The Big Silence

What if your anxiety, gut issues, or chronic fatigue aren’t just “mental”—but messages from your body asking you to slow down, clean up, and tune in? In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Mona Sharma—a former luxury beauty exec turned celebrity wellness expert—shares her personal journey from corporate burnout and heart surgeries to building an "at-home ashram" for healing. Mona breaks down how unresolved stress, toxic products, and hustle culture disconnect us from our own vitality, and how even small changes to your environment and routine can radically transform your health. This is not about all-or-nothing wellness—this is about reclaiming your body’s wisdom, one choice at a time.

Mona believes you can. But it starts with understanding how clutter, chemicals, and cortisol create chaos in your body—and how to shift back to balance.

• Mona shares how corporate life and untreated stress led to two heart surgeries by age 24.
• Doctors offered no root-cause insight—just meds and more surgeries.
• A trip back to her childhood ashram helped her reconnect with the healing power of food, nature, and rest.
• “The doctors wanted to treat my symptoms, but not my story.”
• 
  

• Rise with the sun, meditate, and simplify your schedule to support circadian rhythms.
• Use your home as a wellness sanctuary—starting with your kitchen, then skincare, then sleep space.
• “Eat like you love yourself”: whole foods, healthy swaps, and reduce toxins with apps like Yucca and EWG.
• Bonus: Herbal teas, salt-boosted hydration, and blackout curtains make a big impact.
• 
  

• Mona reveals how stress became her identity—and how letting go of hustle was the hardest part.
• She discusses the societal pressure to “do it all” and why honoring your energy is the new productivity.
• “Rest is scheduled at the ashram. Why isn’t it scheduled in your life?”
• Healing comes from permission: to pause, to not perform, and to prioritize joy.
• 
  

• Mona’s wellness career snowballed after a chance client connection—Jonathan from the Property Brothers.
• She later supported Will Smith, Jay Shetty, and Julianne Hough through holistic lifestyle overhauls.
• The root of her approach: personalized protocols that combine ancient wisdom with functional testing.
• “It’s not just about what you eat—it’s how you live, breathe, and rest.”
• 
  

• What are the 3 main imbalances you feel? What’s contributing to them?
• Use that insight to create your action plan—no overhaul needed.
• Ditch the diet fads and increase gut-friendly fiber from real, colorful foods.
• “There’s no red pill. Your diet should be as unique as your fingerprint.”
• 
  

Thanks for the support from our partners, including:

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

Guest Info:

• Website: monasharma.com
• Instagram: @monasharma
• Podcast: Rooted in Wellness

Resources:

• Pre-order The Big Silence Memoir audiobook
• 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

Mentioned in this episode:

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

What if the chemicals in our food, water, and everyday products were silently impacting our mental health? This week on The Big Silence, I sit down with Dr. Aly Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist, integrative medicine specialist, and environmental health expert, to explore the hidden connection between toxins and brain health. From the rise of autoimmune diseases to how endocrine-disrupting chemicals might be affecting our mood, weight, and overall well-being, Dr. Cohen breaks it all down in a way that’s practical and science-backed—without the fear factor. We also dive into her personal journey, why filtering your water is a game-changer, and how small, mindful swaps can make a huge difference. Plus, I put some of my own everyday products to the test—let’s just say I had some wake-up calls! If you’re ready to take small, powerful steps toward feeling your best, grab Dr. Cohen’s book Detoxify, follow The Smart Human, and start making changes without the overwhelm.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:01) How Everyday Toxins Impact Autoimmune Diseases, Hormones & Mental Health

(00:11:12) Detox Your Daily Life: Simple Swaps for a Healthier Home & Body

(00:22:53) The Hidden Links Between Toxins, Gut Health, & Mental Wellness

(00:35:29) Toxic or Safe? Breaking Down Everyday Products & Safer Swaps

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: alycohenmd.com

• Instagram: @thesmarthuman

• Read: Detoxify by Dr. Aly Cohen

Resources:

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

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

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

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

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

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Timeline Longevity | Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/TBS.

FATTY15 | Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15 levels to help you live healthier, longer. Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/TBS and using code TBS at checkout!

Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber Brooks knows the immense pressure of elite gymnastics—where fear-based coaching, emotional suppression, and relentless expectations shape young athletes. In this episode, she opens up about the resilience it took to unlearn those survival tactics and how retiring at just 18 forced her to redefine her identity beyond competition. Now the head coach at the University of Arkansas, Jordyn is reshaping gymnastics culture, creating a healthier environment where athletes can thrive without sacrificing their well-being. She shares her journey of healing from body image struggles, finding purpose in coaching, and preparing for motherhood. Jordyn also reflects on her experience on Special Forces, where she reached her mental and physical limits and made the powerful decision to step away for her mental health—proving that true strength lies in self-awareness, boundaries, and rewriting the rules for the next generation.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:34) Redefining Success in Sports: Building Resilience & Healthy Mindsets

(00:13:05) Jordyn’s Olympic Journey & Navigating Life After Retirement

(00:25:08) Healing Her Relationship with Food & Preparing for Motherhood

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @jordyn_wieber

Resources:

• 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:

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

What if facing death was the key to truly living? I’m sitting down with my dear friend, Darlene Cordero—founder of Wellness Culture, author of The Healer’s Playbook, and a true force of nature when it comes to uplifting others. After years of success in corporate finance and media, she walked away to pursue a deeper calling—but it wasn’t until a life-altering cancer diagnosis that she truly understood what it meant to live with purpose. In this conversation, we explore what it means to prioritize yourself in a world that constantly asks for more, the role of community in healing, and how to show up for loved ones facing illness. Most of all, Darlene teaches us that healing isn’t just about survival—it’s about embracing joy, connection, and the time we have right now. Together, we break the silence on death and uncover the ultimate truth: once you accept your mortality, you can finally start to live.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:52) How Darlene Built a Purpose-Driven Career in Wellness

(00:13:46) How a Cancer Diagnosis Transformed Darlene’s Perspective on Life

(00:21:09) Darlene’s Daily Practices While Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis

(00:33:00) The Secret to Living Fully: How Embracing Death Can Set You Free

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: wellnessculture.co

• Instagram: @meetdarlene

• Read:  The Healer's Playbook by Darlene Cordero

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:

Timeline Longevity | Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/TBS.

FATTY15 | Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15 levels to help you live healthier, longer. Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/TBS and using code TBS at checkout!

We’re breaking the silence on vaccines—one of the most polarizing and complicated conversations in parenting. I’m joined by Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, a Board-Certified Pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine, who believes parents deserve open, judgment-free discussions on vaccines, chronic illness, and raising healthy kids. Known for his popular Instagram @DrJoelGator and his upcoming book Between a Shot and a Hard Place, Dr. Gator is cutting through the noise to bring clarity to a topic that’s often confusing—or even censored.

In this conversation, we break down the rise of chronic illness in kids, how modern lifestyles are impacting their health, and what parents can do to take back control. Dr. Gator shares his unique approach—blending the best of Western medicine with holistic wellness—so parents can move beyond the “all or nothing” mindset. We also dive into movement, nutrition, and environmental awareness as key factors in reducing the rising rate of chronic illness. Tune in to find the right vaccine approach for your family, and make empowered choices.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:03:17) Choosing the Best Vaccine Plan for Your Child

(00:09:15) Why Are Kids Sicker Than Ever?

(00:15:57) The Top 3 Ways to Combat Chronic Illness in Kids

(00:25:40) Why Parents Don’t Trust Doctors Anymore & How to Fix It

(00:32:51) The Right (and Wrong) Way to Talk About Vaccines

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: integrativepediatricsandmedicine.com

• Instagram: @DrJoelGator

• Read: Between a Shot and a Hard Place by Dr. Joel Gator Warsh

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!

Liz Plosser is back, and she’s stepping into a whole new chapter of life—on her own terms. After two decades in corporate media, including seven years as Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief, she made the bold decision to walk away and embrace the unknown. In this conversation, Liz gets real about navigating career reinvention, overcoming self-doubt, and building momentum when everything feels uncertain. She shares the daily habits that keep her grounded, why stepping outside her comfort zone has been the key to resilience, and how she’s creating her Best Case Scenario. If you’re craving change, feeling stuck, or just need a reminder that it’s never too late to start fresh—this one’s for you.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:02:47) Liz’s Career Pivot: From Women’s Health to Freebird

(00:08:31) How A Career Change Can Lead to Your Best Case Scenario

(00:14:54) Overcoming Self-Doubt & Owning Your Age

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @lizplosser

• Substack: Best Case Scenario

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:

Timeline Longevity | Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/TBS.

I’m joined by the incredible Ginni Saraswati—Founder and CEO of Ginni Media, award-winning journalist, and podcasting powerhouse. As the driving force behind a thriving production company and host of The Ginni Show, Ginni has dedicated her career to amplifying voices and stories that matter—including her own. In this deeply personal conversation, she opens up about growing up with a mentally ill parent, an experience I know all too well. Together, we reflect on the nonlinear journey of grief, having both lost our mothers in 2021, and the lifelong process of healing.

Ginni shares the trauma of childhood abuse, the cultural stigmas that often silence survivors, and her ongoing journey of self-reclamation. We dive into breaking generational cycles, learning to trust and love again, and the transformative power of therapy and reparenting. Through it all, Ginni reminds us that healing isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about finding the courage to own your story. If you’ve ever felt alone in your journey, this episode is for you.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:02:32) Breaking the Silence on Growing Up with Trauma

(00:13:41) Healing Trauma & Relearning Self-Care as a Parentified Child

(00:21:44) Breaking Generational Cycles & Building Healthy Relationships

(00:33:13) Normalizing The Nonlinear Grief Journey

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @theginnishow

• Podcast: The Ginni Show

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:

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

Here to share how “good stress” can fuel growth and how to combat the chronic stress that drives disease is Jeff Krasno, co-founder and CEO of Commune and author of Good Stress. In this episode, Jeff takes us through his journey—from founding the global festival movement Wanderlust to facing health and identity challenges after leaving the company. He explains how practices like intermittent fasting, cold plunging, resistance training, and stress management helped him reverse diabetes, lose 60 pounds, and reclaim his health at 50.

Jeff also opens up about his collaboration with Oprah Winfrey to bring free yoga and meditation to underserved communities through Commune, and how these experiences shaped his belief in the power of mindfulness and connection. He introduces the concept of “good stress,” showing how short-term challenges can help the body adapt and thrive, and offers practical tips to combat the effects of chronic stress. Plus, Jeff shares his best sleep hacks and a reminder that it’s never too late to make small changes that lead to big results!

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:04:31) Processing Grief & Trauma through Mindfulness

(00:11:35) From Wanderlust to Rock Bottom: Navigating Career Highs & Lows

(00:21:40) Creating A Wellbeing Masterclass with Oprah & Best Sleep Practices

(00:40:27) Good Stress versus Bad Stress & Healing Metabolic Dysfunction

(00:49:23) Cold Therapy, Resistance Training & Creating Community

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Website: onecommune.com

• Instagram: @jeffkrasno

• Read: Good Stress by Jeff Krasno

Resources:

• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn

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

• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

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

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

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Welcome to 2025: New you, old you, but always improving! I’m kicking off the year with my right-hand woman, Deseray Cummings, from the stunning shores of Punta de Mita, Mexico. Together, we share our takes on New Year pressure —breaking down why resolutions can sometimes backfire and how to shift the focus to sustainable habits that truly nourish your body and mind. Spoiler: it’s not about 75-day challenges or burning yourself out!

Deseray and I also answer your community questions about setting boundaries, practicing self-kindness, and finding balance in a world that demands “all or nothing.” From prioritizing sleep to embracing the messy ups and downs of life (hello, hormones!), we’re serving up real talk and practical advice to help you feel your best. Plus, we’re sharing a sneak peek at exciting new updates for the Tone It Up app and how to win a dreamy wellness retreat. Let go of the pressure, and start your year with grace and intention—you’ve got this!

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:00:50) Ditching Perfection for Sustainable Growth

(00:09:32) How to Improve Your Sleep Habits & Set Better Boundaries

(00:16:51) 2025 Motto: Be Kind

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• Instagram: @_deseray

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:

Timeline Longevity | Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/TBS.

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

At just 16, Elle Kristine is revolutionizing teen dating and addressing mental health challenges with a passion fueled by her own experiences. Recognizing the growing need for guidance, Elle created AskElle, an AI-powered app designed to help teens build social skills, navigate relationships, and access expert-vetted advice. In this episode, Elle highlights the unique pressures teens face today, from confronting damaging and unrealistic perceptions of relationships to the challenges posed by social media-driven dating. Elle’s research and unique perspective provide actionable tools to empower teens and equip parents to support them navigate dating and relationships in the modern world.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:04:29) Exposing Teen Dating Challenges & Creating AI Solutions

(00:13:06) Overcoming Bad Dating Advice & The Fear of Rejection

(00:22:40) Helping Teens Develop Social Skills & Confidence

(00:32:52) Teen Dating Red Flags & Social Media Boundaries

Click here for full show notes

Guest Info:

• App: AskElle

• TikTok: @elle.kristine

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:

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