Welcome to an intimate episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, where we delve into a deeply personal journey of marriage, family dynamics, and the quiet weight of unrecognized trauma.

In this episode, we explore my husband’s story — raised by a devoted single father after his parents divorced, while navigating the emotional distance of a mother who was present only on weekends and largely unavailable. After losing his father to cancer at just 16, he moved in with his mother and stepfather — a man who barely tolerated him, offering little in the way of support or connection.

The loss of his mother years later to the very same cancer, and the absence of emotional acknowledgment or healing in between, left wounds that lingered into adulthood.

Together, we reflect on the generational and emotional impacts of this journey, and what it means to build a marriage when your earliest examples of love and security were fractured or missing. This is a conversation about grief, resilience, and learning how to show up for each other — even when no one showed up for you.

In this deeply moving episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, we explore the powerful story of Blanca Rodriguez, the remarkable founder of Wounded Healer LLC. Join us as we delve into Blanca's journey from a childhood marked by trauma and loss to a life dedicated to healing and transformation. Blanca shares her inspiring mission to help others through holistic life coaching, dance, and physical movement, revealing how she turned her pain into purpose.

Blanca opens up about the challenges she faced, including growing up with a mother affected by chronic mental illness and enduring multiple incidents of sexual assault. Discover how music and dance became her refuge, guiding her toward emotional and physical healing. The conversation highlights the importance of physical movement and open communication in overcoming trauma and fostering resilience.

Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that emphasizes the significance of seeking support and embracing life's journey as a dance. Whether you're experiencing a dark season or seeking inspiration, Blanca's story will leave you with a renewed sense of hope and determination to improve your quality of life, no matter where you are on your personal path.

Learn more about Blanca and Wounded Healer LLC:

www.woundedhealer.us

https://www.facebook.com/r.blancae

https://www.facebook.com/Woundedhealer1965

www.linkedin.com/in/blanca-e-rodriguez-58b20490

https://www.instagram.com/woundedhealer.blancae/

https://www.threads.net/@woundedhealer.blancae

https://www.tiktok.com/@woundedhealer.blancae?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/groups/964878995475822

In this episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, we are joined by CT Kaupp, the visionary behind the Mindful Soulpreneur (SPX). CT shares his journey from managing a website design business to embracing mindfulness as a transformative life tool. Discover how small, intentional shifts can bring profound changes to your life, breaking free from the autopilot mode that often accompanies our routines.

CT delves into the concept of the "Sunday Scaries"—the anxiety or dread often felt before the workweek begins—and offers practical advice to overcome it. Learn how integrating simple mindfulness practices can help you reclaim your energy and find joy, without the pressure of unrealistic expectations.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that challenges the traditional narrative of success and encourages a more balanced, mindful approach to living. Whether you're self-employed, working a traditional schedule, or just feeling stuck, this episode provides valuable insights to help you align with your true self.

Website: https://themindfulsoulpreneur.com/about/

In this episode of "A Slice of Empathy," the host welcomes Thomas R. Wilson, the visionary behind R&H Creative Advocacy and Storytelling. Thomas shares his transformative journey with neurodiversity and his mission to create inclusive, sensory-friendly events for neurodiverse and mental health communities. He inspires creativity, connection, and advocacy through storytelling, gaming, and mentorship. Join us as Thomas explores the power of storytelling in driving positive change and building empathetic communities.

Email: Ndttrpg@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-wilson-42762927b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhstorytelling/

Welcome back to a Slice of Empathy podcast, where we dive into meaningful conversations and personal growth. In this episode, we sit down with Michael Brook, a seasoned couples counselor and relationship coach, renowned for his ability to instigate rapid, transformative changes in relationships. Explore how Michael's no-nonsense approach guides couples from the verge of breaking up to rekindling love and mutual desire, addressing everything from emotional self-responsibility to the oft-misunderstood role of intimacy and desire.

Journey with us as Michael unpacks the natural stages and common challenges of long-term relationships, providing insights into overcoming infidelity, rebuilding trust, and understanding the dynamics of relationship happiness. Discover how maintaining intimacy, addressing personal accountability, and transforming conflict resolution skills can fortify your partnership.

If you're looking for actionable, transformative advice, or simply wish to understand the intricacies of a thriving relationship, this episode with Michael Brook is your guide to rekindling love and connection in the face of relationship challenges.

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In this episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, we delve into an inspiring conversation with Raymond Freitas, a modern-day mystic who has found true happiness while living with mental illness. Raymond shares his profound healing journey, initiated by a mental break at the age of 17, which he now understands as a response to a stressful childhood. Despite the challenges, he transformed his life into one of healing and empowerment.

Now a dedicated coach, Raymond helps others manifest their own miracles through his unique program that focuses on happiness, health, wealth, and the law of attraction. With a blend of energy healing and guided meditations, he empowers clients to embrace faith, healing, and abundance in their own lives.

Join us as we explore Raymond's wisdom, insights, and the transformative lessons he has learned along the way. This conversation offers a beacon of hope and an understanding of the power of faith and self-transformation.

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Welcome to a transformative episode of the "Slice of Empathy" podcast, where host Valerie engages in a compelling conversation with Brian Sachetta, the author of "Get Out of Your Head" book series. Focusing on the pervasive issues of anxiety and depression, this episode dives deep into practical strategies and personal insights to improve mental well-being.

Brian shares his personal journey through mental health struggles, enlightening listeners on how he developed actionable tools to tackle anxiety and depression. This episode also covers the impact of lifestyle choices and relationships on mental health, highlighting common misconceptions and offering vital advice.

If you've ever felt stuck in your thoughts or overwhelmed by life's challenges, this episode provides insightful conversation and helpful strategies to navigate these feelings. Tune in for a journey towards understanding and empowerment in your mental health journey.

Purchase Get Out of Your Head

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In this enlightening episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, guest Joselyn Rodriguez, a dedicated women's health clinician, shares her personal and professional journey through fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood. At 34, Joselyn transitioned from a child-free lifestyle to embracing parenthood, all while navigating the challenges of a demanding career as a doctor of physical therapy.

Joselyn delves into the pivotal role of pelvic floor health in conception and fertility, offering invaluable insights into how addressing abdominal and visceral scar tissue can enhance fertility outcomes. Through her candid storytelling, Joselyn also underscores the influence of physical health, stress management, and medical conditions on fertility.

Join us as we explore common fertility challenges women face, especially those planning motherhood later in life, and debunk misconceptions surrounding fertility and pelvic health. Whether you're on a fertility journey or seeking inspiration from a story of perseverance, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how a holistic approach and active support from partners can make a transformative impact on the journey to parenthood.