The Trusted Friend
Welcome to ”The Trusted Friend,” the podcast that’s like a group therapy session, but without the awkward silences or the stale pastries. We all know that life can be a wild ride - sometimes it feels like we’re soaring on cloud nine, and other times we’re face-planting into the dirt. But no matter where we are on that rollercoaster, there’s one thing that can help us all feel a little less alone - sharing our stories. So if you’re looking for a podcast that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, tune in to ”The Trusted Friend.” We promise to be the friends you can count on - even if we’re just voices coming out of your headphones.
Episodes
Sunday Dec 24, 2023
Sunday Dec 24, 2023
More about Jen including some of Jen's delicious cookie recipes
Jen and I sit down (via zoom) and chat all things Christmas in this special episode. Jen is the youngest of 9 children and has wealth of Christmas memories and traditions. We both share our Christmas memories coming from large families. Our interview is based on a Christmas letter she sent out to her family the year her dad passed away. in 2022. See website for copy of letter.
Also see bonus episode on Mental Fitness Exercise to feel centered during the chaos often brought on by Christmas. It's only 5 minutes to get you feeling calm and focused.
Jen Uschold website
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
The Trusted Friend Website for more about this and other episodes
Jami, a mom to seven, courageously shares her battles with getting her son the much needed help with his mental health and overcoming his struggles and the dark cloud looming over his head. At the young age of 7 he had thoughts of wanting to end his life due to the mental health darkness. With raw authenticity, she shares the pivotal moments that led her to getting the help he needed. She's on a mission to help other mothers feel less burdened by their struggling children and bring more awareness as to how we can help those around us with mental health differences.
Jami's Website
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
The Trusted Friend Website
This episode we meet Alyssa Williamson's as she shares her journey of overcoming her own need to be perfect and the immense pressures, anxiety, and sleepless nights it caused.
Drawing from her own experiences, she empowers individuals to break free from perfectionism's shackles. And now as she’s about to be a new mother for the first time she shares the strategies in place to avoid the perfection pitfalls. Alyssa lives by the motto, "What's the best that can happen?"
Alyssa's Website
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
For more information on Jen see: The Trusted Friend Website
This is a Mental Health Fitness Exercise.
I'm not one for breathing exercise because my mind wanders and I can't sit still and feel awkward. But when she did this at the end of our interview I felt like having a nap afterwards and so here it is for you as a bonus episode you can listen to any time you need.
Whether your in the middle of trying to get all the presents wrapped, feeling lonely or overwhelmed. Sit in a comfortable chair and listen as Jen guides you through this exercise to get you back to center and relaxed.
Merry Christmas, Hope this helps.
Jen is offering our listeners a 20% discount on the 2024 offerings which are on her website. Please use the code TrustedFriend20
https://www.180therapyandwellness.com/
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
In this short bonus episode, Yvonne Caputo joins us again (see her episode Flying with Dad) and takes us on a personal ride through the heart and soul of Five Wishes. She shares how this game-changing document lets you call the shots on your healthcare – from who's in charge when you can't decide, to the kind of treatment you do or don't want. It's like leaving a note for your family and doctors on how you want to be treated, ensuring your wishes are known and respected. Join Yvonne in this candid chat about the power of Five Wishes and the peace it brings to life's tougher moments.
Five Wishes Website
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
The Trusted Friend Podcast
Sensitive Topics of Sexual Abuse and Suicide
Nancy, a resilient mother, is committed to raising awareness about the insidious tactics predators employ to build trust and create a false sense of security. Tragically, her daughter fell victim to the abusive actions of her best friend's husband, succumbing to the lasting impact of the abuse and ultimately taking her own life. Now, Nancy is on a mission to share her story, shedding light on the importance of recognizing and combating the deceptive tactics used by predators.
Nancy's Story on Youtube
Something to Say
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
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
For more about this and other Episodes click HERE
Stephany continues to share her story in this part 2 episode
More of Stephany
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please see some of the resources available below:
Domestic Shelters
Crisis Text Line
Assaulted Women's Helpline
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (US)
Shelter Safe (Canada)
Canada Public Health - Local Hotlines and Resources by Province (Canada)
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
In a powerful 2 part series episode we meet Stephany, a domestic violence attorney who was unable to see the red flags right in front of her. She endured not one but two marriages with severely narcissistic men, despite warning her clients about the very signs she ignored in her own life. Her quest for happiness led her from one toxic relationship to an even darker nightmare. Falsely accused of abuse and unjustly thrown into jail, Stephany's harrowing journey takes a heart-wrenching turn.
As she escapes the nightmare of her second marriage, the episode delves into her path of recovery, resilience, and self-discovery. In a heartbreaking twist, a bitter custody battle with her first husband unfolds, with her only freedom coming at a heavy price. Stephany's story is a testament to the unbreakable human spirit, offering a powerful narrative of triumph over adversity, hope, and the strength to persevere against overwhelming odds. It's a compelling and deeply personal account of a woman who dedicated her life to helping others escape domestic violence but couldn't see the danger lurking in her own relationships.
More of Stephany
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please see some of the resources available below:
Domestic Shelters
Crisis Text Line
Assaulted Women's Helpline
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (US)
Shelter Safe (Canada)
Canada Public Health - Local Hotlines and Resources by Province (Canada)
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Remembrance Day Story Bonus
In this short bonus episode, Tiana, with her thick French accent, shares with us her family's history, shedding light on her grandmother's hardships during World War II in Madagascar under French colonization. Bringing light to the fact there are so many who suffered who were not even a part of the war. Her grandmother's tale is one of unwavering determination and resilience, forged in the crucible of extreme deprivation. The soldiers' requisition of food from local communities, aimed at feeding both themselves and the populace in France, left Tiana's grandmother and many others starving and struggling to survive.
What particularly stood out to Tiana was her grandparents' remarkable ability to forgive and not pass down generational hate, an invaluable lesson that has carried forward through the generations. As Tiana reflects on her grandmother's experiences, she realizes the enduring legacy of strength, determination, and forgiveness.
Today, Tiana's journey has taken her from a career as an aerospace engineer to a period as a monk, and now, she resides in Paris, where she helps others through her practice of Chinese medicine.
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
THE TRUSTED FRIEND WEBSITE
Remembrance Day Episode
In this touching episode of "Flying with Dad," I chat with Yvonne about the extraordinary relationship she built with her dad by asking one question, which then led to her writing the book "Flying with Dad," about her World War II veteran father. Together, they embark on a remarkable journey through time and memory, allowing us to witness the profound transformation of their father-daughter bond. Yvonne's book serves as the conduit for these heartwarming interactions, as she pens the extraordinary tales of her father's wartime experiences.
Throughout the episode, we are privy to the emotional highs and lows of their shared exploration of the past, where war stories become a catalyst for healing and connection. As they retrace the steps of his wartime service, the backdrop of historical locations only deepens the impact of his stories, reminding us all of the enduring strength of family ties. "Flying with Dad: A Journey Through Memory" is a poignant reminder of the timeless power of love, history, and the intergenerational bonds that transcend the ravages of time. After the passing of her father, she wrote the book "Dying with Dad" a powerful look into helping our loved ones pass with their dignity and their last wishes met.
FLYING WITH DAD
DYING WITH DAD
https://ingeniumbooks.com/yvonne-caputo/
https://www.facebook.com/xcskiyvonne
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-caputo-1449137/
Host
Welcome to "The Trusted Friend" podcast, hosted by a wife, mom of 5 amazing kids, and creative outside-the-box thinker who truly values friendship – me! Through my own experiences, I've come to understand just how important it is to have a trusted friend by your side. That's why I created this podcast – to help women connect through our stories.
We all have a story to tell, and I believe that sharing those stories is the key to building the connections we long for and need in our female friendships. Whether you're looking for women who have traveled the road before us or can relate to the one we once traveled, "The Trusted Friend" is the place to be.
So come along with me on this journey as we explore the ups and downs of life and build the connections we all crave. Let's share our stories, uplift each other, and become the trusted friends we all need.