On this episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica Anne Pressler welcomes a dear friend and creative powerhouse, photographer Janet Barnett. Jessica and Janet’s friendship is rooted not only in their professional collaborations—Jessica has been one of Janet’s subjects, using her portraits across her own platforms—but also in the deep mutual respect and trust they share. That closeness gives this conversation an intimacy and candor that you’ll feel instantly.

Janet’s story begins on the Sunset Strip of the late ’80s and early ’90s, where she captured the swagger of rock stars in their natural habitat. But the real shift in her career came when she turned her lens toward women over forty, celebrating their unapologetic power, lived experience, and self-possession. Through her work, Janet reminds us that life after forty isn’t about fading into the background—it’s about turning up the volume.

Jessica guides Janet through her own traitor within story, one centered around business, money, and self-worth. For decades, Janet struggled with the messaging and modeling she grew up with—scarcity mindsets, cultural narratives that women should be givers, and an inner critic that kept her from asking for what she deserved. She shares how this lack of confidence cost her financially and emotionally, and how she is now rewriting that script. With honesty and humor, Janet talks about the daily practice of confronting her inner saboteur, learning to charge what she’s worth, and embracing that self-care and compensation are not selfish—they are necessary.

Together, Jessica and Janet explore the ways our “traitor within” shows up in business, how intergenerational patterns shape self-worth, and why it’s never too late to change. You’ll hear about Janet’s evolution from shooting rock stars to empowering women entrepreneurs, her reflections on adoption and family, and the mindset shifts that continue to shape her path forward.

If you’ve ever struggled with asking for more—whether that’s in your business, your art, or your own self-worth—this episode is for you.

Follow Janet and see her work on Instagram at @janet_barnett_photography
and learn more about her sessions at janetbarnettphotography.net
.

Jessica Anne Pressler, LCSW, and producer Anthony have a candid, non-graphic conversation about C-PTSD and Jessica’s experience surviving a suicidal crisis—naming the “Traitor Within,” how emotional flashbacks show up, and the small nervous-system tools that helped her choose to stay. Short, compassionate, and practical. (If you need help in the U.S., call or text 988.)

On this episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica Anne Pressler sits down with Stephanie Schultz—founder of Blue Blood Metal Jewelry
, Senior Art Consultant with SH Modern, and Pure Barre Fort Myers
instructor. Stephanie’s journey has taken her from museum fundraising to the world of fine art and one-of-a-kind jewelry, with features in British Vogue and even the Real Housewives universe.

But today, Stephanie opens up about something deeper: the “traitor within” that silenced her voice for years. Raised between two cultures, she shares how shyness, self-doubt, and fear of anger shaped her childhood—and how those patterns resurfaced in her adult relationships and career. Together, Jessica and Stephanie explore:

• The link between childhood silencing and adult intimacy blocks
• Learning to identify triggers in relationships—and choosing vulnerability over fear
• How anger can be a healthy signal instead of something to repress
• The role of creativity, teaching, and fitness in building confidence
• Why taking risks (even scared) can bring true connection and growth

Stephanie’s honesty and insight remind us that healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about practice, self-compassion, and daring to be seen.

Highlights

• “Silence felt like safety, but it also created distance.”
• “You can take risks with the right people—and that helps you risk again.”
• “Parents don’t have to be perfect; they just need to be good enough.”
• “Do it scared. Bravery is contagious.”

Connect with Stephanie

• Jewelry: Website
  | Instagram: @bluebloodmetal
  
  
• Personal: Instagram: @stephanie_m_schultz
  
  
• Pure Barre Fort Myers: @purebarrefortmyers
  
  

Connect with Jessica

• Website: jessicaannepressler.com
  
  
• Instagram: @jessicaannepressler

Jessica sits down with April Kirkwood—licensed holistic therapist, ageless style advocate, and TV favorite from The Golden Bachelor and the latest Bachelor in Paradise—to talk about healing as a lifelong commitment. They unpack triggers (“what in me still needs healing?”), boundaries as self-protection (not punishment), and what it means to live “large” in your own power, not for applause.

Big themes:

• Healing is messy, nonlinear—and not a 10-session fix.
• Triggers as teachers: notice → name → choose.
• Boundaries > people-pleasing (you can care without being responsible).
• Intergenerational patterns, “the traitor within,” and self-worth.
• Glimmers: catching micro-moments of good to raise your nervous-system floor.
• Choosing soul over image: freedom from fear as a daily practice.

Mic-drop lines:

• “There’s no failure in healing—only lessons.”
• “When I’m triggered, I ask: what in me still needs healing?”
• “Boundaries aren’t revenge. They’re self-protection.”
• “I want to be large—just not that way. Large in my own power.”

About April

April Kirkwood, M.Ed., LPC (holistic therapist) is an international podcaster, speaker, and #1 bestselling author known for empowering women to tell the truth, set loving boundaries, and reclaim self-worth. With 25+ years in mental health and two master’s degrees, she blends mind-body-spirit tools with a playful, ageless approach to life and style. You’ve seen her sparkle on screen—today you’ll meet the grounded healer using humor and soul work to help others find their voice.

Connect & promote:

• Website / sessions: aprilkirkwood.com
• Instagram: @aprillynnkirkwood
• TikTok: @aprillynnkirkwood0
• Booking / media: [email protected]
  
  

Links & resources

• Listen & follow: Your Traitor Within (Apple/Spotify)
• If you need support (US): National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (text START to 88788) • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Laura is an international podcaster, #1 bestselling author, and speaker dedicated to empowering women. Through her global podcast That’s Where I’m At and her bestselling book Married To A “Nice” Guy: Getting Over Narcissistic Abuse, she shares her recovery from a 32-year marriage to a narcissist. Her mission: shine a light on narcissistic abuse so women know they’re never alone and that healing is possible—rebuilding self-worth, reclaiming their voices, and stepping into strength.

In this episode:

• How telling your story breaks shame
• The Traitor Within: unlearning people-pleasing & staying small
• Boundaries as self-protection (info diet, Gray Rock, no-JADE)
• Why you need trauma-informed therapy

Links:

• Married To A “Nice” Guy — get the book here
• “You’re Not Crazy” ebook — get it here
• Laura’s podcast — http://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com
  
  

In this special behind-the-scenes episode, host Jessica Anne Pressler, LCSW and producer Anthony take listeners into the core concept of the show: the traitor within.

Jessica shares her definition of the traitor — the part of ourselves shaped by pain, trauma, and old beliefs that holds us back or keeps us in unhealthy cycles. Anthony offers his perspective on recognizing his own traitor, and together they explore how naming it is the first step toward freedom.

They revisit some standout past guests, including:

• Braunwyn Windham-Burke — on sobriety, identity, and living authentically.
• Arci Grey — on healing from deep trauma and reclaiming self-trust.
• Dr. Nadine “Dr. Nae” Macaluso — on breaking trauma bonds and navigating complex PTSD.
• John Graham — on confronting inner toxicity and building a life of service.

…and they unpack even more powerful stories from other guests who’ve faced down their traitors in different ways — from overcoming loss, to rebuilding after abuse, to rewriting the narratives they once believed about themselves.

Sponsor Message:
This episode is brought to you by the Your Traitor Within Journal — a guided journal designed to help you uncover, name, and dismantle the patterns that keep you stuck. Filled with prompts, exercises, and reflections from Jessica, it’s a personal toolkit to help you silence the traitor and strengthen your authentic voice.
📖 Order yours now at JessicaAnnePressler.com

Why Listen:
If you’ve ever wondered why you repeat certain patterns, doubt your worth, or hold yourself back, this episode offers personal insight from Jessica and Anthony, plus takeaways from past guests whose stories show just how universal — and conquerable — the traitor within can be.

Finding Strength by Facing Your Inner Traitor – with John Graham

In this deeply powerful episode, host Jessica Anne Pressler, LCSW, sits down with remarkable guest John Graham, former U.S. Diplomat, adventurer, author, and co-leader of the renowned Giraffe Heroes Project. They explore how confronting your internal “traitor”—the self-sabotaging critic born from past wounds—is essential for discovering authentic courage and purpose.

✨ 

Key Highlights:

• Childhood Experiences: John vulnerably shares how being bullied shaped his early struggles and internal dialogue about strength and identity.
• A Life of Adventure: From scaling uncharted peaks in Denali to navigating war-torn regions as a diplomat in Vietnam, John’s life is a testament to resilience and bold exploration.
• Love and Partnership: Hear the inspiring story of how John’s life transformed through his relationship with Ann Medlock, the visionary behind the Giraffe Heroes Project—a powerful nonprofit highlighting everyday heroes worldwide.
• Facing the “Inner Traitor”: John’s honest reflection about how confronting his inner critic allowed him to move beyond toxic beliefs about strength, masculinity, and vulnerability.

With humor, candor, and profound wisdom, John encourages listeners to recognize and transform their inner critics into sources of strength and authentic living.

👤 

About John Graham:

John Graham is a captivating speaker, author, former U.S. Diplomat, adventurer, and co-leader of the Giraffe Heroes Project. John has inspired thousands globally, championing courageous individuals who “stick their necks out” for meaningful change.

🔗 

Connect with John Graham:

• Website: JohnGraham.org
• Giraffe Heroes Project: giraffe.org
• Facebook: facebook.com/giraffeheroes
• TikTok: @badassgranddad

In today’s powerful episode, Jessica Anne Pressler speaks openly with Amanda Marino, a Certified Intervention Professional, Certified Recovery and Life Coach, international speaker, and the inspiring co-founder of Next Level Recovery Associates.

Amanda courageously shares her personal journey, beginning with a childhood scarred by trauma, abuse, and instability. She vividly describes how these early experiences shaped her own internal "traitor," leading to years of harmful coping mechanisms and self-destructive choices.

Yet, Amanda’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and profound healing. She discusses her journey through addiction, trauma recovery, motherhood, and the strength she discovered through vulnerability and self-compassion. Amanda’s honesty about her past struggles—from childhood abuse and trauma to substance use and mental health battles—highlights her message that no one is beyond healing.

Amanda is a fierce advocate for mental health, recovery, and personal empowerment. Her professional appearances include A&E's Intervention and Digital Addiction, where she has shared her expertise as a professional interventionist. Her experiences in the entertainment industry have uniquely positioned her to help high-profile clients navigate recovery while remaining grounded.

Jessica and Amanda explore:

• How childhood trauma shapes our inner critic ("traitor within").
• The complex journey from self-destruction to self-love.
• Overcoming shame and stigma around mental health and recovery.
• Creating healthy boundaries and redefining family.
• Amanda's inspiring path from surviving trauma to becoming a successful international speaker, entrepreneur, and dedicated mother.

Amanda believes passionately:

This episode is a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability, the power of seeking help, and the transformative potential of embracing your truth.

Connect with Amanda Marino:

• Instagram: @amandamarinoofficial
• Next Level Recovery Associates: nextlevelra.com
• Speaking engagements: amandamarinospeaks.com

Your Traitor Within Podcast – Special Guest Steve Hopper

In today's powerful episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica Anne Pressler sits down with Steve Hopper, an internationally recognized keynote speaker, author, and peak performance expert. Steve shares his gripping story—from prison inmate to global influencer—and explores how confronting the "traitor within" helped him turn his darkest moments into a mission to inspire millions. Through authentic vulnerability, Steve provides practical wisdom on overcoming self-sabotage, embracing life's purpose, and stepping into your full potential.

🌟 About Steve Hopper:
After a life-changing wake-up call in prison, Steve Hopper dedicated himself to empowering others through powerful storytelling, impactful speaking, and authentic connection. His bestselling book, "From Prison to Purpose," chronicles his transformative journey and offers a roadmap for turning life's setbacks into opportunities for greatness.

Connect with Steve:

• 🌐 Website & Book: stevehopperinternational.com
• 📘 Facebook: Steve Hopper International

"Trusting Your Inner Voice" with Mike Rudnicki

In this episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica sits down with Mike Rudnicki, author, mindfulness coach, Reiki master, and devoted advocate for empowering children through self-awareness and mindfulness.

Mike shares how he overcame his own internal doubts—his "traitor within"—by learning to trust his intuition rather than relying solely on logic and external expectations. He opens up about the pivotal moments when he chose to listen to his inner voice, transforming his career and life path despite fear and uncertainty.

Listen as Mike discusses:

• How to recognize and silence the limiting thoughts holding you back.
• Practical steps for connecting deeply with your intuition.
• His transformative work teaching mindfulness and emotional empowerment to kids.

This inspiring conversation offers tools and encouragement for anyone seeking to quiet self-doubt and embrace their true calling.

Learn more about Mike Rudnicki:

• mikerudnicki.com
• kmrpartners.com
• Grab his books >>> https://mikerudnicki.com/order-books/ols/all?sortOption=descend_by_popularity

Listen now to discover the power of trusting your inner voice.