TURTZED

How do you show up for someone when you can hear the pain in their voice, but don’t have the words to ask if they are okay? Supporting a friend with mental health struggles often requires moving past the fear of being "wrong" or "intrusive" to simply being present.

In this episode, Katie Veneziale joins Charles to discuss the evolution of their 20-year friendship, from their early days in college to navigating a painful period of silence. Katie Veneziale shares her raw experience with undiagnosed postpartum anxiety, the "fix-it" mentality that delayed her healing, and why the most important role you can play in someone else’s story is the one that offers a safe place to land. 

Postpartum anxiety can often go undiagnosed because standard medical screenings focus heavily on depression and self-harm. Katie describes experiencing "worst-case scenario" loops and physical symptoms like a heavy chest, even when her child was perfectly safe.

The fear of being wrong often stops us from asking a loved one if they are struggling. However, Katie reflects that even if a friend isn't ready to hear it, asking the question is a necessary act of love that provides a lifeline for the future.

Reconnecting doesn't always require a massive "hash it out" session or formal apologies if the foundation is built on mutual respect and love. Sometimes, the most powerful way to heal a rift is to pick up the phone and simply ask, "How are you?"

• Katie Veneziale
• Charles Turtz
• TURTZED
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Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website.

• 00:00 – The "Preppy Bro" first impression that was totally wrong.
• 04:31 – The car ride "interrogation" and the moment Charles swooped in.
• 07:27 – Why Charles stopped reaching out after Katie had her first child.
• 09:08 – The "second wave" of fear: Who is showing up for the person struggling?
• 11:05 – When friendship becomes a mirror of shared depression.
• 12:23 – The "oxygen mask" realization and the failure of the "bubble."
• 15:03 – Why Katie drove three hours to Albany based on a "feeling."
• 17:54 – The "Cold Fish" vs. Stoic: Why we hide our vulnerabilities.
• 21:17 – Would Katie have been "ready" to hear the truth five years ago?
• 24:10 – The terrifying "security system" thoughts and postpartum loops.
• 25:15 – Why the standard postpartum doctor questions didn't work for Katie.
• 27:09 – Balancing a chemical imbalance with a second pregnancy.
• 29:05 – Millennial parenting and the generational shift in "feelings."
• 31:10 – The relief of a simple "Happy Birthday" text.
• 35:51 – Choosing to be the "supporting character" in someone else's story.

Have you ever hit a wall so solid it felt like the universe was telling you to quit? Most people see that "stuck" feeling as a dead end, but what if it’s actually the exact moment your expansion begins?

In this raw conversation, Paula Calabrese shares the mindset shifts required to navigate the overwhelming seasons of starting a business and the "crusade" for financial education. Listeners will learn how to transition from feeling messy and stressed to finding the "why" that makes quitting impossible. 

When everything goes wrong, having a mentor or support system is the difference between quitting and evolving. Paula explains that you need at least one person who can help you take a step back and realize the chaos is simply part of the process.

Feeling stuck isn't a sign to stop; it’s a critical decision point where you are forced to go back to your "why." Breaking through that wall is the literal process of you becoming the "next version" of yourself and reaching the next level of your career.

It is a myth that you have to start in your twenties to find success. Paula discusses how it is never too late to create the life you’ve imagined, whether you are in your thirties, fifties, or beyond, because there is always a way to improve.

• Paula Calabrese
• Charles Turtz
• TURTZED
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Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website.

• 00:00 – The "Guest List" Secret to a 15-Year Career
• 02:22 – The Master’s Degree Trap
• 04:57 – Why Law School "Anxiety" Changed Everything
• 07:28 – From the Front Row to the Front of the Room
• 09:24 – The Eucalyptus Towel Hustle
• 12:46 – The "Homeless" Feeling in a Dream Job
• 14:52 – Recognizing the Intellectual Ceiling
• 17:38 – The Terrifying First Time Without a Plan
• 19:23 – Ripping Up the "Beautiful Garden"
• 22:22 – The Fatherhood Schedule That Sparked Curiosity
• 24:19 – The Heavy Reality of Long-Term Care
• 26:19 – Seeing a "Powerhouse" Father Cry
• 29:20 – The 14-Day Leap of Faith
• 32:48 – Recording Classes to Master the Cue
• 36:17 – The $10,000 Question
• 39:30 – Why You Only Feel Stuck When You Stop

How do you rebuild your entire identity when the world you excelled in no longer fits who you are? For many in the fitness space, the Personal Trainer Backstory is one of hiding in plain sight, but for Rob Siclari, coming out was the catalyst for trading the "chore" of D1 football for a passion-led empire built on metabolic science and radical authenticity.

In this episode, Rob Siclari shares his journey from being a star football player in the Poconos to navigating the "bad" experiences of coming out in a college environment. He breaks down the specific transformation of moving his business entirely online during the pandemic and explains why he prioritizes bloodwork and metabolic guidance over generic "cookie-cutter" workout plans.

Rob discusses how the high-pressure environment of competitive football eventually felt like a chore, leading him to rediscover fitness as a tool for self-confidence rather than just a physical requirement.

The transition from the "closet" to the bodybuilding community involves shedding insecurities and finding a new, supportive community when old friends fall away.

Successful body transformations require looking at the "why" behind the weight, utilizing bloodwork to understand how an individual's body specifically metabolizes food.

• Rob Siclari
• Charles Turtz
• TURTZED
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Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website.

• 00:00 – The "First Guest" jitters and a working relationship
• 01:25 – When the D1 dream starts to feel like a chore
• 02:44 – The father-coach dynamic and childhood roots
• 04:39 – The "second life" of partying and rebellion
• 05:19 – The weight of the closet and the "rainbow" misconception
• 06:42 – Why 15 years ago was a different world for gay athletes
• 08:30 – The roommate who moved out when he found out
• 09:26 – Walking the graduation stage with a secret
• 11:30 – From an air mattress in Philly to the Tampa sun
• 12:20 – How COVID-19 forced a digital business revolution
• 15:44 – The danger of 3% body fat and mental health
• 16:56 – Why your blood work is the ultimate roadmap
• 19:29 – Learning to "portion with your eyes" at dinner
• 21:44 – Why Joe’s macros will never work for you
• 23:17 – The 24-hour rule and the "new dad" workout
• 26:54 – The $5 million morning: A TikTok truth bomb

How do you move from a life of corporate burnout and personal grief into a state of total energetic alignment? Human Design for Beginners: Understanding Your Chart is more than just a spiritual trend; it is a practical roadmap for those feeling "unfulfilled" or "out of alignment" with their true selves.

In this episode, Kerri Keaton shares her powerful journey from a 20-year corporate career to founding The Vessel after a "failed adoption" became the catalyst for her own radical transformation. Kerri breaks down the synthesis of ancient modalities and quantum physics to show you how to stop "climbing the wrong ladder" and start living according to your unique energetic blueprint.

What is Human Design and How Does it Work? Human Design is the "science of differentiation," combining astrology, the I Ching, the Chakra system, and quantum physics to map your unique energetic gifts and soul curriculum.

How to Use Your Energy Type for Better Relationships By understanding your "energy type," you learn how you are designed to exchange energy with others—such as "waiting for the invitation" to ensure your contributions are valued rather than resisted.

Making Aligned Decisions Without Overthinking The system teaches that aligned decisions come from a "felt sense" in the body rather than a logical pros-and-cons list, allowing you to reduce friction in your personal and professional life.

Overcoming Conditioning in Your Career Many of us are "conditioned" by societal expectations; Human Design serves as a tool for "deconditioning," giving you permission to rewrite your story and work in ways that actually light you up.

• Kerri Keaton
• Charles Turtz
• TURTZED
• For Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here.

Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website.

• 00:00 – Why this "priceless" information changed Charles’ career
• 01:54 – The Sunday morning text that started a six-year journey
• 03:20 – Ancient modalities meet quantum physics: The blueprint explained
• 05:49 – The "Corporate Joke": Why success felt like a misalignment
• 08:10 – A failed adoption and the heartbreak that fueled a new path
• 10:45 – "Timeline Hopping": Using major life events as expansion catalysts
• 14:22 – The question that redefined success: "Who do I want my son to remember?"
• 19:00 – The "Permission Slip" to stop being who they want you to be
• 21:30 – Why you must "Wait for the Invitation" to protect your energy
• 22:55 – The danger of pros-and-cons lists in decision making
• 27:14 – Learning through failure: The "Three-Five" profile archetype
• 31:30 – Beyond labels: Why Human Design is a tool, not a box
• 37:31 – The secret to managing burnout in a nine-to-five world
• 44:19 – Navigating the "Void" during a massive life transformation
• 49:20 – "Life is empty and meaningless": The shift that empowered everything

Can you truly break the cycle of toxic relationships when chaos is all you’ve ever known? In this raw and deeply personal conversation, we explore the grueling journey of "Breaking the Cycle of Toxic Relationships," from witnessing childhood abuse to surviving a tumultuous marriage and finally finding the strength to choose peace over patterns.

Nicole joins Charles to share her powerful transformation from a woman who "didn't know how to function without abuse" to a mother who successfully fought for full parental rights and found a healthy, supportive partner. You will learn how to identify the subtle signs of gaslighting, the difficulty of "walking on eggshells" even after leaving, and the vital importance of forgiving yourself to make room for a life you actually deserve.

Abuse isn't always physical; it often starts with psychological warfare where strong, independent people are slowly stripped of their self-worth until they feel like "nothing". Nicole describes how manipulators prey on the strong and use inconsistent behavior to keep victims in a constant state of insecurity.

When you are biologically wired to survive chaos, peace can actually trigger intense anxiety. Learning to navigate life without a "fire to put out" is a secondary struggle of recovery, as your brain expects disaster even when things are finally good.

The decision to change often stems from a desire to give children what we lacked in our own childhoods, such as emotional safety and open communication. Nicole shares the pivotal moment her daughter begged her not to let the abuse back in, which served as the ultimate catalyst for final separation

• Nicole
• Charles Turtz
• TURTZED
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Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website.

• 00:00 – The 18-year reunion that feels like yesterday
• 01:54 – Why some friendships can pick up exactly where they left off
• 03:22 – The hidden reason Charlie felt "safe" being gay around Nicole
• 04:30 – Why we disassociate from our true selves during the school years
• 06:15 – The high cost of being "known" and the start of the bullying
• 08:32 – The "Two Brothers" story: Why some repeat trauma and others break it
• 11:15 – The moment a newborn daughter saved a life
• 13:50 – Gaining back power after witnessing childhood abuse
• 15:10 – Why manipulators target the "strong" instead of the weak
• 17:40 – The 13-year-old's plea that ended a cycle of abuse
• 21:50 – Why the body is biologically wired to disassociate from pain
• 23:36 – The "fourth" trauma response almost no one talks about
• 25:40 – Why "peace" feels like a threat after leaving an abuser
• 29:30 – The "light bulb" moment: Why you can't go back to the person you were
• 32:20 – Finding love on Twitch: When the "gamer girl" met her match
• 35:30 – Why we pull the "emergency parachute" when things finally feel good
• 38:40 – The "Red T-Shirt" rule for supporting someone with trauma
• 41:00 – The three words from a grandmother that changed everything

Can you truly find your authentic self when you’ve spent a lifetime hiding behind a mask of survival? Overcoming childhood trauma and depression isn’t a linear path, but a grueling journey of unlearning the coping mechanisms—like emotional dissociation—that once saved your life but now keep you from living it. In this deeply personal episode, Charles Turtz goes beyond the surface to reveal the moments of desperation and the specific turning points that forced him to stop running and finally look inward.

Charles Turtz shares the raw reality of growing up in a household defined by "The Emperor’s New Clothes" syndrome, where the truth of narcissistic fury was ignored by those meant to protect him. Listeners will experience a transformation from feeling like a "disconnected computer" to reclaiming their emotional depth, learning how a life-threatening medical emergency served as a final wake-up call to come out—not just as gay, but as his most authentic self.

Dissociation is often a survival mechanism used to protect a fragile psyche from history of abuse or negative emotions, which can leave you feeling like a "computer" or "empty inside".

Growing up with a parent who uses manipulation, projection, and anger can lead to "Stepford family" syndrome, where children feel forced to portray perfection while their internal reality is dismissed.

The fear of "becoming" the person who hurt you can lead to shutting down all emotions, including anger, sadness, and fear, leaving you with no depth in your day-to-day life.

True authenticity isn't just about a single announcement; it's the daily practice of showing up as your real self and setting boundaries to protect your mental well-being.

• Blog
• Charles Turtz
• TURTZED
• For Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here.

Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website.

• 00:01 – The episode Charles was afraid to record
• 01:45 – Feeling like a "computer" for 35 years
• 02:45 – The "fetal position" body language tell
• 04:30 – Why your body chooses dissociation to save you
• 06:00 – The "Emperor’s New Clothes" of toxic families
• 07:15 – How childhood trauma becomes a "gift" in business
• 08:30 – Why he prayed to be sent away to boarding school
• 09:45 – The terrifying warning: "Don't become him"
• 11:30 – The lucid dream that predicted a breakdown
• 13:00 – Why a 27th birthday emergency surgery saved his life
• 15:30 – The "Press Release" email that changed everything
• 18:00 – Why he almost missed his MBA graduation
• 21:30 – The subway tracks and the fear of triggers
• 24:00 – What to do when your mind stops answering your body
• 26:30 – Building a "village" for the dark places

Have you ever felt like a ghost in your own family, hiding behind a "small box" just to survive the day? This gay coming out story explores the raw, often painful reality of living as "the other one" while navigating the shadow of a "perfect" sibling and the crushing weight of paternal expectations.

In this deeply personal solo episode, Charles Turtz unpacks the emotional labor of hiding his true self from a young age. Listeners will experience a transformation from the "simplest version" of self-preservation to a man reclaiming his autonomy and rewriting his future. 

Growing up in the shadow of a sibling who perfectly fits a parent's ideal can create a deep sense of inadequacy. Charles discusses how being labeled by his brother’s success led to a lifetime of feeling like he didn't matter.

Parental favoritism and rigid gender roles can inadvertently pit siblings against each other on "opposing teams." Understanding that this anger is often misdirected is the first step toward building a supportive adult bond.

The terror of "losing everything" often stems from a displaced fear of a specific parent’s wrath rather than the reality of their reaction. Charles explores the psychological barriers that keep us from asking for support when we need it most.

• Blog
• Charles Turtz
• TURTZED
• For Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here.

Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website.

• 00:04 – The emotional "two-parter" that almost didn't happen
• 01:10 – What it really means to be called "the other one"
• 01:35 – The "sport gene" and the beaming father
• 02:05 – Doing cartwheels while the world expects a goal
• 02:40 – The supportive brother and the missing father
• 03:40 – The bartender's question that pulled the chair out
• 04:10 – Carefree Charlie: The last time I felt free
• 04:45 – One month of cheerleading and a lifetime of ridicule
• 04:55 – The hallway silence during a high school assault
• 06:10 – The "check" that was never written for the wrong sport
• 06:40 – Why we were unknowingly placed on "opposing teams"
• 07:25 – The claustrophobia of the six-sided safety box
• 08:30 – Why the "perfect" coming out story is a myth
• 09:40 – The "Call Me By Your Name" moment in the back row
• 10:45 – The 0.001% chance of losing everything
• 13:10 – A father's absurd ultimatum about New Jersey
• 15:15 – The "life or death" moment waiting in Part 2 

Have you ever felt like you were living a life designed by someone else, repeating the same painful cycles until you finally chose to break the mold? Charles Turtz explores the heavy cost of hiding your true self and the liberating power of reclaiming your identity, starting with the very name you carry.

In this episode, Charles Turtz dives deep into his personal journey of shedding "shadow" identities and the "mold" imposed by his upbringing. Listeners will discover how to identify the duality in their most painful experiences and transform trauma into a "superpower" for coaching, connection, and true vulnerability.

Recognizing the "deja vu" moments in your relationships is the first step toward healing. By identifying similarities between current struggles and early childhood dynamics, you can begin to understand why the same obstacles repeat and how to stop the cycle.

Growing up as an "extension" of a parent can lead to a lifetime of contorting yourself to remain safe. Learning to own your choices—from your career to your physical appearance—is essential for moving from a "transactional" sense of value to genuine self-worth.

Reclaiming your name can be a profound act of empowerment that pulls you out of the shadows of a life you wish to leave behind. While the process is legally and logistically complex, the emotional weight of choosing a name that reflects your lineage and personal truth is life-changing.

Inauthenticity often leads to "outsized emotions" where we push healthy people away at the first sign of trouble while staying in hurtful situations for far too long. Breaking this pattern requires deep reflection in therapy to dismantle the limiting beliefs that we aren't "good enough" or "safe".

• Blog
• Charles Turtz
• TURTZED
• For Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here.

Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website.

• 00:00 – The "Deja Vu" of Unresolved Trauma
• 01:23 – Why Your Father’s Criticism Still Echoes
• 02:35 – The Question That Stopped Me Dead in My Tracks
• 03:15 – Turning Childhood Pain into a Coaching Superpower
• 03:55 – The "Camping" Lie We All Tell on First Dates
• 04:52 – "I Could Never Introduce You to My Parents"
• 05:25 – The Blindsiding Truth About "Real Jobs"
• 06:15 – The Mortifying 99-Yard Line Sports Fumble
• 07:45 – Why Being Ignored Would Have Been a Blessing
• 08:30 – The High Cost of Suppressed Emotions
• 09:10 – Why We Push the "Amazing People" Away
• 10:20 – When Your Own Name Feels Like a Shadow
• 11:30 – A Grandfather’s Unexpected Tears
• 13:10 – Handling the "Fury" of a Name Change
• 14:05 – The Irony of My Father’s Own Name Choice
• 15:10 – The Case of Two Charlies: A Sales Strategy Gone Wrong 

Have you ever found yourself on the shower floor, breathless and broken, wondering how you ended up so far away from the person you were meant to be? Finding your authentic voice after trauma isn't about a quick fix; it’s a grueling, "barefoot and bleeding" climb toward reclaiming your autonomy and your truth.

In this debut episode, Charles Turtz strips away the "sales closer" persona to share the raw, unscripted reality of his 14-year mental health journey. From the "psychological thriller" of his parents' marriage to the crushing weight of professional perfectionism, Charles illustrates the specific transformation required to stop chasing a mental picture of success and start living a life of genuine alignment.

Many of us chase a "white picket fence" dream while having no clue what we actually want. Charles discusses how your head, heart, and actions can become so disconnected that no external success can fix the internal void.

Trauma doesn't just cause pain; it creates a crippling sense of shame that makes you feel the need to hide your true self. By rationalizing that "it could have been worse," we often inadvertently trample on our own voices and stall our healing.

For many high-performers, work becomes a distraction and an addiction used to avoid emotional processing. Charles shares how "Business Charlie" thrived on goals and execution while "Personal Charlie" felt like a zero-sum game, leading to a dangerous cycle of dissociation.

• Blog
• Charles Turtz
• TURTZED
• For Coaching, Consulting, Advertising, or Press Inquiries inquire here.

Disclaimer: The TURTZED Podcast reflects the opinions of Charles Turtz and his guests. Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice tailored to your individual needs. For the full disclaimer, visit our website.

• 00:01 – The French tattoo that killed perfectionism
• 01:05 – Why I threw out the script 12 hours before launch
• 02:10 – The "Hardcore Sales Closer" identity crisis
• 03:02 – The darkest of dark: A turning point on the shower floor
• 04:15 – The 7:00 AM phone call that changed everything
• 05:22 – Why your life isn't the "Fairytale" you were promised
• 06:15 – The "Chiropractor" of emotional alignment
• 07:45 – Redefining Valentine’s Day as a 70-year love story with yourself
• 09:35 – The three questions that determine your future
• 11:10 – The book that taught me everything except myself
• 12:45 – Why "Business Charlie" was addicted to the grind
• 14:05 – Reclaiming power from the grip of shame
• 15:30 – How to stop your emotions from "misfiring"
• 17:15 – Why I’m finally changing my name