The Big Silence

Karena Dawn

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.

  1. 3D AGO · BONUS

    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 everything deserves your attention—and not everyone is owed access. Perfect for starting your day, resetting after stress, or finding your center when life pulls you in too many directions. How do you protect your peace in a world that constantly demands your energy?Learning to choose where your energy goes is an act of self-preservation and self-love. (00:00) Settling In & Releasing the Day Breathing exercise to release tension from shoulders and jawLetting go of the day and everything pulling at your mindBringing awareness to your body and the present moment (04:30) Visualizing Your Protective Light & Setting Boundaries Creating a soft light boundary around youGrounding into the truth: not everything deserves your attentionNot everyone is owed access to your spirit (07:00) Affirmations & Carrying Peace Forward "I choose peace. I release what is not mine to carry. I protect my energy."Bringing awareness back to your body and the room around youRemembering: your peace is yours, and it's not up for negotiation This is part of our Mental Wellness Month series. Enjoy a new free meditation every week throughout January. For more guided meditations with Karena, download the Tone It Up app. If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources: Connect with The Big Silence Community Order: The Big Silence Memoir audiobookShop The Big Silence Self Love CollectionSubscribe on YouTubeDonate to The Big Silence FoundationFind exclusive offers from our supporters: a href="https://thebigsilence.com/pages/our-podcast-partners" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    9 min
  2. 12/31/2025

    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/KarenaDawn What 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 lived experience with OCD to becoming a leading voice in evidence-based treatment, Jon unpacks what OCD really is, looking beyond the stereotypes. He shares how obsessions and compulsions hijack your life, why diagnosis matters, and how exposure therapy and mindfulness can help you reclaim control. Whether you're struggling with intrusive thoughts, supporting someone with OCD, or just want to understand this widely misunderstood condition, Jon's wisdom offers clarity, hope, and a roadmap forward. How do you distinguish between quirky habits and a diagnosable condition, and what does true healing look like?Understanding the difference between personality and pathology is the first step toward compassionate, effective treatment. (00:00) From Lived Experience to Leading Expert Jon's 20-year battle with OCD Finding community in online support groups Why he decided to pursue a career helping others with OCDThe power of treating the whole person, not just compartmentalized diagnoses (08:00) What OCD Really Is: Beyond the Stereotype Breaking down the difference between being "quirky" and having a disorderObsessions: unwanted intrusive thoughts that violate your valuesCompulsions: ineffective strategies to relieve distress from obsessionsThe "psychic damage" of mental rituals: ruminating, analyzing, and seeking certaintyRecognizing when the "D" (disorder) part matters (16:00) Diagnosis, Identity & the Modern Mental Health Landscape Navigating multiple diagnoses in a world of one-hour evaluationsThe danger of letting diagnoses become your identityHow OCD can coexist with other conditions like autism, ADHD, and personality disordersWhy specialization matters when seeking OCD treatment (25:00) ERP, Mindfulness & Doing the Work Why Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard for OCD treatmentHow mindfulness helps you observe thoughts without attaching to themThe importance of homework in therapyFacing your fears until your brain realizes you can survive the uncertaintyMeditation and being present with discomfort (33:00) Finding Help, Resources & What Brings Joy Where to start if you think you might have OCDWhy working with an OCD specialist is crucial for effective treatmentJon's upcoming book: Being a Parent with OCD (2026)The privilege of helping people expand their world when OCD has made it small Reconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at ToneItUp.com/app and we will see you January 5th! Episode ResourcesWatch The Big Silence...

    47 min
  3. 12/24/2025

    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/KarenaDawn What 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 Tallulah Willis. The youngest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore shares what it was like navigating life in one of Hollywood's most iconic families. We talk about confronting eating disorders, ADHD, autism, and her father's dementia journey, Tallulah opens up about the many forms grief can take. She shares how she's learned to embrace "good grief," build unshakeable self-trust, and find healing through creativity and vulnerability. Whether you're processing your own loss, struggling with identity, or searching for permission to feel it all, Tallulah's wisdom will reassure you that you're exactly where you need to be. How do you learn to trust yourself when life keeps throwing you into the unknown, and honor all the versions of yourself that got you here?True strength comes from acknowledging your feelings, giving yourself the dignity of your process, and knowing you can handle whatever comes your way. (00:00) Redefining Grief & The Power of "Yes, And" The concept of "Good Grief" and making space for celebration within the painHow DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) helps navigate the "yes, and" of complex emotions (3:30) High School: ADHD, Autism & Feeling Invisible Her recent autism diagnosis and lifelong ADHD Believing she was unintelligent Feeling "mid" and overlooked by adults who should have seen her (06:02) Growing Up in the Spotlight: Life as Bruce and Demi's Daughter What it was like being raised by "the last era movie stars"Fielding paparazzi from a young age How early experiences shaped her adaptability (8:39) Eating Disorders, ARFID & Using Control to Cope How her eating disorder became a catch-all for unprocessed emotionsLiving with ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder) her whole lifeThe journey to recovery and learning to nourish herself  (20:57) Surrounding Yourself with People Who See You Grieving relationships with people who didn't see herBeing surrounded by people whose reflection of her she lovesHer fiancé's recognition of her ability to adapt and roll with new situationsLearning what it means to be truly seen and valued (24:08) Her Father's Dementia, Love & Finding Joy Navigating Bruce Willis's FTD diagnosis and the family's decision to go publicWhy she initially avoided learning the clinical details Handling invasive questions with graceHow transparency opens doors for others to get checked and seek help (31:06) Self-Trust, Pausing & Acknowledging Your Feelings The power of naming what's realFocusing on her art practice: drawing, interior design, and creative expressionWhy she's leaning into discomfort and pushing herself into new spacesThe magic of curiosity Reconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at...

    44 min
  4. 12/17/2025

    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/KarenaDawn What 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 starring role as Delia Delfano in Disney Channel's "I Didn't Do It," Sarah has built an impressive career in Hollywood. But behind the bright lights lies a powerful story of survival. From her first suicidal thoughts at age eight, Sarah's journey is one of raw honesty and radical hope. Now, as the founder of the DD Hirsch NextGen Advisory Council, she's dedicated her life to mental health advocacy, making sure no one feels alone. Whether you're struggling yourself, supporting someone you love, or working to understand mental health better, Sarah's courage will inspire you to keep going. How do you rebuild your sense of self after hitting rock bottom, and learn that asking for help isn't a weakness?Stripping away shame and finding community proves that healing isn't linear. It's about showing up for yourself, even when it's hard. (01:37) When the Darkness Started Sarah's first journal entries about suicide as a young childCoping mechanisms that became self-destructiveThe suicide attempt that made her realize she wanted to liveThat split-second moment of regret—and why survivors often feel the same way (05:34) The Roots of Mental Illness: Family, Genetics & Environment Growing up with threads of OCD, anxiety, and depression in Sarah's familyThe collision of genetics and lack of emotional educationShared experiences as suicide survivors (08:03) Rock Bottom, Therapy & The Fork in the Road When friendships dissolved Her moment of reckoning: keep going and die, or ask tough questions and healDeep diving into psychology, sociology, philosophy, and neuroscienceLearning she's a "big feeler" who just needed healthier ways to express emotions (18:45) Finding Your People: Community, Connection & Healing How sharing experiences becomes part of the healing processThe power of being seen in your struggleWhy normalizing mental health conversations changes everything (27:30) Breaking the Stigma: Advocacy, Education & Social Media Using personal stories to create change in mental health spacesHow younger generations are reshaping mental health conversationsNavigating social media as both a tool and a potential trigger (38:15) Body Image, Eating Disorders & What Really Matters Sarah's experience with eating disorders and recoveryWhy she doesn't post body pictures on social media anymoreThe realization: "My body is the least interesting thing about me" (50:19) Live from Vegas: The Not Alone Summit & 988 16.5 million people have used 988 since 2022How 988 works: call or text for immediate, anonymous supportDebunking myths: less than 1% of cases escalate to 911, over 90% are de-escalatedSpecialized support available for LGBTQIA+, veterans, and different languages Reconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App....

    1h 3m
  5. 12/10/2025

    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/KarenaDawn What 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 Majlak. From 10 years lost to heroin and OxyContin to 15 years clean and helping millions navigate their own mental health journeys, Mike's story is one of brutal honesty and hard-won wisdom. He opens up about recognizing anxiety as a teenager, the probation officer who saved his life, and why the path to healing isn't always a straight line. Whether you're battling anxiety, supporting someone through addiction, or just trying to show up for yourself every day, Mike's no-BS approach will remind you that you have something, and you're still here for a reason. How do you rebuild your life after losing everything to addiction, and learn that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's survival? Going back to basics proves that healing doesn't require perfection. It's about sleep, movement, and treating yourself like you matter. Because you do. (02:39) Anxiety at Age 13 Feeling like something was always "off"Constant questions: Why was I picked last? Do people not like me? Did I say something wrong?The onset of the opiate epidemic 10 years of addiction (04:56) His “Aha” Moment Getting clean from opiates The probation officer who wouldn't be finessedDetoxing from methanol, Xanax, heroin, and crack cocaine all at onceHow hurt became fuel (07:34) Managing Addiction The new wave of recovery: showing the journey, the faults, the realityStill struggling with gambling and other addictionsLearning control tactics Being curious about mental health instead of seeing it as a detriment (12:01) Longevity, Biohacking & Why Basic Actually Works We're in an era obsessed with optimizationNail the basics: sleep, nutrition, movementHuberman talks about sleep constantly for a reason (12:45) Go Towards What Gives You Resistance That feeling is showing you where to goFirst episode of Impaulsive: Mike sweat so bad he had a panic attack and walked off setWhen your gut tells you "this isn't for me", it actually IS for you (13:37) Don't Burn Out: Your Mental Health Is Your Bottom Line The most important thing to your EBITA, your ROI, is your own mental healthTake time for yourself to feel better, to get betterIt will make you a better business person, speaker, human—whatever you're trying to doRest isn't weakness; it's strategy Reconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at ToneItUp.com/app and we will see you January 5th!  Episode Resources WATCH: The Big Silence and Karena...

    25 min
  6. 12/03/2025

    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/KarenaDawn What 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 bought back Tone It Up. After founding the company in 2009 at age 27, taking on investors in 2018, navigating a complicated acquisition, and spending the last year in intense negotiations, Karena now owns 100% of Tone It Up—with no investors. She opens up about the highs and lows of private equity, the days she wanted to walk away, why she stayed, and what's coming next for the community. From bringing back fan-favorite trainers to launching the new "Tone It Down" podcast, this episode is both a celebration and a masterclass in resilience. If you've ever fought for something you believed in, rebuilt yourself, or wondered what it takes to start over at 44, this one's for you. How do you hold on when everything feels like it's falling apart—and what does it take to reclaim what's yours? Fighting through years of uncertainty, negotiation, and emotional exhaustion proves that resilience isn't about never wanting to quit. It's about staying when every part of you wants to walk away. (00:00) The Big Announcement Why this moment is both exciting and nerve-wracking for herThe core mission behind Tone It Up: creating a safe, judgment-free community for womenWhat The Big Silence is really about: breaking stigmas around mental health and self-development (03:00) What Happened in 2018? The Investor Story & Growing Pains The reality of working with investors: when good intentions don't lead to good relationshipsThe emotional toll of the past 7-8 years: days she wanted to walk away vs. days she knew she had to stayGrowing up with the community: from 27 to 44, supporting each other through motherhood, loss, marriage, divorce, and perimenopause (07:00) The Year-Long Fight to Get Tone It Up Back Why Karena spent the last year behind the scenes in intense negotiationsThe intuition that kept telling her: "I just want it back, big or small."How she funded the buyback (09:30) What's Next: The Future of Tone It Up New fitness challenge launching in the Tone It Up appThe big reunion: Chyna, Stef, and Tori are back and just filmed workouts in Austin, TexasNew content across all platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram—all socials are backBuilding a home studio to create more fitness content for the community (12:00) Introducing "Tone It Down" Podcast & How to Participate A new podcast launching in January with episodes featuring Tori, Stef, and ChynaSolo episodes where Karena will answer community questionsHow to participate: leave voicemails at speakpipe.com/karenadawnThe Big Silence will focus on mental health and self-development; Tone It Down will be fitness, nutrition, and womanhood Reconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at ToneItUp.com/app and we will see you January 5th!  If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence...

    20 min
  7. 11/26/2025

    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/KarenaDawn What 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 firefighter-turned-air quality expert. From his decade as a first responder exposed to hazardous environments to his personal journey through mold illness and autoimmune challenges, Wes shares why clean air is just as essential as clean water and food. He breaks down the science of air quality, reveals surprising truths about what's floating in your home, and offers practical tools for better sleep, reduced inflammation, and improved mental clarity. Whether you're dealing with allergies, poor sleep, or just want to optimize your health, this conversation will change how you think about the air you breathe. How do you protect your health when the invisible toxins in your home could be affecting everything from your sleep to your cognitive function? Understanding air quality and taking control of your environment proves that wellness starts with the basics, including what you breathe. (05:00) Why Nobody's Talking About Indoor Air Quality Breaking down particulate matter: the invisible particles floating in your airWhy PM 2.5 (2.5 microns) is the most dangerous size for human healthThe link between these particles and inflammation throughout the bodyHow PM 2.5 affects cognitive decline and overall well-beingWhy people are oblivious to indoor air quality issues  (10:00) Testing Air Quality: Inside vs. Outside Your Home Karena's surprise: her outdoor air was worse than indoorWhy every house is different: size, HVAC systems, pets, and movement all matterHow pets affect air qualityHow Jaspr improves air quality  (18:00) Sleep, Air Quality & The Inflammation Connection How poor air quality causes runny noses, blocked airways, and disrupted sleepWhy you can't reach deep rest when your body is fighting airborne irritantsThe impact of clean air on sleep quality and recoveryWes's personal journey: mold illness and autoimmune recovery (28:00) Breathwork as Medicine: Practical Tools for Anxiety & Stress Simple breathwork routines that actually workWhy controlling your breath is one of the most powerful tools you haveHow mold exposure affects the body's systems (38:00) Austin Air Quality: Cedar Allergies & Real Solutions Why Austin residents deal with constant allergiesThe habit of "prophylactic antihistamines" and why it's not idealHow Karena's body adapted over five years—and why she still needs supportPractical tips for anyone moving to or visiting AustinThe importance of having clean air in your bedroom (46:00) The Gratitude-Breathwork Connection Breathing particulate-free air as meditationHow to access gratitude even when it's hard The one-two combo: breathwork + gratitude as an anxiety antidoteKarena's ritual: cold plunge, pool time, and just being present (50:00) Prevention Over Treatment: Investing in Your Health Now Wellness items can be pricey, but prevention saves money laterReal results:...

    59 min
  8. 11/19/2025

    Monica Berg on Family Dynamics, Boundaries & Showing Up as Your Best Self this Holiday Season

    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/KarenaDawn What if the holiday season could be about joy and connection instead of stress and obligation? In this timely episode of The Big Silence, Karena welcomes back spiritual teacher, author, and podcaster Monica Berg for a conversation we all need before the holidays. From managing difficult family dynamics to preparing your mind and heart for gatherings, Monica shares practical wisdom on how to show up with presence, set boundaries, and actually enjoy the season. Whether you're dreading a particular family member, feeling financial pressure, or just want to navigate the holidays with more peace, this episode will help you shift your mindset and reclaim your power. It's about being proactive, not reactive—and choosing to be the light in any room. How do you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for family gatherings and show up with gratitude instead of anxiety? True holiday peace comes from taking responsibility for your own state of mind and choosing to be a being of sharing rather than lack. (00:00) Revisiting Past Conversations & How We've Changed Monica returns three years after her first appearance (episode 25)How relationships evolve and why revisiting old conversations reveals growthThe importance of being in different environments to recognize changeAn essential holiday conversation about family dynamics (02:00) The Pressure of the Holidays & Society's "Shoulds" Why certain times of year create unrealistic expectations for happinessThe pressure to be joyful and how that can sabotage gatheringsMonica's story about feeling the weight of seasonal expectationsRecognizing that every day can be meaningful, not just holidays (03:00) Should You Even Go? When to Skip the Gathering Monica's honest take: if you hate going, maybe you shouldn't attendHow negative energy affects everyone in the roomThe responsibility of getting your consciousness right before showing upWhy forcing it doesn't work (04:30) Identifying Your Triggers & Preparing for Difficult Conversations What to do when you're dreading the holidays but still want to attendIdentifying the source of your anxietyPreparing responses ahead of time for intrusive questionsRedirecting conversations and setting boundaries with graceHow to say "I'm not comfortable discussing that right now" with confidence (05:30) The Morning Routine That Changes Everything How to mentally prepare yourself before walking into a family gatheringAwakening gratitude by imagining what the day would look like if you were aloneDoing things you love in the morning to release stress and awaken joyShowing up with intention rather than worryGoing in with a plan for the conversations you want to have (07:50) Being Proactive vs. Reactive in Family Settings Understanding the difference between reactive and proactive behaviorWhy reactive people bring chaos, while proactive people create peaceTaking charge of your own thoughts and emotionsHonoring your power instead of giving it away to others' opinions (25:00) Beyond Holiday Gatherings: Tips for All of Life How these tools apply to any stressful situation—meetings, dinner parties, etc.Addressing financial anxiety around

    41 min

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
145 Ratings

About

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.

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