Breaking the Silence

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...

This episode will focus on identity and self-trust when speaking.  We will explore the question of whose voice are you afraid to sound like, or not sound like, either personally or professionally, and when to use your authentic voice vs. professional voice.  My guest, Mary Jo Aganad has worked in the field of nursing for over 45 years, and since retirement is specializing in home health care.  Mar...

This episode will focus on why does fear show up in our bodies before we speak?  Our guest will share stories about physical symptoms and anxiety associated with public speaking, and suggest how to cope.   This podcast is brought to you by Classy Communications.  Your solution for business success.  Contact us at www. ClassyCommunications.net

Focus: Debunking perfection - Core Question: Is confidence something you’re born with — or something you build? Angles:  Why “they’re just confident” is a lie  Confidence vs. courage  Speaking while scared 🎯 Outcome: Removes intimidation and comparison. Calvin Dorsey is President of Dorsey Management Services, and has trained more than 100,000 people from various countries around the world. He is...

Focus: Naming the fear
:  Core Question: What are we really afraid of when we don’t speak up?
Discussion Points: Fear of judgment, failure, rejection, visibility. Early experiences that taught us silence = safety. Reframing silence as learned, not permanent  Outcome: Listeners feel seen and understood.  My guest, Sheryl Lynn is the founder of JOYeLY.  At the heart of her work is the JOY Intelligen...