"They told me I was too joyful. Too happy. But they didn't know the storms I’ve survived."

In this heart-expanding episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with Colombian-Italian happiness coach and resilience expert Stephanie Mancini-Sims, whose presence radiates the kind of joy that can only be born from adversity. From growing up without a father but surrounded by fierce love, to uprooting her life for a second chance at love in the U.S., Stephanie reveals how she transformed pain into purpose—and why joy isn’t about ignoring hardship but about choosing light in spite of it.

Stephanie shares her Happiness Without Complications methodology, five daily practices that cultivate sustainable happiness, and how she uses her faith and emotional intelligence to help individuals and organizations build thriving cultures. Through deeply moving personal stories and practical wisdom, this episode reminds us that vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the soil where resilience grows.

If you’ve ever been told your joy is "too much" or felt like happiness was out of reach, this episode will remind you that joy is your birthright—and it can coexist with sadness, struggle, and uncertainty. Listen now to reconnect with the power of purpose, faith, and the human spirit.

Contact Info:
Host: Reggie D. Ford
Website: https://reggiedford.com
Socials: @reggiedford on all platforms

Guest: Stephanie Mancini-Sims
Instagram: @stephaniemancinisims
Website: https://www.stephaniemancinisims.com

What if embracing vulnerability could transform feelings of invisibility into a powerful force for change? In this inspiring episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with the vibrant and resilient Sharon Rolph—behavior scientist, author, and self-proclaimed "Queen of Courage." At 77 years young, Sharon shares how her journey from feeling invisible to discovering her inner spark ignited a passion for empowering baby boomers to repurpose their lives and embrace meaningful retirement.

Sharon opens up bravely about her personal traumas and the secrets that silenced her voice for years. Through vulnerability and profound self-reflection, she unlocked the magic of connection, authenticity, and self-love. Now, Sharon is on a bold mission to impact 10% of the baby boomer generation, inspiring them to unleash their hidden talents and wisdom to heal communities and transform the world.

Listen in as Sharon reveals her insights on:

• The transformative power of vulnerability as a catalyst for innovation and harmony
• Moving from fear-based living toward a life of courage and faith
• Finding your spark through authentic self-expression and intentional curiosity
• How corporations and communities can flourish by cultivating belonging and empathy
• Her remarkable journey from invisibility to becoming the “Queen of Courage,” inspiring others at any age to reclaim their voice and purpose

If you've ever felt unheard, unseen, or unsure of your purpose, this conversation with Sharon Rolph is the encouragement you need. Tune in and discover how vulnerability and courage can transform your story, ignite your spark, and empower you to create lasting, meaningful impact in your life and in the world.

Contact Info: 

[email protected]

https://www.sharonrolph.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-rolph/

https://www.instagram.com/sharon_queenofcourage/
DISCOVER YOUR SPARK: rekindle your joy - 5 Module course: https://bit.ly/42eVILV

Author: FRESH COURAGE in Retirement: finding purpose, essence and fulfillment

FREE Offer: a CALL to COURAGE: 3 Tips to Awaken & Ignite Your Inner Spark 

Facebook Group: Retirement Well-Being Fresh Courage in Retirement

For a quick coffee chat, book a 20 minute session to tell me your story HERE.

6 Dynamic Courses on The Great Discovery: https://bit.ly/sharon-TGDcourses

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPh2wkaTJr_20-hpdkxv_vw
https://www.etsy.com/shop/quiltedpetunia

"Not all battles are fought boots on the ground."

In this deeply moving episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with author and podcast host Kim Lengling, a military veteran and survivor of trauma, who shares how she transformed her pain into purpose. Kim opens up about living with PTSD after a sexual assault in the military, and how a divine whisper on her living room floor set her on a healing journey that led her to spread “nuggets of hope” to strangers around the world.

With heartfelt stories of handing out hope—literally—in pockets of jeans and jars on shelves, Kim shows us the extraordinary power of empathy, kindness, and belief in something greater. The conversation explores Internal Family Systems (IFS), the role of faith in healing, and how childhood wonder, dandelion wishes, and a part named “Bart” all helped her rebuild from the inside out.

This episode is a masterclass in grace, resilience, and reclaiming humanity one act of kindness at a time.

Call to Action:
If you've ever felt alone in your pain or unsure of how to heal, this episode will wrap around you like a warm blanket. Listen now to reconnect with your strength, your softness, and your spark of hope.

Contact Info:
Guest – Kim Lengling
Website: https://www.kimlenglingauthor.com
Podcast: Let Fear Bounce
Books available on Amazon, including Nuggets of Hope and 15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness

Host – Reggie D. Ford
Website: https://reggiedford.com
Socials: @reggiedford on all platforms
Podcast: Vulnerability Muscle

"I finally told someone that I was sure my father would strangle me with his bare hands—and for the first time, no one gaslit me."

In this deeply raw and revelatory episode, Reggie D. Ford sits down with Jill Sitnik, founder of The Journey Sage, for an unflinching look at childhood trauma, PTSD, and how MDMA-assisted therapy saved her life. Jill shares the hidden costs of appearing “fine” on the outside while living in a state of inner panic and survival. She walks us through her experience of surviving parental abuse, losing her partner and emotional regulator, and reaching a point where traditional therapy and antidepressants were no longer enough.

Together, they explore the science and soul of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy—what it is, what it isn't, and why it's not a shortcut but a sacred path that requires deep emotional work. Jill breaks down what MDMA therapy actually feels like, how it helped her reprocess traumatic memories, and why she’s now dedicated to educating others so they don’t have to suffer in silence.

Whether you're curious about alternative treatments, have survived trauma, or simply want a more honest conversation about healing, this episode will leave you moved, informed, and empowered.

 Topics covered:

• Complex trauma and survival adaptations mistaken for personality
• Widow’s fog, grief, and the body’s memory of fear
• How MDMA-assisted therapy helped Jill shift lifelong narratives
• The importance of integration after psychedelic experiences
• Risks, myths, and ethical considerations in psychedelic treatment
• Why healing isn’t easy—but it’s absolutely worth it

If you've ever wondered whether your “personality” might actually be a trauma response—or if you’re searching for real, evidence-based hope—this episode will change the way you see healing.

Listen now and join us as we flex our Vulnerability Muscle in one of the most powerful episodes yet.

Website: https://thejourneysage.com
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheJourneySage

Instagram: @thejourneysage

Books:

• Rescuing Jill (Memoir)
• The Journey Workbook – For those preparing for psychedelic therapy

Reggie D. Ford
Website: https://reggiedford.com
Socials: @reggiedford on all platforms

What happens when two men dare to speak openly about one of society’s most taboo topics—sexual abuse? In this raw and deeply moving episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Robert Uttaro, a veteran rape crisis counselor and author of To the Survivors, for a powerful dialogue that challenges cultural narratives, dismantles shame, and offers real pathways to healing.

Robert shares how a college class on women in the prison system—and a divine calling—launched his life’s mission to support survivors of sexual violence. He explains why survivors often struggle to come forward, how shame and invalidation compound trauma, and the importance of consent, ethics, and agency in storytelling. Reggie opens up about his own experience with childhood sexual trauma, highlighting the damaging myths around masculinity and the healing power of vulnerability.

From the emotional impact of first disclosures to the life-saving importance of simply being believed, this conversation is a sacred, soulful exchange filled with compassion, faith, and truth. Whether you're a survivor, supporter, or simply seeking to understand, this episode is a beacon of light in a world that too often looks away.

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a lifeline. Press play and join two men who are reshaping the conversation around trauma, vulnerability, and what it means to truly heal. 🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs to hear it.

Contact Info:
Website: www.robertuttaro.com
Email: [email protected]
Book: To the Survivors (available on Amazon and free on his website)

🔹 Host: Reggie D. Ford
Website: www.reggiedford.com
Instagram: @reggiedford
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/reggiedford

Ever felt like your past disqualified you from a vibrant future? In this powerful episode, Donna Tashjian proves otherwise.

What happens when trauma, teen pregnancy, and shame intersect with divine purpose, healing, and bold faith? In this soul-stirring conversation, Vulnerability Muscle host Reggie D. Ford sits down with life mastery coach and founder of Vibrant Living International, Donna Tashjian, to unpack her story of overcoming childhood dysfunction, sexual abuse, and emotional suppression to build a life rooted in peace, purpose, and power.

Donna shares how a deep relationship with God, not just religious tradition, helped her transform pain into purpose. She opens up about the birth of her daughter at 15, the healing power of visualization, the Spiritual Intelligence Method™, and how she helps clients shift from burnout to bold, aligned living. You’ll hear why not all feelings are facts, how brave-hearted decision-making can change your life, and how to reframe fear into excitement.

This episode is a masterclass in reclaiming your worth, rewriting your inner narrative, and activating your God-given gifts with grace and ease. If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, shame, or feeling unseen, this conversation will speak directly to your soul.

Tune in now to hear how Donna turned trauma into triumph—and how you can too. Your healing begins with the voice you choose to believe.

Connect with Donna Tashjian:
Website: www.ivibrantliving.com
LinkedIn: Donna Tashjian
Facebook: Personal | Vibrant Living
Instagram: @drtashjian
YouTube: Donna’s Channel

“I was 26, pregnant with triplets, and suddenly a widow—but I knew I had to keep going.” In this deeply moving episode of Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie D. Ford sits down with Lesley Bowen, a yoga teacher, realtor, and powerful storyteller who turned unimaginable loss into a legacy of strength and grace.

Lesley shares how she navigated grief, solo motherhood, and spiritual healing after losing her husband while three months pregnant with triplets. With raw honesty, she opens up about survival mode, suppressed grief, and eventually allowing herself to feel the feels to heal. You’ll hear how yoga and mindfulness became her anchors, and how her inner wisdom—paired with radical self-compassion—helped her raise five grounded, emotionally intelligent children.

This episode also explores:

• The difference between intuition and trauma response
• What grief really looks like over two decades
• The power of mindset in creating peace
• Why it's okay to let your kids see you cry
• Why every answer you need is already inside of you

Whether you're in the midst of loss, parenting through struggle, or learning to love yourself again, Lesley’s story is a lighthouse of hope and humanity. Don't miss this rich, resonant conversation about perseverance, presence, and parenting with purpose.

🔗 Connect with Lesley Bowen
Instagram: @LesleyD_Yoga

🔗 Connect with Reggie D. Ford
Instagram: @reggiedford
Website: www.reggiedford.com

Tune in now to hear how one woman turned her deepest pain into her greatest strength—and why letting go of control may be the first step toward true healing.

In this deeply moving episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Ed Di Gangi, an adoptee who embarked on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery at the age of 69. Adopted at birth in New York City, Ed never sought out his birth family—until a visit to a cemetery changed everything.

Over eight years of DNA testing, archival research, and serendipitous discoveries, Ed uncovered a fascinating story of resilience, love, and identity. His birth mother, once an unknown figure, was revealed to be a renowned ice skater who traveled the world in the 1940s and ‘50s. Through meticulous research, Ed pieced together his birth mother’s emotional and physical journey, leading to his bestselling memoir, "The Gift Best Given."

Join us as Ed shares:

• How a simple visit to a cemetery sparked a life-changing journey
• The emotional revelations of uncovering his birth mother’s story
• The challenges of reconciling identity as an adoptee
• Why he believes adoption is often misunderstood and how it shaped his life
• His inspiring perspective on gratitude, vulnerability, and resilience
• The upcoming release of his second book, "Gliding Through Goodbye", chronicling his birth mother’s journey

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever questioned their roots, struggled with identity, or wants to understand the power of self-acceptance.

Email: [email protected] 

Books:

• The Gift Best Given: A Memoir – Available anywhere books are sold
• Gliding Through Goodbye – Releasing June 2025

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us continue bringing inspiring conversations to Vulnerability Muscle!

“Never deny them the struggle.” That quote from her father shaped Daina Hughes' parenting—and her purpose. But what happens when the struggle itself becomes the sacred teacher?

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Daina Hughes, a soul coach, end-of-life doula, and co-author of Look Up, for a heart-expanding conversation about spirituality, grief, motherhood, and the sacred art of holding space.

Daina opens up about losing her best friend at 18 and how that grief became a catalyst for her spiritual awakening. She shares how she and her father—who's not only her mentor but also her business partner—discovered their spiritual paths together. We explore how Daina helps others navigate death with dignity as an end-of-life doula, and how she balances absorbing deep human emotion without letting it consume her spirit.

The episode also dives into:

• Why scheduling your crying sessions might just save your sanity
• How to raise resilient kids without recreating generational pain
• What it means to be a “gifted” or intuitive child and how to nurture that
• The emotional boundaries that protect healers from burnout
• Reframing spirituality as a journey back to self-belief

Daina’s book, Look Up, offers a unique fusion of memoir and spiritual coaching, answering life's biggest questions through deeply personal storytelling.

If you’ve ever felt “too sensitive,” “too emotional,” or struggled to process grief, trauma, or even your spiritual curiosity—this episode will feel like a soft place to land.

Contact Info:
Website: angelichealing.ca
Book: Look Up by Daina Hughes and Larissa Soren — available on Amazon
Social: @divinedainn on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

Ready to explore the divine through your own vulnerability?
Hit play now and discover how your greatest pain can become your most powerful path to purpose.

In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Dr. Mark A. Hicks—author, counselor, ghostwriter, and relationship coach—to unpack one of life’s deepest questions: How do we truly learn to love?

Drawing from his groundbreaking book, Learning Love: Building a Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last, Dr. Hicks reveals the five core components of love that can transform romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, and workplace relationships: grief, emotion, practicality, acceptance, and passion. These insights blend wisdom from ancient biblical texts with modern psychology to offer a holistic, teachable path to deeper connection.

Listeners will hear:

• Why grief is the foundation of love and a gateway to healing
• How emotional safety and expression create lasting bonds
• The role of practicality in avoiding relational breakdowns
• Why self-acceptance is essential to loving others
• How passion brings joy and meaning to everyday life
• Real-life stories of toxic love, healing, and rediscovery
• Lessons from the Book of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs
• Reflections on Brene Brown’s research and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
• Candid conversations about childhood trauma, conditional love, and emotional resilience

This episode is an invitation to unlearn dysfunctional relationship patterns and embrace love as a learnable skillset. Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, rebuilding trust, or seeking deeper emotional intimacy, this conversation will equip you with actionable wisdom.

• Website: www.markahicks.com
• Coaching, workshops, speaking inquiries, or to grab his free eBook: Use the contact form on his website
• Book: Learning Love: Building a Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last