Ripple Retreat with guest JJ Holley, A Veteran who lives to pay it forward

Ripple Retreat with guest JJ Holley, A Veteran who lives to pay it forward

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 24, 2026 Duration: 38:06
Send us Fan Mail A quiet town in Maine. A historic 1830s farmhouse and barn. A veteran with seven years of sobriety and a plan that flips the usual “tourism takes from locals” story on its head. We brought back our friend JJ Holly to do something different: a walking tour of Ripple Retreat in West Paris, where he’s building an alcohol-free wellness and event space designed to create real, measurable community impact. His promise is bold and specific: after opening on 7 April 2027, Ripple Retr...

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
My Husband, A Pee Hat, And A Plot Twist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:52
Send us Fan Mail A bathroom mix-up in the ER shouldn’t become a masterclass in patient advocacy—but ours did. What starts as a comic detour with a “pee hat” turns into a sharp look at chain-of-custody, contamination risk…
Protecting Your Peace From Narcissists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:23
Send us Fan Mail Some nights turn into a tug-of-war between chaos and clarity. We start with the mess that hits after a loved one passes—addresses, wills, medical directives, and the million tiny decisions no one wants t…
Welcoming Dad Home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:01
Send us Fan Mail The night the house gets quieter, life gets louder. We open the door to Dad after he loses his wife and talk candidly about what it means to fold a parent into your daily rhythm—care, meals, jokes, horro…
Smoke, Safety, And A Package On The Porch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:58
Send us Fan Mail A quiet Thanksgiving gave way to a jarring delivery that raised a bigger question: what’s the line between personal freedom and public safety at our front doors? We walk through the moment a driver cut a…
How Muck Sticky Turns Grit Into Joy And Advocacy Into Action [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:35
Send us Fan Mail Some stories crack you open in the best way. This conversation with Muck Sticky blends raw honesty, laugh-out-loud moments, and a deep well of heart—from Cookie’s courage through major dental surgery to…
Silence loses when truth finds a microphone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:00
Send us Fan Mail Truth doesn’t whisper—it arrives with fire, humor, and a plan. We kick things off with a preview of our upcoming conversation with Muck Sticky, whose out‑loud joy and off‑the‑wall songs remind us that la…
Love, legacy, and the courage to prepare for the worst [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:27
Send us Fan Mail A single phone call flipped our week, our plans, and our priorities—and taught us how “having a will” can still leave a family drowning in decisions. We open the door to our real-time experience of sudde…
When Your Truth Becomes Their Trigger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:43
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever been silenced for speaking your truth? Join us for an intimate conversation about breaking through barriers and finding your voice even when others try to quiet it. Victoria reveals the sur…