The Big Silence
Where there is darkness, there is an immense opportunity for light. The Big Silence aims to normalize conversations around mental health and empower people to turn their challenges into triumphs. Hosted by Karena Dawn – mental health advocate, wellness entrepreneur, co-founder of Tone It Up, and New York Times bestselling author – The Big Silence is creating a safe space to share our story, and for you to share yours. Like so many, Karena has experienced profound grief and trauma. Growing up with a mother diagnosed with paranoid-schizophrenia, her childhood was filled with traumatic experiences that resulted in repressed emotions of guilt, shame, depression, and eventually, a suicide attempt. Though filled with this darkness, Karena was able to find deep joy. And with The Big Silence, she's creating a space for you to find that joy, too. This podcast will feature in-depth conversations with psychologists, spiritual leaders, public figures, friends, and anyone who has been impacted by a mental health condition – either themselves, or through a family member or a friend. Suffering in silence only reinforces the stigma behind mental health issues and builds boundaries that prevent healing. Wherever you are, whatever you're going through, you have a spark of greatness inside of you. No more embarrassment, no more shame, only healing. -- A non-profit 501(c)3, The Big Silence Foundation provides resources and support to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by mental illness. 'The Big Silence' theme song was written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Executive Handyman, Bobby Goldstein.
Episodes
What if the chemicals in our food, water, and everyday products were silently impacting our mental health? This week on The Big Silence, I sit down with Dr. Aly Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist, integrative medicine specialist, and environmental health expert, to explore the hidden connection between toxins and brain health. From the rise of autoimmune diseases to how endocrine-disrupting chemicals might be affecting our moo...
Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber Brooks knows the immense pressure of elite gymnastics—where fear-based coaching, emotional suppression, and relentless expectations shape young athletes. In this episode, she opens up about the resilience it took to unlearn those survival tactics and how retiring at just 18 forced her to redefine her identity beyond competition. Now the head coach at the University of Arkansas, Jordyn is reshapin...
What if facing death was the key to truly living? I’m sitting down with my dear friend, Darlene Cordero—founder of Wellness Culture, author of The Healer’s Playbook, and a true force of nature when it comes to uplifting others. After years of success in corporate finance and media, she walked away to pursue a deeper calling—but it wasn’t until a life-altering cancer diagnosis that she truly understood what it meant to live with pur...
We’re breaking the silence on vaccines—one of the most polarizing and complicated conversations in parenting. I’m joined by Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, a Board-Certified Pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine, who believes parents deserve open, judgment-free discussions on vaccines, chronic illness, and raising healthy kids. Known for his popular Instagram @DrJoelGator and his upcoming book Between a Shot and a Hard Place, D...
Liz Plosser is back, and she’s stepping into a whole new chapter of life—on her own terms. After two decades in corporate media, including seven years as Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief, she made the bold decision to walk away and embrace the unknown. In this conversation, Liz gets real about navigating career reinvention, overcoming self-doubt, and building momentum when everything feels uncertain. She shares the daily habits that ...
I’m joined by the incredible Ginni Saraswati—Founder and CEO of Ginni Media, award-winning journalist, and podcasting powerhouse. As the driving force behind a thriving production company and host of The Ginni Show, Ginni has dedicated her career to amplifying voices and stories that matter—including her own. In this deeply personal conversation, she opens up about growing up with a mentally ill parent, an experience I know all too...
Here to share how “good stress” can fuel growth and how to combat the chronic stress that drives disease is Jeff Krasno, co-founder and CEO of Commune and author of Good Stress. In this episode, Jeff takes us through his journey—from founding the global festival movement Wanderlust to facing health and identity challenges after leaving the company. He explains how practices like intermittent fasting, cold plunging, resistance train...
Welcome to 2025: New you, old you, but always improving! I’m kicking off the year with my right-hand woman, Deseray Cummings, from the stunning shores of Punta de Mita, Mexico. Together, we share our takes on New Year pressure —breaking down why resolutions can sometimes backfire and how to shift the focus to sustainable habits that truly nourish your body and mind. Spoiler: it’s not about 75-day challenges or burning yourself out!
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At just 16, Elle Kristine is revolutionizing teen dating and addressing mental health challenges with a passion fueled by her own experiences. Recognizing the growing need for guidance, Elle created AskElle, an AI-powered app designed to help teens build social skills, navigate relationships, and access expert-vetted advice. In this episode, Elle highlights the unique pressures teens face today, from confronting damaging and unreal...
Discover the transformative power of your heart brain for whole body harmony with Kimberly Snyder, wellness expert and author of The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts. Kimberly reveals how heart coherence—aligning your heart, brain, and nervous system—can boost your health, emotional intelligence, and clarity. Drawing on groundbreaking research, she explains how this connection improves immunity, hormonal balance, and gut health whil...
Daisy Auger-Domínguez, a workplace strategist and author of Inclusion Revolution and Burnt Out to Lit Up, has dedicated her career to creating healthier, more inclusive workplaces. Drawing from her leadership roles at companies like Google, Disney, and Vice Media, Daisy shares her personal journey through burnout, how it impacted her mind, body, and family, and the tools that brought her back to balance. We explore the true meaning...
Trigger Warning: While the topic of suicide prevention is heavy, this conversation reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is a path forward. My guest, Niyc Pidgeon, is a positive psychologist and author of One More Day. After facing her own mental health battles and losing three close friends to suicide, her understanding of trauma and compassion runs deep. Through her work, she empowers others with tools to navigate hard...
As an Integrative Nutritionist, passionate food activist, and host of the popular Realfoodology podcast, Courtney Swan is on a mission to fix America’s broken food system and empower us with the knowledge we need to make healthier choices. In this episode, Courtney shares eye-opening insights about harmful ingredients and food practices most of us have no idea about. She breaks down the difference between conventional and regenerat...
Have you ever felt the need to “fix” everyone else’s problems or put others’ needs ahead of your own? I’m proud to welcome back psychotherapist and relationship expert Terri Cole, who shares insights from her book, Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency. Terri reveals what high-functioning codependency (HFC) looks like—chronic overgiving, advice-giving, and prioritizing others at your expense—and e...
Case Kenny, creator of The New Mindset Journal and host of New Mindset, Who Dis?, redefines mindfulness by combining journaling, breathwork, and music into a lively, accessible practice. His unique “golden retriever style”—warm, curious, and open—makes self-growth relatable for millions. In this episode, Case delves into the power of vulnerability, reimagines mindfulness, and shares insights on maintaining independence in relations...
Andra Liemandt, founder and CEO of The Kindness Campaign®, is transforming kids' lives by teaching self-love and emotional health from an early age. Sparked by a tragedy in her friend's family, Andra’s mission is to empower kids with tools for emotional resilience and kindness. Through art, music, and programs like the “magic mirror,” The Kindness Campaign partners with schools to create safe spaces where children can learn to unde...
129. Living Authentically Child-Free: Facing Societal Pressure & Breaking Stigmas w/ Ruby Warrington
If you’ve ever faced the unsolicited question, “When are you having kids?” or the comment, “But you’d be such a great mother,” this episode is here to offer support and perspective. Karena sits down with Ruby Warrington, author, podcast host, and creator of the Sober Curious movement, whose new book and podcast, Women Without Kids, is reframing what it means to choose a child-free life. In this conversation, Ruby and Karena explore...
Mark Groves is here to discuss finding liberated love by understanding attachment styles, uncovering blind spots that prevent healthy relationships, and breaking free from codependency. If you’re not familiar with his work, Mark is a Human Connection Specialist, founder of Create the Love, and host of the Mark Groves Podcast. His work bridges the academic and human aspects of connection, inviting us to explore the good, the bad, th...
If you have anxiety, Dr. John Delony wants you to know it’s not your fault. We live in a world that constantly threatens our nervous system, and in this episode we unpack how we can start healing. Dr. Delony is a two-time #1 national bestselling author and the host of The Dr. John Delony Show. With two PhDs and over 20 years of experience in counseling, crisis response, and higher education, he has dedicated his life to helping peo...
In this episode, I sit down with Helen Reavey, founder of Act + Acre, celebrity hairstylist, and trichologist. After years of working with top names in the industry, Helen created Act + Acre, the world’s first Cold Processed® hair wellness brand focused on scalp health. Visit Act + Acre and take the quiz on their website to see what hair & scalp system is right for you. Use code TBS20 for 20% off your purchase.
Helen explains wh...
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