The Trusted Friend

When Love Means Letting Go with Whitney Smith

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Whitney, a mother who courageously shares the story of her daughter, Ruby. Confronted with a devastating diagnosis, Whitney made the unimaginable choice to let Ruby return to heaven. She opens up about navigating chronic pain, the depths of grief, and the journey of keeping Ruby’s memory alive in her everyday life. Whitney reveals the profound insights she’s gained—about love, acceptance, and the importance of extending compassion to those facing difficult paths. Join us for an intimate conversation that honors the enduring bond between a mother and her child, offering hope and understanding to others who may be experiencing similar losses.
What we will learn:
The Strength Found in Vulnerability – Whitney’s story shows how opening up about loss and heartbreak can be a source of healing and connection, not just for oneself but for others.
Navigating Grief with Grace – Listeners will hear how Whitney navigates her grief, honoring Ruby's memory while finding ways to move forward, illustrating that grief can coexist with moments of love and hope.
The Importance of Compassionate Support – Whitney's experience highlights how essential it is to support others without judgment, especially in times of loss or difficult choices.
Keeping Loved Ones’ Memories Alive – Listeners will see how Whitney keeps Ruby’s memory present in her life and how remembering loved ones can bring comfort and a sense of purpose.
Learning to Make Heart-Centered Decisions – Whitney’s story will inspire listeners to trust their intuition and love when faced with tough choices, recognizing that even the hardest decisions can be made with compassion and care.
Whitney's Instagram

Silent Struggles of Infertility with Lucy Froese

In this episode, we sit down with Lucy, a mum of three from England and a certified Freedom Fertility Formula Specialist. Lucy takes us on an emotional and inspiring journey through her battles with primary and secondary infertility, including the heartbreak of miscarriage and the intense challenges of IVF. Like many couples, Lucy and her husband initially focused solely on the physical side of their fertility struggle, leaving their mental and emotional wellbeing neglected.
Through her deeply personal story, Lucy discusses the importance of addressing the mental and emotional aspects of infertility, the impact it has on relationships, and the overwhelming feelings of isolation, fear, and frustration that many experience. She also highlights how essential support systems and mindset shifts can be for navigating one of the toughest battles a person can face.
 
What You Will Learn from This Episode:
· The Importance of Mental and Emotional Wellbeing in Fertility: Discover why addressing your emotional health is just as critical as the physical aspects of fertility treatment.
· Tools to Manage Fertility-Related Stress: Learn specific strategies and techniques that can help you regain a sense of calm and control during your fertility journey.
· The Role of Support Systems: Understand how professional guidance, like the Freedom Fertility Formula™, and emotional support can make a difference in navigating infertility.
· How to Overcome the Isolation of Infertility: Hear tips on breaking the silence around infertility struggles and building connections that support your emotional wellbeing.
· Coping with Miscarriage and Loss: Gain insights into how to process grief, manage anxiety, and build resilience after a miscarriage.
· Shifting Your Mindset for Empowerment: Learn how shifting from a place of fear and despair to one of calm and empowerment can positively impact your fertility experience.
· Lucy’s Personal Journey and How It Can Help You:  Get inspired by Lucy’s story of overcoming primary and secondary infertility, and how her experience can offer hope to others on a similar path.
 
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lucyfroese
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/paths2parenthood/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paths2parenthood
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@paths2parenthood
website: www.paths2parenthood.uk
 

Whispers from the Grave with Lisa Helton

In this haunting episode, host Lisa Helton explores the chilling stories of three remarkable women whose lives and spirits continue to resonate through history. I share the tragic tale of Kate Morgan, whose restless spirit haunts the Hotel Del Coronado; the eccentric Sarah Winchester, whose grand mansion stands as a testament to grief and persistence; and the innocent Dorothy Good, the youngest victim of the Salem witch trials, whose lingering presence serves as a reminder of the innocence lost in times of turmoil. Drawing from the compelling narratives found in "The Haunted History of Invisible Women", by Leanna Hieber & Andrea Janes, this episode uncovers the deep connections between their experiences and the societal challenges women have faced throughout history.

Raised in Fear.. Living with Faith - Anonymity requested

In this powerful episode, we explore the heart-wrenching story of a woman who endured years of emotional and physical abuse from the very person meant to nurture and protect her—her mother. Drawing parallels to the story of the "Bummer Lamb," a lamb rejected by its mother yet later nurtured back to health, this episode highlights her journey of survival, healing, and reclaiming her sense of worth. Through raw honesty, she shares how the trauma shaped her life, the deep scars it left, and how she ultimately found the strength to break free from the cycle of pain and find love within herself. This is a story of resilience, redemption, and the power of self-forgiveness.
If you wish to send a message to her, please send via The Trusted Friend to share@thetrustedfriend.ca and I'll be sure she receives it.
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799 (SAFE) 7233
Site Dedicated to Preventing Child Abuse
Link for Helping Parents Stop It Now Organization 
National Association for People Abused in Childhood
Victim Connect Link
Sexual Assault Hotline
National Sexual Assault Hotlines/Links
 
 
 

Soulful, Selfless and Soaring with Kaiya Gamble

Kaiya Gamble is a soulful singer-songwriter and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and philanthropy. Her love for music and her commitment to giving back have touched countless lives. Today, she shares her journey—from her early days of writing touching song for her grandma to delivering powerful performances that resonate deeply with audiences. We’ll explore her songwriting process, her involvement with charitable causes, and how staying true to herself has been the cornerstone of her career. Keep an eye out for Kaiya Gamble, a rising star with so much to offer.
With new music and a brand new music video set to release in the coming months, make sure to follow Kaiya so you don’t miss any of the incredible projects she has on the horizon.
Kaiya's Instagram
Tik Tok
YouTube
Kaiya's Website
Spotify
Apple Music

Widow to Warrior with Jennifer Carazo

In this heartfelt episode of The Trusted Friend podcast, I speak with Jennifer Carrazzo, president of the Sugar Bear Foundation and a Gold Star Wife. Jennifer shares her journey from being a military spouse to becoming a pillar of support for Gold Star families after losing her husband, Mario (aka Sugar Bear) a Cobra pilot, during active duty in Afghanistan. She reflects on the challenges of raising her two children in the aftermath of loss, her unwavering determination to honor her husband's legacy, and how the foundation serves the community. Jennifer's story is one of resilience, purpose, and the power of saying "yes" to new opportunities, proving that even in the darkest times, hope and healing can emerge.
What you will learn:
Understanding Gold Star Families: A look into the concept of Gold Star families and the sacrifices made by military personnel.
Coping with Loss: Insights into navigating grief and finding resilience, regardless of personal circumstances.
The Power of Community: The importance of support networks in overcoming challenges and fostering connections.
Transforming Pain into Purpose: How to turn personal adversity into a motivating force for helping others.
Empathy and Understanding: Gaining perspective on the experiences of others, which can enhance compassion in everyday life.
Creating Meaningful Impact:  Exploring ways to contribute to causes that matter to you and your community.
Legacy and Love: How honoring loved ones can lead to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Website - http://TheSugarBearFoundation.org
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheSugarBearFoundation/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarbearfoundation/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sugar-bear-foundation
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SugarBearFdn
#cobrapilot #goldstarfamily #marinecorps

Inner Strength..Outward Style with Courtney Robinson

Hey friends! I’m so excited to introduce you, Courtney Robinson. Not only is she a women’s style mentor, speaker, and a newly best-selling author, but she’s also got an incredibly inspiring story to share. Courtney recently launched a book called Stand Up: Resilient Black Women Who Are Shaping the World with Their Faith, where she tells her story along with 14 other amazing women.
Courtney’s all about helping women show up as their true selves, tapping into their inner values and beliefs to live with confidence and purpose. But what really sets her journey apart is when she was hit with a health scare—of 4 brain tumors,. Instead of letting it hold her back, Courtney leaned into her faith and purpose, coming out stronger than ever.
In this episode, we’ll talk about her personal journey—how she went from corporate life to becoming a style mentor—and what it really means to show up in life with authenticity and confidence. You’ll walk away with some powerful lessons on how to tap into your own values, embrace who you are, and use your image as a tool for self-expression and connection. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or finding your purpose, you won’t want to miss this one!
Take the Purpose Palette Persona Quiz 
Image by Courtney
LinkedIn
Poise and Promises Weekly Devotional
 
 

Besties and Boundaries with Dr. Sweta Chawla

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What you'll learn: You'll discover insights on how to build authentic relationships, set healthy boundaries, and find true connection. Additionally, you’ll hear real, anonymous reflections from women who shared why they believe others may not want to be their friend, offering a heartfelt look into common fears and insecurities. By the end, listeners will be encouraged with hope and practical steps to take toward deeper, more fulfilling friendships.
I’m so excited for today’s episode, where I’ll be joined by Dr. Sweta Chawla—a speaker, facilitator, and leadership coach who empowers professionals to lead with authenticity, balance, and greater impact.
In a world dominated by social media and technology, it feels harder than ever to make genuine, lasting connections. Many of us are left wondering why, despite having hundreds of followers or connections online, we still feel isolated or misunderstood. In today’s episode, Dr. Sweta and I will dive into this challenge and chat about how to build friendships that are true and real, even in today’s digital age.
Dr. Sweta brings a wealth of experience, not only as a coach but also through her personal journey, which she shares in her new book I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For: Now What? Together, we’ll explore how friendships can shape our lives and what it really means to find connections that matter.
41:01  I’ll be sharing some powerful and vulnerable thoughts from women who anonymously shared why they feel others may not want to be their friend during one of our Trusted Friend events. I’ll be posting more of these reflections later this week on social media, and I’d love for you to join the conversation!
More about Dr. Sweta Chawla
 

Wounds to Wisdom with Denita Bremer

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Instagram
What you'll learn from this episode: we have the power to break generational cycles and create new paths for ourselves and our families.
In today’s episode, Denita opens up about her personal story and how’s it’s shaped much of who she is. From growing up in a home filled with instability, witnessing her parents’ tumultuous relationship, to dealing with the sudden death of her mother and her father’s long absence and eventual imprisonment, She learned at a young age to navigate life on her own. Despite the challenges—poverty, emotional hardship, and trauma—she made the conscious decision to break the cycle. Today, she’ll share how those experiences taught her to turn pain into power, to choose peace over chaos, and how she now use those lessons to help others through her trauma coaching and her podcast called, "If I'm so Blessed, Why Can't I Feel Good"  see all links in episode description. Denita’s is an example of how even the deepest wounds can transform into wisdom.
More about Denita:
Denita's Website(website)
Podcast: Apple:  Spotify
https://instagram.com/denitabremer
https://facebook.com/denitabremer
 
Suicide Prevention Month YYC Events:
 

Swifties in Sweden with Maddie Karl & Kayla Navratil

Swifties—and non-Swifties alike! Welcome back to *The Trusted Friend*! It’s so good to be back after the summer—I hope you had a ‘Fearless’ few months filled with memories
This is my *50th* episode! What better way to celebrate than with a story about friendship, connection, and—you guessed it—Taylor Swift. Now, whether you’re ‘Enchanted’ by Taylor or not, this story is about so much more than a concert. It’s about finding those rare connections, the ones that make you feel like you’re in a ‘Love Story’ of friendship. We’re all so ‘Out of the Woods’ when it comes to making time for friendships, but sometimes, life hands you the chance to ‘Shake It Off’ and find connection in the unlikeliest places.
In this episode, you'll meet three women—Maddie (24), Kayla (34), and Lisa (56) (your host)—who, despite barely knowing each other, decided to embark on a whirlwind adventure to Sweden to see Taylor Swift. Kayla, who had never left her five children or traveled to Europe, takes the leap, joining this spontaneous trio on what turned out to be more than just a concert experience. As we recount our trip, you’ll be eavesdropping on our laughter, nerves, and newfound friendships. This isn't just a story for Swifties—it's proof that if we open our hearts and lower our expectations, we just might form connections we never saw coming.  To see photos and more of our travels, go to THE TRUSTED FRIEND WEBSITE or Follow the Trusted Friend on Social Media