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 ...
Jun 30, 2025•33 min•Season 8Ep. 198
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 f...
Jun 27, 2025•37 min•Season 8Ep. 197
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—i...
Jun 25, 2025•22 min•Season 8Ep. 196
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...
Jun 24, 2025•37 min•Season 8Ep. 195
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...
Jun 18, 2025•41 min•Season 8Ep. 194
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...
Jun 12, 2025•19 min•Season 8Ep. 193
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 dysfun...
Jun 09, 2025•44 min•Season 8Ep. 192
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...
Jun 06, 2025•40 min•Season 8Ep. 191
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 ho...
Jun 04, 2025•47 min•Season 8Ep. 190
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 devel...
May 30, 2025•38 min•Season 8Ep. 189
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 ...
May 28, 2025•22 min•Season 8Ep. 188
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—emoti...
May 25, 2025•15 min•Season 8Ep. 187
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 buil...
May 24, 2025•48 min•Season 8Ep. 186
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. D...
May 22, 2025•24 min•Season 8Ep. 185
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 practice...
May 21, 2025•15 min•Season 8Ep. 184
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 co...
May 18, 2025•39 min•Season 8Ep. 183
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 b...
May 17, 2025•37 min•Season 8Ep. 182
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 . Sh...
May 14, 2025•38 min•Season 8Ep. 181
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 ...
May 12, 2025•41 min•Season 8Ep. 180
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: Why your self-talk sounds the way it does (and why it’s not your fault) A powerful tactic to “nip it in the bud” the moment negative self-talk shows up Four somatic practices that help quiet the inne...
May 09, 2025•22 min•Season 8Ep. 179
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, set...
May 08, 2025•38 min•Season 8Ep. 178
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 siblin...
May 06, 2025•43 min•Season 8Ep. 177
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 re...
May 01, 2025•26 min•Season 6Ep. 176
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....
Apr 29, 2025•45 min•Season 7Ep. 175
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 extensiv...
Apr 26, 2025•22 min•Season 7Ep. 174
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: Why honoring your "no" is ...
Apr 24, 2025•16 min•Season 7Ep. 173
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 a...
Apr 23, 2025•23 min•Season 7Ep. 172
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 , a...
Apr 22, 2025•12 min•Season 7Ep. 171
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, a...
Apr 21, 2025•30 min•Season 7Ep. 170
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 ...
Apr 17, 2025•22 min•Season 7Ep. 169
