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In this episode of Shut Up and Smile, Nancy Kohne interviews author Tiffany Lauren about surviving a decade-long relationship with a narcissistic partner. Tiffany shares her journey through emotional abuse, manipulation, custody battles, and the challenges of co-parenting after leaving the relationship. She discusses how therapy, faith, education, and support helped her rebuild her life and turn her pain into purpose. The conversation offers hope, healing, and practical insights for anyone struggling in a toxic relationship, centered around Tiffany's empowering message: "Pain Taught Me Power."

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In this episode of Shut Up and Smile, Nancy Kohne interviews author, speaker, and coach Anne Peshka, whose memoir Trauma Recycled chronicles her journey through adoption trauma, childhood abuse, addiction, grief, and healing. Anne shares how she transformed her life in her 50s, leaving an unfulfilling marriage, starting over, and discovering her true purpose.

The conversation explores overcoming limiting labels, moving beyond victimhood, finding strength through community, and turning pain into purpose. Anne emphasizes that healing is a choice, that our past does not define us, and that everyone has the ability to reinvent themselves. Her powerful message to listeners is simple: You are not alone, and no matter where you are in your journey, it is never too late to create a life you love.

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This episode of Shut Up and Smile features stress management expert and seven-time Amazon best-selling author Lolita Guarin, who shares her personal journey from immigrant entrepreneur to burnout survivor. After a life-threatening health crisis caused by chronic stress, Lolita began exploring the deeper roots of stress, including childhood trauma, people-pleasing behaviors, and growing up in an alcoholic household.

Throughout the conversation, Nancy and Lolita discuss how early life experiences shape stress responses, the importance of setting boundaries, and why many women struggle with guilt when prioritizing self-care. Lolita introduces her "CALM Process"—Control, Acceptance/Appreciation, Limit what doesn't work, and Multiply what does—to help people identify stress patterns and create healthier habits.

The episode offers practical insights into managing overwhelm, breaking generational cycles of stress, improving relationships, and learning to care for yourself without guilt. It is an inspiring discussion about resilience, healing, and finding balance in a fast-paced world.

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In this deeply personal episode of Shut Up and Smile, Nancy Kohne sits down with personal growth coach Nina Thiara to discuss healing from trauma, emotional overwhelm, and disconnection from self. Nina shares her powerful journey from an arranged marriage and years of depression, anxiety, and chronic health issues to discovering emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and self-leadership. Together, Nancy and Nina explore the connection between trauma and physical illness, the importance of boundaries, journaling, sitting with emotions, and learning to truly listen to the body. This heartfelt conversation is an inspiring reminder that healing is possible and that women deserve to reclaim their voice, energy, and peace.

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In this heartfelt and deeply empowering episode of Shut Up and Smile, host Nancy Kohne sits down with licensed clinical mental health counselor and author Margaret Bryden to explore the connection between poetry, trauma healing, self-expression, and resilience. Margaret shares her unconventional journey from studying linguistics and working in HR leadership to becoming a therapist and author of How I Understand It: A Bad Poet’s Guide to Mental Health and Resilience.

The conversation centers around the healing power of “bad poetry” — a concept Margaret uses to encourage authenticity over perfection. She explains how poetry creates a safe space for people to process trauma, untangle emotions, and reconnect with themselves without the pressure of being polished or perfect. Together, Nancy and Margaret discuss how trauma fragments a person’s ability to form a coherent narrative, why shame often teaches people to stay silent, and how creative expression can help rebuild emotional safety and self-trust.

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In this episode of Shut Up and Smile, host Nancy Kohne speaks with Adriene Caldwell, author of 'Unbroken Life Outside the Lines.' They discuss Adriene's journey through trauma, her experiences in foster care, and the impact of her childhood on her adult life. Adriene shares her motivations for writing her book, the importance of healing, and the power of storytelling. The conversation emphasizes resilience, personal growth, and the significance of making amends in the healing process.

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In this conversation, Nancy, Keery and Margaret discuss the complexities of dating, particularly focusing on the challenges women face when navigating relationships with narcissists and emotionally abusive partners. They explore the importance of recognizing green flags, understanding the difference between nice guys and good guys, and the significance of self-love and boundaries in fostering healthy relationships. Margaret shares her personal experiences and insights on healing from trauma, emphasizing the need for women to step back and allow men to pursue them, while also highlighting the dangers of emotional manipulation. The discussion culminates in a powerful message about the journey from brokenness to empowerment, encouraging women to seek support and prioritize their well-being.

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In this powerful episode of Shut Up and Smile, your hosts Nancy and Keery sit down with Margaret Stone—a licensed clinical therapist turned no-nonsense dating coach for women. Margaret specializes in helping women break free from toxic relationship cycles, including narcissistic abuse, love bombing, and anxious attachment.

With her signature tough-love style, Margaret walks us through her non-negotiable coaching framework, sheds light on the red flags too many women ignore, and explains how feminine power is key to reclaiming emotional freedom. From healing childhood wounds to navigating modern dating with clarity and confidence, this episode is packed with real talk, relatable insights, and empowering truth bombs.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a pattern of “dating the wrong men” or questioned whether lasting love is still possible after trauma—this conversation is for you.