The Big Silence

Karena Dawn
The Big Silence

Where there is darkness, there is an immense opportunity for light. The Big Silence aims to normalize conversations around mental health and empower people to turn their challenges into triumphs. Hosted by Karena Dawn – mental health advocate, wellness entrepreneur, co-founder of Tone It Up, and New York Times bestselling author – The Big Silence is creating a safe space to share our story, and for you to share yours. Like so many, Karena has experienced profound grief and trauma. Growing up with a mother diagnosed with paranoid-schizophrenia, her childhood was filled with traumatic experiences that resulted in repressed emotions of guilt, shame, depression, and eventually, a suicide attempt. Though filled with this darkness, Karena was able to find deep joy. And with The Big Silence, she's creating a space for you to find that joy, too. This podcast will feature in-depth conversations with psychologists, spiritual leaders, public figures, friends, and anyone who has been impacted by a mental health condition – either themselves, or through a family member or a friend. Suffering in silence only reinforces the stigma behind mental health issues and builds boundaries that prevent healing. Wherever you are, whatever you're going through, you have a spark of greatness inside of you. No more embarrassment, no more shame, only healing. -- A non-profit 501(c)3, The Big Silence Foundation provides resources and support to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by mental illness. 'The Big Silence' theme song was written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Executive Handyman, Bobby Goldstein.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Trading Attention for Authenticity & Tools for Becoming the Best Version of You with Fitness Icon Hannah Eden

    Hannah Eden is an absolute superstar in the fitness world who has inspired so many of us with her raw honesty and fierce drive. Hannah started as a CrossFit athlete in 2013, but her journey has taken her far beyond that. From founding PumpFit Club to creating the HEF Training App and launching her own apparel line, FYR, she’s built a global fitness empire. But what makes Hannah so special is her openness about the challenges she’s faced along the way, including her personal struggles with identity, mental health, and redefining her approach to fitness. In this episode, Hannah shares how she moved from a party lifestyle to becoming a dedicated athlete, and the hard lessons she learned by pushing herself the wrong way. We also dive into her transformative experience in a darkness retreat, where she faced suppressed memories head-on, and the tools she used to reconnect with her authentic self. Plus, Hannah talks about the balance of entrepreneurship, her transition into motherhood, and her favorite biohacks to keep it all together. This is an episode you don’t want to miss—Hannah’s story is full of wisdom, strength, and inspiration. (00:04:20) What Shaped Hannah’s Early Identity (00:16:24) Hannah’s Personal Growth Journey: Facing Reality & Embracing Authenticity (00:26:28) Hannah’s Transformative Darkness Retreat Experience & Reflections (00:37:26) Balancing Motherhood & Building An Online Fitness Empire Click here for full show notes Guest Info: • Website: hannahedenfitness.com • Instagram: @hannaheden_fitness Resources: • Therapy For All: Resources for those in need • Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us! “The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Producer, Bobby Goldstein. The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Ketone IQ | Visit ketone.com/TBS for 30% off your first subscription!

    52 min
  2. SEP 25

    How Ketones Can Protect Your Mental Health & Boost Productivity with Dr. Latt Mansor

    Dr. Latt Mansor, Research Lead at Ketone-IQ and consultant to the world’s top performers, joins me to dive into the science of ketones and how we can leverage them for productivity and mental clarity. With his PhD from Oxford and years in healthcare, Dr. Latt explains how ketones fuel the brain, regulate appetite, and even help with sleep apnea. Plus, he shares insights from his research around sarcopenia and how we can prevent muscle loss as we age. I also loved hearing about his meditation practice and current fitness goals. If you’re ready to try Ketone-IQ, save 30% and get a free six-pack at ketone.com/TBS! (00:04:20) How Dr. Mansor Transformed His Health & Unlocked the Power of Ketones (00:10:45) All About Ketones: The Brain’s Preferred Energy Source (00:20:46) Ketones: The Key to Appetite Control, Better Sleep & Optimal Brain Health (00:31:50) Nutrition & Workout Tips for Preventing Muscle Loss (00:37:43) Dr. Mansor's Approach to Mental & Physical Health Click here for full show notes Guest Info: • Shop Ketone IQ: Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ with ketone.com/TBS • Instagram: @lattmansor Resources: • Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all • Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing • Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn • Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence • Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel • Therapy For All: Resources for those in need • Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us! “The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Producer, Bobby Goldstein. The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: The Big Silence Merch | Visit thebigsilence.com/merch to shop The Big Silence apparel, and start a conversation with us! All of your purchase goes to support mental health resources. Therapy for All Donations | Give now at thebigsilence.com/donate to bring change and help increase access to mental healthcare! Your donations supports Therapy for All...

    48 min
  3. SEP 18

    Coping with Nursing Burnout: Tools for Healing from PTSD, OCD & Anxiety with Tay Lautner & Shannon McPeek

    In this episode, I’m sitting down with Tay Lautner and Shannon McPeek, two incredible women making waves in healthcare mental health advocacy. Tay shares her journey of battling PTSD, triggered by the pandemic, and how she transitioned from nursing into advocacy with The Lemons Foundation and her podcast, The Squeeze. Shannon, founder of Operation Happy Nurse, opens up about her experience working in the NICU, dealing with OCD and depression, and finding healing through community support. Together, they discuss the emotional toll of nursing, burnout, and their decision to leave the profession. They also share the mental health tools they’ve developed and emphasize the importance of community in the healing process. Tune in for their powerful insights and advice for navigating high-pressure careers. (00:03:49) Confronting Mental Health Challenges in Nursing & Creating Support Systems (00:14:21) Facing Burnout & Normalizing Career Shifts for Better Mental Health (00:24:15) Healing through Community & Honest Mental Health Conversations (00:31:31) Shannon & Tay’s Mental Health Tools Click here for full show notes Guest Info: • Shannon’s Instagram: @smcpeek • Operation Happy Nurse: operationhappynurse.org • Tay’s Instagram: @taylautner • The Lemons Foundation: lemonsbytay.com/the-lemons-foundation Resources: • Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing • Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn • Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence • Therapy For All: Resources for those in need • Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us! “The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Producer, Bobby Goldstein. The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and enjoy a special discount on your first month. If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: a href="https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/"...

    47 min
  4. SEP 11

    Life Lately with Karena & Deseray: Lessons We Learned in Therapy, Navigating Grief, Manifesting Connections, & Funny Dating Stories

    Today we’re catching up on life lately with my dear friend and social media manager, Deseray Cummings. From funny dating stories (yes, there’s a wild one about a celebrity on Raya!) to navigating hormone changes to the healing journey Deseray started through therapy – we’re diving deep and keeping it fun the way true friendships do! Plus, I’ll share some thoughts on grief as I reflect on the three-year anniversary of my mom’s passing, and how I manifested meeting Deepak Chopra – it’s all about that energy, baby. So, pour yourself a glass of wine or a Magic Mind (my favorite!), and let’s get comfy for some real girl talk. I hope you leave with a good laugh and a reminder that you're never alone. (00:07:58) Exploring The Landscape of Modern Dating with Karena’s Social Media Manager (00:14:54) Discovering Calm Energy with Magic Mind (Dating in LA Story Time!) (00:20:31) Embracing Change: Navigating Hormones, Aging, and Emotional Growth (00:31:18) Advice for Navigating Grief & Friendship Changes (00:38:57) Fun Community Questions & Karena & Deseray’s Guide to Manifesting Click here for full show notes Guest Info: • Instagram: @_deseray • Shop Magic Mind: magicmind.com/tbs and use code TBS for 20% off one time purchases or 48% off your first subscription Resources: • Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing • Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn • Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence • Therapy For All: Resources for those in need Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us! “The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Producer, Bobby Goldstein. The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: The Big Silence Merch | Visit thebigsilence.com/merch to shop The Big Silence apparel, and start a conversation with us! All of your purchase goes to support mental health resources. Therapy for All Donations | Give now at thebigsilence.com/donate to bring change and help increase access to mental healthcare! Your donations supports Therapy for All and increases access to mental health resources.

    48 min
  5. SEP 4

    Mastering Menopause: Sleep, Sex & Stress Relief with Dr. Anna Cabeca

    Dr. Anna Cabeca is a triple-board-certified OB-GYN, author, podcast host and pioneering voice in women’s health. Dr. Anna’s unique perspective on health stems from her own battle with premature menopause, a challenge she faced head-on and reversed, leading to the natural conception of her daughter at the age of 41. Throughout the episode, Dr. Anna shares her expertise on the complexities of hormonal changes and the importance of managing stress to combat premature menopause. She offers practical advice on improving sleep quality, how women can safely navigate the increased sensitivity to caffeine and alcohol, what workouts to do in different phases of your cycle, and how often you should be seeing your OB-GYN. Tune in for a conversation that is filled with actionable insights to help you thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually as you age! (00:03:28) Tackling Stress to Reverse Premature Menopause (00:13:44) Boosting Progesterone & Oxytocin for Healthy Aging (00:20:18) Reducing Cortisol for Better Sleep in Perimenopause & Menopause (00:39:07) Safely Consuming Alcohol & Caffeine in Menopause (00:44:25) Scheduling OB-GYN Visits & Improving Intimacy As We Age (00:51:05) Cycle-Synced Workouts & Celebrating Menopause Click here for full show notes Guest Info: • Website: drannacabeca.com • Instagram: @thegirlfrienddoctor Resources: • Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all • Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing • Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence • Therapy For All: Resources for those in need • Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us! “The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Producer, Bobby Goldstein. The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: The Big Silence Merch | Go to thebigsilence.com/merch to shop new summer fits and impact lives by supporting our mental health programs & initiatives. 100% of your purchase goes to support mental health! Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and enjoy a special discount on your first month. If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or...

    1h 3m
  6. AUG 28

    ”My Best Friend’s A Serial Killer:” Moving Forward After Deception & Betrayal with Amy Loughren

    Twenty years ago, ICU nurse Amy Loughren unknowingly befriended one of America's most notorious serial killers, a story depicted in Netflix’s “The Good Nurse” and the documentary “Capturing the Killer Nurse.” In this episode, Amy shares how childhood abuse shaped her path, from becoming a nurse to uncovering the horrifying truth about her friend. We discuss hospital cover-ups and how Amy found healing through spirituality and non-traditional therapies. Now a certified Meditation Teacher and Clinical Hypnotherapist, she helps healthcare workers avoid burnout and embrace holistic wellness. Note: This episode may be troubling for some listeners. (00:03:41) Amy’s Journey: From Childhood Abuse to Becoming An ICU Nurse (00:18:52) How Amy Befriended a Serial Killer (00:30:15) Becoming the Good Nurse: Exposing a Serial Killer & Hospital Cover-Ups (00:46:17) Embracing Spirituality & Non Traditional Therapies (00:55:43) How To Support Your Mental Health As A Healthcare Professional Click here for full show notes Guest Info: • Instagram: @amythegoodnurse • Website: amythegoodnurse.com • Read: The Good Nurse by Charles Graeber Resources: • Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all • Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing • Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn • Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence • Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel • Therapy For All: Resources for those in need • Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us! “The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Producer, Bobby Goldstein. The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Vitaclean | Visit vitacleanhq.com/THEBIGSILENCE and use code TBS at checkout for 10% off your first purchase. $5 from each sale will go to The Big Silence Foundation, and $5 from each sale will go to Drop4Drop, an organization that Vitaclean works with to build wells in communities that have no access to water. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can...

    1h 10m
  7. AUG 21

    Menstrual Cycles & Mental Health? How Hormones Shape Our Existence with Josie Santi of The Everygirl

    Josie Santi is living her best life, and she’s here to tell you that you can too! Wellness editor and podcast host at the beloved online women’s community, The Everygirl, Josie has dedicated her professional life to imparting her gained wisdom on the women and girls who need it most. This conversation takes us from embarrassing adolescent moments in junior high hallways to unlocking master manifestation levels through super self-esteem. Josie’s got it going on, and has gifted The Big Silence audience with some lifestyle gold today. (00:03:05) The Everygirl: A Real-Life Barbieland Media Empire (00:05:37) Josie Santi’s Early Life Mental Health Challenges (00:15:45) Links Between Mental Health, Fertility & Menstrual Cycles (00:19:24) Hormone Hierarchy 101: The Basics of Your Body (00:24:28) Breaking the Stigma of Menopause (00:31:22) Take Home Manifestation & Career Building Tips Click here for full show notes Guest Info: • Instagram: @josie.santi • Website: Wellness By Josie • The Everygirl Podcast: @theeverygirlpodcast • The Everygirl: @theeverygirl Resources: • Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all • Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing • Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn • Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence • Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel • Therapy For All: Resources for those in need • Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us! “The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Producer, Bobby Goldstein. The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and enjoy a special discount on your first month. If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: a...

    47 min
  8. AUG 15

    Breaking the Food Addiction Stigma, Navigating Grief & Embracing The Strength Within You with Tamara Walcott

    Step into the empowering world of Tamara Walcott, plus size fitness queen and two-time world champion powerlifter. Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Tamara has defied the odds to become a record-breaking athlete, resilient mompreneur, and beacon of inspiration. Her story is one of triumph over food addiction and obesity, where she embraced mental resilience and celebrated every victory along the way. Tamara’s journey isn't just about physical strength—it's about reclaiming one's life and rewriting the narrative of what it means to be powerful. (00:02:55) Breaking the Stigma of Food Addiction (00:12:08) Tamara’s Impressive Powerlifting Career & How Injury impacts Mental Health (00:17:53) Navigating Grief & Building A Legacy (00:25:41) Addressing the Dangers of Dieting Down & Celebrating Women in Sports Click here for full show notes Guest Info: • Website: tamarawalcott.com • Instagram: @tamarawalcott.shw • Event: MSMS Tour 2024 Resources: • Start a conversation in your The Big Silence merch: thebigsilence.com/collections/shop-all • Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing • Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn • Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence • Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel • Therapy For All: Resources for those in need • Thank you to our partners! Go to thebigsilence.com/partners for special offers for our listeners Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us! “The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney. Producer, Bobby Goldstein. The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit betterhelp.com/thebigsilence and enjoy a special discount on your first month. If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered. Vitaclean | Visit a href="https://vitacleanhq.com/THEBIGSILENCE"...

    41 min
4.9
out of 5
139 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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