Rising From The Ashes; Love, Knives, And Courage

Rising From The Ashes; Love, Knives, And Courage

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 February 16, 2026 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 strength in secret, how evidence dismantles gaslighting, and how family love can turn scars into story. Along the way, we celebrate the unexpected: a message from a Chicago PD favorite, a new book rolling out, and the steady belief that protection and loyalty aren’t just TV trop...

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
Home Depot Dad Moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:01
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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…