The Trusted Friend

We all know the feeling: life should be good. From the outside, everything looks fine—even enviable. But inside? It’s a different story. In this deeply moving episode, Brytani shares her journey as an active duty Marine who quietly carries the weight of depression, suicidal thoughts, and the ache of loneliness. Despite the strength she shows on the outside, Brytani’s story reveals the hidden crack...

The Trusted Friend Events This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse and may be difficult for some listeners. Please take care while listening. At just 15 years old, Desiree Arias had no idea that her first love would turn into a six-year nightmare. “I didn’t know anything about boys or love,” she says. “He was my first, and I fell hard and fast. His love was all-encompassing.” But even a...

The Trusted Friend Events From changing diapers to breaking barriers in construction, Rossana Storani’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless determination. An immigrant from Argentina, Rossana left behind a life of wealth and comfort to start over in New York as a single mother. With no safety net, no English, and no clear path forward, she built not just a new life, but a thr...

The Trusted Friend Disclaimer:  Views expressed on this podcast are those of the guest and not behalf of the Department of Defense or the Navy.  Meet Theresa Carpenter—Navy Commander, storyteller, and advocate for change. With 28 years of service, including a decade as an enlisted aviation electrician, she’s tackled the challenges of military life head-on. From leading public affairs for NATO’s Al...

Trusted Friend What happens when you've dedicated your life to sports with a successful University basketball career,  only to realize there's no clear next step once it's over? The sport that once defined you is suddenly in the past—so what now? Then, as you watch the Olympic opening ceremony, something shifts. A new dream takes shape, a new challenge calls your name, and just like that, your pat...

Morocco Girls Trip You know those friends who just get you and make you want to be better? That’s Michelle Cameron-Coulter. She’s an Olympic gold medalist, a six-time world champion in synchronized swimming, a TEDx speaker, and the host of Inspiring Possibilities . But beyond all the titles, she’s just an incredible human who lifts everyone around her. In this episode, we chat about her journey fr...

Trusted Friend Upcoming Events In honor of International Women’s Day, we are diving into the extraordinary lives of women who defied expectations, risked everything, and played pivotal roles in shaping history—often without receiving the recognition they deserved Award-winning author and historian Clare Mulley has a gift for bringing history’s forgotten heroines to life. In this episode, she share...

Trusted Friend Events Lisette Xavier’s life has been anything but predictable. She lost her mother when she was young, became a single mom of two when her husband left, and had every reason to give up. But instead, she found strength in her struggles, turned her pain into joy, and redefined what success looks like—becoming a sought-after speaker, a singer-songwriter, and even the host of her own c...

The Trusted Friend Events MOROCCO GIRLS TRIP Paige’s story is one that is often too familiar, full of heartbreak and not how she saw love unfolding.  She found herself in a marriage filled with manipulation, betrayal, and emotional abuse—an experience that shook her to her core, affecting not just her self-worth but even her physical health. Walking away wasn’t easy, but it was the first step towa...

The Trusted Friend Christine’s world changed in an instant. What started as the perfect day—celebrating Bobby’s birthday, cherishing their time together as a family, and watching the sunset—became the last day they would ever share. Suddenly widowed with two little ones to care for, she was thrust into a journey of unimaginable grief and resilience. But love had a way of finding her again—sooner t...

The Trusted Friend Events What does it take to step into the shoes of one of the biggest superstars in the world? In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented Charity Eden, a singer-songwriter in her own right who has captivated audiences with her uncanny ability to perform as Taylor Swift. From the way she perfectly mirrors Taylor’s voice to the way she moves, interacts with the crow...

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Hayley Isabel, at only 13 years old, she's already a rising star in the country music scene whose talent and passion are capturing hearts everywhere. From her humble beginnings at an open mic on her 10th birthday to performing on some of the big stages, Hayley shares her journey of turning dreams into reality. We’ll chat about her award-winning origi...

TRIGGER WARNING:  This episode discusses the sensitive topics of Child Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence, please listen with care for yourself as it may be triggering.  Please listen without young kids around.  See helpline below.  You're not alone, reach out for help. Amber Nicole Hayes, a remarkable woman whose resilience and courage have inspired countless others. Amber is an interior designer...

BONUS EPISODE Laura and I sit down and chat about all the details and answering your most frequently asked questions about our upcoming epic girls' trip to Morocco!  From what to pack to what makes this adventure so unique, I’ve got you covered. If you’ve been dreaming about wandering vibrant souks, riding camels in the desert, and soaking up the magic of Morocco, this is the perfect episode for y...

Hey friends, Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! This episode is all about those big, life-changing moments where you realize you’ve been living on autopilot—and decide it’s time to take back control.  Embrace my talents and being my authentic self. Ariana is a fast-talking, deep thinking, eloquent speaking beautiful woman and her thoughts are a whirlwind of deep insights and big ideas that will l...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Whitney, a mother who courageously shares the story of her daughter, Ruby. Confronted with a devastating diagnosis, Whitney made the unimaginable choice to let Ruby return to heaven. She opens up about navigating chronic pain, the depths of grief, and the journey of keeping Ruby’s memory alive in her everyday life. Whitney reveals the profound insights s...

In this episode, we sit down with Lucy, a mum of three from England and a certified Freedom Fertility Formula Specialist. Lucy takes us on an emotional and inspiring journey through her battles with primary and secondary infertility, including the heartbreak of miscarriage and the intense challenges of IVF. Like many couples, Lucy and her husband initially focused solely on the physical side of th...

In this haunting episode, host Lisa Helton explores the chilling stories of three remarkable women whose lives and spirits continue to resonate through history. I share the tragic tale of Kate Morgan, whose restless spirit haunts the Hotel Del Coronado; the eccentric Sarah Winchester, whose grand mansion stands as a testament to grief and persistence; and the innocent Dorothy Good, the youngest vi...

In this powerful episode, we explore the heart-wrenching story of a woman who endured years of emotional and physical abuse from the very person meant to nurture and protect her—her mother. Drawing parallels to the story of the "Bummer Lamb," a lamb rejected by its mother yet later nurtured back to health, this episode highlights her journey of survival, healing, and reclaiming her sense of worth....

Kaiya Gamble is a soulful singer-songwriter and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and philanthropy. Her love for music and her commitment to giving back have touched countless lives. Today, she shares her journey—from her early days of writing touching song for her grandma to delivering powerful performances that resonate deeply with audiences. We’ll explore her songwriting process...

In this heartfelt episode of The Trusted Friend podcast, I speak with Jennifer Carrazzo, president of the Sugar Bear Foundation and a Gold Star Wife. Jennifer shares her journey from being a military spouse to becoming a pillar of support for Gold Star families after losing her husband, Mario (aka Sugar Bear) a Cobra pilot, during active duty in Afghanistan. She reflects on the challenges of raisi...

Hey friends! I’m so excited to introduce you, Courtney Robinson. Not only is she a women’s style mentor, speaker, and a newly best-selling author, but she’s also got an incredibly inspiring story to share. Courtney recently launched a book called Stand Up: Resilient Black Women Who Are Shaping the World with Their Faith, where she tells her story along with 14 other amazing women. Courtney’s all a...

Follow on Instagram for photos and fun.   What you'll learn: You'll discover insights on how to build authentic relationships, set healthy boundaries, and find true connection. Additionally, you’ll hear real, anonymous reflections from women who shared why they believe others may not want to be their friend, offering a heartfelt look into common fears and insecurities. By the end, listeners will b...

The Trusted Friend Website Instagram What you'll learn from this episode: we have the power to break generational cycles and create new paths for ourselves and our families. In today’s episode, Denita opens up about her personal story and how’s it’s shaped much of who she is. From growing up in a home filled with instability, witnessing her parents’ tumultuous relationship, to dealing with the sud...

Swifties—and non-Swifties alike! Welcome back to *The Trusted Friend*! It’s so good to be back after the summer—I hope you had a ‘Fearless’ few months filled with memories This is my *50th* episode! What better way to celebrate than with a story about friendship, connection, and—you guessed it—Taylor Swift. Now, whether you’re ‘Enchanted’ by Taylor or not, this story is about so much more than a c...