The Big Silence Karena Dawn

Paul Scanlon has been a mentor, educator, and motivational speaker for over 40 years with a focus on communication, leadership, cultural engineering, and self awareness. I've been following Paul on Instagram and have listened to his podcast for quite some time as I've processed traumas, worked on setting better boundaries, and learned communication skills – all the things that I'm still working on to this day!
I’m happy to have him on the podcast today to talk about how our childhood traumas impact us as adults and how we can take measures to get unstuck, come back home to our authentic selves, set better boundaries, and become more comfortable with change.
Paul’s book, I Am Not My Father, is an incredible story of how to heal generational trauma and the power of leaning into who you truly are.
In this episode, he explains how attachment styles formed in childhood influence our relationships and patterns as adults, and how we can start to have more compassion and understanding towards ourselves through all of the ups and downs that life throws at us.
He shares helpful tools for setting boundaries and caring less about what other people think of us as we embark on our journey of self improvement and evolution. He acknowledges that, as we grow and change, our relationships can be strained, and how to overcome friction in our lives in order to focus on our own personal growth. He even shares advice for navigating career transitions and aging gracefully in both body and mind.
I’m grateful for Paul’s work and insight on how to get unstuck and make small steps towards aligning who we are with how we show up in the world. I hope his perspective inspires and empowers you to look inward, too.
(00:02:51) How a Mid-Life Unraveling Turned Into a Transformative Awakening
(00:11:52) Understanding Attachment Styles & Confronting Abandonment Wounds
(00:19:47) How to Set Better Boundaries & Trust Your Energy Radar
(00:28:29) Embracing Change & Navigating New Relationship Dynamics
(00:39:23) Tips For Aging Well Externally & Internally
Click here for full show notes
Guest Info:
• Website: paulscanlon.com
• Podcast: Growing Big People with PS
• Instagram: @paulscanlonuk
• Read: I Am Not My Father by Paul Scanlon
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 a...

Eating disorders are mental health disorders. Period – full stop. (Triggering content warning)
Johanna Kandel, today’s esteemed guest and the founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, has dedicated her career to unveiling that commonly misunderstood fact. Eating disorders are biologically-based brain illnesses. They are genetic in nature, and they are absolutely serious mental illnesses.
As a passionate (and impressively credentialed) advocate for mental health and eating disorders legislation, Johanna has spent a lot of time meeting with numerous members of Congress, and was part of the first-ever Eating Disorder Roundtable at the White House.
This is a deeply personal conversation wherein both Johanna and I share experiences from our own struggles with disordered eating and mental health; dig into our raw, honest, and unfiltered concerns about the growing trend of weight loss drugs; and deliver important tips for respectfully supporting those in your life struggling with body image issues.
You don’t want to miss this table stakes conversation on mental health as we shine a bright light on one of the most deeply shrouded health and wellness secrets hidden beneath American society. No doubt, you’ll leave more informed, inspired, and empowered to help further the cause.
(00:05:59) Johanna Kandel’s Backstory & Inspirations
(00:13:26) Environmental & Genetic Predisposition to Eating Disorders
(00:18:05) Surviving Near-Death Experiences
(00:21:14) Links Between Mental Health & Eating Disorders
(00:27:19) We Have to Talk About It: Ozempic & Mental Health
(00:35:47) Tips for Supporting ED Journeys with Kindness & Empathy
Click here for full show notes
Guest Info:
• Website: National Alliance for Eating Disorders
• Instagram: @alliancefored
• TikTok: @alliancefored
• YouTube: The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness
• Support: allianceforeatingdisorders.com/donate/
• NAED Helpline Phone Number (866) 662-1235
• CEDO’s Response to the Oprah Special
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 a...

We've never had a podcast episode quick like this one! (Mature content warning)
Sex and relationship expert Dr. Tara is here to help us turn up the intimacy in our relationships, leading to better mental health and overall wellbeing. Dr. Tara is not only a tenured professor of sexual and relational communication at California State University Fullerton, she’s an author of Sexual Communication: Research in Action, an award-winning sex researcher, host of the Luvbites by Dr. Tara podcast, and resident sex expert on the popular British dating show, Celebs Go Dating.
She’s also the #1 sex educator on TikTok!
Today she shares how to communicate your desires with your partner and how to become more sexually powerful. Our conversation helps break the stigma around women being sexually explorative, uncovers the root of why many of us feel sexually repressed, and reveals common issues people in and out of relationships face in their sex lives.
She also gifts us with specific practices and strategies for strengthening your personal sexual experience while reigniting intimacy in your long term relationship.
Dr. Tara pulls back the curtain on why it’s so important to have a healthy sex life for your mental health and what the research shows about how being sexually satisfied influences your overall happiness. We also go through some listener questions about overcoming cheating in a relationship and how to start conversations about sex with your partner. This one might make you blush but you’ll also walk away with valuable insight for improving intimacy and connection in your relationship!
(00:02:36) Exploring Sexual Health & Empowerment
(00:13:31) How to Reignite Intimacy in A Long-Term Relationship
(00:24:26) Confronting Insecurities, The Stigma Around Pleasure & Sexual Compatibility
(00:30:10) Dr. Tara Answers: Are You Sexually Compatible?
Click here for full show notes
Guest Info:
• Website: luvbites.co
• Instagram: @luvbites.co
• YouTube: Luvbites by Dr. Tara
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

We're hitting a huge milestone with our 100th episode of the Big Silence Podcast with Jenna Willis! Jenna’s complete mind-body-spiritual approach to wellness, as well as her remarkable results, have gained her a reputation as one of the most sought after rising celebrity trainers, working with stars like Lala Kent and Camila Cabello.
She’s all about embracing the REAL you in fitness, ditching the impossible social media standards of perfection, and making workouts fun again. Jenna has created her own online platforms including meal plans, personalized programs, and ongoing virtual workouts where she helps all achieve similar balance in their fitness journey.
In today's episode (recorded live in LA!) Jenna gets real about her journey, from chasing acting dreams to her time on Vanderpump Rules, and how she found her true calling in fitness after battling situational depression.
Her approach to fitness is all about feeling great, and she's got some game-changing tips for everyone. Plus, she shares her personal stories on moving on from a long-term relationship and dating in her 30s – it's a heart-to-heart with great advice you've got to hear.
Celebrating 100 episodes, it’s amazing to see how the Big Silence Podcast has touched lives – reaching over 4.2 million people, providing mental health resources to thousands, and creating a community in our live events. Thank you for supporting this show and the movement of mental health!
(00:00:52) Reflecting on 100 Episodes of The Big Silence!
(00:09:20) Jenna’s Journey from TV Actor to Trainer
(00:18:05) Finding Fitness & Moving Through Depression
(00:28:20) Jenna’s Fun Fitness Philosophy
(00:33:30) Tips for Small Sustainable Lifestyle Shifts
(00:38:49) How to Get Over a Toxic Relationship
(00:43:08) Jenna’s Tips for Dating in Your 30s
Click here for full show notes
Guest Info:
Website: jennawilliscoaching.com
Instagram: @msjennawillis
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...

Today I’m bringing you a super inspiring episode with the one and only Tori Kruse! Tori is an entrepreneur, author, and a highly sought-after speaker. As the Founder and CEO of Tori Kruse Enterprises, she’s carved a niche in partnering with female speakers and leaders, aligning their internal power with their external image.
Tori’s journey is not just about personal style; it's a deeper dive into how one's presence can truly mirror their essence – including personality, aspirations, and inner beliefs.
In this episode, we delve into how she leveraged her pageantry and sports reporting experiences into becoming a pivotal figure for women looking to enhance their confidence. She shares her best advice for getting dressed when you’re not feeling your best, and tackling a fear of public speaking.
We also chat about how to tune into your intuition, find your passion, and the importance of giving and receiving support – key components for a healthy mindset. Tori opens up about the importance of self-care and mental health in her life, sharing insights that are sure to resonate with many of you.
Tori is a beacon of empowerment, especially for women, fostering an abundant mindset and encouraging them to embrace their unique confidence. For anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone and amp up their confidence, Tori's got some real, practical advice!
(00:04:10) Tori’s Early Life & Start in Pageantry
(00:14:22) How To Stand Out in Your Career & Achieve Your Goals
(00:29:20) Leveraging Personal Style To Bring Out Inner Confidence
(00:42:46) Tori’s Tips for Self-Care
Click here for full show notes
Guest Info:
• Website: torikruse.com
• Listen: The Tori Kruse Show
• Instagram: @officialtorikruse
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...

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to chat with Dr. Dave Rabin at SXSW. He is not just any neuroscientist and psychiatrist; he's also a co-founder and the Chief Medical Officer at Apollo Neuroscience. He’s an expert in navigating the fields of Ketamine and MDMA-assisted therapy, and his work is pioneering new pathways for treating PTSD and other mental health issues.
His groundbreaking research, including his primary study on MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD, is showing the world that it's possible to reverse trauma at the genetic level. This offers not just hope, but real, tangible solutions for those suffering.
Dr. Rabin sheds light on the Apollo device, a wearable piece of technology designed to improve heart rate variability and promote relaxation and focus. I personally experienced its benefits during SXSW, using it to transition from a sleep setting to a social setting, and the results were amazing!
Beyond Apollo, Dr. Rabin offers insights into the true cause of depression, ways to start healing trauma, and tips for connecting more deeply with our emotions. We also touch on the differing effects of loneliness in men and women, and the importance of destigmatizing addiction.
This episode is packed with actionable advice and small steps you can take to strengthen your mental health, alongside a deep dive into the benefits of Apollo for stress management and overall wellbeing. It's a conversation you won't want to miss, especially if you're interested in the cutting edge of mental health therapy and technology. Remember, taking care of your mental health is a journey, and we're in this together.
(00:03:26) Unlocking the Mind: Dreams, Neuroscience & Psychoactive Therapy
(00:11:01) Healing Trauma Through Emotional Expression & MDMA-Assisted Therapy
(00:20:18) Tackling Addiction, Embracing Feelings & Confronting Loneliness
(00:32:15) Calm Your Mind with Apollo Neuroscience
Click here for full show notes
Guest Info:
Website: DrDave.IO
Instagram: @DrDavidRabin
Apollo Neuroscience: ApolloNeuro.com
Listen: Psychedelic Report
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 a href="https://www.thebigsilence.com/donate"...