Hidden Chapters: Real Stories that Bring Light to the Hidden Parts of Life

Genevieve Kruger- Host of Hidden Chapters Podcast

You know those moments when someone says, “But you look like you have it all together”?That’s where Hidden Chapters begins. Behind every smile, there’s a story, the struggles, the healing, and the moments of courage most people never see. This podcast is about uncovering those unseen stories. The real, raw chapters that shape who we are, but often stay untold. Each week, I sit down with everyday people and new authors who open up about various life challenges of grief, loss, faith, identity, purpose, or starting over. Through honest, heart-centered conversations, we’re reminded that none of us are as “put together” as we seem and that healing often begins when we share what’s been hidden. If you’re craving authenticity, connection, and hope through real stories of courage and transformation, you’re in the right place. Because the most powerful stories are the ones we don’t see.

  1. 18H AGO

    Stuck in the Waiting. Finding Growth, Faith, and Identity During Separation

    Leave me a note-I'd love to hear from you! Privacy Note: Due to the sensitivity of the immigration process, some personal details are intentionally kept private in this conversation, including specific names and circumstances. This was a thoughtful choice made to honor both legal boundaries and personal dignity. Episode Summary: In this episode of Hidden Chapters, I sit down with Rasmus, whose life took an unexpected turn after a decision made years earlier resurfaced during the immigration process. Newly married and now separated from his wife due to circumstances beyond his control, Rasmus shares what it looks like to grow, heal, and stay grounded while living in the waiting. We talk about identity, values, faith, emotional tools, and the importance of not standing still when life feels paused. Rasmus opens up about examining his beliefs, letting go of what he cannot control, and choosing intentional growth even in isolation and uncertainty. This conversation is an honest look at resilience, self-awareness, and how seasons of waiting can quietly shape who we become, while respecting the parts of his story that remain sensitive. What we talked about in this episode:   • How a past decision resurfaced years later and changed the course of his life  • Navigating marriage while being physically separated  • Examining personal values and learning to live in alignment with them  • Tools for growth. Journaling, gratitude, prayer, box breathing, and thought      reframing The Hidden Chapter Moment : The hidden chapter in Rasmus’s story is not the separation itself. It is what happened internally while everything externally was on hold. Instead of numbing, avoiding, or staying stuck, he chose to look inward. He examined his values, questioned his reactions, leaned into faith, and committed to growth. This season did not define him by what he lost, but by who he was becoming. 🔗  Resources and Mentions :  • Military Spouse Advocacy Network: https://www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org/ • Foreign Born Military Spouse Network : FMSN LinkTree • Military Spouse Leadership Development Program: https://www.leadershipinstituteformilitaryspouses.org/  📩 Rasmus email:  ralle.skov@gmail.com Support the show ❤️I would love to hear from you! 💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters ☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters Let's stay connected: 🔗 📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast 📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters Got a story to share or want to be a guest? 💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com 🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here Background Music: "In Time" by Folk_acoustic from Pixabay

    52 min
  2. JAN 30

    When Strength Meant Silence. How Early Loss Shaped Identity, Relationships, and Healing

    Leave me a note-I'd love to hear from you! Episode Summary:  This conversation with Alex explores how early, unspoken family trauma shaped her identity, coping patterns, and relationships. A sudden financial collapse during her late teens created instability, emotional suppression, and a belief that strength meant independence and silence. In her twenties, that unprocessed grief showed up as self-sabotage, addiction, unstable relationships, and repeated rock bottoms. Healing began when Alex stopped looking for external fixes and instead faced her internal patterns, especially in romantic relationships. Through therapy, community, and a secure partnership, she learned boundaries, emotional honesty, and the power of connection. Today, she channels her lived experience into advocacy and leadership within military and foreign-born spouse communities, helping others navigate transitions, identity, and belonging. What We Talked About in This Episode:  • Unspoken family trauma and emotional suppression • Repeating cycles of self-sabotage • Healing through boundaries and relationships • Why asking for help changes everything • Finding identity through community   Alex’s Core Hidden Chapter Moment:  The hidden chapter moment was not the financial collapse itself. It was the belief she formed afterward. That she had to be emotionally self-sufficient, unbreakable, and worthy only through achievement. This belief quietly shaped her addictions, relationships, and self-worth for years until she faced it directly. Resources and Mentions:  FMSN Foreign Born Military Spouse Network: FMSN Linktree 🔗 Alex's FMSN email address is atomaso@fbmnetwork.org. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-pop-apt/ 📩 Email: alexxandra.pop@gmail.com Resources: Military Spouse Advocacy Network: https://www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org/  Who This Episode Is For This episode is for anyone navigating unprocessed trauma, repeated self-sabotage, or major life transitions, especially those learning how emotional healing happens in connection rather than isolation. Support the show ❤️I would love to hear from you! 💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters ☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters Let's stay connected: 🔗 📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast 📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters Got a story to share or want to be a guest? 💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com 🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here Background Music: "In Time" by Folk_acoustic from Pixabay

    47 min
  3. 12/12/2025

    Season 2 Finale: Relive the Hidden Chapters That Will Inspire, Heal, and Encourage You

    Leave me a note-I'd love to hear from you! 🎙️ Season 2 closes with a heartfelt look back at the stories that shaped Hidden Chapters. This finale brings together powerful moments from Seasons 1 and 2: highlight clips of guests, reflections, and stories that continue to resonate.  🎙️ Highlights include:  Jay Smith Pinned but Not Out Season 1 Ep.6 Jillian Delgado The Summit of Strength Season 1 Ep. 3 José Raymundo From Immigrant to Sergeant Major Season 2 Ep.4 Jessica Wright Living through it, Leading from It Season 1 Ep. 7 Laura Lyn Donahue Who Do You Think You Are? Season 2 Ep.2 Christin James Raising Hope after Loss  Season 2 Ep.8Justin Mitchell The Power of Music and Mentorship Season 1 Ep.4Genevieve's  Why Sharing Your Story Matters   Season 2 Ep. 6Jennifer Blankenship When Trust is Broken Season 2 Ep. 5Meg McGlynn What She Didn't Expect Season 1 Ep.8Chris Kruger Walking Away from the Ledge Season 2 Ep.1Lindsay Swoboda Holding on and Letting Go Season 2 Ep.3 ✨ Why listen? This episode is your opportunity to relive the stories that moved us, reflect on lessons learned, and gain inspiration from voices that have walked through courage, grief, resilience, and hope. Support the show ❤️I would love to hear from you! 💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters ☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters Let's stay connected: 🔗 📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast 📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters Got a story to share or want to be a guest? 💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com 🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here Background Music: "In Time" by Folk_acoustic from Pixabay

    49 min
  4. 12/05/2025

    From Engineer to Author & Coach: Simona Pappalardo on Courage, Change, and Authentic Leadership

    Leave me a note-I'd love to hear from you! In this episode of Hidden Chapters, I sit down with Simona Pappalardo, a global executive turned leadership coach, speaker, and author of Authentically Yours. Born in Milan and having lived in Scotland, Malaysia, and the U.S., Simona shares how every life transition holds hidden chapters waiting to be written. We talk about navigating male-dominated industries, leading with empathy, and learning to trust herself despite doubt. Simona opens up about advocating for others, guiding multicultural teams, and embracing imperfect action in her career and personal life. We also dive into her shift from engineering to coaching, blending cultural traditions, and her deeply personal IVF journey. Her story is a testament to courage, authenticity, and giving yourself permission to shift. This conversation is for anyone looking to embrace change, lead with purpose, and find their authentic voice in every season of life. Fun full circle moment: I met Simona through her editor, Brunella Costagliola, who also worked with past guests Jose Raymundo and Chris Kruger. Her book Authentically Yours launched December 1st, and she once dreamed of it under a Christmas tree, now ready to inspire readers to live authentically. Connect with Simona: 📧  simona@coachingwithsimona.com 🌎  https://coachingwithsimona.com/ 📖 Purchase "Authentically Yours" on Amazon:   https://a.co/d/3AGB7oc Support the show ❤️I would love to hear from you! 💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters ☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters Let's stay connected: 🔗 📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast 📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters Got a story to share or want to be a guest? 💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com 🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here Background Music: "In Time" by Folk_acoustic from Pixabay

    1h 2m
  5. 11/25/2025

    Grateful Voices: Stories of Gratitude and Encouragement from Hidden Chapters

    Leave me a note-I'd love to hear from you! There is so much to be grateful for this year! ❤️ A season to reflect on gratitude and encouragement, shared by voices from Hidden Chapters. As I look back on the past months, I’m filled with appreciation for every story, every conversation, and every person who has joined me, whether as a guest on the mic or as a listener tuning in from across the U.S. and around the world. In this special Hidden Chapters Thanksgiving episode, I share my heartfelt THANK YOU with the help of voices from some of my wonderful guests. They offer reflections on gratitude and little pieces of advice that have inspired them along the way. My hope is that this episode encourages you to pause, reflect on your own journey, and find renewed appreciation for the people, experiences, and stories that have shaped your year. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for being part of this community! 💛 Support the show ❤️I would love to hear from you! 💬 Leave me a voice message on: https://www.speakpipe.com/HiddenChapters ☕️ Want to support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/hiddenchapters Let's stay connected: 🔗 📷 Instagram: @hiddenchapterspodcast 📘 Facebook: Hidden Chapters Got a story to share or want to be a guest? 💌 Email me: chapters@hiddenchapterspodcast.com 🎙️ Be a guest? Apply here Background Music: "In Time" by Folk_acoustic from Pixabay

    15 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

You know those moments when someone says, “But you look like you have it all together”?That’s where Hidden Chapters begins. Behind every smile, there’s a story, the struggles, the healing, and the moments of courage most people never see. This podcast is about uncovering those unseen stories. The real, raw chapters that shape who we are, but often stay untold. Each week, I sit down with everyday people and new authors who open up about various life challenges of grief, loss, faith, identity, purpose, or starting over. Through honest, heart-centered conversations, we’re reminded that none of us are as “put together” as we seem and that healing often begins when we share what’s been hidden. If you’re craving authenticity, connection, and hope through real stories of courage and transformation, you’re in the right place. Because the most powerful stories are the ones we don’t see.