The Happily Never After

Shaka Senghor is a resilience expert and bestselling author who shares his transformative journey from incarceration to freedom. Shaka discusses the hidden prisons we all face, the importance of vulnerability, and how shame and guilt can hinder personal growth. He reflects on his early life, the role of reading and writing in prison, and the impact of solitary confinement. Shaka emphasizes the pow...

In this season finale, Heather McG shares her personal journey deprogramming from a fundamentalist Christian environment. Joined by guest host Sydney Davis Jr. Jr., Heather talks about what it was like growing up with 21 siblings, confronting the beliefs that no longer served her as an adult, and redesigning her life from the ground up. Heather and Sydney explore the complexities of fundamentalism...

In this conversation, Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. shares her harrowing experience of being hit by a car and the subsequent challenges she faced, including dealing with the insurance company and the emotional toll it took on her life. She discusses the longterm impact of stress, the journey of working through trauma, and finding new purpose after a life-altering event. The conversation emphasizes the need...

SUMMARYRavayna Coe is the mother and wife of loved ones who are autistic, and she explores the multifaceted nature of autism, challenging the traditional narrative that frames it as an ending. Ravayna shares the story of her neurodivergent household as she herself has ADHD, as well as discussing the spectrum of autism, the importance of early intervention, and the diverse experiences within the au...

SUMMARYAlicia Parrott, a street artist known as ShePosse, shares her inspiring journey of recovery from addiction, emphasizing the transformative power of art and community. She reflects on her past struggles, the importance of being present, and the lessons learned throughout her recovery process. Alicia discusses how her art serves as a form of expression and connection, highlighting the signifi...

In this conversation, Heather McG interviews ultra endurance athlete Manika Gamble, who shares her journey from sprinting to ultra running, the challenges she faces in endurance sports, and the importance of finding one's 'why'. Manika discusses her experiences in the Namib race, the lessons learned from DNF (Did Not Finish) experiences, and the joy she finds in pushing her limits. She emphasizes...

In this conversation, Kit Morgan, a licensed clinical social worker, shares their journey of healing from religious trauma and the impact of growing up in a fundamentalist Christian environment. They discuss the complexities of family dynamics, the process of grief and healing, and the power of finding joy and gratitude in life. Kit emphasizes the significance of self-discovery, empowerment, and t...

In this conversation, Kyla Fox shares her personal journey of overcoming an eating disorder and how it led her to establish The Centre, a virtual eating disorder recovery center in Toronto. She discusses the complexities of eating disorders, the importance of community in recovery, and her approach to parenting in a way that fosters a healthy relationship with food and body image. Kyla emphasizes...

Today, Heather McG and Brian Recker explore their shared experiences growing up in fundamentalist Christianity and the journey of deconstructing their faith. While Heather became and atheist, Brian has forged the path to a kinder, more universal faith. They discuss the challenges of navigating identity, shame, and the impact of evangelicalism on their lives. Brian shares his personal journey of le...

In this engaging conversation, Heather McG interviews Clothilde Ewing, exploring her nonlinear career journey from producing for Oprah to her current role in nonprofit communications and as an author of children's books. They discuss the importance of being open to change, the impact of significant career endings, and the inspiration behind Clothilde's Stella series. The conversation also touches...

In this conversation, Alex George shares her powerful journey of surviving Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and the profound lessons she learned along the way. From her initial diagnosis and the challenges of navigating the medical system to the emotional toll of chemotherapy and the unexpected loss of her job during treatment, Alex's story is one of resilience, humor, and personal growth....

In this conversation, Julie and Yue tackle the evolving landscape of modern dating, emphasizing the importance of emotional availability and vulnerability. They share personal stories of heartbreak and the lessons learned from past relationships, highlighting the significance of intentionality in dating. The discussion also touches on the current love crisis, particularly among women, and the need...

In this heartfelt conversation, Ashley Desanno shares her journey through grief following the loss of her father. She discusses the complexities of anticipatory grief, the impact on family dynamics, and the lessons learned through the grieving process. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, the mind-body connection, and how to support children through loss. Both Ashley and Heathe...

Life is full of endings, isn’t it? Whether the endings were our choice or out of our control, they can set us spiraling. Sometimes they can even make us feel like a failure. However, whether we’re talking about loss, grief, heartbreak, a crisis of faith, or a big move, endings also push us to grow in unexpected ways. The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that le...