Why We Go Off Script And Talk Real Life

Why We Go Off Script And Talk Real Life

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 4, 2026 Duration: 43:00
Send us Fan Mail A show can be funny and still hit like a truth bomb. Michael and Victoria keep Contagious Smiles unscripted on purpose, because real life doesn’t come with neat transitions, and neither does healing. We talk openly about why our conversations move the way they do, what “anything goes” really means, and why lived experience can teach things no textbook touches. From there, we get serious about mental health support for first responders. We’ve seen what trauma does after...

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
Five Packs Of Grits And A Side Of Reality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:03
Send us Fan Mail A blood test can be louder than any argument, and we start there: Michael’s A1C comes back at a 9, and suddenly “I’ll deal with it later” is not an option. We talk candidly about diabetes, cravings, and…
Friending: A Real-World Cure For Loneliness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:45
Send us Fan Mail Loneliness doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes it looks like a full contact list, nonstop group chats, and a Friday night with nobody to actually meet. We sit down with Gaborg, co-founder of Frie…
The Man Behind the Badge joins us with special guest Eric Robinson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:04
Send us Fan Mail A lot of people want the wild FBI stories. We wanted the part that lingers after the story ends, what the work does to your nervous system, your faith, your marriage, and your view of other people. Forme…
Coffee Beans, Misheard Words, And A Very Honest Marriage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:18
Send us Fan Mail A Broadway-directing Hollywood powerhouse drops in, tells Michael he’s flat-out wrong about being “bad at podcasting,” and then takes it further by reading Faith’s poem on air. That single moment cracks…
How Narcissistic Parents Lose Control When You Heal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:32
Send us Fan Mail Some people don’t hate you because of what you did. They hate you because you healed, and now they can’t control you. Tonight we get honest about narcissistic parents, the scapegoat role, and that gut-pu…
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…