Watch Us Thrive

🚨Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of domestic violence & healing from past trauma. Please listen with care + seek support if needed.
I'm back this week with another solo episode and I'm diving deep into a personal breakthrough I experienced just recently.
This breakthrough confirmed just how far I've come in my healing journey.
If you've ever questioned your growth or wondered what true healing feels like, this episode is for you.
In this heartfelt conversation, I reflect on realizing that I'm no longer emotionally tied to my past trauma with my most recent abusive ex...

Season 4 of the Watch Us Thrive Podcast is here, and I’m so excited to kick off this new chapter with you!
This season marks a fresh direction for the show, blending powerful solo episodes where I share my personal growth journey with impactful guest interviews that will leave you inspired.
As I step into this new space, I’m committed to deeper, more vulnerable conversations about healing, self-discovery, and stepping into your power. 
In this season opener, I’m reflecting on my own growth and the lessons I’m carrying into 2025.
I’ve learned so...

Have you ever been cheated on?
If you’ve experienced the pain of infidelity, you know how deeply it can cut.
For the final episode of Season 3 of Watch Us Thrive, I’m joined by Affair Recovery Coach Briaina Latrice to have an honest conversation about infidelity, emotional abuse & what it takes to heal after cheating.
As a captivating TED speaker, podcast host, author of "Healing the Heart From Infidelity" & a Certified Affair Recovery Coach, Briaina shines as a trusted guide for women navigating the challenging journey of healing after infidelity.
With first-hand experience in dealing with i...

Angela Morris is a survivor, advocate, and the CEO of Embody Her—a movement empowering women who’ve been through trauma, addiction, abuse, and more.
Using her own journey, she’s turned pain into purpose, creating products and resources to help women step out of survival mode and into their power.
Angela’s platform is all about connection and transformation, with the upcoming Confessions From a Hauté Mess™podcast sharing real conversations about trauma, healing, and growth. She’s also launching Ask Angela—HER Community for Candid Conversations, a safe space for support and empowerment.
Angela is all about real...

At 35, Krista Dykes, a busy music industry publicist and new mom, often wished for support from another working mom who understood her struggles. Inspired by her own journey, she launched Secret Mom Hacks to be that resource for new parents.
A Phi Rho Pi Gold Award winner in Persuasive Speaking and a seasoned communications professional, Krista shifted in February 2023 from media relations to full-time mompreneur, officially launching her podcast on March 1, 2023.
Through her podcast, she aims to pay it forward to parents who feel like she did as a first-time mom.
In this episode, Krista shares her...

Trigger warning: This episode mentions domestic violence. Listener discretion advised.
This episode wraps up my month-long series for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I’m so excited to have the National Domestic Violence Hotline sponsoring this episode.
It’s been a powerful month of sharing survivor stories, raising awareness & providing resources.
In this episode, we’re diving into the incredible work The Hotline is doing to support those impacted by domestic violence and how they’re helping people take steps toward safety & healing. Allow me to introduce today’s guest, Melissa Dolak-Keller.
With 8+ years of experie...

Tatiana Szulc is a Latina and first-generation trauma therapist. With 8+ years of experience, Tatiana has a background in Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented approach to healing trauma.
As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, she works directly with the nervous system, carefully tracking physiological cues of Fight, Flight & Freeze, and gently guiding clients through these survival responses to help restore balance.
She believes that nervous system regulation is essential & healing trauma can break generational cycles and uncover inner wisdom. Her sessions prioritize creating a safe, compassionate environment where clients can heal deeply and effectively. You can follow Tatiana on I...

Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.
Dr. Dionne Greaves is a Business Lifestyle Strategist & Luxury Retreat Curator who helps high-achieving women excel beyond the boardroom by creating alignment in their faith, vision, values, and lifestyle. She’s also a Global Empowerment Speaker who has graced stages in Barbados, Mexico, the US, and the UK.
Dr. Greaves is also a 7x Author and the Visionary Author of “Top Secrets of A Successful Mompreneur”.
Through her transformative work as founder of The Mompreneur CEO, Dr. Greaves is a truste...

Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.
Qimmah M. Burgess, a native of New Jersey, is the Founder, CEO, Creator, and Host of the Pillow Talk with the Tea Podcast and the Founder of EmpowerHer Tribenation.
She's also a Plus Size Model, MC, Serial Entrepreneur, Curvy Ambassador for body positivity, Self-Love Confidence Coach & Motivational Speaker.
Her brands were created to inspire, motivate, and encourage others to become the best versions of themselves. Through her work, Qimmah challenges individuals to explore new opportunities, create unique paths within themselves, and approach...

Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.
In honor of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I'm dedicating this long overdue solo episode to a topic that hits close to home for me and so many others.
DVAM is all about raising awareness, supporting survivors, and highlighting the resources out there for anyone who needs them.
So, in this solo episode, I’m diving into Worst Ex Ever, the new Netflix documentary series that sheds light on intimate partner violence.
As a survivor myself, I’m shar...

Lisa D. is the Founder of Ella-Go, a mission to empower and uplift women. Her journey began with feelings of unhappiness, being overweight, and lacking a voice.
At 40, Lisa turned to running as a tool for empowerment, leading to significant weight loss and a healthier diet. However, the hardest part was learning self-love amidst numerous setbacks.
Despite these challenges, she built confidence and became the strong woman she is today.
As a former mental health therapist turned certified running and life coach, Lisa combines psychological insights with practical running expertise to guide women on their path to...

Mary Love is a molecular biologist, an advocate for abuse survivors, keynote speaker, writer, and spiritual frontrunner.
She founded Spiritual Atlas, a wellness & advocacy-based company. Through her business, she offers meditation workshops, yoga classes, readings & promotes wellness through bridging meditation with scientific principles of energy and vibration. 
Mary is also an author of 2 books—Borrowed Wings: A Memoir on Building Resilience, and a poetry essay collection on the Human Experience, that will be published by December 2024. She also co-authored Torchbearer Chronicles, where multiple authors share stories on how they light the way for others through experience & triumphs.
When...

Shawnti Refuge, the CEO of Shawnti Refuge Journals, is a Certified Mental Health Coach, Advocate, Speaker & Author.
She guides individuals in releasing, healing & living their best lives through guided journaling. Shawnti believes in shedding emotional baggage by addressing its root causes and facilitating natural healing. Inspired by her own life experiences, she’s created a series of self-care guided journals.
She has also penned a memoir entitled, “Quiet As Kept”, based on her personal mental wellness journey and co-authored a book entitled “Voices of Wellness: A Mental Health Anthology”, a powerful collection of stories that shatter the silence and stigma...

Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.
Erica Zendejas is a single mom of 2 who works in the veterinary profession. Recently, she started a podcast, Oquela Podcast, with her sister, Nicole.
Through that journey, Erica has met so many amazing people, one of them being the host of Watch Us Thrive. She received so much positive feedback from that episode that she felt inspired to share her story and advocate for those who have faced similar challenges of being a survivor of domestic abuse.
In this week’s episode, Er...

Caleb Harris is an author, blogger, filmmaker, poet, speaker and life and recovery coach. He is also the founder of Choosing Your Freedom a faith-based recovery coaching business.
Having conquered his own battles, Caleb envisioned a sanctuary where men could break free from the chains of addiction and discover their God-given purpose.
Through faith-based recovery coaching, Choosing Your Freedom endeavors to be a beacon of hope, inspiring men to find redemption, embrace their spiritual journey, and live a life in alignment with God's plan.
This week, Caleb shares his powerful journey of overcoming trauma and addiction. He hi...

Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised
Nancy Crespo-Richardson is a bicultural, bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about decolonizing therapy and the healing journey. She stays engaged with the latest healing practices for the community, ensuring she practices what she preaches.
Nancy takes a holistic approach that blends ancestral practices with strategies from western methodologies, creating a personalized experience for each client. She loves working with BIPOC and underserved communities, helping them heal and find freedom by reconnecting with their roots, exploring their identities, and discovering their voices...

*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised*
Justine De Peralta is a Certified Financial Educator & Money Coach, specializing in helping BIPOC women & domestic violence survivors develop the confidence & financial literacy skills needed to navigate difficult money situations.
Her commitment to supporting those in need started in 2007. She served at a local courthouse, helping people dealing with divorce, child custody & eviction. She realized that financial challenges and domestic violence emerge as the foremost factors for divorce.
After her own experience being in an abusive marriage, she knows firsthand what it's...

Carla Santamaria is a Honduran immigrant who more than doubled her salary in 10 months by job hopping from higher ed to healthcare to tech. She is now a career coach on a mission to help first gen women of color job hop to six figures while protecting their peace and actually enjoying their salary and their lives outside of work.
Since 2021, she’s helped her clients collectively increase their salaries by more than ½ a million dollars. She's also the host of The First Gen Coach Podcast, where first generation professionals learn to advance their career, unlearn limiting beliefs, and buil...

Mia J. Hanks is a survivor of narcissistic abuse. She was married to a covert narcissist for 29 years, and has taken her experiences and put them into a memoir titled Bride-Made.
Her book talks about her journey from being groomed by a narcissist, slowly realizing she was in a toxic relationship, and eventually escaped to reclaim her self worth.
Throughout her book, you'll learn how narcissistic behavior wears down the self esteem, self value, and identity of its victims. She hopes that her story can enlighten others and encourage awareness, and can help other victims of...

*Trigger warning: This episode discusses acts of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.*
Seth Gehle is a multifaceted individual whose journey embodies resilience, determination, and triumph. An accomplished ultra marathon runner, BJJ athlete, and avid weight lifter, Seth's dedication to physical excellence is matched only by his unwavering commitment to personal growth.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Seth has earned national recognition in the construction industry, garnering prestigious awards from esteemed organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders and the Home Builders Institute. As a US Army Combat Veteran hailing from a single-parent h...

*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.*
Evelyn Morrison is an entrepreneur, health and wellness advocate, sexual abuse survivor & life enthusiast. She seeks to empower individuals towards living a healthy balanced life through her meal prep service, EvesEats Meal Prep.
Through her trials and tribulations, she’s learned that taking care of herself first, physically, mentally, emotionally is such a crucial part of any healing process. With that, she seeks to share the same knowledge with others looking to heal from the inside first, then out.
In this powerful co...

*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic & gun violence. Listener discretion is advised*
Aisha Griffin is a resilient survivor whose emerged from the depths of domestic & gun violence to become an advocate for healing & change. Her life took a turn on a fatal night in 2012 when she became a victim of domestic violence that culminated in a gunshot wound that almost took her life.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Aisha found the strength to break free from the cycle of abuse + rebuild her life. She embarked on a journey of self-discovery, therapy & empowerment, reclaiming...

 Wendy Amara is a successful Latina Life & Business Coach, Trainer & podcast host of the YES MUJER BUILD IT Podcast. She specializes in coaching ambitious Latinas who want to reach big life, career and business goals. 
She is an expert at follow through, consistent action & managing your human mind while regulating your emotions. If you're feeling stuck, lacking clarity, or overwhelmed with your business or life, she is your coach. 
She has built a successful million-dollar coaching practice even through being diagnosed with Bipolar and ADHD in her 20's. She found that action-based coaching worked to move her brain into...

*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.*
Roxy Lynch is a scheduling & intraday analyst at a Fortune 500 company, an intuitive oracle & tarot reader, and a numerology expert. She is also the founder of Un Consuelo Perfecto, an organization that delivers Christmas gifts to seniors in honor of her late grandparents. Additionally, she hosts her own podcast, Roxx with Me. Roxy's journey through and beyond an abusive marriage has given her a unique perspective on the complexities of domestic violence and the path to healing.
This week, Roxy opens up about...

Candelaria (Cande) González is a 1st-gen Mexican-American Blogger & Life Coach. Her Siempre Evolving blog is all about self-development, positive growth & spirituality.
After ending a long-term relationship & engagement at age 35, Cande has committed to owning who she is with confidence and authenticity.
Cande is also a Life Coach for Latinas & WOC who are ready to drop the societal conditioning and live life on their own terms. Her mission is to do her part in helping raise the collective consciousness of the world!
This week's convo is all about starting over. Cande shares her own journey of starting o...

Angela Gentile is a former public school teacher turned social disruptor, entrepreneur, podcaster, speaker and badass unicorn. She’s also a professional hype woman and MC who uses storytelling to create impactful events, podcasts and workshops.
​Angela has been in the entertainment industry for over a decade and brings her talents in empathy, storytelling and epic energy to any event she does so that everyone can feel powerful, connected and know that they are part of something HUGE. Her belief that we deserve to show up in the world as a full, whole version of ourselves has resulted in a st...

Jannese Torres is an award-winning Latina Money Expert. She became an accidental entrepreneur after a job loss led her to create a successful Latin food blog, Delish D’Lites. Now, she helps her clients and listeners build successful online businesses that allow them to pursue financial independence and freedom. 
Jannese is on a mission to educate marginalized communities on topics like entrepreneurship, investing, and financial independence through her personal finance podcast, Yo Quiero Dinero.
Her brand new book, Financially Lit!, was published by Grand Central Publishing on April 30, 2024. Order your copy at fina...

*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.*
Kristine Santiago is a dedicated personal trainer, life coach, mental health and domestic violence advocate, & aspiring clinical mental health counselor.
With a deep passion for empowering women, she is determined to help them understand the root of their behavior & overcome psychological + emotional obstacles that hinder their progress toward achieving their goals.
Kristine faced a devastating tragedy during her 1st year of graduate school. Her best friend was tragically murdered by her abuser, her boyfriend, an act that shook Kristine to her core...

*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.*
It's been a HOT MINUTE since I've released a solo episode and now felt like the right time to speak up.
On today's episode, I'm discussing the recent video that came out of Diddy physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie. With my own personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence, I was fired up after that video came out.
I share my own thoughts around this entire situation along with the "apology"😒video that Diddy released a couple days later. But more impo...

*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.*
Paty Araujo is a single mom who started her rediscovery journey in 2018 after PPD & PTSD took a toll on her. She started therapy & meditation as a way to help her regain her true power.
She changed the way she viewed the world, changed her old beliefs, & continues to grow. She's here to be loud, speak her truth, & be a voice for those who need it.
As a sexual abuse & incest survivor raised with very traditional Mexican beliefs, she's breaking her generational cycle.<...

*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.*
Julie Dammar is a former Actress, Director & Producer turned Podcaster & Author of the book "Sink Full Of Dishes", a self-talk monologue that helps readers navigate the ins & outs of their inner critic. 
She began her journey of self-discovery in 2018 & later took her story to social media during the Covid-19 pandemic. During this time, Julie shared her experience of trying to heal from her trauma-filled childhood of physical, verbal & sexual abuse. 
Sharing her story has been instrumental in her healing process, not only in...

*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.*
Amber Summerz is a motivational speaker & entrepreneur. She supports and connects with individuals and organizations to bring transformation and awareness.
Her influence and story have touched the world and created a change. She coaches with passion in helping her clients find peace and resolution through her self-discovery methods.
With over 8 years of coaching experience, she has applied her experiences to her storytelling. She has brought change through her metamorphosis in life. 
On October 31, 2020, she lost her mother to a murder-suicide committed b...

Wen Peetes is an intuitive healing coach, author, mentor & speaker who helps driven women finally come home to peace with themselves and the freedom to live life on their own terms.
With her popular Instagram @rebelforaspell, Wen continues to expand her reach through her daily content and by sharing tools of transformation with tailored offerings including, her private 1-on-1 coaching program, VIP Retreat and her group mentorship program.
As a survivor of childhood abuse, Wen found herself trying to break free from the negative cycle that left her feeling stuck, helpless and hopeless. Through a series of life-changing...

Giovanna "Gia" Hernandez is the podcast host of Healing The Roots & an entrepreneur with a unique perspective shaped by her journey as both a trauma survivor and self-healer. She cultivates connections through love and empathy, using her voice to shed light on healing the inner child and navigating past traumas.
Through somatic movements and exercises, she intuitively guides others on their healing journeys, sharing insights with unwavering transparency and empathy.
This week on the show, Gia discusses the importance of healing from childhood trauma and embracing vulnerability. She bravely shares her experiences growing up in a chaotic & abusive...

Morgan Danielle is a Relationship Coach, IFS Therapist, NLP Practitioner, and founder of Empowered Femme. She has helped hundreds of women rewire their minds & heal the core wounds that were driving their toxic relationship patterns after experiencing (known or unknown) trauma. She empowers women to create a new relationship blueprint that allows them to release toxic relationship patterns and attract the healthy love they desire.
For many years, Morgan struggled with love, drug & alcohol addictions, codependency, depression, anxiety, PTSD, disorganized attachment, toxic & abusive relationships, and eating disorders.
But once she was able to heal from her past traumas...