What If Healing Is Control You Take Back

What If Healing Is Control You Take Back

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 March 9, 2026 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 attention, favors, even faster restaurant tables. That’s not quirky family drama; it’s exploitation. We talk through the damage it causes, how to set boundaries that actually hold, and the real-world signs that tell you it’s time to pull the plug on access. From there we get pra...

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
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…
From Teacher to Griever | How Katie Rizzo Survived Opioid Loss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:05
Send us Fan Mail One phone call. One prescription. One life split into before and after. Katie Rizzo, a former AP biology teacher, lost her firstborn son, Nicholas, to opioid addiction and overdose. In this raw conversat…