Don’t call Me

Some objects carry more than just weight, they carry history. They hold memories, emotions, and the echoes of past versions of ourselves. Tonight, I pulled out a blanket. A thick, high-quality throw that has been with me for fifteen years. But I didn’t buy it. I didn’t inherit it. I picked it out on my first day at a women’s shelter, when I had nothing but the weight of my own heartbreak. At the t...

Not all sanctuaries have walls. Some exist in the hush of midnight, in the weightless drift of water, in the space between the stars and the earth. This is the story of a Midwest farm, a dark pond, and a moment of stillness that felt like sanctuary. A summer night where the world disappeared, and for the first time in too long, I felt free. What’s Inside This Episode: Rebuilding a life after divor...

In this episode, I share the serendipitous story of how life brought me back to two incredible people, Reema and Ramneesh, and their restaurant, Amaya Indian Cuisine. Years ago, in Carbondale, Illinois, I found comfort and connection at their first restaurant, Reema’s. Their warmth, kindness, and unforgettable food made a difficult time in my life a little easier. But one day, they disappeared… no...

Sometimes, the right person enters your life at exactly the right moment, and for me, that person was Ann. In this episode, I share the story of how Ann and I met as medical secretaries, both navigating devastating circumstances and rebuilding our lives. From morning coffee chats on a rusty backyard table to Jeep rides blasting Mr. Jones on winding Midwestern back roads, Anne’s friendship brought...

In this brief episode of Don’t Call Me, I dive into one of the most profound moments from my childhood—an encounter in a grocery store that taught me the power of compassion and how our actions, even as kids, can leave a lasting impact. I also reflect on how life has a way of bringing us full circle, from my experience with pancreatic cancer to a similar teaching moment with my youngest son. These...

Ease into the evening with a gentle, candlelit discussion designed to comfort your mind and body. In this episode, we explore the soothing quiet of night, the flicker of a glowing flame, and the freedom found in letting go of the day’s weight. Through calming imagery and thoughtful reflection, you’ll be guided to a place of rest, stillness, and presence. Perfect for winding down after a long day o...

Description : In this episode, we explore how the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives—and what happens when we step outside of them. From a near-drowning at age five to a life-altering car accident decades later, two pivotal moments reveal the power of leaving behind what separates us. Featuring reflections on Shakespeare’s “Life is a tale told by an idiot” and the unexpected symbolism of sh...

In this episode, I take you back to a pivotal moment from my childhood—a near-drowning experience that shaped my understanding of stillness, connection, and instinct. As chaos unfolded above the surface, I found myself in a state of profound calm beneath the waves. Floating between two worlds, I witnessed everything—the commotion, my father running toward me, kicking off his shoes as he dove into...

In this deeply personal episode of Don’t Call Me, I share a life-changing moment that forced me to reassess my life, my relationships, and what I truly deserve. It’s a story about survival, connection, and the kind of clarity that only comes through adversity. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: • The ordinary drive home from work that turned into a life-altering accident. • How my friend Han...

Episode Notes: In the Middle of Nowhere, Everywhere In this episode of Don’t Call Me , I take you back to a McDonald’s parking lot in southern Illinois—a moment frozen in time where I felt the full weight of the gap between how people live and how people survive. At the time, I was living in a women’s shelter, far from my home state of New York and even further from the life I thought I’d built. I...

In this episode of Don’t Call Me , we dive deep into the complex world of coercive control and boundary-setting. Together, we explore how understanding manipulation and reclaiming your voice can lead to profound transformation. With the help of AI tools and expert insights, we untangle the web of control and find pathways to freedom and self-respect. Resources mentioned in this episode: • Dr. Chri...

In this reflective and inspiring episode of Don’t Call Me , we explore the transition from one year to the next. It’s more than just flipping a calendar—it’s about recognizing the powerful shifts happening in our lives and how we can align ourselves with the energy of growth, abundance, and authenticity. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: • The Power of Endings : Why closure matters and how to hono...

In this episode of Don’t Call Me , Em shares a profound and transformative experience from her past—a quiet, unexpected moment spent face-to-face with a wild buck in a secluded clearing. As she recounts the encounter, Em explores the deeper meaning behind this connection with nature, the peace that comes from stillness, and how these moments of raw, unspoken connection with the natural world remin...

In this episode of Don’t Call Me , we’re diving into an unforgettable childhood memory—a story about a truck stop, a sneaky faucet heist, and the anxiety that followed. What started as a seemingly innocent moment with my cousin turned into my first real encounter with guilt, moral conflict, and the overwhelming power of imagination. Through this tale of childhood mischief and its lingering effects...

In this episode of Don’t Call Me , we’re diving deep into the art of rediscovery—returning to the grassroots of the self. Together, we’ll explore how childhood moments of awe and wonder, like laying in the grass for hours and marveling at tiny treasures, can reconnect us with the joy and simplicity we’ve lost over time. We’ll also reflect on how life’s perspectives shift as we grow, using the meta...

In this episode, we dive into the journey of escaping the labels that others have placed on us and the stories we’ve been told about who we are. From the weight of external expectations to the process of recreating your identity, this episode explores the power of reclaiming your narrative. Join me as I share the story of how I walked away from everything to rebuild my life, the struggle of breaki...