The Big Silence
The Big Silence is a mental health and self-development podcast hosted by Karena Dawn, co-founder of Tone It Up. Each week she has honest conversations with psychologists, wellness experts, and admired guests about resilience, healing, and personal growth. The show features personal stories, expert insight, and practical tools to help listeners navigate life's challenges. It is connected to a nonprofit foundation that provides resources for people impacted by mental illness.
Episodes
Celebrity Nutritionist Mona Sharma Breaks Down Ayurveda, Gut Health & Hustle Culture
Celebrity holistic nutritionist Mona Sharma, known for her work with Will Smith, Jay Shetty, and Julianne Hough, joins Karena Dawn to unpack the health crisis that changed her life. Mona shares her path from a high-pressure career in luxury beauty marketing through two heart surgeries and a PCOS diagnosis, to founding a holistic practice rooted in Ayurveda and nervous system healing. The conversat
Psychotherapist Terri Cole on Boundaries, Burnout, and the Cost of "I'm Fine"
Psychotherapist and boundary expert Terri Cole joins Karena Dawn to break down High Functioning Codependency (HFC): the pattern where over giving, over functioning, and chronic self sacrifice get mistaken for strength. Terri, author of Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High Functioning Codependency, explains how childhood conditioning shapes this behavior, the physical and emotional toll
Commune CEO Jeff Krasno on Turning a Diabetes Diagnosis Into Good Stress
Jeff Krasno is the co-founder of Wanderlust, the founder and CEO of Commune, and the author of Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things. In this episode, Jeff joins Karena Dawn to discuss his diabetes diagnosis at forty-nine and the intermittent fasting, cold water therapy, and resistance training protocols that helped him lose sixty pounds in three months. He also unpacks the science
Filmmaker Kelly Noonan Gores on the Placebo Effect, Forgiveness & the Body's Hidden Wisdom
Kelly Noonan Gores is the writer, director, and producer of the documentary Heal, author of the companion book by the same name, and host of the Heal with Kelly podcast. In this conversation, Kelly and Karena Dawn explore the placebo and nocebo effects, why 95% of our behavior is run by subconscious programming formed in early childhood, the role of forgiveness in physical and emotional healing, g
The Menopause Gaslighting Problem with Integrative Dietitian Esther Blum’s No BS Guide to Hormones
Karena Dawn is joined by Esther Blum, an integrative dietitian and menopause expert with nearly three decades of clinical experience, to break down what perimenopause and menopause actually look like, and why so much of mainstream medicine gets it wrong. Esther explains the real symptoms of perimenopause, how to advocate for hormone replacement therapy at the doctor's office, and the research behi
Integrative Nutritionist Cara Clark Talks Disordered Eating, Faith & Ditching the Calorie Count
Integrative nutritionist, master blood chemistry practitioner, and author Cara Clark joins Karena Dawn to unpack the childhood pattern of performance-based love that shaped her adulthood and the faith-driven journey behind her book. Cara also shares her feel-good food philosophy, her take on protein needs for women over 40, and the daily nervous system practices that keep her grounded as a mother
NAMI Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine M. Crawford on AI, Kids' Mental Health & Perimenopause
In this episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Dr. Christine M. Crawford, Chief Medical Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent mental health. From the science behind why deep breathing actually works, to what it means when a teenager stops showing up for their own life, Dr. Crawford brings rare
Body Positivity Pioneer Hayley Hasselhoff on Loss and Redefining Confidence
Actor, curve model pioneer, and longtime mental health advocate Hayley Hasselhoff joins Karena Dawn for an honest conversation about losing her mother and the year of transformation that followed. Hayley shares how grief reshaped her relationships, her career, and her sense of self, and walks through the personalized mental health toolbox she's relied on since childhood struggles with OCD and anxi
Death Doula Darnell Lamont Walker on Facing Mortality, Forgiveness & Why Love Is What We Never Forget
Darnell Walker is a death doula, children's television writer, and founder of the travel company Passport Required. In this episode, he joins Karena Dawn to talk about how a near-fatal blood clot diagnosis at 22 reshaped how he lives, why he believes you don't have to forgive someone to heal from what they did, the deathbed truth he's witnessed again and again about love and regret, and the 20-pag
Dr. Michael Greger on Food, Longevity & Why Everything You've Been Told About Protein Is Wrong
Dr. Michael Greger is a physician, bestselling author of How Not to Die, and founder of nutritionfacts.org. In this episode, he joins Karena to break down the science of longevity — from why poor diet kills more Americans than cigarettes, to the truth about fasting, protein myths, and the three foods that could add years to your life. He also shares surprising research linking meat consumption to
Sol Health Founder Melinda Gong on Grief, Access To Therapy & Building Beauty From Loss
Stanford grad Melinda Gong is the founder of Sol Health, a teletherapy company offering sessions starting at $30 — five to six times more affordable than private practice. Melinda lost her brother Tony to suicide at nineteen and channeled that grief into one of the most promising mental health startups in the country. In this episode, she joins Karena to talk about the loneliness epidemic, why 57%
Mindfulness Expert Case Kenny on Optimism, Journaling for Joy & the Courage To Be Weird
Case Kenny is the host of New Minds on SiriusXM, author of Bold of You: How to Thrive as Your Most Vibrant, Weird and Real Self, and one of the most-shared wellness voices on social media. In this episode, he joins Karena Dawn to talk about how he traded a high-earning ad sales career for a life built on vulnerability and journaling, why mindfulness doesn't have to be mystical, his practical take
Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Origin Story, Real Mental Health Stats & Karena's 5 Practices for Emotional Wellness
In Episode 200, host Karena Dawn pauses to celebrate five years of The Big Silence and over six million people reached through the podcast's mental health mission. She opens up about growing up with a mother diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, surviving teenage suicidal ideation, and why she built a foundation dedicated to making mental health support accessible to everyone. Karena shares five
How Kathryn Nicolai's Bedtime Stories Reached 200 Million Downloads and Changed How the World Sleeps
Kathryn Nicolai is the creator of Nothing Much Happens, a bedtime story podcast with over 200 million downloads, a former yoga and meditation studio owner with 20 years of teaching experience, and the author of two books. In this episode, she joins Karena Dawn to explore the real relationship between sleep and mental health, why trying to fall asleep actually makes it harder, the ancient power of
Kevin Hines: Surviving the Golden Gate Bridge, Living with Bipolar Disorder & Saving Lives
Best-selling author, keynote speaker, and Golden Gate Bridge suicide attempt survivor Kevin Hines joins Karena Dawn to talk about bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, and the daily practices that keep him mentally well. Kevin opens up about the traumatic childhood that shaped his mental health, the instant regret he felt leaving the bridge rail, the sea lion and Coast Guard boat that saved his lif
The Energy You Carry | Nervous System Regulation, Frequency & Healing with Heather Askinosie
In this episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn is joined by Heather Askinosie, energy architect, bestselling author of Crystal Muse, and founder of Energy Muse, where she has spent over three decades helping people use crystals and frequency technology to regulate their nervous systems and deepen their alignment. Heather breaks down how frequency devices work, explains the Tesla-inspired 3-6-9-12
The Truth About Modern Dating, Marriage & Attraction with Relationship Coach Stephan Labossiere
Bestselling author and sought-after relationship coach Stephan Labossiere, also known as Stephan Speaks, joins Karena Dawn for an honest, spiritually grounded conversation on love, dating, and marriage. From decoding red flags to understanding why physical attraction matters more than most people admit, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating modern relationships: single, dating,
Dr. Eboni Cornish on Neuroinflammation, Gut Health & Why You're Still Not Getting Better
Dr. Eboni Cornish is the Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics and president-elect of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), with 16+ years specializing in neuroinflammation, Lyme disease, mold illness, PANS/PANDAS, and long COVID. In this episode, she joins Karena to break down the overlooked root causes driving brain fog, anxiety, poor sleep, and chronic illness — m
Bob Saget's Widow Kelly Rizzo on Grief, Resilience & Loving Again
Kelly Rizzo is a food and travel creator, host of the Comfort Food podcast, and founder of the Comfort Club grief community. In this episode, she opens up about losing her husband Bob Saget, rebuilding her identity, and what surprised her most about grief. She and Karena also explore career reinvention at any age, learning to love without fear, and why sharing your story is one of the most powerfu
Randy Spelling: From Hollywood Royalty to Recovery & Helping Others Heal
In this conversation with Randy Spelling — life coach of 18 years, son of legendary TV producer Aaron Spelling, and co-host of the Oldish podcast — Karena explores how growing up with fame and fortune still left him empty. He shares how addiction nearly took his life and how he rebuilt himself through somatic therapy, EMDR, inner child work, and learning to trust his own intuition. You’ll gain pra
How Creative Writing Heals: Allie Michelle on Journaling, Archetypes & Emotional Strength
In this conversation with Allie Michelle, poet, spoken word performer, and author of four poetry collections, she and Karena cover the healing power of journaling and radical honesty on the page. They discuss how EMDR therapy rewired her nervous system in just eight sessions, the difference between the Lover and Seeker archetypes, and why fluid identity beats fixed personality systems. Youo’ll hea
ADHD, Dopamine & Brain Fog: What Your Brain Is Trying to Tell You | Dr. Steven Storage
Dr. Steven Storage is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Amen Clinics, where brain SPECT imaging is used to diagnose and treat conditions like ADHD at the neurological level. In this episode, he and Karena cover the four pillars of brain health, how social media hijacks your dopamine, why ADHD is both genetic and environmental, the seven subtypes of ADHD, what low dopamine actually fee
Author & Executive Coach Amina AlTai on Burnout, Core Wounds & Escaping the Ambition Trap
Executive coach and bestselling author Amina AlTai joins Karena to unpack the hidden psychology behind burnout, overachievement, and what she calls the "ambition trap" — the exhausting space between feeling too much and never enough. After her own health crisis brought on by relentless overworking and undiagnosed autoimmune disease, Amina went back to study coaching, nutrition, and mindfulness, an
How Fitness Saved His Life & Why Community Is the Most Underrated Health Tool
In this conversation with Kenny Santucci — personal trainer, entrepreneur, and founder of Strong New York — Karena explores how growing up broke in New Jersey shaped his relentless work ethic, why he lost millions and kept going, and how fitness became his anchor through canceled deals, failed businesses, and a suicidal crisis. Kenny also shares his philosophy on building real community through fi
How to Stop Repeating Your Parents' Patterns | Dr. Shefali Tsabary on Conscious Parenting
In this conversation with Dr. Shefali Tsabary, clinical psychologist and author of The Conscious Parent, Karena explores how unhealed childhood wounds get passed down through generations, why traditional discipline doesn't work, and how the three-step process of awareness, acceptance, and action can help you break toxic patterns — whether you're a parent or not.How do we stop unconsciously passing
Permission To Feel: Dr. Marc Brackett on Male Emotions, Grief & the Science of Regulation
In this conversation with Dr. Marc Brackett, founder and director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Karena explores the science of emotional regulation, the RULER framework (Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions), and why traditional approaches to handling feelings often fail. Dr. Brackett shares his personal story of childhood trauma, discusses the
Why Eating Disorders Kill & How to Heal: Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt Explains
In this conversation with Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in eating disorders and founder of Within Health and Galen Hope treatment centers, Karena explores the life-threatening reality of eating disorders as serious mental illnesses that claim one life every 52 minutes in America. Dr. Oliver-Pyatt explains the biopsychosocial foundations of eating disorders, sh
Your Brain Is Lying to You — Bizzie Gold on Childhood Trauma, Self-Deception & Brain Patterns
In this conversation with Bizzie Gold, founder of Break Method and creator of brain pattern mapping technology, Karena explores how childhood experiences create predictable patterns that shape your relationships, career, and mental health—and how understanding your source belief pattern can help you break free from self-deception and build a healthier life.How do you rewire the brain patterns form
The Power of Gratitude: A Guided Meditation to Create More of What You're Thankful For
What if gratitude isn't just something you feel, but something you create more of every time you practice it?In this grounding Mental Wellness Month meditation, Karena guides you through an 8-minute practice designed to help you reconnect with gratitude for your body, your breath, and your journey. Using breathwork, visualization, and mantras, this meditation invites you to pause and give thanks f
Dr. Will Cole on The Body-Brain Connection | Your Gut is Why You’re Anxious
What If Your Gut Could Heal Your Mind? In this deeply personal episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with functional medicine pioneer and bestselling author Dr. Will Cole. From growing up with a bodybuilding dad in the '80s to building the first functional medicine telehealth clinic, Dr. Cole shares his unconventional path to becoming one of the most trusted voices in holistic health. He op
The 10-Minute Meditation Fix For Your Overthinking Brain
What if the answer to your racing thoughts isn't fighting them—but watching them float by?In this week's free meditation for Mental Wellness Month, Karena guides you through a powerful practice designed for anyone whose mind won't shut up. This session teaches you to observe your thoughts without getting swept away by them—whether it's worry, planning, or that relentless inner critic. If you've be
The Weight of Being the “Perfect Immigrant”: Dr. Joan Sung on Letting Go of Expectations
What if breaking your family’s silence was the first step to truly finding yourself?Author and educator, Dr. Joan Sung, joins Karena in Austin for a candid conversation about identity, intergenerational trauma, and what it really takes to prioritize mental health, especially within Asian American family systems. From the model minority myth to “tiger mom” dynamics, fetishization, and going “no con
Rise Into Your Power: A Meditation to Remember Who You Really Are
What if the powerful version of you isn't something you need to become—but something you already are?In this empowering Mental Wellness Month meditation, Karena guides you through a 9-minute practice designed to help you reconnect with your inner strength and rise into your most confident self. Using breathwork, visualization, and affirmations, this meditation reminds you that you're not waiting t
Why You Can't Stop Self-Sabotaging: Therapist Kati Morton on Control, Patterns & How to Break Free
What if your need for control is actually what's keeping you stuck?In this revealing episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with licensed therapist, YouTuber, and bestselling author Kati Morton to dive into her most personal book yet: Why Do I Keep Doing This? From toxic independence to people-pleasing as manipulation, Kati unpacks the precarious relationship we have with control—and why try
Protect Your Peace: A 9-Minute Meditation to Release What You Can't Control
What if you could choose where your energy goes and protect what matters most?In this special Mental Wellness Month meditation, Karena guides you through a powerful practice designed to help you protect your peace and release what's not yours to carry. Using breathwork, visualization, and affirmations, this meditation creates a protective boundary around your energy and reminds you that not everyt
Your Brain Is Lying to You: Jon Hershfield on Escaping OCD's Grip & Getting Your Life Back
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if the thoughts that torment you don’t have to define you anymore?In this eye-opening episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Jon Hershfield, MFT, director of the Center for OCD and Anxiety at Sheppard Pratt. From his own live
Finding Good Grief: Tallulah Willis on Growing Up in Public, Redefining Loss & Trusting Yourself
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if grief isn't just about what you've lost, but also about honoring who you were and how far you've come?In this raw and heartfelt episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with entrepreneur, artist, and mental health advocate Tallul
The Sign That Saved Her Life: Actress and Producer Sarah Gilman on Survival & Breaking Silence
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if the sign you needed appeared at your darkest moment—and changed everything?In this deeply moving episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with actress, producer, and mental health advocate Sarah Gilman. Best known for her starrin
Mike Majlak, Impaulsive Co-Host + YouTuber | No-BS Talk on Addiction, Anxiety & Mental Health
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if the thing you're running from is the exact thing holding you back from everything you're meant to be?In this raw and powerful episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with podcast host, author, and co-host of Impaulsive, Mike Ma
Coming Home: Karena Dawn Re-Acquires Tone It Up | A New Era of Fitness, Empowerment & Community
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat happens when you fight for a year to reclaim the company you built—and finally win?In this raw, emotional solo episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn breaks her silence and shares the news her community has been waiting for: she's boug
Why Clean Air Matters | Jaspr’s Wes Greenwood on Mold Illness, Air Quality & Inflammation
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if the invisible air around you was quietly impacting your sleep, your energy, and your overall health?In this eye-opening episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Wes Greenwood, Wellness Director at Jaspr and a former firefigh
Designing Your World: Celebrity Intuit Laura Day on How to Create the Life You Want
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if your intuition was the key to rewriting your story?In this illuminating episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with bestselling author and renowned intuitive Laura Day, whose new book The Prism: Seven Steps to Heal Your Past an
From Rock Bottom to Redemption: Chase McDaniel on Addiction, Anxiety, and Turning Trauma into Art
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if your lowest moment became the foundation for your purpose?In this heartfelt episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with country music artist Chase McDaniel, who transformed generational trauma, addiction, and mental illness int
Stronger Every Day: Angelo Keely’s Science-Backed Guide to Protein, Recovery & Resilience
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if one terrifying night became the catalyst for a lifetime of healing?In this powerhouse episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Angelo Keely, co-founder and CEO of Kion, to unpack his extraordinary path—from a near-fatal stab
From Hustle Culture to Human Be-ing: Israa Nasir on Anxiety, Boundaries & Dismantling Toxic Productivity
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if redefining success started with your nervous system?In this powerful, live from New York conversation, Karena sits down with therapist and author Israa Nasir to unpack why achievement alone can still leave us feeling empty. You’ll l
Surviving the Jump: Kevin Hines on Miracles, Mental Health & Finding Love Beyond the Pain
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if the moment you thought would end your life became the start of a mission to save millions?In this extraordinary episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with suicide prevention advocate, storyteller, and best-selling author Kevin
Turning Fear Into Creative Fuel: Josh Pais’ Secrets to Presence & Creativity
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if fear wasn’t an enemy to conquer, but a source of fuel for creativity? In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with actor, teacher, and Committed Impulse founder, Josh Pais. From growing up in New York’s gritty A
Vanessa Rissetto: A CEO’s Honest Take on Nutrition, Mental Health, and Saying What You Mean is great
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat happens when a cancer diagnosis collides with raising $10 million in venture capital?On this episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Vanessa Rissetto, registered dietitian, CEO and co-founder of Culina Health, and cancer survi
Dr. Nadine Macaluso on Trauma Bonds: How to Spot Love-Bombing, Set Boundaries, and Heal
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat happens when the “perfect” relationship is powered by control, confusion, and intermittent kindness?In this powerful conversation, Dr. Nadine Macaluso, somatic psychologist and author of Run Like Hell, breaks down trauma bonds. She exp
From Panic to Peace: Gabby Bernstein’s Playbook for Healing, Reparenting & Real Talk on Meds
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if the breakdown you feared was actually the doorway to your greatest sense of peace?In this transformative episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and Dear Gabby podcas
The End of Mental Illness? Dr. Daniel Amen on Brainhealth, Tiny Habits & Hope
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnCould the secret to mental health be linked to brain health rather than what’s inside a pill bottle?In this illuminating episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with world-renowned psychiatrist, brain health expert, and bestselling aut
Love, Loss & Looking IRL: Stephanie Fischer on Resilience, Humor & Finding Your Person
Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air!Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawnWhat if modern dating wasn’t done with your thumb?In this refreshing episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Stephanie Fischer, attorney-turned-tech CEO of NeverMissed, a proximity-based dating app designed to get you off your phon
It’s Time to End the Cycle of Self-Abandonment: How to Set Boundaries, Heal Shame, and Reclaim Your Aliveness with Vanessa Bennett
What if the guilt and shame you carry as a mother or caretaker weren’t yours to begin with?In this episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with licensed therapist, author, and Jungian psychology practitioner Vanessa Bennett to unpack her new book, The Myth of Motherhood. From growing up as a “parentified child” to raising her daughter with intention, Vanessa shares how generational woun
Dream Bigger Than Your Trauma: Natalia Kholodenko on Resilience, War & Reclaiming Joy
What if the path to healing wasn’t in returning to the life you had, but in dreaming up an even better one?In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Ukrainian psychologist and motivational speaker Natalia Kholodenko. Once a TV star living a glamorous life in Kyiv, Natalia lost everything in an instant when war broke out. Forced to flee, she faced displacement, trauma
“You Have to Become the Boss of Your Biology” — Dr. Darshan Shah on Mental Health, Longevity & Healing from the Inside Out
What if your doctor was the one who needed saving?In this eye-opening episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Dr. Darshan Shah, a surgeon, longevity expert, and founder of Next Health. After decades in medicine and a career spent helping others, Dr. Shah found himself battling chronic disease, obesity, depression, and burnout. But it wasn’t pills or procedures that saved him. It was
Trading Toxic Positivity for Mental Optimism: Dr. Deepika Chopra on What Actually Fosters Wellbeing
What does it really mean to be optimistic?In this Flow Space edition of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Dr. Deepika Chopra, known as the “Optimism Doctor”, live from the Women’s Health Summit in LA. Drawing from her background in psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience, Dr. Chopra debunks the myth that optimism is about “being positive.” Instead, she offers science-backed tools
Let Us Age: Constance Zimmer & Abby Epstein on Midlife Monologues, Menopause Truths & Women Rewriting the Narrative
What if midlife wasn’t something to fear, but something to own?In this empowering episode recorded live at the Women’s Health Summit in LA, Karena sits down with actor and activist Constance Zimmer and filmmaker Abby Epstein to talk about aging, hormones, Hollywood, and how women are finally telling the truth about what it means to grow older. From the early days of the Vagina Monologues to the de
Media, Micro Workouts, and Owning Midlife with Samantha Skey
What if you were leading a major wellness media company while quietly struggling to follow the very advice you publish?In this refreshingly candid episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Samantha Skey, CEO of SheMedia and founder of Flowspace. Together, they dive into what it really means to age out loud, from the invisible weight of midlife caregiving to the truth about impostor s
What If It All Goes Right? Angela Gargano on Resilience, Reinvention & Doing the (Pull-Up) Work
What if your lowest moment was the beginning of your greatest transformation?In this powerhouse episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with six-time American Ninja Warrior, keynote speaker, and Pull-Up Revolution founder Angela Gargano. From tearing her ACL on national TV to moving into her dad’s basement and starting over, Angela’s story is the definition of a comeback. She opens up about i
The Cure for Everything? Self-Forgiveness: Dr. Samantha Harte on Battling Addiction, Betrayal, and Rewriting Her Story
What happens when you confront your darkest moments and choose to heal, instead of staying stuck in the pain?In this raw and inspiring episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn is joined by Dr. Samantha Harte, author of Breaking the Circuit. She’s a physical therapist, author, and sobriety advocate. Harte opens up about rebuilding her life after addiction and navigating a traumatic childhood. Throug
“You Can’t Quit If You Care”: Carl Daikeler on Grit, Growth & Why Abs Aren’t the Goal Anymore
What if you built a billion-dollar fitness empire — and then had the courage to tear it down for something better?In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with Carl Daikeler, founder of Beachbody (now known as BODi), the man behind household names like P90X, Insanity, Shakeology, and Morning Meltdown 100. But this isn’t just a story of success — it’s a brutally honest loo
Saturn Returns, Body Shame & Burnout: A Raw Conversation with Almost 30’s Krista & Lindsey
What if your anxiety is actually your soul speaking to you? In this episode of The Big Silence, Karena reunites with longtime friends and Almost 30 podcast co-founders Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik to talk about life transitions, healing burnout, and the emotional power of their first book. From learning to listen to your intuition to rewriting generational body image beliefs, these two best
“We Didn’t Know It Was Hormones”: Katy & Josh on Miscarriage, Sex Drive & Starting Over
What if your symptoms weren’t “just in your head”? On this heartfelt and hilarious episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Katy and Josh, the powerhouse couple behind the wellness brands Joi and Blokes (now unified under Relon). From four miscarriages and lost sex drives to unexpected weight gain and hormone havoc, they candidly share how their personal struggles with health, marriage, a
Healing Through Faith, Food & Hormones: Cara Clark’s Anti-Diet Approach to Real Wellness
What if the path to true health wasn’t found in counting macros or cutting carbs—but in listening to your body, regulating your nervous system, and redefining your worth? Karena welcomes integrative nutritionist and mom of four, Cara Clark. From growing up in a chaotic home as one of eight kids to building a health empire rooted in faith and intuition, Cara opens up about performance-based love, d
From Stage Dreams to Silent Battles: Lindsey Ray on Letting Go of the “Perfect Career” for a True Life
On this episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn sits down with singer-songwriter Lindsey Ray — a powerhouse behind the scenes of the music industry with credits including Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato, and Tiësto. But beyond the accolades lies a story of self-reinvention, mental health awakening, and the hard decision to walk away from “success” in search of authenticity. From her childhood anxiety an
From Bathroom Acoustics to Billboard: Avery Anna’s Healing Journey Through “Let Go Letters”
What if your pain could become someone else’s healing? On this episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with rising country star Avery Anna on the eve of her 10th Grand Ole Opry performance. From humble beginnings recording in her mom’s bathtub to signing with Warner Music Nashville, Avery’s journey is anything but typical. But it’s her vulnerability that sets her apart. Inspired by fan-writte
148. EcoBabe Unplugged: Monica Richards on Sustainable Living, Inner Healing & Finding Joy in the Chaos
What does it truly mean to live with intention—from the food we eat, to the candles we burn, to how we heal our inner child? This week on The Big Silence, Karena sits down with sustainable living expert and “EcoBabe” Monica Richards for an eye-opening, heart-filling conversation about how sustainability is more than composting—it's a lifestyle of reverence, joy, and healing. Monica shares her jour
147. From Trauma to Trust: Britt Piper on Somatic Healing, Survival, and Finding Love Again
What happens when the pain you’ve been running from becomes the very thing that sets you free? In this moving episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with somatic therapist and author Britt Piper to explore the transformative journey from trauma to healing. Britt shares her deeply personal story—of childhood abandonment, sexual assault, addiction, and eventual redemption—and how somatic thera
146. Mona Sharma on Why the Healing Starts at Home: Detoxing Stress, Food, and Your Schedule
What if your anxiety, gut issues, or chronic fatigue aren’t just “mental”—but messages from your body asking you to slow down, clean up, and tune in? In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Mona Sharma—a former luxury beauty exec turned celebrity wellness expert—shares her personal journey from corporate burnout and heart surgeries to building an "at-home ashram" for healing. Mona breaks down
145. The Hidden Toxins Disrupting Your Mental Health & How to Detoxify with Dr. Aly Cohen
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 c
144. From Olympic Pressure to Mental Freedom: Jordyn Wieber Brooks on Redefining Resilience & Success
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 Univers
143. You Are Your Own Healer: Breaking the Silence on Cancer, Death & True Healing with Darlene Cordero
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 unders
142. The Truth About Kids’ Health: Vaccines, Toxins & What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh
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
141. The Courage to Reinvent Yourself: Liz Baker Plosser on Leaving Women’s Health, Resilience & Taking Risks
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
140. From Caregiver to Self-Healer: Ginni Saraswati on Mental Health & Inner Child Work
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 p
139. Good Stress: Jeff Krasno’s Blueprint for Health, Resilience & Harmony
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 fasti
138. You’re Perfect As You Are: Embracing the New Year with Self-Compassion & Harmony with Karena & Deseray
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
137. Revolutionizing Teen Dating: Elle Kristine on Navigating Modern Relationships, Mental Health & Social Media Pressures
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, f
136. Get Out of Your Head & Into Your Heart for Whole Body Harmony with Kimberly Snyder
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, ho
135. How To End Burnout In Our Workplaces & For Ourselves with Daisy Auger-Domínguez
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 b
