A Contagious Smile Podcast

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The night the house gets quieter, life gets louder. We open the door to Dad after he loses his wife and talk candidly about what it means to fold a parent into your daily rhythm—care, meals, jokes, horror-movie nights, and the steady work of making someone feel safe again. That warmth sits beside hard-won lessons on planning: why every family needs a last will and testament, a living will, and powers of attorney before the phone rings with bad news.

We unpack the human side of crisis management—how paperwork is a...

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What if the most meaningful gift you give this year is your story? We’re opening our arms to two big projects fueled by real life and real heart: Beyond the Limb, a practical, compassionate course for new amputees, and Not Defined By My Diagnosis, a community-built book featuring unedited stories from parents and caregivers of special needs kids. Both efforts spring from lived experience—the weight of a prosthetic that doesn’t fit a rebuilt shoulder, the sting of public stares, the everyday work of turning overwhelm into agency—and from a stubborn...

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Some stories crack you open in the best way. This conversation with Muck Sticky blends raw honesty, laugh-out-loud moments, and a deep well of heart—from Cookie’s courage through major dental surgery to a life lesson stitched into pajama pants that became a personal promise: be comfortable in your own skin and stop bending for strangers. We trace a DIY music career built on personal responsibility, boundary setting, and a belief that joy isn’t an accident—it’s daily work.

We go inside the pajama origin story, why shock can be a t...

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Truth doesn’t whisper—it arrives with fire, humor, and a plan. We kick things off with a preview of our upcoming conversation with Muck Sticky, whose out‑loud joy and off‑the‑wall songs remind us that laughter can be a lifeline. From there, we move into the hard, necessary talk so many of you ask for: how to spot narcissistic patterns, cut toxic ties without guilt, and build a home that stays drama‑ and trauma‑free. If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much” for telling the truth, you’ll feel seen here.
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A single phone call flipped our week, our plans, and our priorities—and taught us how “having a will” can still leave a family drowning in decisions. We open the door to our real-time experience of sudden loss: caring for Dad, sorting thirty years of collectibles, and navigating the awkward surge of relatives who appear for stuff but not support. From stocking a pantry to turning down sheets so a walker can slide in, we trace the small acts that bring dignity back, then get practical about the paperwork that actually reduces stress.

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Have you ever been silenced for speaking your truth? Join us for an intimate conversation about breaking through barriers and finding your voice even when others try to quiet it.

Victoria reveals the surprising backlash to her evidence-based book "Dark Dark Who's There," including a cease and desist letter despite her careful steps to change names and redact identifying features. As the black sheep in a narcissistic family system, she shares how speaking truth often makes you "the dangerous one" they try to silence - a reality many of our listeners...

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What happens when the world suddenly goes silent on one side? Victoria's recent ear surgery has left her completely deaf in one ear, forcing her to navigate a new reality where simple interactions become profound challenges. In this raw and emotional episode, we take you through the journey of adaptation and resilience that follows a life-altering medical procedure.

The moment hits hardest at a store checkout when Victoria can't hear the cashier speaking to her deaf side. It's a stark reminder of what life will be like moving forward—a reality ma...

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Three years after losing her limb, Victoria marks her "FU anniversary" with a raw, unfiltered conversation about survival, resilience, and finding your voice after trauma. This special edition podcast takes listeners on a deeply personal journey through narcissistic family dynamics and the challenging path of the family "black sheep."

Victoria shares exciting news about her new anthology "Dear Silence You Lost, We Get the Last Word" – a powerful collection of survivor stories from around the world. This international gathering of voices breaks the silence surrounding abuse in all its forms: emotional, ph...

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What would you do if you witnessed a violent attack in public? Would you step in to help, or freeze in the moment? This raw, unfiltered conversation begins with Michael and Victoria discussing a disturbing video of a random stabbing at Walmart, questioning why bystanders failed to intervene when they had the power to stop the threat.

The couple doesn't shy away from difficult topics as they share their perspectives on self-defense, situational awareness, and the Good Samaritan Law that protects those who step up in dangerous situations. Their passion for...

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When doctors told us to call a priest because our daughter wouldn't make it through the night, we refused to accept that fate. Through dozens of surgeries, kidney failure, and countless medical interventions, we fought alongside Faith as she battled for her life. Today, she's not only thriving but hitting bullseyes at the shooting range during her recent birthday celebrations.

This episode takes you on an emotional journey through Faith's remarkable story – from her joyful birthday weekend complete with bowling adventures and her first-ever experience firing a real gun, to the he...

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When we talk about domestic violence, the most damaging question survivors hear is "Why didn't you just leave?" In this raw and powerful episode, Victoria and Michael pull back the curtain on this misconception, sharing stories from their upcoming book project "Dear Silence, You Lost."

Victoria reveals a particularly moving submission from a child who once resented their mother for staying in an abusive relationship, only to later understand that leaving might have meant losing the protection their mother provided. This perspective shift challenges the judgment many survivors face and highlights...

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What happens when survivors of domestic violence finally break their silence? In this raw, powerful episode, we unveil "Dear Silence," our groundbreaking international book project launching this October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This collection will feature letters from survivors who've endured the unimaginable—giving voice to those who were told to stay quiet for far too long.

Behind every "why didn't you just leave?" lies a complex reality that most people fail to understand. We dismantle this harmful question by exploring the impossible choices victims face, particularly mothers who endure ab...

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The scars of domestic violence often remain long after the abuse ends. Victoria's story reveals the staggering physical toll—over 120 surgeries in nearly two decades with more to come—including an upcoming radical ear procedure that will leave her completely deaf in one ear. Yet despite never experiencing a pain-free day in almost twenty years, her positivity remains unshaken.

"If anyone has the reason to be like, screw the world, screw everybody in it...it would be me," Victoria acknowledges. "But I'm not going to let that piece of crap win." This...

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When Victoria speaks of making a deal with the devil to protect her unborn child, you understand immediately this isn't an ordinary story of survival. Having endured over 100 surgeries resulting from brutal domestic violence, Victoria Cure has transformed unimaginable trauma into a mission that defines resilience in its purest form.

"How much more do I have to give?" It's the question her daughter asked during a life-threatening hospitalization, and now Victoria finds herself wondering the same as she faces complete hearing loss—a cruel twist for someone who was once a ma...

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The "We Built This" global summit created a powerful space where survival transforms into thriving. Hosted by Victoria Cure, domestic violence survivor and founder of A Contagious Smile, this event brings together an extraordinary collection of voices who've turned their deepest wounds into wisdom.

Susan O'Mallan introduces her groundbreaking Thriver's Own Motivational Model, addressing the critical gap between crisis intervention and truly reclaiming joy after trauma. Carrie Blazer reveals the surprising connection between emotional pain and enlightenment through physics principles that explain how our darkest valleys create momentum for our greatest...

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The anticipation is palpable as Victoria Coure and Michael dive into their latest episode, announcing that their upcoming webinar has generated remarkable interest, and their global speaking opportunities have sold out in record time! This success comes alongside features in over 50 media publications, including two fresh magazines that arrived just that day: Podcastars and Equubator. Perhaps most exciting? They’re featured in Women’s Weekly with none other than Adele gracing the cover.

Behind their growing platform lies a passionate commitment to accessibility. Victoria reveals that neither of them has taken a pa...

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What happens when life throws everything at you - traumatic brain injury, severe mental illness, chronic pain, and profound loss? Kurt Wagner's answer might surprise you: you become stronger.

After a catastrophic assault left Kurt with a broken vertebral artery, blood poured onto his brain for approximately eight hours. Doctors gave him last rites, believing he wouldn't survive. The injury destroyed 40% of his neurons, including the left side of his cerebellum. When Kurt miraculously woke from his coma, he couldn't walk, talk, or even reach for a cup. His left vocal...

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"You're not your diagnosis, you're not your condition." These powerful words come from Victoria, founder of A Contagious Smile and survivor of extreme domestic violence that has left her with titanium throughout her body, one arm amputated, and now facing complete deafness.

Victoria's story isn't just about survival—it's about transformation. After enduring over 100 surgeries resulting from brutal abuse during her pregnancy 19 years ago, she channeled her trauma into creating a platform that advocates for special needs families and domestic violence survivors. Despite ongoing medical interventions that would break most people's sp...

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Ever wondered what happens when someone refuses to serve your child with a medical condition? Victoria and Michael share a raw, unfiltered account of standing up to a McDonald's manager who denied their daughter food despite knowing her medical needs. This powerful confrontation highlights the fierce advocacy that defines their approach to life and healing.

The couple dives deep into narcissistic relationships, particularly within families, revealing how narcissists view people as possessions rather than individuals with inherent worth. "The biggest fear a narcissist has is the truth," Victoria explains, "because the...

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Some heroes wear uniforms, while others create sanctuaries for healing. In this powerful conversation, we meet JJ, founder of Ripple Retreat and a veteran with 27 years of military service who transformed his own trauma into a mission of recovery and hope.

After surviving four close calls during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, JJ faced another battle with alcoholism that nearly ended in suicide. Standing atop an Australian high-rise ready to jump, a sudden memory of his fallen friend Commander Murphy Sweet became the intervention that saved his life. Now six and...

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We're thrilled to announce the launch of Contagious Smile Academy! This passion project represents years of experience transformed into over 100 practical courses designed to support trauma survivors, special needs families, veterans, and anyone seeking personal growth during challenging times.

The Academy features specialized collections including the Safe Haven Phoenix Center for trauma recovery, Stucco Squad for special needs support, Valor Circle for veterans, and our Social Media Playbook sharing how we've grown from zero to millions without a marketing team. What makes these courses unique is they're created by someone who...

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The raw power of lived experience drives everything behind A Contagious Smile, and in this candid episode, Victoria and Michael reveal exactly why they've dedicated their lives to supporting abuse survivors. Fresh off receiving three prestigious awards—including Best Transformative Trauma Advocate for Domestic Violence from Insider Weekly—the couple shares how their platform continues to expand through media features in the New York Times and Good Morning US.

Victoria delves into the darkest moments of her abuse survival story with unflinching honesty. "I can tell you that from someone who live...

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After Victoria's powerful interview about surviving domestic violence became the podcast's most popular episode ever, Michael and Victoria return with this crucial follow-up discussion diving deeper into practical escape strategies that saved her life.

Victoria shares the harrowing reality of living with a violent narcissist while pregnant with her daughter. "He testified that if he hit me once, he hit me 200 times," Victoria reveals, explaining how she made the agonizing choice not to defend herself—despite having two black belts in martial arts—to protect her unborn child. The daily terror incl...

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What happens when parents face the unexpected challenge of raising a child with different abilities? While some choose to run, others discover the most beautiful journey imaginable—one filled with unconditional love and unexpected lessons.

In this raw and honest conversation, Victoria and Michael tackle the painful reality of abandonment in families with medically complex children. Victoria doesn't mince words about fathers who leave when faced with a child's medical diagnosis: "You're beyond a coward, you're beyond a piece of shit for leaving that mother, your newborn baby, just because you do...

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The weight of trauma is perhaps best explained through a powerful metaphor: imagine holding a paper coffee cup. For a minute, it's nothing—lightweight, manageable. After an hour, it feels heavier. After days without putting it down, your muscles lock in place, exhausted from carrying something that initially seemed insignificant. This is precisely how trauma, fear, and resentment function in our lives.

June marks PTSD Awareness Month, and we're unveiling our new online academy featuring courses specifically designed for trauma survivors, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and others on healing journeys. Some co...

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Breaking free from the chains of domestic violence takes more than courage—it requires strategy, support, and hope. This raw, powerful episode features survivors sharing the methods they used to escape abusive relationships while living under the constant surveillance of their abusers.

From creative financial independence strategies to secret documentation methods, listeners will hear firsthand accounts of how survivors navigated seemingly impossible situations. "I would take documents to school," one participant reveals, describing how she gradually built her escape plan while maintaining a facade of no...

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We're back after a three-week hiatus, and there's a good reason for our absence. Victoria has undergone two additional surgeries, including a spinal implant for her Complex Regional Pain Syndrome that has miraculously reduced her pain by over 80%. As she puts it with characteristic humor, "I really should get free HBO at this point with all these things I have to plug in and out."

But just as life seemed to be settling into a healthier rhythm, we experienced what we can only describe as a "tsunami of toxicity" – multiple estranged fa...

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The overwhelming response to our podcast has shown us just how many people are silently struggling with the aftermath of narcissistic family dynamics. This episode dives deep into what it truly means to be the "black sheep" in a narcissistic family – not a flaw, but a superpower of truth-seeing that threatens those who rely on facades and manipulation.

We share a particularly moving story from a high school listener who reached out after realizing, through our podcast, that she wasn't broken or worthless as she'd been conditioned to believe. Her journey fr...

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What happens when the people who should love you most become your greatest source of pain? In this raw and unfiltered Q&A episode, Dana and Victoria tackle the toughest questions about narcissistic family relationships sent in by listeners desperately seeking answers.

The conversation dives deep into the psychological warfare experienced within toxic family systems—from feeling responsible for others' behavior to questioning your very right to exist. Both hosts share vulnerable personal experiences that reveal the universal patterns of narcissistic abuse, creating powerful moments of validation for anyone who's ever fe...

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Imagine a world where every special needs child feels like a superhero rather than someone who's different. That's exactly what we're creating with the Stucco Squad – our passion project unveiled in this heartfelt episode.

After celebrating my husband's first colonoscopy (yes, really – and men, this is your sign to schedule yours!), we dive into the exciting details of the Stucco Squad initiative. We're assembling incredible gift packages filled with specially selected items that are sensory-friendly and universally accessible. From silicone bracelets that can stay on during medical procedures to wooden "pocket hugs...

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When a narcissist targets you for abuse, they reserve a special kind of cruelty that no one else sees. This powerful episode pulls back the curtain on narcissistic abuse through raw, firsthand accounts that validate what countless survivors experience behind closed doors.

Dana and her co-host courageously share their personal journeys through narcissistic relationships, revealing how these master manipulators present a charming face to the world while systematically destroying their victims' sense of reality, self-worth, and safety. They discuss Dana's revealing book "Narc Narc, Who's There?" which documents through text messages...

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The unexpected viral success of our podcast has revealed a disturbing truth: millions of people recognize the nightmare of narcissistic abuse. While gratified to reach so many, we're heartbroken that our stories resonate with such a vast audience.

This episode takes a dark turn as we explore the shocking reality of narcissistic retaliation. Dana shares a chilling recent incident where someone targeted her daughter Faith's medical insurance shortly after our podcast gained popularity—calling to cancel coverage for a child who nearly lost her life earlier this year. This perfectly demonstrates ho...