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
Healing Trauma Through Connection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
Send us Fan Mail The raw power of lived experience drives everything behind A Contagious Smile, and in this candid episode, Victoria and Michael reveal exactly why they've dedicated their lives to supporting abuse surviv…
Survivor's Escape Plan TRIGGER WARNING [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:07
Send us Fan Mail After Victoria's powerful interview about surviving domestic violence became the podcast's most popular episode ever, Michael and Victoria return with this crucial follow-up discussion diving deeper into…
One Hand, One Heart, All Courage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:46
Send us Fan Mail What happens when parents face the unexpected challenge of raising a child with different abilities? While some choose to run, others discover the most beautiful journey imaginable—one filled with uncond…
PTSD, Paper Cups, and Frozen Waffles TRIGGER WARNING [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:52
Send us Fan Mail The weight of trauma is perhaps best explained through a powerful metaphor: imagine holding a paper coffee cup. For a minute, it's nothing—lightweight, manageable. After an hour, it feels heavier. After…
Breaking Free: Stories of Domestic Abuse Survival TRIGGER WARNING [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:07
Send us Fan Mail https://acontagioussmile.mn.co/ Breaking free from the chains of domestic violence takes more than courage—it requires strategy, support, and hope. This raw, powerful episode features survivors sharing t…
The Cereal-Slurping Philosopher's Guide to Toxic Family Relations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:10
Send us Fan Mail We're back after a three-week hiatus, and there's a good reason for our absence. Victoria has undergone two additional surgeries, including a spinal implant for her Complex Regional Pain Syndrome that ha…
Breaking Free from Narcissistic Shadows Trigger Warning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:06
Send us Fan Mail The overwhelming response to our podcast has shown us just how many people are silently struggling with the aftermath of narcissistic family dynamics. This episode dives deep into what it truly means to…
Breaking Through Darkness Trigger Warning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:29
Send us Fan Mail What happens when the people who should love you most become your greatest source of pain? In this raw and unfiltered Q&A episode, Dana and Victoria tackle the toughest questions about narcissistic famil…
Navigating Parenthood Through Laughter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:11
Send us Fan Mail Imagine a world where every special needs child feels like a superhero rather than someone who's different. That's exactly what we're creating with the Stucco Squad – our passion project unveiled in this…