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The raw power of lived experience drives everything behind A Contagious Smile, and in this candid episode, Victoria and Michael reveal exactly why they've dedicated their lives to supporting abuse survivors. Fresh off receiving three prestigious awards—including Best Transformative Trauma Advocate for Domestic Violence from Insider Weekly—the couple shares how their platform continues to expand through media features in the New York Times and Good Morning US.

Victoria delves into the darkest moments of her abuse survival story with unflinching honesty. "I can tell you that from someone who lived on a floor in the bathroom because I wasn't allowed to have an ice pack, when I had a shattered face, broken nose, dislocated shoulder... it is so ungodly frightening to do that and feel like I'm going to die here." This visceral understanding of what survivors experience at 1AM when frantically searching for help drives their commitment to being available whenever someone reaches out—even in the middle of the night.

The episode delivers a bombshell announcement: Victoria's biological father, whom she refers to as her "sperm donor" and has been no-contact with for years, will be appearing as a special guest on an upcoming episode. For listeners familiar with Victoria's books "Who Kicked First?" and "Nart Nart, Who's There?", this promises to be an extraordinary conversation addressing deep family trauma.

Beyond personal stories, Victoria and Michael announce the launch of their comprehensive Contagious Smile Academy featuring over 100 courses designed for survivors, supporters, and even those who cause harm but want to change. Through their scholarship program, they ensure financial barriers don't prevent access to healing resources. As Victoria powerfully states, "Those scars are not your success stories—those are your failures," directly addressing abusers while offering pathways toward accountability and transformation.

Have you been searching for voices that truly understand the journey from victim to survivor? Listen now and discover why this podcast has become a lifeline for those who've felt alone in their darkest moments. Then visit acontagioussmile.mn.co to explore their academy and join a community where healing happens every day.

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After Victoria's powerful interview about surviving domestic violence became the podcast's most popular episode ever, Michael and Victoria return with this crucial follow-up discussion diving deeper into practical escape strategies that saved her life.

Victoria shares the harrowing reality of living with a violent narcissist while pregnant with her daughter. "He testified that if he hit me once, he hit me 200 times," Victoria reveals, explaining how she made the agonizing choice not to defend herself—despite having two black belts in martial arts—to protect her unborn child. The daily terror included being woken by punches to the face, having every text message monitored, and being denied even basic medical care after brutal assaults.

The heart of this episode centers on Victoria's ingenious survival tactics that anyone in danger can implement immediately. She outlines specific methods for secretly saving money (getting cash back during regular shopping trips), hiding evidence (using photo printing services to store screenshots of threatening texts), and "abuse-proofing" a home (replacing glass items with plastic versions that cause less damage when thrown). Victoria also details how she documented the abuse without leaving electronic traces, opened a safe deposit box under her maiden name, and kept a burner phone hidden for emergencies.

Beyond the practical advice, this conversation reveals the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit. Victoria describes how her daughter became her lifeline—literally kicking in the womb whenever Victoria contemplated giving up. Years later, after escaping her abuser and building a new life, Victoria and Michael have created the Contagious Smile Academy, offering courses to help others navigate similar situations with scholarship options ensuring no one is turned away for financial reasons.

This episode isn't just for those currently experiencing abuse—it's for anyone who wants to understand how to support loved ones in dangerous situations or recognize early warning signs in their own relationships. Join us for this raw, powerful conversation that proves survival isn't just possible, it's the first step toward a thriving future.

Check out contagioussmileacademy.com to access resources and courses designed to help anyone escape abuse and begin healing. Remember, you are never alone.

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What happens when parents face the unexpected challenge of raising a child with different abilities? While some choose to run, others discover the most beautiful journey imaginable—one filled with unconditional love and unexpected lessons.

In this raw and honest conversation, Victoria and Michael tackle the painful reality of abandonment in families with medically complex children. Victoria doesn't mince words about fathers who leave when faced with a child's medical diagnosis: "You're beyond a coward, you're beyond a piece of shit for leaving that mother, your newborn baby, just because you don't want to deal with the challenges." Having experienced life with a daughter who required a tracheostomy, Victoria shares how she didn't hear her child's voice until she was two and a half years old—yet these moments became all the more precious because "we don't take one minute for granted."

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn when Victoria opens up about her own physical challenges, including significant hearing loss in both ears and adapting to life with one arm. Her perspective is powerful: "If anybody has the right to be absolutely bitter and nasty, I would hands down say me," yet she chooses resilience instead. From tying shoes to washing her waist-length hair one-handed, Victoria demonstrates how limitations can lead to innovation rather than defeat.

Between reflections on a joyful Father's Day celebration and exciting professional news about Victoria's upcoming speaking engagement for Roku television, the hosts share their passion for making trauma recovery resources accessible to everyone. Their academy offers affordable courses with a scholarship program that allows those in need to access healing resources for just $5—"not even the cost of a Starbucks coffee."

Every smile tells a story, and sometimes the most beautiful stories emerge from our greatest challenges. Join us in celebrating the courage of those who stay, adapt, and discover unconditional love against all odds.

Want to help someone access healing resources? Visit acontagioussmile.com to learn how you can contribute to our scholarship program and make a difference in someone's healing journey today.

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