levels of success. In fact, her students are in the midst of a 15-day fundraising project after selecting The Big Silence as their beneficiary organization. Learn more about their program: Ascension Leadership Academy’s 15 day campaign to support The Big Silence.

Resources:

• Ascension Leadership Academy’s 15 day campaign to support The Big Silence

• Website: jennaphillipsballard.com 

• Music: PERMISSION (new single)

• Instagram: @jennaphillipsballard

• 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.

Executive Handyman, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

I am thrilled to have MacKenzie Bourg as our guest today. MacKenzie has carved out a unique path in the world of music. From being an aspiring athlete in Lafayette, Louisiana, to battling a life-threatening virus that triggered congestive heart failure, his journey has been anything but conventional.

In this episode, he illuminates how his inability to be physically active at a young age fueled his passion for music and led him to incredible opportunities. On NBC's The Voice and FOX's American Idol, he reached the Top 4 and garnered a loyal fanbase, the "MacPack." Bourg's latest accomplishment includes his 2023 single "sad on the weekend," released with PREACH Records, and the placement of "good day" in a national IKEA TV and radio campaign. 

MacKenzie discusses the mental health challenges he has faced; adjusting to life post The Voice and American Idol and opening up about the mindset shifts and personal growth he has experienced through his music career. MacKenzie also takes us on a heartfelt journey behind the creation of some of his most popular songs, including the touching connection between his grandmother and "Good Day,” which he also performs for us, live.

Despite his trials, MacKenzie is a shining example of resilience, reminding us all of the power of pursuing our passions in the face of adversity. Don't miss this uplifting and inspiring conversation with MacKenzie Bourg and watch out for his next album coming soon!

Resources:

• Instagram: @mackenziebourg

• Facebook: MacKenzie Bourg

• Tik Tok: @makcenzei

• YouTube: MacKenzie Bourg

• Twitter: @mackenziebourg

• Light Festival: thelightsfest.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.

Executive Handyman, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.