SHARING OUT LOUD

40 Episodes
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By: Heather Danby

Looking for a new listen that combines the serious with the fun? One that offers REAL stories of hard life shit with educational information? Look no further than SHARING OUT LOUD, a podcast hosted by a sober woman who got tired of staying silent about her alcoholism and sobriety, and frankly, everything else in life. A woman who spent so much of her life being told she was "too much," "too aggressive," "too loud," and "polarizing," that she never allowed herself to be 100% true to who she was, until now. She decided it was time to start SHARING OUT LOUD...

The Silent Storm: Sam’s Story and the Hidden Toll of Menopause. A MUST LISTEN.
06/24/2025

 🔺 Trigger Warning:
This episode contains discussions of severe depression and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please know you are not alone—there is help, and there is hope. Resources can be found below❤️.

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In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we meet Sam—a bright, dependable woman whose life was turned upside down by a force few saw coming: menopause.

What started as a series of relentless UTIs spiraled into debilitating anxiety, insomnia, and eventually...


Revisiting One of the Most Powerful Conversations I’ve Had -----Becky Parker, Mindset & Marriage Coach.
06/18/2025

🎙️ Re-Release: A Must-Listen Conversation with Becky Parker

This episode is a re-release, but with a twist—it's a trimmed-down version that puts the spotlight right where it belongs: on Becky Parker. When I first recorded this, I was still finding my rhythm as a host (and probably talked a little too much 😅). Since then, I’ve learned a lot—and this conversation deserves to be heard with full focus on the absolute fire Becky brings.

Becky is a certified life success coach and practitioner, and her story hone...


From Darkness to Light: Kiki Hurwitt on Healing, Health, and Hope.
05/28/2025

RE-RELEASE! A shortened version of my amazing conversation with Kiki❤️


Kiki Hurwitt is an absolute powerhouse I discovered on the 'gram. I reached out to her because I wanted to hear the story behind the face in her “before” photos from 2020. What pushed her to take control of her health—her life?

What I wasn’t prepared for was the raw honesty of her journey—how her unhealthy relationship with alcohol began, and what it took to break free. I wasn’t prepared for a lot of this conversation, actually… but this is why I...


Midlife, Movement & the Magic of Not Giving Up -- with Amy Johnston of Amy Johnston Fitness
05/21/2025

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Sharing Out Loud — the podcast where we get real about life, change, and the stories we’re all living. Today, I’m sitting down with someone who embodies strength, drive, positivity, and a whole lot of real talk — the amazing Amy Johnston of Amy Johnston Fitness.

Amy is a certified trainer and nutrition coach based in Calgary, Alberta. But she doesn't just transform bodies, she helps women transform the way they think about their bodies, especially during the exciting chapter of perimenopause😘.

As someone navigating this life stage herself, Amy brings...


The Journey to Joy: Jillian Laudano on Overcoming, Thriving, and Giving Back.
05/07/2025

Welcome back to Sharing Out Loud, where real stories meet transformation, healing, and the power of the human spirit. Today, I have the absolute honor of introducing you to someone whose light and wisdom are as powerful as her story—Jillian Laudano.

Jillian is a certified Life Coach, Spiritual Practitioner, Energy Healer, Meditation and EFT Tapping expert, Speaker, and Sobriety Coach with She Walks Canada. She’s also a student of the incredible Jay Shetty. But more than her titles, Jillian is a true embodiment of hope, healing, and higher purpose.

She’s walked through some o...


"Breath: The Quiet Revolution" -- with Chelsea Powell
04/30/2025

Welcome to Sharing Out Loud! Whether you’re here for the 70th time or tuning in for the very first, I’m so glad you’re here. I hope you find this listening experience to be a breath of fresh air—a space where stories are shared with honesty, vulnerability, and heart.

Each episode features real conversations that remind us we’re not alone in our struggles or growth. Today’s episode is no exception.


"YOU WERE MEANT FOR MORE. YOU WEREN'T MEANT TO STAY SMALL"

Chelsea Powell (a re...


The Seekers Path -- In Recovery & In Bloom with Danya "Dani" Yusep
04/22/2025

Welcome to SHARING OUT LOUD—the space where stories unfold, healing begins, and art meets the soul. Today, we’re diving into a conversation with someone whose journey is anything but ordinary.

Danya is an artist, photo journalist, filmmaker, spice creator, and recovery advocate (in recovery herself from alcohol abuse and domestic violence) whose work speaks to the raw, unfiltered beauty of being human. She's a seeker of truth, a lover of the universe, and a storyteller who weaves her experiences into visual and emotional landscapes that move hearts and minds alike.

Whether she's behind the...


Breaking Boundaries and Leveling the Playing Field: A Conversation with Alexandra Bos on Courage, Creativity, and Writing Her Own Story
03/26/2025

In this empowering episode, I sit down (again) with Alexandra Bos, a true female badass. An author, a yoga teacher, and a chaser of knowledge, Alexandra is the epitome of not taking no for an answer.

In this episode, Alexandra shares her transformative journey from overcoming personal challenges to embracing sobriety, and how it has empowered her to push past glass ceilings. With her passion for wellness, she recently studied with Wim Hof, diving deep into breathwork and cold exposure, and using these practices to elevate her mind and body. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about...


Solo episode celebrating 6 years of sobriety!
03/20/2025

Six years ago today, I woke up after drinking once again—only this time was different. I knew I was done. I still had alcohol in my system, so I decided the next day, March 21, 2019, would be my first fully sober day. But today, March 20, was the day of my awakening.

Last night in the She Walks Canada coaching group, we talked about what it means to be sober and stay sober. For me, it has meant that every single day is hard work. Every day, I have to look deep within myself—not just to see what...


If you don't give up you never lose -- with Maddie Smith
03/13/2025

"Perseverance. We all deserve to be the best version of ourselves. Every day I try to do a little better or work a little harder".

-- Maddie Smith

Welcome MADDIE! Sober badass, mom, CrossFitter, military wife, and an incredible role model for anyone looking to remove alcohol from their life.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful journey of sobriety from a woman’s perspective. We discuss the societal pressures and expectations placed on women from a young age and how they influence our lives, especially motherhood. We explore the "mo...


Where in the world has Heather been?
03/05/2025

Hey everyone! It's been a minute since I last checked in, but definitely not for lack of wanting to be here! Life has just… well, life has gotten in the way. Over the past little while, I’ve been navigating the challenges of helping my parents move out of their home of 51 years, and transitioning my mom into assisted living to better manage her Alzheimer’s symptoms. It’s been a lot, but I’m still here, and I’m so grateful to have you all with me. I’ve got more content coming your way, so stay tuned—exciting things...


The Faces of Empowerment. Women, Beauty, and the Power of Aesthetic Enhancements...
02/05/2025

In this episode, three influential women—Alexandra Bos (author, yoga teacher, tech expert), Becky Parker (mindset coach/certified hypnotherapist, author), Tiffany Lee Gaston (women's fitness expert/model, author, athlete), share their journeys with aesthetic enhancements. From boosting confidence to embracing self-expression, we dive into the stigma surrounding beauty enhancements and discuss how these decisions can be empowering, transformative, and life-affirming. While some women may choose treatments for the wrong reasons, or take things to the "extreme", this conversation is an example that not all stories end up on an episode of "Botched."

We took to Instagram LIVE fo...


Shame is a lie and we need to remove it to believe our inherent value -- with Bronwyn Schweigerdt
01/20/2025

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom." -- Anais Nin

Bronwyn Schweigerdt is a licensed psychotherapist and host of the Angry at the Right Things podcast. In her work, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions, particularly anger, which is often repressed or disowned. She believes that emotions such as hatred and betrayal, if left unaddressed, can manifest as mental health issues like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or even psychosis.

Rather than focusing on fixing others’ problems, Br...


Finding yourself during & after addiction -- with Julie Kirschke
12/20/2024

Welcome Julie Kirschke! Thank you so much for being on Sharing Out Loud AND being a part of my own recovery journey through the She Walks Canada FREE WEEKLY Coaching calls.

From Julie:

Addiction is in the face of the girl next door, it can be in the computer lab with a tech specialist, it can be in the Principal's office, it can be at your Dentist, or in my case ..….. it was in the mirror.

I didn’t want to be an alcoholic, drinking was my favorite thing! 

...


Choosing to jump and soar -- with Rebecca Sekulich
12/12/2024

Rebecca! Where have you been all my life? If we had met in high school or college, we would have been fast friends, there is no doubt in my mind. And it might not have been a stretch seeing that Rebecca grew up in MI, summered "Up North" at family cabins/cottages (as I did and still do), and went to Michigan State, where several of my family members and friends have gone.

About Rebecca:
Rebecca's career is in real estate and home remodeling/construction, but her passion is people; how can she change...


Midlife and sobriety -- with Patti Palmer
12/03/2024

She's back! Ok, she never left! Our conversation went from menopause to sobriety all in one session so I decided to split it into 2 episodes. However, there is a big  connection between drinking and perimenopause (hint: they don't mix!).

Sober stories never get old because anyone struggling needs to know they are not alone, and the more stories we hear, the more we can confirm that there is power in the community.

If you are in the middle of a bad divorce or have gone through a bad divorce, this might be something you can r...


The importance of learning WHY you drink -- with Chrissy Janiga
11/25/2024

“Nobody realizes that some people extend tremendous energy merely to be normal.” -Albert Camus

Meet Chrissy Janiga, LCSW. Certified Alcohol-Free, Mindset, Success, Spirituality, and NLP Coach. Plus, she's an author and a Podcast Host (Soulful and Sober).

A little about Chrissy...

I often thought about not drinking. However, due to alcohol being normalized in our society and labels like alcoholic, I never got help.  I never identified myself as a problematic drinker. Years later, I realized you can stop anything that isn’t serving you.  Drinking impacted my health and brought on a lot...


Getting in the menopause drivers seat -- with Patti Palmer
11/21/2024

PART 1 of 2 with the amazing Patti Palmer.

Part 1: MENOPAUSE.

NO ONE IS COMING TO SAVE US! But by sharing our menopause stories, we can give you hope and, hopefully, the knowledge to arm you with confidence when speaking with your doctor.

What’s stopping you from taking control of your menopause health? Is it fear of Uncertainty? Maybe you think you don’t have enough time to focus on yourself.

Let me tell you, it’s never too late to take the reins and Patti talks to us abo...


Redefining Resilience -- with Malaysia Harrell
11/14/2024

Meet Malyasia Harrell, Founder of Blissful Life Consulting | Spiritual Transformation Coach | Mental Health & Wellness Advocate | Psychotherapist | Corporate Wellness Strategist & Consultant | Military Veteran | Keynote Speaker | Author | University Board Member | Philanthropist | Podcast Host.

WOW! That is a lot of accolades😲.

As a psychotherapist, coach, speaker, and veteran, Maylasia has observed how resilience has become a buzzword in our culture. While resilience is important, she likes to take a different approach with her clients and when speaking at events.

It was the life-altering event she experienced in 2020—a near-death encounter, that reshaped her entire persp...


Celebrating Resilience: The Journey of AnaLori Smith
10/30/2024

I’m excited to share a glimpse into the inspiring journey of my friend, AnaLori Smith, whom I met through the amazing free weekly sober coaching calls with SHE WALKS CANADA. Since January, I’ve come to know AnaLori as the beautiful, funny, intelligent, tiny queen she truly is. I really had no idea what her sober story entailed and I knew nothing of her early life.

During our sober calls, we often touch on personal stories, but it wasn’t until recently that I learned just how remarkable AnaLori’s journey has been. From the star...


Taking back your power during MENOPAUSE!
10/18/2024

Meet Katey Armstrong!

I was first introduced to Katey when she was on the YOU ARE NOT BROKEN Podcast with Dr. Kelly Casperson talking about Menopause and her experience with prolapse, (when 1 or more of the organs in the pelvis slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina). As soon as I started listening I knew I had to have her here on SHARING OUT LOUD because I too am experiencing menopause, AND I experienced prolapse as well (we think no one talks about menopause - NO ONE talks about...


HAPPY NATIONAL MENOPAUSE MONTH! LET'S BE LOUD AND PROUD!
10/16/2024

Celebrating National Menopause Month: Be Loud and Proud!

October is National Menopause Month, a time to spotlight a "natural phase" of life that affects half the population but often remains shrouded in silence. It’s time to break the stigma, embrace our journeys, and advocate for the care we deserve!

Why Go Loud and Proud?

Menopause is a significant transition that can bring a mix of physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Yet, it’s often talked about in hushed tones or avoided altogether. This secrecy can lead to misinformation, a la...


Do you really know what being codependent is? -- with Author & Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Sarah Michaud
09/26/2024

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dr. Sarah Michaud! You were an absolute joy to have on the podcast. quite literally PURE JOY!

Dr. Sarah is a clinical psychologistst who has worked in the field of addiction, recovery, and codependency for over thirty years. She began her career at a well-known psychiatric hospital outside of Boston and helped create the rehab program for a new residential center. Having achieved her sobriety from alcohol and cocaine since 1984 (BE PREPARED TO HEAR ABOUT HER CHICAGO ADVENTURE!), Sarah brings her experience, education, and expertise to work with people...


You are NOT your trauma -- with Addiction Specialist and Author, Caroline Beidler
09/11/2024

My recent conversation with Caroline Beidler, MSW was wonderful. I love hearing from other addicts who are in recovery, listening to their stories, and hearing how they've taken their trauma(s) and turned it into triumph!

Caroline believes that transformation while working on addiction is possible and that healing is a choice. Her own experience in addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery has not only inspired her but FUELED her to use her gifts to help other women find recovery. Caroline has written several books* (You Are Not Your Trauma is out 9/24/24<...


What is your perimenopause health fluency? -- with Ally Dickinson and Becky Parker
09/04/2024

The words Perimenopause and Menopause are the talk of the town at the moment, the bell of the ball, and with good reason! Women have been suffering from symptoms (sometimes debilitating) for far too long, symptoms that can be alleviated, or damn near if we had more education and knowledge about what's going on with our bodies during this "change".

But should we be going straight to HRT (hormone replacement therapy)? Or should we be drilling deeper into how our bodies function holistically?  To make an accurate treatment plan, should we be looking first at things like o...


Heart condition and new mom be damned. Girl's gonna drink.
08/22/2024

I have been privileged to get to know Kristi online in the FREE sober coaching meetings through SHE WALKS CANADA. She is one of those FIERCE individuals who is such a bright light -- she is open, honest, and ridiculously funny. She calls it like she sees it and is most certainly on a mission to stay sober. One of my favorite things about Kristi is the constant work she is doing on herself, whether it's a new sober book to read, going hard with the 5AM club, or trying to find a new hobby. Better yet, the way...


Working on your relationship with alcohol, one breath at a time -- with Somatic Breathwork coach, Chelsea Powell
08/14/2024

What a conversation! THANK YOU Chelsea for this enlightening open and honest conversation. Having you on the Sharing Out Loud Podcast was such an honor.

I met Chelsea through the She Walks Canada Wednesday Recovery meeting a few months back and have been hoping to have her on the podcast ever since. Upon first meeting Chelsea, I thought, "How can this calm, introspective, super cool human ever have suffered from overconsumption?" But that's the ultimate mystery, once someone has done the hard work to recover, the old them (mostly) disappears!

There is no one way...


Midlife LOVE and Shadow Work expert, Junie Moon, is back!
08/07/2024

Welcome back, Junie! What a pleasure it was speaking with you for a second time. What I loved about this conversation was that we went deeper, so much so that I found myself incredibly emotional throughout our discussion.

A reminder about who Junie is -- she is a LOVE and Shadow Work expert. And what pray tell is that?

Shadow work is a practice that involves working with your unconscious mind to uncover parts of yourself that you hide or repress, such as trauma or undesirable personality traits. The goal of Shadow Work is...


From star athlete, to drug dealer and addict, to leading AA meetings and finding her calling as a Functional Wellness Practitioner -- with Samantha Lander
07/31/2024

Growing up in St. Louis it was never Samantha's intention to lead a life of chaos. She never thought "Drug Dealer" and "Felon" would be at the top of her resume. Who goes to the prestigious University of Michigan and lands in jail for selling drugs?

After her home in Los Angeles was raided by the police (for drugs) Samantha began to recognize the full impact and depth of her problems. She knew she needed rehab and she knew she needed to go before she went to prison to serve her 27-month prison sentence. So she did...


Menopause Hotline, how may I help you today?😍 -- meet the hilarious Mediocremom76, creator of the hilarious Instagram "menopause hotline"
07/17/2024

As soon as her "menopause hotline" reel came up on Instagram I knew I had to learn more about this absolute gem of a woman! This perimenopause/menopause business is ROUGH and the more exposure we give to the conversation, whether its serious OR funny, the better! There are days when perimenopause can bring (some of) us to our knees so I for one appreciate the incredible humor Kara uses to make us women feel not so alone (and not so damn crazy!).

But there's more to her story than "just" menopause... Kara has been...


Midlife Love Out Loud. How midlife women are gaining confidence and finding "next-level" love -- with Junie Moon
07/10/2024

Is there a second act for women in midlife? Can we find NEXT-LEVEL LOVE over 40? Junie Moon says ABSOLUTELY! But often, we need to step back and make sure that "we" are ok. That the "baggage" from our past relationships isn't something we are holding on to. That we are confident and know we are worthy of real love.

Junie Moon is the CEO of Midlife Love Out Loud, Global Love Mentor, International Best-selling Author, Award Winning Speaker, Women's Empowerment
Leader, and Certified Shadow WorkÂŽ Coach. She is passionate about empowering midlife women by h...


Working through trauma and grief -- with Abi Hendry (part 2 of 2 with Abi and Dolina of "How to Reign When It's Raining.")
06/26/2024

Abi and Dolina Hendry are back with me this week to share Abi's story, a story of unimaginable trauma and grief, and the tragic loss of Abi's partner, Matt, 6 years ago.

Abi, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to talk with me, AND for being so honest and open with the trauma and grief you've experienced. You are a true gift to this world and I just know that so many out there who are stuck in grief, or those who haven't yet released their trauma, will be inspired by your...


How to "REIGN" When it's RAINING -- even when you're hit with the shit life throws at you, you can have an amazing life.
06/19/2024

Welcome to Sharing Out Loud, Dolina and Abi! What an absolutely brilliant mother-daughter duo with stories that once you hear them, you will stand tall and announce "IF THEY CAN GET THROUGH THAT SHIT I CAN GET THROUGH MY STUFF!" Just a heads up, we ended up talking for over 2 hours for just Dolina'a part of the story so I will be sharing Abi's story a week after this episode launches.

Dolina is the mum, and she was born in The Outer Hebrides of Scotland on a remote Island called Bara. She had a very difficult (to...


Yes, there IS life "Beyond Booze" -- with Sarah Rutsbatch, author, accredited grey-area drinking coach, and certified Women’s Health & Wellbeing Coach
06/12/2024

Welcome, Sarah! Thank you so much for jumping on a Zoom call at 7 AM Australian time🥰.  
 
Sarah is the author of the best-selling book “Beyond Booze, How to Create a Life You Love Alcohol Free." She is also:

¡         a multi-award winning Health and Wellbeing Coach

¡         an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach

¡         a menopause coach

¡         a key-note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety 

Sarah quite literally works to support women all over the world to create, and live, their best lives as they age. So what shaped her into doing all of these wonderfu...


Mummy does not need wine! The constant fight against mommy drinking culture -- with Alisha of the Podcast, Black and Sober.
06/04/2024

Thank you, Alisha, for sharing space with me, and for trusting me with your story. I have found my new sister in sobriety🥰.

Alisha is part of a married team from West London (Ricci is her husband) navigating their journey through sobriety. On their Podcast, Black and Sober, they and their guests, share their powerful stories of transformation and newfound freedom from alcohol.

Alisha and I talked about EVERYTHING! Mommy wine culture, kids with ADHD, adults with ADHD, AND how drinking is often an outlet for those with learning disabilities both in early chi...


Flipping the script on mental health treatment -- with Sydney Reece, LPC: VP of Operations, Mindy Body Optimization
05/22/2024

What a pleasure to speak with Sydney Reece!

Sydney completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Stephen F. Austin State University and her Master’s Degree in Counseling from University of North Texas. She has worked in multiple settings across the healthcare industry including private practice, outpatient clinics, and inpatient hospitals. Sydney has been part of three start-up organizations and assisted in developing programs, streamlining operations, and building out strategic models for growth and expansion.

The company she represents, Mind Body Optimization (www.mindbodyo.com), is a newly launched mental health practice that is flip...


Why I need to constantly be nurturing my alcoholic brain...
05/17/2024

I hope this helps someone who’s sober but going thru some rough times, or really ANYONE who’s going thru a rough patch❤️.

People in recovery who’ve done the work to drill down into WHY they drank aren’t superheroes, we are human, just like everyone else. Do we radiate joy? I’d like to think so😘! We are joyful because our lives are so much better now! Because we’ve done some really, REALLY hard work to overcome the booze and that doesn’t mean willpower, it means drilling deep into our souls to find out why we turne...


It's never too late to take charge of your menopause health -- with Ann Marie Veletsos
05/08/2024

Please welcome Ann Marie Veletsos, founder of Down Dog Fitness. Ann Marie is a lover of all things dogs😘, fitness, health & wellness, and most recently all things MENOPAUSE HEALTH.

More about Ann Marie:

Ann Marie started Down Dog Fitness as a place for people to get away from the stresses of their lives to feel better and realize this is their “playtime” just like dogs want to do when they get in their down dog pose. She is certified in the following:

Certified Personal Trainer through NASM and ACEYoga instructorNutritious Life Master Certified Nutrition and Wel...


A story of "moderation hell" -- you don't have to be a "full blown alcoholic" to have a problem -- with Anne Nicely, AKA, the_bright_eyed_sober_girl
04/24/2024

Meet Anne, business owner, mom, wife,  daughter, and a "moderate" drinker, or so she thought. Thank you Anne for giving me the space to share your story. I am in awe of you and everything you are doing to promote that life can be beautiful when we don't lean on alcohol as a crutch or as an escape.

From Anne:

Shame dies when we share… secrets keep us sick.
.
I know on a personal level how true these statements are.
.
I stayed stuck for a long time. I lived in...


Are there different ways to get sober? And what does the term sober actually mean? — with Tiffany Lee Gaston
04/17/2024

My girl, TIFFANY, is back! And what an amazing conversation we had. Tiffany, have you ever thought about doing stand-up? I think you need to add this to your bucket list!

1.5 years sober and nothing, I mean NOTHING is stopping this woman! We talk about all things sobriety today and why (we think) there are so many different terms for having a problem with alcohol:

Alcohol use disorder
Alcoholic
Sober
Sober Curious
Alcohol-free
Alcohol disease
Alcohol addiction

If you didn't listen to Tiffany's previous episode GO BACK...