This Is What It Takes: Mental Health Care That Listens with Special Guest Rebecca Tuoni. Unbreakable Caregivers

This Is What It Takes: Mental Health Care That Listens with Special Guest Rebecca Tuoni. Unbreakable Caregivers

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 May 13, 2026 Duration: 1:02:22
Send us Fan Mail When trauma survivors stop seeking help, the system has failed. Michael Mackniak and Victoria Cuore share how retraumatization in healthcare and mental health settings can silence the very people who need support most—and what we learned about rebuilding trust in recovery. A raw conversation on surviving systems that don't listen, and finding providers who actually do. The fastest way to feel powerless is to sit in a hospital room while someone talks about your child like a “...

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: 50

A Contagious Smile Podcast
Podcast Episodes
A Private Message From Grandparents And A Skeptic’s Reaction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:47
Send us Fan Mail One conversation can shake your certainty, even if you’re the type of person who normally needs proof. We sit down and tell the story of meeting Danielle, a therapist who is also a medium, and why what s…
When A Stranger Shares A Dark Secret [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:21
Send us Fan Mail A guy offers to help us move a table and chairs, and for a few minutes it feels like a normal neighborly moment. Then, out of nowhere, he mentions multiple felonies and casually claims he got caught tryi…
Miracles, Caregiver Resilience, and Showing Up with Amir Arison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:44
Send us Fan Mail Domestic violence recovery and caregiver resilience aren't one-time breakthroughs; they're built day by day. This week, we sit down with actor Amir Arison to explore what it really takes to keep showing…
The Power of Unscripted Healing | Trauma Survivors Talk Real [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:00
Send us Fan Mail Michael and Victoria reveal why A Contagious Smile stays unscripted on purpose, because trauma recovery and caregiver resilience stories can't be rehearsed. Discover how lived experience teaches what tex…
Creating Safe Spaces for Abuse Survivors | Support Systems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:39
Send us Fan Mail Healing from trauma and abuse doesn't happen alone. In this episode, we explore how to build and access real mental health support networks designed for abuse survivors and caregivers. Discover practical…