SHUT UP and Smile!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Shut Up and Smile , Nancy Kohne interviews author, speaker, and coach Anne Peshka , whose memoir Trauma Recycled chronicles her journey through adoption trauma, childhood abuse, addiction, grief, and healing. Anne shares how she transformed her life in her 50s, leaving an unfulfilling marriage, starting over, and discovering her true purpose. The conversation ex...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Shut Up and Smile features stress management expert and seven-time Amazon best-selling author Lolita Guarin, who shares her personal journey from immigrant entrepreneur to burnout survivor. After a life-threatening health crisis caused by chronic stress, Lolita began exploring the deeper roots of stress, including childhood trauma, people-pleasing behaviors, and gr...

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal episode of Shut Up and Smile , Nancy Kohne sits down with personal growth coach Nina Thiara to discuss healing from trauma, emotional overwhelm, and disconnection from self. Nina shares her powerful journey from an arranged marriage and years of depression, anxiety, and chronic health issues to discovering emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and s...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt and deeply empowering episode of Shut Up and Smile , host Nancy Kohne sits down with licensed clinical mental health counselor and author Margaret Bryden to explore the connection between poetry, trauma healing, self-expression, and resilience. Margaret shares her unconventional journey from studying linguistics and working in HR leadership to becoming a therapis...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Shut Up and Smile, host Nancy Kohne speaks with Adriene Caldwell, author of 'Unbroken Life Outside the Lines.' They discuss Adriene's journey through trauma, her experiences in foster care, and the impact of her childhood on her adult life. Adriene shares her motivations for writing her book, the importance of healing, and the power of storytellin...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Nancy, Keery and Margaret discuss the complexities of dating, particularly focusing on the challenges women face when navigating relationships with narcissists and emotionally abusive partners. They explore the importance of recognizing green flags, understanding the difference between nice guys and good guys, and the significance of self-love and boundaries...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Shut Up and Smile , your hosts Nancy and Keery sit down with Margaret Stone—a licensed clinical therapist turned no-nonsense dating coach for women. Margaret specializes in helping women break free from toxic relationship cycles, including narcissistic abuse, love bombing, and anxious attachment. With her signature tough-love style, Margaret walks us th...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, host Nancy Kohne welcomes the dynamic Blanca Rodriguez, CEO of Wounded Healer, LLC . Blanca wears many healing hats—massage therapist (for both people and pets!), certified fitness instructor, Amazon best-selling co-author, speaker, podcaster, and holistic life coach. Together, they explore: The meaning behind “Wounded Healer” and how Blanca’s personal j...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready for a raw, real, and unexpectedly witty conversation as we sit down with author Jodi Pavlock to discuss her powerful new book, Jekyll Can’t Hyde . In this candid and emotionally charged interview, Jodi pulls back the curtain on the seductive charm and devastating fallout of falling in love with not one—but two—narcissists. From emotional manipulation and gaslighting to r...

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal episode, host Nancy Kohne continues her story, picking up from the summer of 1999. She had just moved into her dream home, believing she was building a perfect life with her partner. However, the reality was far from ideal—she was unknowingly trapped in a relationship with a pathological liar, someone who manipulated her emotions, isolated her from loved on...

Send us Fan Mail Nancy took an unexpected ten-month break from her podcast, Shut Up and Smile , due to a series of personal challenges. Now she’s back, excited to relaunch Season Two in September. Here are the main highlights she covers in her update: 1.      Reasons for the Hiatus After planning only a short pause, life threw numerous obstacles her way—medical concerns, family dynamics, and unexp...

Send us Fan Mail In this raw and real episode, Nancy shares her personal journey of trying to save her beloved pit bull, Jasmine, who had behavioral issues. She recounts how she rescued Jasmine and her sister as puppies, and the challenges they faced due to their inbreeding. Nancy describes the incidents where Jasmine attacked other dogs and a person, leading to vet bills and legal concerns. Despi...

Send us Fan Mail Nancy shares her journey of attending her son's army graduation and spending time with her daughter in California.  She reflects on the pride she felt seeing her son's transformation and the special moments they shared.  Nancy also discusses her experience of being in an abusive relationship and the emotional toll it took on her. She opens up about the manipulation and c...

Send us Fan Mail Nancy Kohne returns with another episode of "Shut Up and Smile" after her special edition podcast on health struggles. She shares her recent experiences, including feeling a positive change in her health, reconnecting with a long-lost cousin who praised her podcast, and expressing pride in her son finishing Basic Training. Nancy also discusses her victim advocate trainin...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating Life's Marathon: Overcoming Challenges with Chronic Illness In this empowering podcast episode, Nancy delves into the profound and often overlooked struggles of individuals with chronic illnesses. Nancy shares her struggles with chronic illnesses and the daily battles that is brings with it. The conversation opens with personal stories, offering a raw and genuine l...

Send us Fan Mail In the sixth episode of the podcast series, I began recounting the story of meeting my narcissist husband, delving into the initial stages of our relationship. I painted a picture of the charming facade he presented during our early interactions, highlighting his charismatic personality and the allure that drew me in.  I described the initial feelings of excitement and connection,...

Send us Fan Mail In this podcast episode, I delve into the complexities faced by individuals living in abusive relationships during the holiday season. I explore the various challenges they encounter and the unique stressors that can intensify during this time. By recognizing these difficulties, we emphasize the importance of a compassionate and all-encompassing approach in response. The episode h...

Send us Fan Mail "Join us in Episode 5 of Shut Up and Smile! for a deeply personal journey in 'Foot Loose & Fancy Free.' In this episode, I'll share my triumphant escape from the clutches of an eating disorder, the liberating adventure to the 'Land Down Under,' and the serendipitous discovery of my true calling in life.  However, just as life seemed to align perfe...

Send us Fan Mail This episode will resonate with a wide audience, as many listeners can relate to the powerful influence parents have on shaping their children's perspectives on relationships. The host Nancy Kohne will talk about how she showed her daughter from a young age what an unhealthy relationship was and how her daughter is currently trying to break that cycle through strength and hea...

Send us Fan Mail In this special edition podcast, I am going to delve into the critical issue of sexual assaults on young women in college campuses. This Special podcast is a “painful” one as you will learn because it hit home last weekend.  I will provide a comprehensive overview of the topic, discussing its prevalence, the experiences of survivors, and the various factors contributing to this di...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Shut Up and Smile," a podcast dedicated to survivors of abuse. In this groundbreaking episode titled "Who Am I," we embark on a transformative journey of healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. Join me your host, as I create a safe and supportive space for survivors to share their stories, find strength in their vulnerabil...

Send us Fan Mail In the compelling Episode 2 of "Shut Up and Smile," titled "Let Me Tell You About Myself," we embark on an intimate journey into the past. Your host, Nancy Kohne takes a courageous dive into the depths of their own childhood, revealing the intricate link between those early experiences and later tumultuous adult relationships. In this deeply personal episode, N...