Adult Child of Dysfunction

In this episode, we dive deep into the powerful and often misunderstood concept of internal resistance — that invisible force that keeps us from taking action on the things we truly want. Joining me is Kam Knight, a distinguished mentor, international speaker, and bestselling author known for his groundbreaking work on mental, emotional, and physical performance.

Kam unpacks the psychological roots of resistance, explaining how our own brains can work against us — manifesting as procrastination, self-sabotage, fear, or overwhelm. He breaks down the science behind why we get stuck and offers practical, research-based strategies to help listeners move from...

In this raw and deeply introspective episode of Adult Child of Dysfunction, host Tammy Vincent sits down with Rob Tonkin — musician, author, and survivor — for a powerful conversation about the long shadow of trauma, the art of self-reflection, and the courage it takes to transform pain into purpose.

Rob opens up about his life journey and the inspiration behind his boldly titled memoir, “Asshole,” a candid and thought-provoking exploration of how our wounds can shape our identities — sometimes leading us to repeat the very patterns we long to escape. Through honest reflection, Rob reveals how he confronted his own dy...

In this powerful episode of Adult Child of Dysfunction, Tammy Vincent sits down with Cheryl Stelte — spiritual coach, healer, and bestselling author — for a deeply moving conversation about transformation, empowerment, and spiritual growth.

Cheryl shares her personal story of being abandoned in the hospital as a newborn and how this early trauma shaped her lifelong quest for healing, self-understanding, and divine connection. Through her 30+ years of experience in spiritual development and energy work, Cheryl has helped countless women clear subconscious blocks, access inner clarity, and step fully into their authentic power.

As the Founder of the...

In this powerful episode of Adult Child of Dysfunction, Tammy sits down with Becky Nieves, a transformational coach and self-proclaimed cycle breaker, to unpack the deeply personal and courageous journey from trauma to empowerment.

Becky opens up about her own experiences with generational trauma and the defining moment when she made the difficult choice to cut ties with her narcissistic father — an act that became the catalyst for her healing and her purpose-driven mission to help other women reclaim their stories.

Together, Tammy and Becky explore:

✨ The emotional complexity of setting boundaries and faci...

A profound exploration of manifestation unfolds as Elizabeth Planson, an esteemed intuitive spiritual mentor and sole purpose activator, delves into the deeper essence of this transformative practice.

Far beyond the surface-level interpretations popularized by “The Secret,” Elizabeth invites listeners to rediscover manifestation as a heart-centered, embodied practice—one that integrates spiritual awareness with daily intentional living. Drawing from her personal journey and early teachings within her spiritual community, Elizabeth illuminates how mentorship and self-discovery shaped her understanding of true manifestation.

Through insightful discussion, she reveals that manifestation is not something we “do” but a state we are alw...

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Carrasco—“Amanda the Brave One”—a family survivor of homicide and sexual assault who has transformed her unimaginable pain into a mission of hope, healing, and justice.

Amanda is not only a global business owner, speaker, consultant, and in-house legal counsel for a nonprofit—she is a powerful voice for survivors and justice-involved individuals. Through her lived experience and practice of restorative principles, Amanda has learned how to rise above trauma, reclaim her power, and inspire others to no longer see themselves as victims but as resilient, thriving human beings.

Leticia Francis, renowned trauma recovery mentor and author of *Survival Mode Exit Plan*, joins us for a profound discussion on breaking free from the constraints of survival mode. With her unique perspective as The Survival Mode Disruptor, Leticia enlightens us on the transformative journey of high-achieving women who seek to reclaim their lives rooted in authenticity and empowerment. Throughout our conversation, she shares her harrowing yet inspiring personal narrative, which includes overcoming profound trauma and navigating complex relationships. It is through her lived experience that she ignites the critical conversation around healing, identity shifts, and the importance of unapologetic...

Jeff Marconette Jr. is an award-winning international speaker, transformational coach, youth mentor, brain injury advocate, and the host of Make Every Second Count Live on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio. His life changed forever at just 17 years old when he was struck in a near-fatal car accident that left him in a coma for two and a half months. Doctors told him he would never walk again.

But Jeff’s story didn’t end there—it was only beginning. Through over 20 years of ongoing recovery, Jeff has transformed his pain into purpose. Today, he helps...

In this compelling episode, Dr. Steve Pasin, a thought whisperer deeply versed in mind/body medicine, explores how our deepest mental constructs—formed even before birth—shape our entire being. Drawing on over 60 years of clinical experience and research, he reveals how the fetal sense of control becomes a lifelong tyrant, perpetuating illusions that undermine health and authenticity. His message? True healing springs from embracing absolute truth, not from comforting opinions or cultural narratives.

Dr. Pasin underscores that our thoughts can rewire our entire bodies—not just our brains, an idea rooted in the principles of epigenetics—where be...

In this episode, we sit down with Agatha Peters, founder of Beautiful Sunshine Therapy and author of Trapped in Their Script: Reclaim Your Life from Narcissistic Parents & Cultural Expectations. Agatha shares her personal journey of navigating the challenges of narcissistic parenting and cultural expectations, emphasizing that therapy is more than a profession—it’s a calling shaped by lived experience.

Our conversation delves into the transformative power of therapy, the importance of recognizing harmful familial patterns, and practical strategies for those hesitant to seek help. Agatha offers guidance on self-reflection, building supportive connections, and breaking free from cult...

Dr. George Grant, the esteemed founder of the Academy of Wellness, elucidates the paramount significance of adopting a healthy lifestyle as a means to extend longevity beyond the century mark. He emphasizes that the human body possesses an inherent capacity for self-healing, contingent upon proper hydration, nutrition, and breathing techniques. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Grant shares compelling anecdotes, including the transformative journey of a client who abandoned a life of multiple medications in favor of holistic health practices, ultimately leading to remarkable improvements in his well-being. The conversation further delves into the alarming prevalence of "diabesity," a condition combining...

On this episode, I’m joined by Lori Reese Spivey, whose healing journey began after a traumatic brain injury from a head-on collision with a drunk driver. After a year and a half of medications, specialists, and endless appointments, Lori found herself still searching for answers—until she met with an energy practitioner. It was through that experience that her brain functionality began to return, opening the door to full recovery and a new path forward.

Inspired by her own transformation, Lori immersed herself in the study of energy healing, exploring how it works on a cellular leve...

In this follow-up to my conversation with Deborah Higgins, I’m stepping behind the mic solo to share the tools and strategies that have personally helped me in the midst of an anxiety or panic attack. While Deborah’s story offered hope and healing through her journey, this episode dives into the practical steps that can make a difference in the middle of the storm.

I’ll talk about how to calm the amygdala when it feels like it’s hijacking your body, why practicing these tools outside of crisis moments is so important, and how building “muscle mem...

On this episode, I’m joined by Deborah Higgins—life coach, social worker, and author of A Cure for Anxiety: Biblical Truths and Metaphysical Practices to Overcome Anxiety, Panic, Social Anxiety, and Agoraphobia. Through this deeply personal and spiritual work, Deborah shares her path from childhood trauma—including her mother’s attempted suicide and decades of agoraphobia—to academic and emotional triumph. Her journey includes overcoming abusive relationships, two failed marriages, breast cancer, and 40 years of living in the grip of fear—yet she persisted. At age 62, she earned her Master’s in Social Work, focusing on mental health, and now empowe...

What happens when the belief system you were raised in not only strips away your identity but also leaves you vulnerable to dangerous relationships? In this raw and powerful episode, Brigette Gildemaster — 2x best-selling author, speaker, and trauma-informed breathwork facilitator — shares her journey of escaping a high-control marriage with a husband who was a pedophile, and the courageous fight to protect her children within a church system that often silenced her truth.

Brigette opens up about the hidden aftermath of leaving: the anxiety, the people-pleasing, and the constant fear of “doing something wrong” that no one warns you abou...

In this episode of Adult Child of Dysfunction, I speak with Matt Melvin, author of Bullied Behind Bars: A Gay Christian Trump Supporter Goes to Prison. Matt courageously shares his story of growing up misunderstood as an undiagnosed autistic child, navigating faith and identity as a gay Christian Trump supporter, and how a stolen car led to a prison sentence that changed his life forever.

Inside prison, Matt faced relentless bullying, sexual assault, and deep isolation. But through the pain, a near-death experience, and his relationship with God, he discovered resilience, accountability, and healing. His story reveals...

In this episode, Jason Munson, CEO of Neuro Linkers and consultant for Neuro Change Solutions, shares his journey of transformation and resilience. Jason discusses how a childhood head trauma shaped his social skills and led to lifelong challenges with insomnia, and how he is gradually mastering his sleep and overall well-being. He also opens up about his experiences as the adoptive father of a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and possible autism, navigating the complexities of trauma, development, and creating a nurturing environment tailored to his son’s unique needs. Beyond his personal story, Jason dives into his work in...

Juanita Ellingson is a Forgiveness and Self-Care Empowerment Coach, Podcast Host, and Angel Oracle Card Reader who knows firsthand that forgiveness is not about others—it’s about YOU.

For years, Juanita stuffed her feelings and carried anger, resentment, shame, and guilt while staying busy as a mom, worker, and caretaker. Everything changed when she discovered the true meaning of forgiveness. By letting go of what no longer served her, she experienced freedom, lightness, fearlessness, and the return of love—especially self-love and acceptance.

Now she helps others do the same. Through real conversations, practical tools...

In this powerful episode, Cleoni Crawford opens up about her late bipolar disorder diagnosis at 25 and how it transformed her life. She shares her experiences navigating mental illness, trauma, and loss—and the resilience she’s built through faith, humor, music, and community.

Now a bestselling author and host of Resilient Minds 365, Cleoni empowers others to thrive despite their diagnosis. Tune in for practical tools, spiritual insight, and uplifting encouragement.

🧠 Top Takeaways

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Denise Ann Willis—life coach, author, speaker, and a fierce advocate for women healing from toxic relationships.

Denise opens up about her deeply personal journey from years of physical and emotional abuse to becoming a confident, empowered woman helping others reclaim their lives. Raised to be a people-pleaser, she became a magnet for controlling relationships—until one coach changed the course of her life forever. Now, with over 30 years of lived experience and her book "The Book on Loving Yourself", Denise offers women real tools to rebuild with confidence and...

In this deeply moving episode, we welcome Heidi Yewman—author, filmmaker, and survivor—to share her powerful story of transformation. Growing up in a chaotic and abusive home, Heidi spent years in silence, navigating the emotional fallout of generational trauma. Her memoir, Dumb Girl, traces the journey from internalized shame to radical truth-telling, offering a compelling reflection on the cost of silence and the healing power of speaking out.

A former student of Columbine High School, Heidi was profoundly impacted by the 1999 shooting—an event that not only triggered her own unresolved trauma but also launched her decade...

In this episode, we talk with Jean Kelly Widner, adoptee and author of The Adoption Paradox: Putting Adoption in Perspective. Jean shares her personal journey growing up as a domestic adoptee in Washington State in the 1960s, while also navigating the impact of addiction and alcoholism in her adoptive family.

We dive into the hidden emotional challenges of adoption, including preverbal trauma, identity struggles, and attachment issues that many adoptees face. Jean explains why adoption isn’t always the “win-win” the public assumes and how the combined effects of adoption trauma and addiction in families can impact mental...

In this powerful and heart-centered episode, we sit down with Reesa Morala, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, parenting ally, and founder of Embrace Renewal Therapy & Wellness Collective. Reesa shares her deeply personal journey from surviving a childhood marked by abuse and chaos to becoming a conscious, connected parent and therapist helping others heal.

Reesa opens up about the transformative moment in college when she met a therapist who helped her begin the work of reparenting herself and healing the wounds of her past. That journey took on new meaning when she became a mother to a...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Debbie Simmons—trauma-informed parenting coach, nonprofit CEO, and best-selling author of The Heart of Legacy. Debbie shares her deeply moving story of personal loss, adoption, and how faith became the foundation for healing both her family and her purpose.

After losing her quadruplets and enduring years of infertility, Debbie and her husband adopted nine children from the foster care system—each carrying stories of trauma, disruption, and unmet needs. Through chaos, prayer, and relentless love, Debbie discovered that traditional parenting wasn’t enough. Instead, she embraced trauma-informed care and became...

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, we’re joined by Amber Tolbert, LCSW—a trauma therapist, supervisor, and founder of Healers in Practice™, a soulful community supporting clinicians in staying aligned with their values without burning out. With over a decade of experience in systems-based healing, embodied supervision, and nervous system-informed care, Amber shares how she helps therapists lead from a place of recovery, not performance, creating trauma-informed, ethical, and sustainable practices.

We also dive into generational trauma, addiction recovery, and the emotional work of healing as a parent. I open up about my journey as an adu...

In this powerful and deeply resonant episode, we explore the lifelong impact of generational trauma and the difficult — but often necessary — choice to go no contact with a toxic parent. Our guest, Emma Lyons, is a trauma-informed healer and subconscious reprogramming guide who bravely shares her personal journey of reclaiming identity and self-worth after growing up in a deeply dysfunctional family system.

Emma describes what it means to dismantle the roles we’re cast into — especially the role of the scapegoat — and how covert narcissism in a parent can distort reality, erode self-trust, and perpetuate pain through generation...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sonya Achara—a 14-year Marine Corps veteran, keynote speaker, podcast host, and author of the memoir "Remember Who You Are: My Journey to Higher Consciousness." Sonya shares her deeply personal story of overcoming childhood emotional neglect, abuse, and the impact of growing up in a home where intuition and feelings were dismissed.

Raised in a turbulent environment with a verbally, physically, and emotionally abusive mother and an emotionally absent father, Sonya describes the profound impact this had on her sense of self and her early relationships. She vulnerably explores ho...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott opens up about her extraordinary journey of healing after enduring an abusive marriage and the devastating revenge suicide of her husband on the very day she asked for a divorce. With over 35 years of clinical experience specializing in trauma recovery, Shavaun brings a unique blend of professional insight and personal experience to the conversation.

She shares how the trauma from her past continued to impact her mind, body, and spirit — and how she navigated the complex grief, shock, and emotional upheaval that followed. Shavaun discusses the vi...

In this powerful episode, Tena Cacic — teacher, writer, scientist, and transformational guide — shares her deeply personal journey of breaking free from the victim mentality. After years of emotional chaos in her relationships and reaching a breaking point, Tena realized that staying in victimhood was a choice she no longer wanted to make.

She dives into the emotional and energetic patterns that keep people stuck in trauma, how to release the intensity of those feelings through the body, and the role of self-directed compassion in healing. Tena introduces the concept of the “victim game” — with its roles of victim, re...

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m., overthinking everything from your to-do list to childhood trauma—you are not alone. In this episode, we dive into how sleep is impacted by stress, dysregulated nervous systems, and healing journeys—especially for adult children of dysfunction.

But instead of chasing perfect sleep, what if you could rebuild a healthy relationship with rest? No pressure. No pills. Just small, powerful shifts.

In this episode, I share 10 natural and science-backed ways to improve your sleep, even if your patterns have changed over the years...

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most frustrating and common challenges for women over 50—sleep struggles. Our guest, Dr. Lucinda Sykes, is a retired Canadian physician and seasoned mindfulness teacher who specializes in helping women reclaim deep, natural sleep.

Dr. Sykes shares why sleep changes so dramatically with age, how stress and hormonal shifts disrupt our natural rhythms, and most importantly—what we can do to finally get the rest we deserve. From practical sleep hygiene tips to the role of mindfulness and breath, this conversation is packed with compassionate, science-backed strategies for better...

From debilitating CPTSD to becoming the trusted coach for 6-figure entrepreneurs, Jillian Holly has walked the healing path—and now helps others do the same with powerful, soul-aligned tools that speak directly to the subconscious.

In this powerful episode, Jillian shares how her journey from trauma to transformation led her to become a coach, healer, and intuitive guide for highly sensitive leaders, creatives, and heart-led entrepreneurs.

We explore:

How CPTSD shaped Jillian’s journey—and how she healed

What it means to communicate with the subconscious mind

The most common...

What happens to a child’s nervous system when they grow up in a household filled with chaos, addiction, and emotional unpredictability? For Wendy Johnston, the answer was anxiety, hypervigilance, and a deep disconnection from her own body.

In this episode, I’m joined by Wendy Johnston—certified NLP Practitioner, Life Coach, aromatherapist, yoga and meditation teacher, sound bath facilitator, and founder of BREATHE + CALM in Nashville. Wendy is also an Adult Child of an Alcoholic (ACOA) and the firstborn of four children raised in a home where both parents battled addiction. Her early life was shaped by sur...

What happens when the unimaginable becomes your reality—twice?

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, I sit down with KD Wagner, a Gold Star Mother, speaker, author, and survivor of unthinkable tragedy. KD lost both of her sons—one to murder at just 18 years old, and the other while serving in the U.S. Navy during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her story is one of devastating loss, relentless grief, addiction, and ultimately, extraordinary resilience.

But KD's journey didn’t end in darkness—it transformed into a mission of purpose and healing. She shares how she moved through...

In this powerful and insightful episode, we're joined by Shannyn Schroeder, teacher, writer, mom of three neurodivergent kids, and the founder of EF Bomb Coach. After navigating the challenges of raising her children, Shannyn became an executive function coach—but not just for kids. She created EF Bomb Coach specifically to support neurodivergent women—especially those diagnosed later in life—who suddenly find themselves wondering: Now what?

Shannyn breaks down how executive dysfunction shows up in real life (hint: it’s not laziness), why traditional productivity systems often fail neurodivergent brains, and how to create systems that actually...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Babs Walters—a domestic violence and sexual abuse survivor who has spent over 30 years raising awareness about the long-term effects of generational trauma and the importance of breaking the cycle.

Babs shares candidly about her courageous journey—from holding the weight of a devastating secret for nearly 70 years to finally reclaiming her voice and truth. With a Master's in Counseling Human Relations, decades of experience conducting women's empowerment and sexual harassment trainings, and a role on a Harassment Investigation Committee for thirteen years, Babs brings both prof...

In this heartfelt follow-up to my conversation with Kyle Goodknight, I want to take a moment to address something important.

After that episode aired, I realized that for some listeners—especially those who’ve walked a hard road—hearing about trauma, dysfunction, and long-term health risks may have stirred up some fear, heaviness, or even hopelessness. And if that was you, I want to say this clearly: I never meant to leave you feeling that way—and I’m so sorry if I did.

So today, I’m here to set the record strai...

In this episode, Tammy welcomes Kyle Goodknight, a powerhouse with nearly 30 years of experience as a first responder turned podcast strategist, speaker, and host of The Ignition Path and E11evate Podcasts. Kyle is a jack of all trades — and a master at helping business owners turn their voice into a vehicle for growth, authority, and deep connection.

Together, Tammy and Kyle unpack the transformative power of storytelling, the therapeutic benefits of podcasting, and how those raised in dysfunction can channel their lived experience into purpose-driven success. Kyle shares how he helps entrepreneurs launch high-impact podcasts that at...

What if your struggles with money, success, or self-worth weren’t your fault—but the result of inherited patterns from a dysfunctional upbringing? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Morgan Hamer, founder of Morgan Manifests, who shares her personal journey of healing after growing up in emotional chaos, abandonment, and generational dysfunction.

Morgan reveals how her early experiences—being raised by three different sets of unstable “parents,” dealing with addiction, narcissism, and grief—created deep subconscious blocks that showed up later in her adult life as scarcity, burnout, and emotional misalignment.

But her story doesn’t...

In this powerful episode, Pauline Raphaela—master healer, ascension guide, and founder of Living Limitless Courses for Evolution—shares her profound journey of transformation after deep personal loss and spiritual awakening. She reveals how the death of her father and a second divorce led her to connect directly with divine guidance, awakening her authentic Self and Soul purpose. Pauline discusses sacred sexuality, miraculous healing, and humanity’s shift during the Great Awakening. Discover how embracing your true self is the key to abundance, joy, and higher consciousness.

Learn more: www.paulineraphaela.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/aw...