• TONIGHT'S ELECTION FOR PRESIDENT Identity and Insight: Unmasking Political Personas, Educational Challenges, and Law Enforcement Realities
    Nov 5 2024

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    Ever wondered how Kamala Harris's political history aligns with her public persona? Law enforcement officer Alex Payne joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation about the Vice President's career. With a focus on her controversial policies, such as the incarceration of people for marijuana offenses and the employment of incarcerated individuals for low wages, Alex provides a law enforcement officer's perspective on her track record. We also explore the complexities of Harris's identity shifts and question the authenticity of political figures, contrasting her with non-traditional politicians like Donald Trump.

    Education and societal issues take center stage as we share personal stories, including homeschooling experiences, to highlight the current challenges within public education. From the over-reliance on technology to the overshadowing of educational values by identity politics, there's much to discuss. We tackle the changing face of pop culture, censorship, and taxation policies, drawing parallels with historical events and questioning the impact of societal shifts on the next generation. Parenting comes into focus as we discuss the importance of teaching children about consequences and the roles parents play in shaping responsible adults.

    We wrap up with a deep dive into the world of law enforcement, exploring the high-stress nature of the job and the critical need for better mental health resources for officers. Alex shares his experiences as a peer support counselor, emphasizing the importance of adequate training and funding for police departments. By examining the hidden struggles faced by officers and their challenging relationship with communities, we call for a balanced perspective on law enforcement and personal responsibility in leadership. Tune in to gain a multifaceted understanding of these pressing issues shaping our world today.

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Laughter and Love: Navigating Bathroom Blunders, Charitable Cheers, and Political Perspectives
    Nov 5 2024

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    Ever found a mysterious mess in the bathroom and assumed the worst? That's exactly what happened to my husband in our latest household comedy of errors. This episode kicks off with a hilarious recount of a mix-up involving a leftover hair mask and some overzealous cleaning, proving that sometimes the best stories come from everyday mishaps. Join us as we relive this unforgettable moment and remind ourselves why humor is the glue that holds relationships together, even during the most awkward situations.

    As the laughter subsides, we shift gears to share our excitement about a charity auction on November 8th, where you can bid on some amazing items from your favorite personalities. The auction is all for a good cause, supporting special needs families and survivors of abuse. Alongside these plans, we uncover a heartwarming tale of a young birdhouse enthusiast and share quirky insights from our recent garage sale adventures. Our playful banter and practical jokes offer listeners a peek into our dynamic and fun-loving partnership.

    Politics takes center stage in our spirited discussion on how it intersects with daily life, affecting everything from grocery prices to Hollywood opinions. Not to be missed is the celebration of our collaboration with Dana—our series has captivated millions! As we chat about book releases and audience engagement, including feedback on "Narc, Narc, Who's There?" and "Gasping for Air," the episode brims with humor, personal growth, and the importance of having a supportive circle. Tune in for whimsical conversations, inside jokes, and a reminder that love and laughter can truly change the world.

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    37 mins
  • Narc Narc, Who's There, Help, Gasping for Air: Resilience and Realizations: Embracing Non-Traditional Families, Overcoming Judgement, and Cultivating Authentic Connections
    Nov 4 2024

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    What if growing up in a non-traditional family wasn't a disadvantage but a unique strength? Join us as we celebrate a milestone of reaching over 10 million listeners by diving deep into your pressing questions about mental health, self-acceptance, and individuality. Together, we'll explore how overcoming judgment and handling criticism can lead to embracing self-worth, even in the face of narcissistic abuse and familial discord. Through personal stories, we reveal the transformative power of setting boundaries and finding genuine connections that foster love and acceptance beyond societal expectations.

    Family dynamics can be a tricky terrain to navigate, especially when they don't fit the idealized images portrayed in popular culture. We contrast these societal expectations with the reality many face, using candid reflections and examples like Bill Cosby's public persona to highlight the importance of authenticity. This episode emphasizes the value of forming meaningful relationships with those who truly appreciate and support us, recognizing that not all familial bonds are inherently nurturing. We also address the complex nature of trust and friendship, offering insights into maintaining authenticity amidst mental health struggles and navigating friendship boundaries.

    Our conversation extends into the nuanced discussion of self-preservation versus narcissism, touching on the subjective nature of these judgments and the journey toward gender identity acceptance. We share heartfelt responses to a young listener's question on worthlessness, highlighting the courage it takes to seek help and the critical role of unconditional love and support. As we wrap up, we remind every listener of their resilience and encourage you to reach out to us across social media platforms, reinforcing the message that you are never alone on this journey toward healing and self-discovery.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Kindness and Courage: Inspiring Acts, Addressing Domestic Violence, and Celebrating Community Resilience
    Oct 28 2024

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    Have you ever wondered how small acts of kindness can ripple into transformative community support? Faith, our incredible daughter, has been a beacon of generosity from a young age, collecting toys for children in need and families rebuilding after domestic violence. As we navigate the complexities of setting up our first GoFundMe for the "Holiday for Heroes" initiative, we also celebrate our 300th episode milestone with an inspiring interview featuring the resilient Scott Hamilton. His story parallels our mission of kindness and community, echoing the strength we see in those around us.

    Our conversation takes a serious turn as we address the poignant issues surrounding domestic violence. Faith's powerful acronym, BRAVE—Be Resilient, Acknowledge Victories, and Embrace Your Challenges—resonates deeply with the stories we share. We recount a harrowing tale of domestic abuse and systemic failures, urging reform and empathy. As we highlight works like Victoria Curie's "Who Kicked First," we call on our listeners to join us in advocating for survivors and supporting change. Every listener has a role to play in creating a supportive community for those facing these battles.

    While the episode handles serious topics, we balance the narrative with moments of humor and personal reflection on family dynamics. From discussing the complexities of co-parenting to sharing light-hearted stories about regional dialects and humorous family banter, we remind ourselves of the joy and responsibility in nurturing relationships. The chapter on book promotion and editing reveals the playful rapport between author and editor, exemplifying the supportive partnerships that drive our passion. Join us as we celebrate storytelling, resilience, and the joy of coming together for a greater cause.

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    41 mins
  • A CONTAGIOUS SMILE WELCOME MARGE SENIOR FROM REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY: Laughter and Legacy: Reality TV Royalty, Family Dynamics, and Classic Hollywood Celebrations
    Oct 27 2024

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    What happens when reality TV royalty crashes your birthday party? Join us for an unforgettable episode where we celebrate a surprise visit from Marge Senior of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, all orchestrated by my incredibly thoughtful daughter, Faith. Marge Senior opens up about her journey through the drama of reality television with grace and authenticity, recounting a recent health scare where her daughter and a skilled pulmonologist became her heroes. We share laughter over the antics of her son-in-law, Joe, and the unique camaraderie among the men of the show, making this a heartwarming and humorous celebration of life and family.

    Ever wondered about the inspiring journeys behind the scenes? Our conversation takes a profound turn as we speak to a woman with a rich life story, sharing her reflections on work, family, and resilience. From navigating public criticism with poise to transitioning from her daughter’s brand to a new career, her insights are nothing short of inspiring. We explore her resilience through past hardships, her love for animals, and cherished memories of her childhood on a Hungarian farm. And yes, there’s a delightful confession about her guilty pleasure—Haagen-Dazs coffee bean ice cream!

    Family drama takes center stage as we explore complex dynamics and emotional turmoil within strained relationships. Teresa's bond with Louie and its impact on her family, especially her brother Joe and his wife Melissa, raises questions about loyalty and support. We highlight the importance of cherishing family memories and standing by loved ones during tough times. As a cherry on top, we wrap up with a shared love for classic Hollywood films, celebrating the timeless elegance of stars like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford while teasing an upcoming show season that promises even more captivating stories.

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    28 mins
  • A Contagious Smile's Teen Talk: Creativity and Camaraderie: Teen Authors Navigate Bullying, Break Genre Barriers, and Celebrate Literary Milestones
    Oct 27 2024

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    Teen author Shanti Hershenson joins us as our new co-host and takes us through her remarkable journey of becoming an author during the pandemic. We explore how her novel, "You Won't Know Her Name," based on personal experiences with bullying, carved a significant path in her writing career, attracting nearly 40,000 readers. Shanti and I share the highs and lows of navigating the world of young adult authorship and reflect on how these shared experiences have deepened our friendship. As we celebrate her incredible milestone, we also discuss unexpected ways to mark such achievements—cue the escape room adventure!

    Our conversation shifts to the pressures young women face, particularly in male-dominated genres like science fiction. The episode offers advice on staying authentic amidst societal judgments, especially concerning personal style and family values. We talk about overcoming bullying by seeking supportive communities and emphasize the importance of finding trusted allies in school settings. Shanti and I also dive into the creative process of self-publishing, balancing quality with quantity, and our aspirations for expanding into traditional publishing. As we look ahead, there's excitement for future projects, fashion inspirations, and birthday celebrations, making this episode a rich tapestry of creativity and camaraderie.

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    34 mins
  • Laughter and Lessons: Pet Peculiarities, Parenting Challenges, and Playful Movie Night Debates
    Oct 26 2024

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    Ever wondered how the sexual orientation of pets or the pronunciation of "aluminum" could spark endless laughter? Join us for a rollercoaster of hilarity with the mischievous Abby Cadabby Cadou, the delightful Faith, and our own Michael as they turn a simple movie night into a riotous debate about pranks and peculiar films. Prepare to laugh out loud while we share some outrageous tales, like a child's unexpected vocabulary outburst in public, and explore the quirks of domestic life, including our cooking mishaps and the comedic challenges of parenting.

    The laughter doesn't stop as we navigate through personal quirks and lively family banter, sharing stories that anyone with a family can relate to. Picture our attempts to balance life's demands while keeping our sense of humor intact, whether it’s slipping in unexpected places or pondering the meaning behind memorable movie titles like "Brave" and "Legally Blonde." Our episode gets real as we tackle essential topics like gender identity and child protection, questioning the effectiveness of legal responses to heinous crimes against children and advocating for non-violent parenting.

    As we close, we express heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful guests, Abby and Faith, and tease with exciting news about upcoming books like "Who Kicked First?" and "Dark, Dark, Who's There?" There's no shortage of fun or substance in this episode, as we encourage you to grab a copy of Faith's impressive literary collection under the pen name Baby Curie Solomon. Join us for a heartfelt thank you and remember, keep smiling and enjoy every moment, just like our Canadian pals would.

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    49 mins
  • A Contagious Smile's Teen Talk: Resilience and Reflection: Balancing Technology, Confronting Cyberbullying, and Embracing Personal Growth
    Oct 26 2024

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    Balancing the demands of schoolwork and personal projects is no easy feat, but what if embracing technology could be both your biggest ally and adversary? Join us as Shanti Hershenson and Faith navigate the intricate landscape of modern life, exploring not only the enhancements technology brings to communication and opportunity but also the darker challenges such as cyberbullying. We'll share personal stories and insights on how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are reshaping our interactions and creativity, for better or worse.

    Have you ever wondered how pivotal life decisions, like publishing a book or switching schools, shape who we become? This episode invites you into our world, where we confront self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the ever-present fear of failure. Strategies for resilience, from leaning on friendships to celebrating small victories, are highlighted as we dissect the growth that stems from overcoming obstacles. We're all on a journey to change perceptions, tackle bullying, and manage time effectively, and we're sharing our secrets with you.

    Are you more focused on being liked or respected? Your answer might just redefine your personal identity. We'll dive into electrifying conversations about music's influence on our lives, recounting unforgettable moments with legends like Elton John. As we discuss the pressures of gender roles and self-acceptance, we'll emphasize the importance of confidence and inner beauty. We bring our conversation full circle with messages of hope and resilience, recommending inspiring reads like "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. And don't miss our heartwarming moment with Raj, our service puppy, who reminds us to never give up on what we love.

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    41 mins