When Blood Isn't Thicker Than Water

When Blood Isn't Thicker Than Water

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 August 25, 2025 Duration: 1:02:14
Send us Fan Mail What would you do if you witnessed a violent attack in public? Would you step in to help, or freeze in the moment? This raw, unfiltered conversation begins with Michael and Victoria discussing a disturbing video of a random stabbing at Walmart, questioning why bystanders failed to intervene when they had the power to stop the threat. The couple doesn't shy away from difficult topics as they share their perspectives on self-defense, situational awareness, and the Good Samarit...

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
You Can Rebuild Safety With Small Daily Steps with Guest Joshua Hess [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:40
Send us Fan Mail Somebody can be sitting in an urgent care exam room with bruises, fear, and an abuser answering every question and still have no clear way to say, “I’m not safe.” We go there, plainly and practically, wi…
We Tried To Help His Dad And Uncovered A Nightmare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:10
Send us Fan Mail He’s supposed to be “Dad” and he’s supposed to be safe. Then one phone call turns into months of ambulance rides, doctor appointments, opioid red flags, and a home that slowly stops feeling like home. We…
Teaching Responsibility Without Shame [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:04
Send us Fan Mail Responsibility sounds like a boring word until life makes it personal. We kick things off with a question we’ve all wrestled with: how do you actually teach responsibility, especially to teens, without t…
How A Couple Protects Joy From Outside Drama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:09
Send us Fan Mail People love our chemistry and our laughter, but we don’t pretend life is perfect. We keep our home “drama trauma-free” by choice, even when outsiders try to pull us into mess, guilt, or old family patter…
From A Scare To A Smile With Lessons On Health Love And Healing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:45
Send us Fan Mail A Sunday lands us in the emergency room, and somehow it starts with a “gunshot wound” joke and ends with one of our most honest conversations yet. We walk you through what happened, what helped, and why…
From Picture Books To Magazine Covers With A Survivor Advocate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:12
Send us Fan Mail A lot can happen in one night at our house: a hurting back, a clean bedroom victory, a few laughs we didn’t plan on, and the kind of deep parenting truth that only shows up when you stop pretending life…
What If Healing Is Control You Take Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 att…
What Protects A Victim When Power Looks The Other Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:34
Send us Fan Mail A toga on the cover and a chiropractor who sends Michael flying might sound like pure chaos, but the laughter is only the doorway. We use that breath of humor to step into what really matters: building a…