Breaking the Silence

What happens when the voice keeping you awake asks, “Who do you think you are?” In this episode of BREAKING the SILENCE: After Midnight, Gail Larson explores how impostor syndrome disguises itself as perfectionism, over-preparation, procrastination, and fear. Discover how frustration, embarrassment, anxiety, and resignation can stop you in your tracks—and how conditioning, commitment, control, cou...

Tonight’s special episode is dedicated to remembering September 11, 2001—a day that changed our country, affected people around the world, and left memories that continue to visit many of us after midnight. During this episode, I will share my personal story through three reflection points—the three R’s: Remembering where we were and the details that have remained with us. Reactions around us—with...

Have you ever been told, “You’ve changed”—and wondered whether it was an observation or a warning? In Episode 6 of BREAKING the SILENCE: After Midnight, I explore how personal growth reshapes our closest relationships. Drawing from my own transition beyond corporate life, I unpack three fears that can create distance: no longer being enough, being fully seen, and disturbing the peace.  Can honest...

What happens when money worries begin speaking louder than sleep? In this solo episode of BREAKING the SILENCE: After Midnight, I share a personal story and an important reminder: You are not your net. We’ll explore three practical ways to quiet the financial noise—name the numbers, engage your network, and take small steps. Tune in and discover how facing your finances can help you reclaim your p...

Major life transitions can shift our peace, reshape our relationships, and make us wonder who we are becoming. In this episode of Breaking the Silence: After Midnight, we explore how to navigate change with honesty, grace, and hope.  The stories, views, and opinions shared on BREAKING THE SILENCE are intended for educational, inspirational, and reflective purposes only. This podcast may explore pe...

This episode reflects on those sleepless nights when the darkness can feel heavier than the night — the sadness, emotional heaviness, and memories that sometimes follow us from childhood into adulthood. We will also make space for something just as important: the possibility of light. Sometimes that light comes through a memory, a song, a prayer, a conversation, a deep breath, or the simple remind...

Sometimes the mind refuses to be quiet because something within us is asking for attention, reassurance, or release. Anxiety may get loud after midnight, but it does not have to have the final word. My surprise guest knows this all too well, but shares her process for turning after-hours anxiety and sleeplessness into a positive, productive experience! The stories, views, and opinions shared on BR...

This episode begins with a weight many of us know too well: stress and overwhelm — the responsibilities we carry, the pressure we hide, and the thoughts that refuse to rest when the world goes quiet. My guest, Krystina, considers herself to be a “domestic engineer” in all senses of the term and will share the challenges that keep her up at night within and outside of that role. The stories, views,...

In this Season 2 finale of Breaking the Silence: Beyond the Boundaries, Gail reflects on the powerful conversations, courageous stories, and defining moments that shaped the season. Through each guest’s journey, we saw what becomes possible when people stop shrinking, step into new spaces, and begin living beyond the boundaries that once limited them.  As the season closes, Gail also opens the doo...

In this episode, we’ll explore what it means to communicate more honestly across generations, particularly with fathers or as a father…and how to move beyond old roles, old assumptions, and old emotional boundaries.  This podcast is brought to you by LifeWave. Want to learn more? Visit www. LifeWave.com/VernD and step into a healthier, more active lifestyle today!

What happens when growth becomes more than a moment—and instead becomes a way of life?  In this episode of Breaking the Silence: Beyond the Boundaries, I’m joined by accomplished author and poet Lydia Pejovic, whose work reflects the complexity of identity, perspective, and personal transformation. Her recent novel, Shifting Tides, explores life through three shifting perspectives, an approach tha...

After more than two decades as a speech pathologist, this episode’s guest shares what it truly means to step into a new identity. Now traveling the world through her entrepreneurial journey in the jewelry industry, she reflects on the evolution of her voice and her story. In “Sharing the Story You’re Ready to Own,” she opens up about embracing change, redefining her narrative, and confidently livi...

In this episode of Breaking the Silence: Beyond the Boundaries, I’m joined by Steve, a longtime educational leader whose journey took him from classroom educator to Vice President of Humanities for a renowned educational publishing company. Along the way, Steve became known as an accomplished speaker, engaging regional, national, and international audiences across all subject areas. Steve will ref...

For this episode, my guest is author and speaker Phil Randazzo, founder of American Dream U, a nonprofit dedicated to helping our military gain the education and resources they need to find their dream job or start their own business. In this episode, he shares powerful insights on how courageous conversations can build meaningful connections and create lasting impact.  This podcast is brought to...

In this episode of Breaking the Silence: Beyond the Boundaries, Chaka Meyers, an Army veteran and transportation operations leader joins me to discuss leadership, purpose, and speaking up for what matters most. This conversation comes full circle, as she was once my student over 40 years ago—and today, we reflect on growth, voice, and the power of staying connected across generations.  This podcas...

In this episode, Speaking Into New Spaces, the focus will be on new roles, environments, and stepping into growth.  Pat, who is a group coordinator for Go Ahead Tours, has successfully stepped into her own growth while discovering that sharing her passion for travel can afford her more travel opportunities.  She wants to help those who want to travel and don't want to have to do the planning, or t...

What’s holding you back from being seen?   In this episode of Breaking the Silence: Beyond the Boundaries, we explore what it really means to step out of the shadows, take up space, and give yourself permission to be visible—without waiting for validation from anyone else.    This podcast is brought to you by LifeWave.  Want to learn more? Visit www. LifeWave.com/VernD and step into a healthier, m...

In this episode of Breaking the Silence: Beyond the Boundaries, I’m joined by a former police sergeant II, Steve Adams, who is sharing stories he’s held back — but ready to share now.  Through his experience in law enforcement, we explore how perceptions of policing have shifted over time, and what it means to finally speak about the realities behind the uniform.   This conversation goes beyond pr...

This introductory episode will launch Season 2 of Breaking the Silence: Beyond the Boundaries .  Whereas the first season was about finding the courage to speak, Season 2 is about moving past the limits we once believed defined us. Through powerful conversations and personal reflection, this season explores how growth, courage, and confidence empower us to use our voice more boldly, pursue greater...

This episode is called “Your Voice Moving Forward.” And it’s about what happens after you begin breaking the silence. The episode isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about integrating what we’ve learned — and looking ahead. With 8 years of experience in IT, a degree in biomedical laboratory science, and a background in epidemiological research, Rebecca Brosig has built a career solving technical pro...

In this episode of  Breaking the Silence: Finding the Courage to be Heard, we’re exploring the idea of Being Heard without Being Loud. I’m joined by Sonya Smallwood, a results-driven sales professional with a strong track record of exceeding goals and building lasting client relationships. Known for her strategic mindset and hands-on approach, she thrives in fast-paced environments and brings deep...

Host Gail Larson's guest, Kristina Goldstein is currently pursuing a career in either Radiation Health or Nuclear Engineering.  She is the ideal candidate to talk to us about When your Voice Shakes and Why That’s Okay!  Even with her years of  service in the Navy and advanced education, she would still get quiet at times when she lost her confidence.  This episode will explore how having self-comp...

“Today on Breaking the Silence, I’m joined by Dane Larson, a seasoned corporate marketing communications  manager who has spent his career guiding marketing strategy and growth across biomedical industries, advancing diagnostics and saving lives. But today, Dane will be sharing more personal stories — about the moments he felt intimidated to speak up… and what happened when he decided to "break th...

In this episode entitled, Speaking Up in Rooms that Intimidate You, Jesse Oakley III and I will chat about the power dynamics that show up in both professionally and personal environments, like meetings, panels, and even classrooms.  We will discuss how possibly gender, age, race, or any physical attributes could be a factor in this feeling of intimidation, and how small acts of “voice” can build...

The focus of this episode is to explore a speaker’s mindset and inner dialogue.  It will ask the question, “What story has fear been repeating, and is any of it true?” Helene Rose will share her experiences, particularly in language shifts that build courage.  Helene Rose is a mindset and personal growth expert who helps individuals and teams reconnect with their inner power—so they can create rea...