Adult Child of Dysfunction

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...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Marianne Hedges Hennigar, a trailblazer in trauma-informed somatic work and the creator of the Insight Healing Method. With over 30 years of experience in client care, Marianne brings a powerful blend of science, intuition, and innovation to emotional healing.

Starting her journey as a clinical sports massage therapist (CMT), Marianne quickly recognized the deep connection between physical pain and unprocessed emotional trauma. This led to the development of Psycho-emotive Anatomy™, a groundbreaking theory that decodes the emotional messages behind body pain.

Marianne is also trained in Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, hy...

At just 18 years old, Maria Baumgardner is carrying a weight most adults would struggle to bear—but you wouldn’t know it by her spirit. In this deeply moving episode, Maria shares her powerful story of stepping in to raise her siblings when her parents could not. She opens up about the mindset shifts that keep her grounded, how she refuses to be defined by her circumstances, and why she chooses hope every single day.

With wisdom well beyond her years and a heart full of courage, Maria is living proof that resilience isn’t just about surviv...

In this follow-up to my powerful conversation with Sheila Andres, I’m taking a solo moment with you to go even deeper into something that resonated with so many of you: that stuck feeling.

In this follow-up to my heartfelt conversation with Sheila Andres, I’m flying solo to dig deeper into something that hit home for many of you: feeling stuck as an Adult Child of Alcoholics (ACOA).

Even if you’re functioning, checking the boxes, or showing up for others, you might still feel frozen inside—emotionally numb, overwhelmed, or like you’re running in...

What happens when you follow all the rules, check all the boxes, and still feel stuck?

In this powerful episode, Tammy sits down with Sheila Andres — owner of Realize Your Vision and creator of the StuckSucks Movement — to explore the surprising and emotional side of entrepreneurship that no one talks about. Sheila shares how her 20-year journey as the right-hand to a successful entrepreneur led her to burnout, self-neglect, and a sense of lost identity.

After leaving the company she helped build, Sheila expected that launching her own business would be the freedom she longed for...

In this inspiring episode of Adult Child of Dysfunction, we sit down with Dr. Ali Lankerani, affectionately known as "Dr. L," founder of Role Model Maker International. With a passion for creating resilient families and vibrant communities, Dr. L shares how his work aligns with the mission of building a healthier and more peaceful world—starting at the family level.

We discuss how protective networks and grassroots initiatives can strengthen families economically, emotionally, and socially. Dr. L highlights the importance of youth empowerment, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship—especially for marginalized populations. His vision ties closely to the Unit...

In this follow-up to my powerful conversation with Ana Felice, we dive deeper into the varied ways people respond to hypnosis—especially those of us who grew up in chaotic or dysfunctional environments. If you listened to Ana’s brief hypnosis session and found yourself feeling deeply relaxed, a little unsure, or even resistant, you're not alone—and there's a reason for it.

In this episode, I explain how our nervous systems—shaped by early life experiences—can influence how we respond to practices like hypnosis, meditation, or breathwork. For adult children of alcoholics or those who experience...

In this transformative episode, we sit down with Ana Felice, a professional hypnotist with over 12 years of experience and the visionary founder of Pacifica Hypnosis. Ana offers both online hypnosis sessions worldwide and in-person services in central Miami, helping clients overcome subconscious blocks that keep them stuck—whether it’s limiting beliefs, emotional trauma, fears, or fixed mindsets.

Ana shares her deeply personal story, rooted in a childhood shaped by emotional struggles and complex family dynamics. These early experiences fueled her passion for personal development, emotional healing, and understanding the inner workings of the mind. After exploring nume...

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, we sit down with Rebecca Engle—an award-winning author, disability advocate, and education policy expert—whose journey from invisibility to impact is both inspiring and transformational. With four global literary awards to her name and a fierce dedication to systemic change, Rebecca shares her personal story of resilience, identity, and what it means to stop hiding and start thriving.

Once a young woman who wore a jacket every day to shrink into the background, Rebecca now stands tall as the founder of Stitches and Stanzas, a platform designed to amplify disabled voic...

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Shillpi, a modern-day spiritual alchemist, clairvoyant, and psychic guide with over 22 years of experience in the healing arts. Shillpi has spent over two decades helping others transmute life’s challenges into wisdom, unlock soul-level transformation, and awaken their true spiritual potential.

Her mission is to guide seekers on a journey of self-discovery, using ancient wisdom and intuitive insight to help them embrace the alchemy of the soul. Shillpi's work is deeply rooted in mindfulness, spiritual growth, inner empowerment, and the belief that everyone holds the light within—waiting to be discovered and...

In this raw and deeply honest conversation, G. Mykal Olson shares his powerful story of falling from a successful international business career to sitting alone in prison—brought down by addiction. Mykal doesn't hold anything back as he opens up about how addiction destroyed his life and family, and what it took to begin rebuilding from rock bottom.

Now, through The Life Forge, Mykal is on a mission to help other fathers break free from the grip of addiction, reconnect with their families, and stop the generational cycle before it begins. His work is saving lives, healing fa...

If your inner voice sounds more like a bully than a best friend, this episode is for you. I explore how the inner dialogue of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoAs) is often shaped by early dysfunction—and how to begin shifting that voice from criticism to compassion.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

In this empowering episode, we’re joined by Scotti Moser, a transformational coach who helps professional women overcome the lasting impacts of toxic and narcissistic parenting. Scotti shares how unresolved childhood wounds can silently sabotage confidence, relationships, and financial success—and how healing those wounds opens the door to more joy, authenticity, and prosperity.

With compassionate insight and lived experience, Scotti walks us through the journey of rediscovering your voice, setting healthy boundaries, and finally stepping into the confident, successful woman you were always meant to be. Her approach isn’t just about recovery—it’s about thriving.<...

In this deeply moving and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Jill Krzyzanowicz—known to readers by her pen name, Margo Reilly—as she shares her powerful story of transformation, healing, and hope. After decades in public education, Jill now uses her voice and platform to inspire others to release the victim mentality and take ownership of their healing journey.

Jill opens up about growing up as an adult child of dysfunction—navigating childhood violence, chaos, and trauma—and how each sibling can walk away from the same household with a completely different perspective and emotional imprint. We dive...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Lisa Lacy for an honest, soul-filling conversation about what it really means to grow up in dysfunction—and how to reclaim your life on your own terms. Lisa shares her personal journey through a health scare that became the catalyst for deep transformation, authenticity, and choosing joy over survival mode.

We dive into the themes that define this podcast:

🌀 Breaking free from the roles we were forced to play

🧠 The power of breath and nervous system regulation

🌱 Choosing happiness—on purpose

🪞 How dysfunction...

In this powerful and heart-opening episode, I sit down with Nicoletta Puccini, founder of Chameleon Breathwork LLC, a trauma-informed breathwork facilitator and somatic healing guide. With over 15 years of experience in therapeutic yoga, somatic modalities, and conscious breathwork, Nicoletta shares how the body stores trauma—and more importantly, how we can safely release it.

We explore how breath and facial release can become daily tools for anyone navigating the impacts of trauma and abuse. Nicoletta’s intuitive, immersive approach meets people exactly where they are, empowering them to activate their inner pharmacy and break free from the limi...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kelly Tallaksen — a board-certified hypnotist, instructor for the National Guild of Hypnotists, president of their Long Island chapter, and holder of both a Doctorate Degree in Metaphysical Hypnosis and a PhD in Holistic Life Counseling. Kelly shares her deep insights into the different levels of consciousness and how the protective mechanisms of the mind, while well-intentioned, can often keep us stuck in cycles of limitation.

Drawing from her extensive training in holistic psychology, parts therapy, HeartMath™, shadow coaching, and generational trauma work, Kelly explains how internal conflicts between the subc...

In this empowering follow-up to my conversation with Dr. Michelle Montero, we dive deep into the intimate connection between healthy boundaries and living as your truest, most authentic self. So many of us—especially adult children of dysfunction—grew up learning to shape-shift, people-please, and suppress our needs just to survive. But here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t walls—they’re bridges. They connect us back to who we really are beneath the masks.

I’m unpacking:

In this powerful and insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Montero, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Alchemy Performance Consulting, LLC. Based in Chicago, Dr. Montero brings a unique blend of expertise in both clinical and sports psychology, specializing in trauma-informed care, athlete mental health, performance enhancement, and emotional intelligence.

While her professional background is rich and multifaceted—spanning work with at-risk youth, elder care, and elite athletes—this conversation zooms in on boundaries: what they are, why they matter, and how they play a vital role in healing, high performance, and everyday resilience.

We...

In this empowering follow-up to my interview with George Haymaker, we dive even deeper into the science—and hope—of neuroplasticity. If you’re an Adult Child of an Alcoholic or grew up in any kind of dysfunctional environment, this episode is your reminder that you are not broken—you’re wired for survival. And the beautiful news? You can rewire those survival patterns into pathways of healing and self-trust.

We unpack how the brain forms habits through a loop of stimulus → response → reward, and how the mind will always seek out what feels familiar, not necessarily what’s healthy...

In this episode, we’re joined by George Haymaker — a certified neuroconstructionist coach, neuroeducator, and former entrepreneur with a powerful story of transformation. After building and leading several successful companies over three decades, George found himself battling a life-threatening addiction to alcohol and opioids. At his lowest point in 2013, he was consuming up to 50 Vicodin and two bottles of vodka per day. That crisis became the turning point that led him into rehab, recovery, and ultimately, a life devoted to helping others.

George shares how growing up in an unsettling environment led to anxiety, low self-esteem, and the...

What if you could shift from chaos to calm in just a few seconds? In this powerful and energizing episode, Tif Loeffler joins us to explore the magic of micro-moments—those tiny shifts that pull us out of stress and into presence. Whether it's practicing a focused gaze that leads to a spontaneous yawn (and a nervous system reset), or choosing to celebrate who you are right now, Tif reminds us that you do have a choice—even when it feels like you don’t.

This episode isn’t about pretending stress doesn’t exist. It’s about learni...

In this solo episode, I’m diving into something that hits close to home—the struggle so many of us face when it comes to allowing ourselves joy, fun, and creative expression. If you grew up in a household shaped by alcoholism or dysfunction, you may have learned early on that survival came first—and playfulness, imagination, and lightheartedness often took a backseat.

Following my beautiful conversation with Patricia O’Brien about the magic of intention and creative living, I wanted to explore why this kind of expression can feel so hard for us—and also, why it’s so im...

In this heart-centered conversation, Patricia O’Brien invites us to explore the deep magic of intention and creative expression as pathways to reclaiming personal sovereignty. Blending coaching, science, and mysticism, Patricia reveals how art—in all its forms—is not just a form of expression, but a powerful means of communication that unlocks healing, reflection, innovation, and spiritual connection.

Patricia encourages us to live with deliberate choice, using creativity as a compass to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. Whether it's painting, music, movement, or mindful moments, she shows how art becomes a mirror, a bridge...

In this enlightening episode, Mayim Vega, a former NASA Computer Scientist turned Holistic Healer, shares her inspiring journey from the tech world to holistic health. After facing a personal health crisis that traditional medicine couldn't resolve, Mayim founded Arukah.com - The Holistic Life Academy in 2009 to help others unleash their inner healers.

Mayim's work empowers doctors, nurses, and medical professionals, as well as individuals without medical backgrounds, to become confident and effective holistic healers through naturopathic herbalism, holistic life coaching, and online business and marketing. Her unique blend of scientific expertise, holistic methods, and faith in...

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by writer, speaker, and paraeducator Michelle Steiner, who shares her powerful story of resilience and determination while living with an invisible disability. Diagnosed with a learning disability in kindergarten, Michelle faced academic and social struggles early on—and was often told what she couldn’t do.

But Michelle refused to let the limitations others placed on her define her future.

Against the odds, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Community Programming from Slippery Rock University, became a published writer, and now works with students with disabilities—offering the kind o...

In this powerful episode, we welcome Elicia Ybarra, a women’s self-defense instructor, lifelong martial artist, and fierce advocate for survivors of abuse. Elicia shares her deeply personal journey of growing up in a dysfunctional environment, seeking refuge in martial arts, and later facing exploitation within that very space.

Rather than letting these experiences define her, Elicia reclaimed her power—unlearning harmful patterns, setting firm boundaries, and using her voice to uplift others. Through her business, Empower & Defend Women’s Self-Defense, she now teaches women not only how to physically protect themselves but also how to build confid...

Maura Casey, an award-winning journalist with a four-decade career writing opinion for major newspapers—including The New York Times—joins us to share her powerful story of survival, sobriety, and healing from growing up in an alcoholic home. The first in her family to get sober, Maura has maintained her sobriety for 39 years, despite the chaos of her father’s drinking and the deep impact of her sister Ellen’s life-threatening illness.

In this episode, Maura discusses her upcoming book, Saving Ellen: A Memoir of Hope and Recovery (Skyhorse Publishing, April 1, 2025), which details her family’s journey through he...

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Alison Perry-Davies, a bestselling author, podcast host, and art and sound healing practitioner. With over 40 years of experience supporting individuals and families, Alison has dedicated her career to fostering creativity, empathy, and resilience in others. Her work spans across writing, music therapy, and disability support, where she has served as a support worker, case manager, and music therapy practitioner, bringing compassion and insight to every role.

Alison’s passion for helping others thrive is evident in her work, whether through her books, children's stories, or healing practices. She seamlessly integrates creativity an...

In this inspiring episode of Adult Child of Dysfunction: Thriving After Chaos, I sit down with the incredible Kellina Powell, a dynamic deaf coach, international speaker, best-selling author, and passionate advocate for the deaf and disability communities. Growing up deaf since the age of four, Kellina faced many challenges—but she refused to let them define her. Instead, she transformed adversity into opportunity, becoming a mentor and mental health coach dedicated to helping young adults with disabilities achieve their dreams.

We dive into Kellina’s powerful journey of resilience, healing, and empowerment. She shares how she overcame obst...