Building A Free Mental Health Resource Network For Caregivers with Michael Mackniak

Building A Free Mental Health Resource Network For Caregivers with Michael Mackniak

Author: Victora Cuore; A Contagious Smile, Who Kicked First, Domestic Violence Survivor, Advocate, Motivational Coach, Special Needs, Abuse Support, Life Skill Classes, Special Needs Social Groups April 27, 2026 Duration: 54:05
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Hosted by Victora Cuore, a domestic violence survivor, advocate, and motivational coach, A Contagious Smile Podcast moves beyond simple survival stories. It’s a space dedicated to the complex, ongoing work of rebuilding a life after trauma, whether that stems from abuse or the unique pressures of advocating for a loved one with special needs. The conversations here are intentionally raw and authentic, featuring fellow survivors and experts, because healing often sounds less like a textbook and more like a real, sometimes messy, dialogue. You’ll hear people share not just their past pain, but the practical life skills and hard-won perspectives that helped them reclaim their power. This podcast understands that the path from trauma to thriving isn't a straight line, especially for families navigating disability systems or the lingering effects of narcissistic or childhood abuse. By focusing on tangible recovery and resilience, the show acts as an audio companion for those ready to transform their deepest challenges into a foundation for strength. Tune in for honest discussions that blend advocacy, personal growth, and the collective wisdom of a community that refuses to be defined by its struggles.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

A Contagious Smile Podcast
Podcast Episodes
From A Scare To A Smile With Lessons On Health Love And Healing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:45
Send us Fan Mail A Sunday lands us in the emergency room, and somehow it starts with a “gunshot wound” joke and ends with one of our most honest conversations yet. We walk you through what happened, what helped, and why…
From Picture Books To Magazine Covers With A Survivor Advocate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:12
Send us Fan Mail A lot can happen in one night at our house: a hurting back, a clean bedroom victory, a few laughs we didn’t plan on, and the kind of deep parenting truth that only shows up when you stop pretending life…
What If Healing Is Control You Take Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:34
Send us Fan Mail The jokes land fast, but the truth lands harder. We pull back the curtain on how narcissism doesn’t end with parents—grandparents can cross lines too, using children’s stories or medical needs to win att…
What Protects A Victim When Power Looks The Other Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:34
Send us Fan Mail A toga on the cover and a chiropractor who sends Michael flying might sound like pure chaos, but the laughter is only the doorway. We use that breath of humor to step into what really matters: building a…
Inside Our Fight Against Abuse, Cover-Ups, And Silence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:19
Send us Fan Mail What if a simple “I love you” could steady someone on their hardest day? We open our hearts and our home to talk about building safety from the ground up—personally funding 480 academy scholarships, writ…
Puppy Love And Tough Truths [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:03
Send us Fan Mail A mountain drive for “just one puppy” turns into two sleepy golden retrievers, a tour of a master blacksmith’s forge, and a sobering question we can’t ignore: why are survivors still punished for staying…
Rising From The Ashes; Love, Knives, And Courage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:33
Send us Fan Mail What if the loudest part of your healing is the quiet choice to keep going? We start with playful chaos—forgotten rolls, pajama days, and TV heroes—then step straight into the fire: how survivors bank st…
A Hard Look At Consent, Courts, And Courage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:59
Send us Fan Mail Start with a Valentine’s greeting, end with a fire in your chest. We open warm and then drive straight into the hard truths about consent, courtroom trauma, and why too many survivors are punished by the…