Real Talk with Tina and Ann

Send us Fan Mail Tina and Anne explore the complex relationship between joy and grief, examining how these seemingly opposite emotions often coexist and even strengthen each other. They share personal stories of experiencing both simultaneously and discuss strategies for allowing both emotions to breathe. • Joy and grief create an emotional tug of war that varies in response – sometimes numbing, s...

Send us Fan Mail Tom LaGrave shares his remarkable journey from Navy SEAL to licensed clinical social worker, revealing how personal struggle and recovery led him to create Honor Bound Academy, a transformative program for youth transitioning to adulthood. Through his 35 years of experience working with adolescents, Tom has developed a powerful approach that teaches resilience, accountability, and...

Send us Fan Mail When was the last time you truly appreciated an ordinary moment? In this heartfelt conversation, we unpack the counterintuitive idea that mundane moments might actually be the most meaningful parts of our lives. After recovering from a bout with influenza that swept through the family, we reflect on an elderly relative's wisdom: "Be thankful for just the regular, ordinar...

Send us Fan Mail Can a children's book change a life? In this inspiring episode, author Sasha Saidman reveals how stories about adoption, differences, and self-acceptance meet kids exactly where they are—sparking empathy, imagination, and confidence. From celebrating adoptive families to embracing learning differences like dyslexia, Sasha’s books empower young readers to see their unique stor...

Send us Fan Mail Urgent: Achievement Center for Therapy Faces Closure – Needs Help NOW! Shawn Manvell, founder of three therapy centers, is on the brink of shutting down because Tricare, military insurance, has not paid since January 1. The center has transformed lives—helping autistic children find their voice and get off communication devices, preventing feeding tubes, and providing essential th...

Send us Fan Mail Can a children's book change a life? In this inspiring episode, author Sasha Saidman reveals how stories about adoption, differences, and self-acceptance meet kids exactly where they are—sparking empathy, imagination, and confidence. From celebrating adoptive families to embracing learning differences like dyslexia, Sasha’s books empower young readers to see their unique stor...

Send us Fan Mail Victoria Ellen's extraordinary journey from terror to triumph is the heart of this episode. Eight months pregnant and seeking refuge from an abusive marriage, Victoria's tale is a powerful testament to courage and resilience. Supported by her father, she reflects on the fear of the unknown and the importance of having a support system during such critical times. Her stor...

Send us Fan Mail What if the person who vowed to love and protect you was the very one orchestrating your pain? Join us on Real Talk with Tina and Ann as Ann sits down with Victoria Ellen, the courageous author of "Painting in the Rain: A True Story of Trickery and Triumph." Victoria shares her chilling journey of surviving domestic abuse at the hands of her former husband, Daryl—a charm...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why some behaviors are mistaken for attention-seeking when they're really cries for connection? Join us on a heartfelt exploration of the thin line between these two often-confused concepts. Real Talk with Tina and Ann uncovers the hidden motivations behind seemingly disruptive actions, emphasizing the importance of understanding and fulfilling the innate human...

Send us Fan Mail Mental health is vital, especially amid the chaos of current events. This episode weaves personal stories with insights on finding balance, kindness, and the importance of prioritizing peace at home over the noise outside. • The impact of the news on mental health • Humor and light-heartedness in navigating tough narratives  • Personal anecdotes showcasing the importance of family...

Send us Fan Mail  Join Denise Bard and Ann as we unravel the complexity of what truly lies beneath behaviors labeled as attention-seeking, especially in children dealing with trauma. Trauma and loss can profoundly impact a child’s need for connection. We aim to shift perspectives, advocating for empathy and understanding from adults and educators towards children unfairly labeled as “bad.” Our con...

Send us Fan Mail Kari Baker joins us for a heartfelt conversation that reveals the hidden layers of parenting children with invisible neurological differences. From wrestling with the emotional intricacies of isolation and uncertainties to navigating the special education system, we promise you'll walk away with practical tools and a refreshed perspective. Kari's insights are not just th...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt exploration into the world of parenting children with neurological differences. Our guest, Kari Baker, shares her courageous journey from a thriving career in financial services to her new path as an advocate for invisible neurological differences. Through candid anecdotes, Kari reveals how her son Brady’s diagnosis of autism and ADHD reshape...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could transform your life not by setting daunting goals, but by embracing subtle, sustainable habits? This week on Real Talk with Tina and Anne, we promise to guide you through the journey of personal growth and self-care, inspired by James Clear's "Atomic Habits." We share personal stories, especially those that resonate with mothers who often put other...

Send us Fan Mail Holidays can be a complex tapestry of emotions, where joy and sorrow often weave together, creating a season that's as challenging as it is beautiful. Picture this: you're working at a Battered Women's Shelter during the holiday rush, finding moments of happiness amid heartbreak. Our episode peels back the layers on these poignant experiences, sharing personal stori...

Send us Fan Mail What if life’s greatest challenges could become stepping stones to purpose and resilience? On this episode of Real Talk with Tina and Ann , we welcome Ann Marie Thrives—Amazon bestselling author, speaker, and life coach—who has transformed personal trauma into a source of hope and healing. Ann Marie opens up about her journey through multiple car accidents, a battle with breast ca...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt truly heard and understood? In this episode, we invite you to explore the heartwarming power of compassion and listening. Through touching stories, we illustrate how entering conversations with an open heart can create genuine connections. Whether it's a joyful encounter with a singing young man at McDonald's or the gentle wisdom shared by Mary J. Blig...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on an enlightening journey as we unravel the transformative power of these virtues through the lens of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (This was taped in October)  Mary J. Blige's acceptance speech serves as our north star, guiding a heartfelt discussion on how grace can enrich personal relationships and even parenting. We explore the delicate balan...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine transforming your life with just three simple words a day. Tina takes us on an inspiring journey, revealing how her gratitude group helped turn everyday moments into treasured memories, especially as the holiday season is upon us. Alongside Ann, they discuss how these small daily acts can nurture hope and joy, bringing a sense of completeness and peace to our lives. Caring...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore how celebrating small wins can change your life by shifting your mindset. Through personal stories, we talk about how believing in yourself and viewing "luck" differently can help you conquer fears and chase your dreams. We also discuss the value of mental health and therapy, encouraging you to face self-doubt and uncover your true potential....

Send us Fan Mail Every step forward in overcoming fear is worth celebrating, no matter how small. This episode is a testament to the power of acknowledging daily victories, as Denise and Ann reflect on the journey towards building confidence and embracing a life unchained from past traumas. Inspired by the encouraging words of Donna Dannenfelser’s "Game On," we discuss how dreams can rei...

Send us Fan Mail Life is unpredictable, but what if the key to navigating its twists and turns lies in embracing the journey itself? We share insights on the power of staying present and facing fears head-on, even when the path is challenging. Ann's reflections on how living in a fantasy can hinder personal growth, particularly in relationships, serve as a reminder to confront reality. We exp...

Send us Fan Mail What if embracing your pain could be the key to unlocking true healing and moving forward in life? Join us on Real Talk with Tina and Anne for a heartfelt exploration of emotional honesty, where we share personal stories about the complexities of dealing with loss and the importance of allowing ourselves to feel every emotion. We challenge the cliché of "fake it till you make...

Send us Fan Mail What if the key to unlocking independence for individuals with autism begins with understanding their unique perspective? Join us as we explore the journey of building relationships and developing life skills. In this episode, we dive into the world of autism literature as Ron discusses his book, Adulting on the Spectrum: An Insider's Guide to Navigating Life with Autism. He...

Send us Fan Mail  Diagnosed young, Ron Sandison was labeled emotionally impaired, but he defied all the odds getting several degrees and becoming an accomplished author, theology professor, and the first ordained Assemblies of God minister with autism. His story is a testament to perseverance and the power of advocacy. Join as we meet inspiring Ron Sandison, a beacon of hope in the autism communit...