Adult Child of Dysfunction

What if your struggles with money, success, or self-worth weren’t your fault—but the result of inherited patterns from a dysfunctional upbringing? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Morgan Hamer, founder of Morgan Manifests , who shares her personal journey of healing after growing up in emotional chaos, abandonment, and generational dysfunction. Morgan reveals how her early experiences—being...

In this powerful episode, Pauline Raphaela—master healer, ascension guide, and founder of Living Limitless Courses for Evolution —shares her profound journey of transformation after deep personal loss and spiritual awakening. She reveals how the death of her father and a second divorce led her to connect directly with divine guidance, awakening her authentic Self and Soul purpose. Pauline discusse...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Marianne Hedges Hennigar, a trailblazer in trauma-informed somatic work and the creator of the Insight Healing Method . With over 30 years of experience in client care, Marianne brings a powerful blend of science, intuition, and innovation to emotional healing. Starting her journey as a clinical sports massage therapist (CMT), Marianne quickly recogniz...

At just 18 years old, Maria Baumgardner is carrying a weight most adults would struggle to bear—but you wouldn’t know it by her spirit. In this deeply moving episode, Maria shares her powerful story of stepping in to raise her siblings when her parents could not. She opens up about the mindset shifts that keep her grounded, how she refuses to be defined by her circumstances, and why she chooses ho...

In this follow-up to my powerful conversation with Sheila Andres, I’m taking a solo moment with you to go even deeper into something that resonated with so many of you: that stuck feeling. In this follow-up to my heartfelt conversation with Sheila Andres, I’m flying solo to dig deeper into something that hit home for many of you: feeling stuck as an Adult Child of Alcoholics (ACOA). Even if you’re...

What happens when you follow all the rules, check all the boxes, and still feel stuck? In this powerful episode, Tammy sits down with Sheila Andres — owner of Realize Your Vision and creator of the StuckSucks Movement — to explore the surprising and emotional side of entrepreneurship that no one talks about. Sheila shares how her 20-year journey as the right-hand to a successful entrepreneur led h...

In this inspiring episode of Adult Child of Dysfunction , we sit down with Dr. Ali Lankerani , affectionately known as "Dr. L," founder of Role Model Maker International . With a passion for creating resilient families and vibrant communities, Dr. L shares how his work aligns with the mission of building a healthier and more peaceful world—starting at the family level. We discuss how protective ne...

In this follow-up to my powerful conversation with Ana Felice, we dive deeper into the varied ways people respond to hypnosis—especially those of us who grew up in chaotic or dysfunctional environments. If you listened to Ana’s brief hypnosis session and found yourself feeling deeply relaxed, a little unsure, or even resistant, you're not alone—and there's a reason for it. In this episode, I expla...

In this transformative episode, we sit down with Ana Felice , a professional hypnotist with over 12 years of experience and the visionary founder of Pacifica Hypnosis . Ana offers both online hypnosis sessions worldwide and in-person services in central Miami , helping clients overcome subconscious blocks that keep them stuck—whether it’s limiting beliefs, emotional trauma, fears, or fixed mindset...

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, we sit down with Rebecca Engle —an award-winning author, disability advocate, and education policy expert—whose journey from invisibility to impact is both inspiring and transformational. With four global literary awards to her name and a fierce dedication to systemic change, Rebecca shares her personal story of resilience, identity, and what it means to...

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Shillpi , a modern-day spiritual alchemist , clairvoyant , and psychic guide with over 22 years of experience in the healing arts. Shillpi has spent over two decades helping others transmute life’s challenges into wisdom , unlock soul-level transformation , and awaken their true spiritual potential . Her mission is to guide seekers on a journey of self-disc...

In this raw and deeply honest conversation, G. Mykal Olson shares his powerful story of falling from a successful international business career to sitting alone in prison—brought down by addiction. Mykal doesn't hold anything back as he opens up about how addiction destroyed his life and family, and what it took to begin rebuilding from rock bottom. Now, through The Life Forge , Mykal is on a miss...

If your inner voice sounds more like a bully than a best friend, this episode is for you. I explore how the inner dialogue of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoAs) is often shaped by early dysfunction—and how to begin shifting that voice from criticism to compassion. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why your self-talk sounds the way it does (and why it’s not your fault) A powerful tactic to “nip i...

In this empowering episode, we’re joined by Scotti Moser , a transformational coach who helps professional women overcome the lasting impacts of toxic and narcissistic parenting. Scotti shares how unresolved childhood wounds can silently sabotage confidence, relationships, and financial success—and how healing those wounds opens the door to more joy, authenticity, and prosperity. With compassionat...

In this deeply moving and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Jill Krzyzanowicz—known to readers by her pen name, Margo Reilly—as she shares her powerful story of transformation, healing, and hope. After decades in public education, Jill now uses her voice and platform to inspire others to release the victim mentality and take ownership of their healing journey. Jill opens up about growing up as...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Lisa Lacy for an honest, soul-filling conversation about what it really means to grow up in dysfunction—and how to reclaim your life on your own terms. Lisa shares her personal journey through a health scare that became the catalyst for deep transformation, authenticity, and choosing joy over survival mode. We dive into the themes that define this podcast:...

In this powerful and heart-opening episode, I sit down with Nicoletta Puccini , founder of Chameleon Breathwork LLC , a trauma-informed breathwork facilitator and somatic healing guide. With over 15 years of experience in therapeutic yoga, somatic modalities, and conscious breathwork, Nicoletta shares how the body stores trauma—and more importantly, how we can safely release it. We explore how bre...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kelly Tallaksen — a board-certified hypnotist, instructor for the National Guild of Hypnotists, president of their Long Island chapter, and holder of both a Doctorate Degree in Metaphysical Hypnosis and a PhD in Holistic Life Counseling. Kelly shares her deep insights into the different levels of consciousness and how the protective mechanisms of the mind...

In this empowering follow-up to my conversation with Dr. Michelle Montero, we dive deep into the intimate connection between healthy boundaries and living as your truest, most authentic self. So many of us—especially adult children of dysfunction—grew up learning to shape-shift, people-please, and suppress our needs just to survive. But here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t walls—they’re bridges. Th...

In this powerful and insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Montero , licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Alchemy Performance Consulting, LLC . Based in Chicago, Dr. Montero brings a unique blend of expertise in both clinical and sports psychology, specializing in trauma-informed care, athlete mental health, performance enhancement, and emotional intelligence. While her profes...

In this empowering follow-up to my interview with George Haymaker, we dive even deeper into the science—and hope—of neuroplasticity . If you’re an Adult Child of an Alcoholic or grew up in any kind of dysfunctional environment, this episode is your reminder that you are not broken—you’re wired for survival. And the beautiful news? You can rewire those survival patterns into pathways of healing and...

In this episode, we’re joined by George Haymaker — a certified neuroconstructionist coach, neuroeducator, and former entrepreneur with a powerful story of transformation. After building and leading several successful companies over three decades, George found himself battling a life-threatening addiction to alcohol and opioids. At his lowest point in 2013, he was consuming up to 50 Vicodin and two...

What if you could shift from chaos to calm in just a few seconds? In this powerful and energizing episode, Tif Loeffler joins us to explore the magic of micro-moments—those tiny shifts that pull us out of stress and into presence. Whether it's practicing a focused gaze that leads to a spontaneous yawn (and a nervous system reset), or choosing to celebrate who you are right now, Tif reminds us that...

In this solo episode, I’m diving into something that hits close to home—the struggle so many of us face when it comes to allowing ourselves joy, fun, and creative expression. If you grew up in a household shaped by alcoholism or dysfunction, you may have learned early on that survival came first—and playfulness, imagination, and lightheartedness often took a backseat. Following my beautiful conver...

In this heart-centered conversation, Patricia O’Brien invites us to explore the deep magic of intention and creative expression as pathways to reclaiming personal sovereignty. Blending coaching, science, and mysticism, Patricia reveals how art—in all its forms—is not just a form of expression, but a powerful means of communication that unlocks healing, reflection, innovation, and spiritual connect...