Your Traitor Within

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

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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
  
  

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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"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.

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🎙️ Episode Show Notes: Bobbi Rudnicki – Healing From a Father's Betrayal 

Join Jessica Anne Pressler for an intimate and transformative conversation with Bobbi Rudnicki, an accomplished professional, dedicated mentor, and advocate for women’s emotional and career empowerment. In this heartfelt episode, Bobbi courageously opens up about her journey with her "traitor within"—the internal voice rooted in past experiences that fuels self-doubt, fear of abandonment, and patterns of self-sabotage.

Bobbi reflects on the complex emotions shaped by witnessing infidelity in her parents' marriage and explores how those early experiences influenced her own relationships and perceptions of trust. Through deep self-reflection and personal growth, Bobbi shares how she confronted and rewrote her inner narratives, ultimately finding authentic love, emotional security, and spiritual grounding.

In this vulnerable discussion, Jessica and Bobbi highlight the importance of recognizing the impact of parental dynamics on children, the empowering process of healing intergenerational trauma, and the transformative power of rewriting one's story to manifest the life you truly desire.

Bobbi's inspirational journey is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, the significance of loving oneself first, and the profound impact of embracing personal growth.

✨ Key Themes:

• Overcoming childhood trauma and infidelity's impact on children
• Understanding and compassionately managing your "traitor within"
• Manifesting authentic, healthy relationships
• Healing intergenerational wounds
• Embracing spiritual growth and emotional maturity

Dive in for a powerful conversation that will encourage you to reflect, heal, and empower your own journey.

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Join Jessica Anne Pressler in an uplifting and transformative conversation with Lisa McCourt, acclaimed author and joyful living expert whose radiant books have captivated over 9 million readers worldwide. As the dynamic host of the Joy Zone podcast and visionary founder of Joy School, Lisa masterfully teaches the rare art of emotional buoyancy, guiding thousands towards joy and emotional maturity for over two decades.

Lisa McCourt writes books about joy and love that have sold over 9 million copies and teaches the rare art of emotional buoyancy through her online Joy School. Winner of the title “Best Guest Expert” in the 2024 Women in Podcasting awards, and author of the award-winning book Free Your Joy, she also leads retreats and live events in South Florida and other locations. You’ll find Lisa’s many offerings at LisaMcCourt.com.

In this deeply personal episode, Lisa courageously explores her “Traitor Within,” revealing the internal challenges and transformative journeys that shaped her extraordinary capacity for joy and self-actualization. Jessica and Lisa share insights from their longstanding friendship, reflecting on how Lisa’s own experiences profoundly enrich her teachings and life philosophy.

When Lisa isn’t inspiring souls through her online Joy School or in-person events, she finds tranquility in nature with her husband and daughters, lends her voice to a choir, and passionately leads her local PFLAG chapter as president.

Discover Lisa’s inspiring journey and learn how to cultivate peace and bliss within your own life.

✨ Connect with Lisa McCourt:

• Home - Lisa McCourt - JOY School - Happiness Life Coaching
• Upcoming Events - Lisa McCourt - JOY School - Happiness Life Coaching
• Free Your Joy: The Twelve Keys to Sustainable Happiness (Amazon)

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Join Braunwyn Spinner (@braunwynwindhamburke), sobriety and queerness advocate, media personality, and former Real Housewives of Orange County star, as she opens up about confronting her "traitor within"—that internal voice shaped by past experiences that can hold us back. Braunwyn candidly discusses her unique journey through reality TV, sharing the profound challenges and powerful revelations that emerged during her time on RHOC. Despite the stigma and obstacles, Braunwyn remains grateful for the platform NBC and Bravo provided, believing that even reruns of her story could positively impact someone else's path to sobriety.

✨ Listen now for an empowering, honest, and heartfelt conversation! 🔗 Follow Braunwyn on Instagram: @braunwynwindhamburke

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