The Trusted Friend

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

Follow on Instagram for photos and fun.  
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

The Trusted Friend Website
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

Out of the Basement with Deborah Halvorson

Listener Discretion Advised.  If you have experienced abuse, including sexual abuse, this episode may be triggering, listen with caution.
 
In this episode, Deborah shares her personal story and we look into the profound impact of sexual assault, exploring how it leaves lasting scars on the mind, body, and spirit. Survivors often carry a heavy burden of shame, self-blame, and a pervasive sense of insecurity. However, healing and empowerment are within reach. Deborah Halvorson, a renowned Beyond Surviving Coach, shares her personal story and years of trauma, revealing how she was able to heal and now dedicates her life to helping others. Through her collaborative process, Deborah empowers clients to reclaim their identities and restore what was taken from them. Discover how her journey can inspire intentional healing, renewed hope, and the power to flourish.  Check out her recently released book "Out of the Basement"
Deborah Halvorson
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

Toxic Talks with Fatima Pagtakhan

Just like a good friend, The Trusted Friend Podcast is here to share tips to help you live your best life.  If you’re tired, overwhelmed, stressed, emotional, mentally struggling, struggling physical health and weightloss, this episode is for you.
Fatima not only shares her story but goes from Toxic relationship and body to Toxin free. The information will actually surprise you and Fatima explains it in a very real simplistic way.  She shares her wealth of knowledge about the importance of mineral balancing. Imagine waking up every morning feeling energized, vibrant, and ready to conquer the day. Picture yourself effortlessly maintaining a healthy weight, nourishing your body with delicious meals, and finding balance in all areas of your life. With Mineral Balancing, you can turn this vision into reality.
Say goodbye to exhaustion, overwhelm, and dissatisfaction, and hello to a life filled with vitality, balance, and energy.
Don't settle for a life that doesn't align with your desires. Envision the success you can achieve with Mineral Balancing.
Strongly encourage a listen to this episode.
For more information please don't hesitate to reach out to the lovely Fatima.
KIND HEART LIFESTYLE
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