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In this deeply emotional and courageous episode of True Emotion Dad, host Laverne Friesen speaks with Jason Tuttle—a father who shares his soul-shaking experience of losing his 15-year-old son, Zachary. Born with rare medical conditions, Zachary required full-time care, which Jason lovingly provided as a stay-at-home dad for 12 years.

Jason takes us through the unexpected and devastating morning of Zachary's passing, the immediate aftermath, and the complex emotions that followed—from trauma and anger to numbness and eventual healing.

What began as a therapeutic journaling exercise became a powerful grief blog and online platform, Letters to Zachary, where Jason vulnerably documents his journey through child loss. His writing gives permission to grieve loudly, honestly, and imperfectly—especially for men who are often conditioned to stay silent.
This episode is not only about heartbreak—it's about love, legacy, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward, even just one millimeter at a time.

What We Talk About:
•The story of Zachary and his rare condition
•The traumatic ER experience and the moment of loss
•Grieving as a father, husband, and caregiver
•Supporting a non-verbal sibling through grief
•Creating Letters to Zachary to process emotions and help others
•Breaking the silence around men and vulnerability
•How grief changes relationships and reveals true support
•Jason’s hopes to share his story on stage and inspire others to open up

Key Takeaways:
•Grief doesn’t end—it evolves.
•Expressing emotion is not weakness. It’s strength.
•The smallest steps forward are still progress.
•There is healing in telling your story—even when it hurts.

🔗 Connect with Jason:
Website: www.letterstozachary.com
Follow: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn
📘 Check out Jason’s grief coloring book and more on his website.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains emotional content related to child loss, grief, and trauma. Please listen with care.

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In Part 2 of this deeply transformative conversation, Britton and Carolee Beckham share what happened after they walked away from the Mormon church—and never looked back. What followed was a radical awakening journey that led them through psychedelic healing, emotional intelligence training, and an unraveling of deep childhood and relational wounds. They dive into the pain of repeated infidelity, the reclamation of spiritual and sexual sovereignty, and how they built a life guided entirely by their inner 'yes.'

They take us inside their global healing pilgrimage—from burning their marriage certificate to rebirthing their sacred union in Bali, France, Egypt, and beyond. Today, Britton and Carolee are teachers of astrologically guided shadow work, offering transformational coaching and sacred sexuality integration to help others do the same.

This is a raw, soul-stirring episode about the power of inner work, divine timing, and the magic that follows when you say yes to your healing.

🌀 What We Talk About:

• The moment psychedelics shattered their spiritual conditioning
• Discovering sound healing and emotional intelligence training
• How their healing journey intensified with the birth of a fourth child
• Repeated betrayal and the path to true intimacy and trust
• Rewriting their relationship through sacred union
• Traveling the world as a family: Bali, France, Egypt, Vietnam, and more
• Teaching shadow work through moon cycles and astrology
• Reconnecting with the Divine Feminine and re-integrating spirituality and sexuality
• Healing as a path to personal and collective liberation

💎 Key Takeaways:

• Healing happens in spirals—you meet your shadows again and again, but each time with more wisdom.
• Sacred sexuality can be a powerful gateway to liberation and nervous system healing.
• The moon is a guide—when aligned with our personal astrology, it can illuminate the shadows we’re ready to integrate.
• Infidelity doesn’t have to be the end—it can be the catalyst for radical self-love, spiritual rebirth, and relational transformation.
• Living your “full f*ck yes” can unlock divine alignment and unexpected abundance.

🌙 Guest Links:

🌀 Website: themagicalstoryofus.com
✨ Follow Britton & Carolee for coaching, astrology-based shadow work, and sacred sexuality programs 

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In this powerful and emotional episode, Laverne Friesen speaks with Britton and Carolee Beckham about their upbringing in the Mormon church and the deep impact it had on their identities, sexuality, and marriage. From early indoctrination and rigid gender roles to religious expectations around sex and family, Britton and Carolee candidly share how their spiritual lives were shaped—and shattered.

They reveal how the Mormon church failed to support them through the trauma of infidelity, and how those cracks became the catalyst for a deeper awakening. This is part one of a two-part series that dives into the cost of religious conformity and the courage it takes to walk away.

What We Talk About:

• Growing up in a high-demand religious environment
• The pressure to conform, marry young, and suppress sexuality
• Missionary experiences and the disillusionment that followed
• How spiritual bypassing can prevent real healing
• Infidelity as a symptom—not the root cause—of deeper pain
• The failure of church-led healing processes

Takeaways:

💡 Healing begins when we question what we’ve been taught.
 💡 Infidelity is often a call for help, not just betrayal.
 💡 Institutions may not be equipped to support emotional trauma.

Links & Resources:

Visit Britton and Carolee’s website: themagicalstoryofus.com

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In this raw and revealing solo episode, Laverne Friesen introduces Red Flag Academy—a no-holds-barred crash course on recognizing the red flags of toxic behavior and emotional manipulation. Drawing from personal stories, hard-earned wisdom, and years of healing, Laverne breaks down subtle but dangerous patterns such as excessive charm, boundary violations, perpetual victimhood, DARVO, and more.

He also debunks popular myths like the idea that "butterflies mean love" and shines a light on how our nervous systems warn us before our minds do. With clarity and compassion, Laverne arms listeners with the insight to trust their intuition, honor their boundaries, and spot manipulation before it takes root.

This episode isn’t just about red flags — it ends with a hopeful look at green flags and what healthy relationships actually feel like: calm, respectful, and rooted in growth.

🔗 Follow & Support

📲 TikTok & Instagram: @TrueEmotionDad
 📘 Facebook: Laverne Friesen 

www.trueemotion.ca

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In one of the most deeply moving episodes of True Emotion Dad, host Laverne Friesen sits down with transformational coach, healer, and mother, Rachel Parland, to explore a journey shaped by unimaginable grief, unwavering resilience, and profound healing.

Rachel shares the heart-wrenching story of losing her five-year-old son, Rocco — a tragedy that shattered her world and forced her to choose between drowning in despair or learning to swim in the depths of sorrow. What follows is a conversation that is raw, honest, and filled with wisdom born of pain, love, and spiritual awakening.

From the darkest days of grief and isolation to finding purpose through education, energy healing, and belief reprogramming, Rachel opens up about:

• 🕯️ The emotional reality of losing a child and how she coped
• ✨ How subconscious beliefs shape our lives — and how to rewrite them
• 🌌 Her work with energy healing (Reiki, Kundalini, Arcturian, and quantum energetics)
• 🧠 The power of mindset, soul contracts, and healing through inner child work
• 📘 Her powerful new book From the Ashes, She Was Ignited, sharing stories of women rising from trauma

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has faced profound loss, struggled to find purpose, or is simply seeking light on their healing journey. Rachel’s story is a beacon of hope that transformation is always possible — no matter how deep the pain.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses child loss and may be emotionally activating. Please listen with care.

Connect with Rachel Parland:
🌐 Website: www.soulalignment.com
📘 Facebook: Rachel Rocco
📸 Instagram: @rachelrocco
🔗 LinkedIn: Rachel Parland

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
If this conversation moved you, please rate, review, and share. Your support helps amplify voices that need to be heard.

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In this episode of True Emotion Dad, host Laverne Friesen speaks with Josh M., host of the podcast From Homeless to Mansion. Josh shares his incredible journey from a childhood of homelessness and trauma to a successful career in cybersecurity. He discusses the impact of poverty on his upbringing, the challenges he faced with family dynamics, and the importance of mental health awareness. Josh emphasizes the power of storytelling and resilience, encouraging listeners to find hope and strength in their own struggles.

Takeaways

• Josh's story highlights the importance of sharing personal experiences to inspire others.
• Childhood trauma can have lasting effects on personal growth and financial habits.
• The cycle of poverty often perpetuates unhealthy financial behaviors.
• Family dynamics can complicate feelings of safety and stability.
• Teenage years can be a critical time for making life-altering decisions.
• Education and support systems play a vital role in overcoming adversity.
• Understanding communication patterns in poverty can foster empathy.
• Relationships with family can be complex and challenging for those with traumatic backgrounds.
• Transitioning to adulthood often involves navigating difficult choices and responsibilities.
• Mental health awareness is crucial for personal well-being and growth.

Josh's podcast From Homeless to Mansion, can be found at:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NqMSpecRkXKYy4CHZPEAE

YouTube: 

https://youtube.com/@homelesstomansion

Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/FromHomelesstoMansion

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/homelesstomansion

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to True Emotion Dad Podcast

02:20 Josh Malford's Journey from Homelessness to Success

04:44 Childhood Struggles and Early Trauma

07:01 The Impact of Instability on Personal Growth

08:54 Generational Trauma and Financial Habits

09:57 Fear of Losing Family and the Foster System

12:09 Teenage Years: Seeking Independence

19:12 Current Relationships with Family

21:30 Understanding Poverty and Communication Patterns

26:31 Struggles with Family Dynamics

30:07 Teenage Years: Freedom and Hunger

33:14 Reflections on Teenage Homelessness

37:28 The Journey to the Military

47:23 Transitioning to Cybersecurity

51:21 New Chapter

52:07 From Military to Mansion

56:54 Finding Purpose and Hope

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In this episode of True Emotion Dad, host Laverne Friesen speaks with Julia, a somatic trauma and nervous system coach, about her journey of healing from decades of trauma, including experiences with narcissistic parenting and sexual assault. 

Julia shares her insights on the importance of boundaries, the impact of shame, and the necessity of open conversations about sexual education with children. The conversation delves into the complexities of trauma, healing, and the role of parenting in shaping healthy relationships and boundaries. In this conversation, 

Julia and Laverne explore the complexities of healing from trauma, the importance of setting boundaries, and the impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships. They discuss the limitations of traditional talk therapy and emphasize the effectiveness of somatic practices in healing trauma. The conversation also delves into the survival patterns that emerge from childhood and how they manifest in adult behavior, particularly among high achievers. Julia shares insights on recognizing signs of burnout and anxiety, advocating for a more holistic approach to mental health that includes body awareness and movement.

Julia can be found at www.healwithjulia.com or on 

Instagram @healwithjulia

Takeaways

• Julia's journey into healing was born from her own trauma.
• Narcissistic parenting can lead to significant emotional and psychological challenges.
• Recognizing and addressing trauma is crucial for personal growth.
• Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships and self-care.
• The impact of sexual assault can manifest in various ways, including hypersexuality.
• Open communication about sex and consent is vital for children.
• Shame surrounding sexual assault can hinder healing and recovery.
• Understanding the dynamics of narcissistic relationships is important for healing.
• Teaching children about boundaries can prevent future trauma.
• Healing is a continuous journey that requires self-compassion and understanding. We were taught not to have boundaries.
• People are not broken; they are healing.
• Setting boundaries is essential for self-worth.
• Unhealed trauma affects relationships significantly.
• Somatic practices are crucial for trauma healing.
• Talk therapy alone may not yield results.
• High achievers often struggle with hidden anxiety.
• Recognizing survival patterns can improve communication.
• Anxiety and depression are signs of nervous system dysregulation.
• Healing requires facing uncomfortable truths.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to True Emotion Dad Podcast

01:02 Meet Julia: A Journey of Healing and Transformation

03:31Understanding Trauma: Julia's Story

08:01The Impact of Narcissistic Parenting

17:20 Navigating Relationships with Narcissistic Parents

22:59 The Importance of Boundaries in Healing

23:46 Sexual Assault: Personal Experiences and Aftermath

30:00 The Role of Parenting in Sexual Education

38:20 Shame and Hypersexuality After Assaults

44:57 Understanding Boundaries and Healing

47:42 The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Relationships

51:03 The Role of Somatic Practices in Healing

56:29 Transitioning from Talk Therapy to Somatic Healing

01:01:30 Identifying Survival Patterns in Adults

01:12:30 High Achievers and Their Hidden Struggles

01:16:59 Recognizing Signs of Burnout and Anxiety

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Summary: In this episode of True Emotion Dad, host Laverne Friesen engages in a profound conversation with Jacquie Aitken, a trauma clinician who has spent over 4 decades helping victims of abuse. They explore the complexities of trauma, the importance of healing, and the need for awareness and education surrounding sexual abuse. 

Jacquie shares her extensive experience in supporting victims and working with offenders, emphasizing the need for boundaries, empowerment, and the recognition of triggers. The discussion also highlights the alarming statistics surrounding sexual abuse and the societal stigma that often silences victims. This conversation delves into the complex issues surrounding childhood trauma, addiction, domestic violence, and the importance of support systems for victims. 

Jacquie Aitken shares insights from her extensive experience in the field, discussing the correlation between childhood experiences and later life challenges, the role of addiction as a coping mechanism, and the dynamics of abusive relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need for awareness, education, and advocacy to prevent abuse and support survivors in reclaiming their lives.

Takeaways

• The podcast aims to educate and inspire through authentic storytelling.
• Jackie Aitken has extensive experience in trauma support and community services.
• Victims of trauma need to heal, while offenders must take responsibility for their actions.
• There is a significant stigma surrounding sexual abuse that prevents open discussion.
• Not all victims of abuse become offenders; understanding this distinction is crucial.
• Healing from trauma involves taking back one's power and processing pain.
• Triggers from past trauma can manifest in present situations, requiring awareness and coping strategies.
• Setting boundaries is essential for protecting children from potential offenders.
• Education and awareness about sexual abuse are vital for prevention and support.
• Statistics reveal a high prevalence of sexual abuse, highlighting the need for societal change. If you had four or more adverse childhood events, you had twice the chance of cancer.
• Addiction is often a way to numb emotional pain.
• Addictions are not a choice; they stem from trauma.
• Intimate partner violence is predominantly male on female.
• Domestic violence correlates highly with addiction issues.
• Victims of abuse often feel isolated and controlled.
• Love bombing can create dependency in relationships.
• Generational trauma can perpetuate cycles of abuse.
• It's crucial to believe and support victims of abuse.
• Child Advocacy Centers play a vital role in supporting young victims.

Sound Bites

"Victims need to heal. Offenders need to change."

• "Not all victims are offenders."
• "You do not need to be a victim forever."
• "Offenders isolate victims so they can have access."
• "Change is hard."
• "People are shamed and silenced about it."
• "twice the chance of cancer."
• "ten times the chance of being a drug user."
• "believe them. Get help."
• "you deserve good friends."

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Summary In this episode of True Emotion Dad, host Laverne Friesen speaks with Rick Wennerstrom, a retired firefighter and paramedic, about his life experiences, including his childhood, career transitions, and the impact of personal loss on his mental health. Rick shares his journey through grief, the challenges of being a first responder, and the importance of empathy and compassion in his work. The conversation delves into the struggles with mental health and alcohol, highlighting the need for support and understanding in the face of trauma. In this conversation, Rick Wennerstrom shares his profound journey through grief, healing, and transformation as a first responder. He discusses the importance of honoring loss, the impact of his career on his mental health, and the transformative power of therapy, including psychedelic experiences. Rick emphasizes the significance of understanding childhood trauma and the role of spirituality in healing. He also highlights the importance of kindness and resilience in navigating life's challenges.

Rick is now a somatic experiencing practitioner and can be contacted at [email protected]

takeaways

• Rick's early life was marked by expectations and social isolation.
• He found joy in helping others, which led him to become a first responder.
• The loss of his child in 1984 profoundly affected his mental health.
• Rick's relationship with his wife strengthened after seeking genetic counseling.
• He struggled with alcohol as a coping mechanism for his grief.
• Empathy and compassion are crucial in emergency services work.
• Rick's experiences highlight the importance of addressing mental health issues.
• He emphasizes the need for counseling and support after trauma.
• Rick's journey reflects the complexities of grief and healing.
• The conversation underscores the value of sharing personal stories for healing. Honoring those we've lost can be a healing process.
• Transformative experiences in emergency services shape our lives.
• Therapy is essential for processing trauma and grief.
• Childhood experiences often influence our adult lives.
• Psychedelic therapy can uncover deep-seated memories.
• Becoming a somatics facilitator requires dedication and training.
• Spirituality plays a crucial role in healing and understanding.
• Crying is a therapeutic release that many men overlook.
• Kindness is vital in today's world.
• Never give up on your journey of healing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to True Emotion Dad Podcast

01:56 Rick Wennerstrom: A Life of Service

05:54 Childhood and Early Influences

12:10 Career Path: From Power Engineer to First Responder

17:58 The Impact of Personal Loss

24:00 Navigating Grief and Relationships

29:53 Struggles with Mental Health and Alcohol

33:53 Compassion and Empathy in Emergency Services

35:19 Honoring Loss and Grief

38:20 Transformative Experiences in Emergency Services

41:53 The Journey of Healing and Therapy

44:43 Uncovering Childhood Trauma

48:43 Psychedelic Therapy and Inner Healing

50:58 Becoming a Somatics Facilitator

01:02:42 Reconnecting with Spirituality

01:06:08 Messages of Kindness and Resilience

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Summary In this episode of The True Emotion Dad, Laverne Friesen engages in a profound conversation with Ellie Laliberté, an award-winning author and spiritual coach. They explore themes of healing, spirituality, and personal growth, delving into Ellie's journey from childhood to adulthood, her experiences with grief, and the importance of self-discovery. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding one's identity, the role of grief in personal transformation, and the beauty of detachment in finding peace. 

Listeners are encouraged to embrace their healing journeys and explore the deeper aspects of their existence. In this conversation, Laverne and Ellie delve into the themes of healing, self-discovery, and the journey of becoming a cycle breaker. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, the process of surrendering to one's higher self, and the significance of recognizing and addressing generational trauma. Ellie shares insights from her book, which is structured as letters to the reader's higher self, emphasizing that the journey of healing is universal and deeply personal. The conversation highlights the challenges of letting go of past identities and the transformative power of embracing one's true self.

Ellie's book Letters From You to You can be found on Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, & Amazon.uk as well as a free audio version at https://lettersbyellie.com

Takeaways

• Healing and spirituality are interconnected journeys.
• Childhood experiences shape our adult identities.
• Grief can be a catalyst for personal growth.
• Self-discovery often begins with curiosity.
• Detachment is essential for finding inner peace.
• Understanding grief helps in recognizing parts of ourselves.
• Awakening can come from unexpected life events.
• Emotional healing requires integration of knowledge and practice.
• The journey of healing is ongoing and transformative.
• Life's uncertainties can lead to profound insights. The journey of healing often comes in stages.
• Becoming a cycle breaker requires awareness of generational patterns.
• Self-compassion is essential for healing.
• The book is structured as letters to the higher self.
• Surrendering to the process is crucial for personal growth.
• Letting go of identity can lead to deeper healing.
• Emotional suffering can be transcended with curiosity.
• Recognizing the wounds of the inner child is important.
• The work of healing is a shared experience.
• True peace comes from within, not from external validation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healing and Spirituality

05:28 Ellie's Journey to Authorship

08:54 Childhood Influences and Self-Discovery

12:56 Awakening and the Search for Identity

16:16 The Role of Grief in Growth

20:01 Understanding Grief and Identity

24:16 Detachment and Finding Peace

27:12 Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

28:28 Becoming a Cycle Breaker

32:37 The Importance of Self-Compassion

35:25 Letters to the Higher Self

38:27 Surrendering to the Process

46:57 Letting Go of Identity and Expectations