The School of Hard Knocks with Darcie

Another tool from my toolbox that I have used during some of my scariest moments. In the hospital with my Dad. During my Covid Era. A positive mindset will take you so much further on your journey with such a sense of peace. If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com

 this episode, I sit down with Becky — a mother of three, entrepreneur, and fellow podcast host — to talk about the reality of motherhood and the identity shifts that come with it. Becky shares what it’s been like to balance raising her children, running a business, and choosing an unschooling approach to education, all while learning how to reconnect with herself as a woman beyond the role of “mo...

In this episode, I sit down with Wynne Charles—an incredibly strong, resilient, and inspiring woman who shares her journey through disability, childhood trauma, and the loss of her mother. Win’s story is one of courage, perspective, and choosing hope despite unimaginable circumstances. This conversation is a powerful reminder that what tries to limit us can also be what makes us unstoppable. If yo...

Come sit with us as I talk with Janice, a fellow co-author from Empower Her Volume 1. In this conversation, Janice shares her journey out of corporate America and the moment she realized the cost of climbing higher was missing time with her family—especially her son. She opens up about the pressure, the sacrifices, and the clarity that came when she chose alignment over advancement. This episode i...

It’s the little things in a relationship that add up to big moments. Not every moment needs a grand gesture. Some simply need a snack. If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com

There’s no time limit to reach our goals. Our aspirations. There’s a time limit on our life. How long or kids and grandchildren stay young. Slow down and take the time to truly appreciate the biggest blessings while the others are coming in perfect timing. If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com

Generational curses don’t start with us—but they often end with us. In this deeply honest conversation, Ellice shares how inherited patterns of trauma shaped her beliefs, relationships, and ultimately led her into an abusive situation she had to fight her way out of. She speaks candidly about the process of recognizing generational transfer, the courage it took to break free, and how reclaiming he...

In this powerful episode of The School of Hard Knocks, Ellice opens up about generational curses—how they form, how they transfer, and what it takes to break them. She shares how unhealed patterns passed down through generations led her into an abusive relationship, and the moment she realized that survival wasn’t enough—reclaiming her life was necessary. Ellice walks us through her personal heali...

In this episode I talk about finding my Dads phone and being able to hear his voice for the first time in awhile. Saving that precious treasure for all the good days ahead instead of allowing them to make my hard days feel more hard. Treasures should be used as a reward. Not to induce more pain or sadness. If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschools...

I want to introduce you to one of the most powerful stories I've recorded so far. This is Angus - my brother. A successful recovering addict. Clean for over two years. A man of faith, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle... and a living example of what happens when God steps into your rock bottom. Angus talks about the moment he realized his "experimenting" wasn't experimenting a...

I want to introduce you to one of the most powerful stories I've recorded so far. This is Angus - my brother. A successful recovering addict. Clean for over two years. A man of faith, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle... and a living example of what happens when God steps into your rock bottom. Angus talks about the moment he realized his "experimenting" wasn't experimenting a...

Dreams are meant to be lived. Not just what helps keep you asleep at night. Let’s talk about slowing down while still reaching for all the stars in the sky and making those dreams a reality! If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com

With over 20 years of experience, Cari ignites profound personal evolution. Blending her skills as a Massage Therapist, Master Bodyworker, and Trauma Healing Life Coach, she helps clients achieve powerful life transformations. Her unique fusion of somatic techniques, energy work, and coaching—rooted in her own resilience overcoming trauma and abuse—empowers emotional release, deep healing, and aut...

In this episode I share why I held on to my Trauma for the better part of my life, and what it looks like to finally let it go. Some tips on how to start your journey to healing. If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com

We’re told that if we’re exhausted, all we need is rest. Take a break. Sleep more. Slow down. But what happens when you finally rest… and you’re still tired? In this episode, I talk about nervous system exhaustion, the kind of fatigue that doesn’t come from doing too much in a day—but from doing too much for years. Hustling, surviving, keeping up, pushing through, and living in a constant state of...

New Year Resolutions are so old school! This year we are equipped with our Trauma Tool Box and the ability to change our perception. This allows us to find more joy. Even when the struggles are real! If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com

2025 is coming to an end. This is the perfect time to release the trauma and pain of this year and find growth in yourself. Let’s talk about that! you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com

This episode is for anyone navigating grief during the holidays, especially when Christmas doesn’t feel like Christmas at all. I decorated everything this year—trees, lights, garlands, all of it. And when Christmas Eve came, none of it mattered. In this episode, I talk about choosing grace over performance, honoring your body when it can’t push through, and letting yourself be human during the hol...

In today’s episode, I talk about the importance of taking accountability—especially in situations where we played a role, even unintentionally. Growth doesn’t come from blame; it comes from self-awareness, ownership, and the willingness to look inward. This is a reminder that accountability can soften conflict and bring clarity where there was once confusion. If you have questions or would like to...

Some thoughts don’t deserve your energy. Some stories don’t need revisiting. And some rabbit holes will only steal your peace if you let them. In this episode of School of Hard Knocks, I’m talking about the practice of stopping the spiral before it starts. How to recognize your personal warning signs, protect your emotional bandwidth, and choose grounded presence over mental chaos. This one is for...

Sunday marked two months since my dad passed away. And for the first time since losing him… I played music in the house again. If you’ve ever experienced deep grief, you know there are moments that feel impossible to return to — not because you don’t love them anymore, but because they carry too much memory. Music was one of those things for me. In this episode, I talk about what happened on Sunda...

How you start your morning sets the tone for everything that follows. In this episode, I talk about morning energy, personal responsibility, and why “I’m not a morning person” isn’t an excuse to bring chaos into shared spaces. I share a few simple, practical ways to take control of your mornings—whether you live with a spouse, a roommate, a friend, or even just your dog (because trust me… they don...

In this deeply personal episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I sit down with my sister Shonda as she shares a story she spent years surviving, hiding, and eventually rising above. Shonda opens up about her experience with domestic violence on two different occasions — both involving the fathers of her children — and the terrifying, heartbreaking, and courageous journey of getting out. We talk abo...

In this deeply personal episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I sit down with my sister Shonda as she shares a story she spent years surviving, hiding, and eventually rising above. Shonda opens up about her experience with domestic violence on two different occasions — both involving the fathers of her children — and the terrifying, heartbreaking, and courageous journey of getting out. We talk abo...

In today’s episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I sit down with Amy — a woman whose story will stay with you long after this conversation ends. Amy opens up about walking through one of the hardest seasons of her life: the moment she had to tell her young children that everything was about to change, including leaving the home and the life they knew with their dad. We talk about: • navigating div...