Dare To Share Your Untold Story

Episode 128: Radical Self-Awareness: She Reclaimed Her Power

Jennifer was raised to be strong and independent—and she carried that identity proudly. As a critical care nurse, she believed she knew the answers to what it meant to be healthy and well. But life had other lessons waiting. Her journey shifted in 2002, when her second son suffered a massive neonatal stroke just one hour after birth. The experience awakened her to the many gaps in the healthcare system and inspired her to begin bridging those gaps through energy work, nutrition, and exercise. Several years later, on the same day she discovered she was expecting her fourth child, Jennifer learned that her third son—then just two-and-a-half years old—had been diagnosed with high-risk leukemia. Between caring for her children, managing her family, and supporting a husband working long surgical hours, Jennifer's own health began to unravel. She experienced panic attacks, migraines, digestive issues, and chronic tension. She describes years of giving endlessly—until there was nothing left to give. In 2010, a medical episode that presented as a stroke but was later diagnosed as an atypical migraine became her wake-up call. Jennifer recognized the lifelong pattern she was living out: the giver who never learned to receive. It was the turning point that pushed her to let go of perfection, learn to ask for help, and honour her limits. She began to say yes to herself, to rest, to reset, and to redefine what strength truly means. Her story is one of radical self-awareness—of learning that being enough does not mean doing it all, and that real power often lies in the pause. Her key message to the listeners of the show is: You are so much stronger than you think you are, and then you rise; give yourself permission to pause, there is so much power in that pause; it's okay to not to be okay, you are not broken, it is information that you are out of balance, so show up for yourself now.     Guest Bio: Jennifer Wren Tolo, known as "The Soul Connector," is a former critical care nurse turned award-winning health and wellness educator, transformational life coach, and sought-after speaker. She empowers women to move beyond survival mode and reclaim their happiness, health, and power. Inspired by navigating life-threatening illnesses with two of her four sons, Jennifer created her signature method, the "ABC's of Stress Management," helping clients reconnect with their inner voice and the wisdom of their soul. A bestselling author and Adjunct Professor at Endicott College's School of Nursing, Jennifer teaches Holistic and Complementary Approaches to Health and Healing. She holds both BSN and Master's degrees and is certified as a Whole Health Educator and Patient Advocate, Personal Trainer, Reiki Master, and in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Jennifer is also the host of the Simple Awakenings Podcast, an executive contributor to BRAINZ magazine, and has been featured in Women's Journal, US Business Insider, and on FOX and ABC News.   URL for shoutout: https://wish.org/ Make-A-Wish Foundation – an organization devoted to bringing hope, joy, and life-changing experiences to children facing critical illnesses, offering moments of light and possibility when families need it most.   Where to find me: Website: https://jenniferwrentolo.com Instagram: Instagram@Jenwrentolo LinkedIn: hLinkedin @Jennifer-tolo-RN-MA Facebook: Facebook @jenwrentolo Pillar.io/ Links: https://pillar.io/jenwrentolo   

Episode 127: A Bold Step Led Her to the Journey of Healing and Calling

Julie's story unfolds at the intersection of faith, identity, and self-compassion. Raised in a culturally and religiously conservative South Asian household, she grew up surrounded by clear definitions of what was right and wrong — spoken and unspoken rules that guided how one should live and belong. But how Julie was authentically wired didn't always fit those expectations. The tension between who she was and who she was told to be became an early internal struggle, one she learned to carry as if it were her fault. When Julie was ten years old, she lost her father in a tragic car accident that also involved her entire family. That loss created a rupture in family life — one that was never fully named, only absorbed. The family's way of coping became rooted in faith and community support, drawing strength from Christian teachings. While Julie deeply valued the beauty of faith, she also found herself questioning why prayer alone didn't always bring comfort. Each time she struggled, she thought she must not be doing enough, not believing enough, not honouring God enough. As life went on, those early beliefs resurfaced through new challenges. After marriage, Julie faced infertility — an experience that brought grief, isolation, and shame. She describes the pain of believing something was wrong with her, that she had somehow failed spiritually or personally. Surrounded by well-meaning voices telling her to "rely more on faith," she began to internalize guilt and self-blame. Eventually, Julie reached out for professional help and was encouraged to begin therapy — her first experience with talk therapy. There, she began exploring the grief of unrealized motherhood and the impact it had on her mental health, faith, and sense of purpose. She speaks openly about the destabilizing period of not knowing how to reconcile her loss with her spirituality, and how learning to connect with herself relationally became a turning point. Today, Julie continues her journey of growth and self-understanding. Through vulnerability, faith, and self-compassion, she is finding balance between her roots and her authentic voice. Her msg to the listeners of the show is: whatever you are experiencing or navigating is valid, have compassion with yourself; wherever you are stuck you have good reasons for that, more compassion you practice, the more you lean into authenticity and presence; engage presence in this way and it accelerates growth.     Guest Bio: Julie is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Connecticut and New York with advanced training in trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and evidence-based modalities such as Emotionally Focused Therapy, CBT, and DBT. She holds degrees from New York University, Rutgers University, and Seattle Pacific University, and brings over a decade of experience in both the fast-paced technology sector and clinical practice. Julie has supported individuals, couples, and families around issues including anxiety, depression, disordered eating, trauma, and premarital counseling.   Inspired in part by her own lived experiences, Julie has a deep passion for walking alongside women and couples navigating fertility challenges, racial trauma, and life transitions. She has facilitated support groups for sexual abuse recovery and divorce grief, and she remains committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where stories of struggle can be met with care and compassion. Today, Julie makes her home in Greenwich, CT, with her family and two rescue pups.     URL for shoutout: https://resolve.org/get-help/support-groups/     RESOLVE – an organization that offers fertility support through groups and resources available to individuals at little to no cost.   Where to find me: Website: Website juliehalltherapy.com  Instagram: julievhall01 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliehalltherapy/ Email: julie@juliehalltherapy.com

Episode 126: Moving Through the Storm and Rebuilding from the Rubble: A Story on Trauma, Resilience, and Renewal

Felicity's story is one of survival, silence, and rediscovery after enduring over forty years of physical, emotional, and mental abuse. At ten years old, she witnessed her father attempt to kill her mother with a crystal ashtray — a moment that changed everything and taught her to stay quiet, to shut down, and to carry fear as though it were part of her. Throughout her life, Felicity experienced repeated patterns of abuse. She grew up believing her worth was tied to endurance and her safety to silence — patterns rooted in a long line of generational trauma carried by her grandmother, her mother, and now, herself. Seventeen years ago, Felicity met the man who would later become her abuser. Ten years ago, she began her long process of recovery. In time, she remarried and started rebuilding, but this year brought another unexpected blow: a sudden divorce filing that reopened deep wounds. Living with C-PTSD, Felicity speaks about the exhaustion of being constantly triggered, mentally drained, and even told she was "too advanced" for the support she sought. She recalls being the child who ran to her mother's aid after the assault — an early pattern of caretaking that followed her through life. Now, she is learning to turn that same compassion inward and reclaim her sense of self. Through faith, surrender, and deep reflection, Felicity continues to transform pain into purpose. After years of surviving, she is finally discovering what it means to truly live and rebuild from the rubble with resilience and grace. Her key message to the listeners is: regardless of circumstances and what season of life you are in, you have the capability and power to redefine the narrative and life that you want — you don't have to be the person you were groomed into being; you can become the person you want to be.     Guest Bio: Felicity is an author and storyteller whose work explores resilience, transformation, and self-discovery. With authenticity and depth, she draws from personal experience and a deep understanding of the human spirit to empower others in their own healing journeys. Her voice resonates with those seeking inspiration, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose, making her not only a writer but also a guide for women navigating pivotal life transitions. She is the creator of She Is You, a brand and community for midlife women seeking connection, healing, and transformation. Known as a sisterhood of midlife warriors, this membership space is Felicity's passion project—helping women find support, strength, and lifelong friendships. A two-time international bestselling author, speaker, mentor, and coach, Felicity has rebuilt her life with courage and resilience, and now dedicates herself to helping other women do the same. Outside of her work, she enjoys time with her family, playing the cello, gardening, and reading.   URL for shoutout:  Invisible Warriors —The organization is dedicated to supporting and empowering women veterans, shining a light on their resilience and the unseen battles they continue to face with courage and strength.     Where to find me: Website: https://sheisyoumag.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felicity_nicole_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicity-nicole-6665b08a/ Links: pieces of me:  https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Me-Felicity-Nicole/dp/1913206521/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=V22HG5TB0B3A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MZCYTi7D4jSsSO0Aer9FB-YNMIuZf8cayqxYbiJS8C66tOCLEXmeuUZlW6PeU0NfsXmciy1Tw76kiDWuL-ZBOyI_C_jj7MjE3C1xZp1d1NY.LjFf_4OsCo1mFaRgT0GWrmcjmkvjnUiIeRd_lJqMg1I&dib_tag=se&keywords=pieces+of+me+felicity+nicole&qid=1756851628&sprefix=pieces+of+me+felicity+%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1

Episode 125: The Silent Spiral: When Stage IV Cancer Became My Greatest Gift

In this deeply honest and transformative episode, Jenn Greenhut shares a story that began in quiet emotional suppression and perfectionism—and evolved into a journey of awakening, trust, and healing. As a young elite gymnast training for the Olympics, Jenn was conditioned to dismiss her emotions, believing that worth was only found through flawless performance. She trained intensely, travelled globally, and learned to disconnect from her needs—until a knee injury forced her out of the sport. That moment, she now says, was her body making the decision she couldn't. Years later, she poured her heart into building a family, enduring three rounds of IVF and facing the crushing weight of disappointment, self-blame, and loss. And just when she thought she had no more to carry, she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer—with no warning signs. The news shattered her. She feared she was dying, and her mental health sank into a quiet depression masked by outward functioning. But something shifted. When a compassionate doctor explained that becoming pregnant would have put her life at risk, Jenn realized that the very thing she had seen as a personal failure—infertility—was actually protecting her. What once felt like life punishing her was, in truth, it was life saving for her. That realization sparked a new lens of gratitude. She began leaning into what remained, rather than what was missing. She pivoted from fear to faith, from despair to trust. Cancer, she says, became her healer. She began to understand that even the darkest days hold the gift of being alive. Her story is a powerful reframe on survival, identity, and the internal superpowers we all carry. Her key message to the listeners is: life is always working out even if it feels it isn't; sometimes we just don't know why things are happening in the moments it is happening; always believe in the power of the thought that life is working for you—this will help you grow, learn, evolve to be your best self; you can bring yourself back to love and light.      Guest Bio: Jennifer Greenhut is a stage IV triple-negative breast cancer survivor, speaker, and author who discovered that love, gratitude, and trust were her greatest superpowers to heal. Her experience of becoming cancer-free just months after her diagnosis inspired her to create Pinch Me, a simple mindset practice that helps people stay present and remember that life is always working for them, even when it doesn't feel that way. She also co-authored Everyone Needs a Larry with her husband, sharing their journey of love, marriage, and resilience while navigating cancer together.   As the founder of Love, Zero Negative, Jenn built an intentional lifestyle brand dedicated to spreading love and igniting self-worth through fashion and advocacy. Through The Zero Negative Foundation, she supports cancer patients directly with its Chemo Love Tote program and contributes to cancer research. Whether through her writing, speaking, or foundation, Jenn is on a mission to turn negatives into positives, empowering others to embrace self-love, gratitude, and the possibility of healing.     Passionate about: Jennifer shares Love, Zero Negative—an intentional lifestyle and accessories brand designed to spark self-worth, empowerment, and love. Proceeds from every purchase go directly to The Zero Negative Foundation, which gives back to cancer patients through Chemo Love Totes and emotional support. After receiving so much support herself, Jenn created this brand to pay it forward and remind others they're never alone. Explore the mission: www.lovezeronegative.com     URL for shoutout:   Foundation: https://www.zeronegativefoundation.org | The Zero Negative Foundation       Where to find me: Website: https://www.lovezeronegative.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovezeronegative TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovezeronegative YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lovezeronegative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergreenhut/

Episode 124: The Silent Spiral: Walls Torn Down: A Story of Policing, PTSD, and Healing

In this raw and courageous episode, Glen opens up about the emotional cost of living behind the badge—sharing how years of witnessing trauma, bottling up pain, and keeping secrets from loved ones quietly unraveled his inner world. He speaks with striking honesty about the toll of suppressing his emotions to maintain a tough exterior, and how it led to walls of disconnection, impulsive choices, and a sense of losing himself completely. Glen describes how PTSD shaped his responses—through recurring nightmares, emotional shutdown, and what he calls "PTSD-influenced decisions" that felt like survival at the time but came at great personal cost. At one point, overwhelmed and unrecognizable to himself, he retreated to a cabin in the woods, using solitude and nature as the beginning of his healing. That time became a turning point—where he began to explore therapy outside the police system, gave up alcohol, turned toward movement and reflection, and began to do the deep work of tearing down his emotional walls. Glen speaks openly about the internalized "suck-it-up" mindset that left his nervous system in a constant state of dysregulation—and how self-accountability became the bridge between survival and growth. His story invites listeners to reflect on how unprocessed trauma can echo in every corner of life, and how healing begins with facing yourself, honestly and fully. His key message to the listeners is: Vulnerability is strength; communication is key—get your thoughts out and reach out to someone you trust. It is okay to talk, and it is okay not to be okay—that is the only way you are going to make it okay.       Guest Bio: For 26 years, Glen served as a police officer and detective in Salt Lake City, dedicating his life to protecting others and pursuing justice. Known for his tireless commitment and sharp investigative skills, he poured every ounce of himself into the role. But the demands of the job, along with years of exposure to traumatic events, took their toll. The cumulative impact of these experiences led to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), quietly consuming his life and shaping decisions that would ultimately leave him divorced, bankrupt, and struggling to recognize the man he once was.   Through hard-won accountability and deep personal reflection, Glen began the journey of reconnecting with himself and rebuilding his life. Today, he lives with a renewed sense of openness, honesty, and purpose, sharing his story to inspire others on their own paths of healing. His resilience, integrity, and hard-fought growth now stand as a testament to the strength it takes to face trauma and the hope that lies beyond it.     Passionate about: Glen gives special thanks to Impact Training—a personal development organization that helped him reconnect with his core self and begin the powerful work of emotional openness. Though the organization recently closed after 40 years of service, its legacy lives on in those it helped, including Glen, who credits the experience with helping him tear down walls he didn't know he'd built. He also invites listeners to explore his book, Bridging the Gap—a guide to navigating communication, relationships, and healing after trauma. amazon.com/bridging-gap-communications-relationships-traumatic/dp/1631955683 📘 Bridging the Gap on Amazon     URL for shoutout: Book-Bridging the Gap amazon.com/bridging-gap-communications-relationships-traumatic/dp/1631955683 📘 Bridging the Gap on Amazon     Where to find me: Website: www.gdubauthor.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/glenwilliams247 Facebook: www.facebook.com/glen-williams-3150 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/glen-williams-a9095b43 X- twitter.com/GDubauthor/status/145285188912?s=10 Documentary: Is There Something Going On at Home? https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29749930/