Send us a text

Support the show

Send us a text

When doctors told us to call a priest because our daughter wouldn't make it through the night, we refused to accept that fate. Through dozens of surgeries, kidney failure, and countless medical interventions, we fought alongside Faith as she battled for her life. Today, she's not only thriving but hitting bullseyes at the shooting range during her recent birthday celebrations.

This episode takes you on an emotional journey through Faith's remarkable story – from her joyful birthday weekend complete with bowling adventures and her first-ever experience firing a real gun, to the heart-wrenching reality of family members who couldn't spare even ten seconds to send a birthday text. The contrast becomes even more stark when Victoria reads Faith's powerful letter from their upcoming book "Dear Silence," addressed to grandparents who were conspicuously absent during her life-threatening hospitalization.

"You didn't just miss my fight for life, you forfeited your place in it," writes Faith, now 19, who has endured over 54 surgeries in her young life. Her raw words capture the profound pain of abandonment during life's most critical moments, while highlighting the extraordinary strength she's developed as a result. The conversation expands to explore how true family is defined not by blood, but by who shows up consistently – like the strangers who brought food and offered help during Faith's hospital stay, demonstrating more authentic care than some biological relatives.

Between these powerful reflections, Victoria and Michael share insights about their educational program "Stucco Squad," designed to make learning fun for children with special needs, and offer humorous marriage advice centered on the importance of laughter and authenticity in relationships. The episode serves as both a celebration of Faith's resilience and a profound meditation on what it truly means to be family.

Join our community at acontagioussmile.com, where you can access our Academy resources, including Victoria's new ebook "Puppet Mastering the Manipulator," and learn more about the upcoming release of "Dear Silence" during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Support the show

Send us a text

When we talk about domestic violence, the most damaging question survivors hear is "Why didn't you just leave?" In this raw and powerful episode, Victoria and Michael pull back the curtain on this misconception, sharing stories from their upcoming book project "Dear Silence, You Lost."

Victoria reveals a particularly moving submission from a child who once resented their mother for staying in an abusive relationship, only to later understand that leaving might have meant losing the protection their mother provided. This perspective shift challenges the judgment many survivors face and highlights the impossible choices victims must navigate within broken systems.

Drawing from personal experience, Victoria discusses her own journey of survival, including the physical consequences she still manages daily—hearing loss that will soon require major surgery, living with one arm, and dealing with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Yet despite these challenges, she focuses on creating accessible healing resources for others. "Nobody signs up and says 'hey, I want to be that battered wife,'" she reminds listeners. "And so many people are so quick to jump to ridicule instead of saying 'let me be your safe space.'"

The conversation shifts to breaking free from narcissistic relationships, with both hosts sharing their experiences with narcissistic parents who never take accountability for their actions. For those struggling with similar relationships, they offer practical advice on establishing boundaries and reclaiming personal power.

Their Trauma-Led Advocacy Academy—the first of its kind worldwide—offers affordable and free courses covering everything from healing resources to educational content for special needs children. "When you're going through healing, you shouldn't have to decide between paying your rent or mortgage or healing," Victoria explains, highlighting why keeping costs minimal remains their priority despite financial challenges.

Have you experienced domestic violence or narcissistic abuse? Share your story anonymously for the upcoming book by emailing phoenix@acontagioussmile.com, or explore healing resources at acontagioussmile.com.

Support the show