A Slice of Empathy

In this episode, counselor and author Sabrina Trobak explores how core beliefs like "not good enough" form, how they fuel anxiety and unhealthy patterns, and why awareness is the first step to change. She shares practical strategies—breathing exercises, concrete planning, and relationship tools—to build confidence, reframe thoughts, and develop a lasting sense of being good enough, important, and...

Producer and artist manager Christine Cox joins the podcast to share her experience as the non-ADHD partner in a long-term marriage. She discusses the frustration, judgment, and emotional labor of keeping life on track amid ADHD-driven chaos, plus how therapy, humor, journaling, and boundaries have helped. Christine also talks about defending her spouse in social settings, the impact of smartphone...

Dr. Ashley Rodriguez, a Latina psychologist and founder of Path Break Coaching, discusses trauma-informed, culturally responsive care for women of color. She shares her personal and clinical journey, explores intergenerational trauma, emotional burdens of being the "strong" one, and practical tools for rebuilding relationships, setting boundaries, and integrating mind, body, and spirit. Learn abou...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Becky Whetstone, a seasoned marriage crisis therapist, to navigate the complex world of relationships and marriages. Becky shares her personal journey from experiencing a marital crisis to becoming a renowned relationship expert. She discusses the crucial stages of a deteriorating marriage, the importance of proper therapy, and how her groundbreaking bo...

Welcome back to Slice of Empathy, where in this episode, we transition from Patrick's childhood traumas to explore Valerie's equally compelling journey. Valerie, Patrick's wife and co-host, opens up about the emotional challenges she faced growing up in a household that lacked emotional warmth and support.  The episode sheds light on the silent struggles Valerie experienced, from the absence of a...

In this episode, we sit down with Coleman Housefield, a seasoned marriage and family coach, to explore the intricacies of adult friendships and how they evolve through different life stages. Coleman shares valuable insights on the natural progression of friendships, emphasizing that relationships often align with different seasons of our lives. We dive into the importance of emotional responsibili...

In this episode, we're joined by Alice Yeh, a certified career clarity coach and former corporate high achiever. Alice shares her personal journey of breaking free from burnout and perfectionism after years in top companies like JP Morgan and Google. Having experienced multiple layoffs, including a pivotal one at Google, Alice has redefined what success means to her. She offers insights into navig...

Welcome to an intimate episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, where we delve into a deeply personal journey of marriage, family dynamics, and the quiet weight of unrecognized trauma. In this episode, we explore my husband’s story — raised by a devoted single father after his parents divorced, while navigating the emotional distance of a mother who was present only on weekends and largely unavail...

In this deeply moving episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, we explore the powerful story of Blanca Rodriguez, the remarkable founder of Wounded Healer LLC. Join us as we delve into Blanca's journey from a childhood marked by trauma and loss to a life dedicated to healing and transformation. Blanca shares her inspiring mission to help others through holistic life coaching, dance, and physical m...

In this episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, we are joined by CT Kaupp, the visionary behind the Mindful Soulpreneur (SPX). CT shares his journey from managing a website design business to embracing mindfulness as a transformative life tool. Discover how small, intentional shifts can bring profound changes to your life, breaking free from the autopilot mode that often accompanies our routines....

In this episode of "A Slice of Empathy," the host welcomes Thomas R. Wilson, the visionary behind R&H Creative Advocacy and Storytelling. Thomas shares his transformative journey with neurodiversity and his mission to create inclusive, sensory-friendly events for neurodiverse and mental health communities. He inspires creativity, connection, and advocacy through storytelling, gaming, and mento...

Welcome back to a Slice of Empathy podcast, where we dive into meaningful conversations and personal growth. In this episode, we sit down with Michael Brook, a seasoned couples counselor and relationship coach, renowned for his ability to instigate rapid, transformative changes in relationships. Explore how Michael's no-nonsense approach guides couples from the verge of breaking up to rekindling l...

In this episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, we delve into an inspiring conversation with Raymond Freitas, a modern-day mystic who has found true happiness while living with mental illness. Raymond shares his profound healing journey, initiated by a mental break at the age of 17, which he now understands as a response to a stressful childhood. Despite the challenges, he transformed his life in...

Welcome to a transformative episode of the "Slice of Empathy" podcast, where host Valerie engages in a compelling conversation with Brian Sachetta, the author of "Get Out of Your Head" book series. Focusing on the pervasive issues of anxiety and depression, this episode dives deep into practical strategies and personal insights to improve mental well-being. Brian shares his personal journey throug...

In this enlightening episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, guest Joselyn Rodriguez, a dedicated women's health clinician, shares her personal and professional journey through fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood. At 34, Joselyn transitioned from a child-free lifestyle to embracing parenthood, all while navigating the challenges of a demanding career as a doctor of physical therapy. Joselyn delv...

Join us for the latest episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, where we reflect on the major events and personal growth experienced throughout 2024. From the resilience built during unexpected job layoffs to the joy of exploring new destinations like Paris and Vancouver, the year was full of significant life changes and travel adventures. We dive into the challenges and opportunities that arose f...

In this episode of the Slice of Empathy podcast, we are joined by Gabby Wnek, a licensed clinical social worker and somatic experiencing practitioner. With over eight years of experience in the mental health field, Gabby dedicates her work to helping high-achieving, anxious, and chronically stressed women heal and empower themselves. She shares her personal journey of overcoming burnout after mana...

In this episode, we delve into a powerful conversation with Jessica Zemple, a transformational life coach, mental health advocate, and motivational speaker. Jessica shares her inspiring journey towards self-love and acceptance following her father's battle with schizophrenia. She discusses her upcoming documentary, Cracked, which candidly explores her path to healing and breaking mental health sti...

Join us as we delve into the extraordinary life of Jo Ann, a woman who has faced unimaginable challenges and emerged stronger each time. From enduring seven tumultuous marriages involving abuse, divorce, and even being a prison wife, Jo Ann has made the brave decision to transform her life completely. Discover her journey of leaving the Mormon church after 30 years and finding her voice, strength,...

Welcome back to the Slice of Empathy podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of family dynamics with our special guest, Wayne Brown, a seasoned therapist and educator specializing in individual and family therapy. With his expertise in addressing current and historical traumas and his dedication to supporting gender nonconformity within families, Wayne offers timely insights a...

In this episode of "A Slice of Empathy," we are joined by Dani Runeback, an inspiring woman who has transformed her deepest struggles into a journey of empowerment. Dani shares her powerful story of overcoming abuse, trauma, addiction, OCD, and grief, and how she redefined her life by breaking free from people-pleasing and self-doubt. Today, as the founder of The Money Mumma, Dani offers a safe an...

Welcome back to the Slice of Empathy podcast! In this special solo episode, our host reflects on the journey of self-discovery and resilience that has defined the last half of her life. After realizing that she's spent as much time on her own in adulthood as she did in an abusive home, she shares her experiences of overcoming trauma and finding healing. Join us as we delve into topics of personal...

In this heartfelt episode of A Slice of Empathy, we sit down with Anonymous Andrew, a man whose life journey has been shaped by the challenges of bipolar disorder and alcoholism. Andrew shares his candid story of a tumultuous three-year relationship that nearly broke him, revealing how betrayal led him into a deep spiral of depression. Andrew opens up about his transformative path to recovery, hig...

Welcome back to the Slice of Empathy podcast. I'm your host, Valerie Kelly, and today's guest is a true expert in unlocking the mind's potential, Brent Webb. Brent is a mind power expert and motivational speaker, headlining programs worldwide at hotels, resorts, casinos, and colleges. He's also worked with Fortune 500 companies like Google, Ford, Nabisco, and Hilton, as well as collaborating with...

Welcome back to A Slice of Empathy podcast. Today we have a very special guest, Pete Cruz, who shares his deeply personal journey of healing and recovery through his powerful memoir, No Tears for Dad, My Path to Forgiveness. This book takes readers through Pete's experiences with childhood trauma and how he found solace and strength through his faith. Raised in Milpitas, California, Pete holds a b...