On this episode of Curveball, Scott Reich sits down with Julia Krispeal, a powerhouse in Long Island, New York, real estate and mother of two whose life was turned upside down when her husband was diagnosed with ALS. Julia shares her raw, honest journey through heartbreak, uncertainty, and resilience—from searching the country for answers, to raising her young sons while caring for her ailing husband, to ultimately finding strength and clarity in the face of unimaginable loss. Get ready for an inspiring story about navigating the unknown, redefining what matters, and the enduring impact of empathy and hope.

What Listeners Will Learn:

1. Julia Krispeal describes the lengthy and stressful process of getting an ALS diagnosis for her husband.
2. Julia’s young children adapted to their father's illness with grace.
3. The episode explores anticipatory grief—the process of grieving before an actual loss.
4. Julia mentions the importance of self-care for caregivers.
5. The conversation touches on friends and family who show up during times of crisis—and those who don’t.
6. Julia became involved in every aspect of her husband's care, but also involved her children in practical caregiving tasks.
7. Both Scott and Julia reflect on what kinds of support are truly helpful during a family crisis.
8. Throughout the episode, Julia discusses resilience.
9. She hints at writing a book about her journey.

Key Moments:

(00:00) ALS Journey and Family Struggles

(05:19) Challenges of Medical Diagnoses

(09:33) ALS Diagnosis: Unforgettable Moment

(12:23) Empathy Through Adversity

(13:39) Resilience Through Life's Challenges

(18:06) Living as an ALS Caregiver

(21:43) Navigating Parenthood's Complex Choices

(25:08) Acceptance of Others' Limitations

(27:26) Helping Without Asking

(29:51) Control Reactions, Not Distractions

On this powerful episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Fawzia and Mustafa Husaini, a couple whose lives were forever changed after the devastating loss of their daughter, Aliza. Through raw and emotional storytelling, they open up about the unimaginable challenges they faced—from the confusion and helplessness of seeking answers to their daughter’s mysterious symptoms, to the heartbreak of finally receiving a life-altering diagnosis.

Yet, this conversation goes beyond tragedy. Fawzia and Mustafa share how their journey reshaped their understanding of purpose, gratitude, and connection. Their eloquent reflections reveal how adversity can bring clarity, deepen appreciation for life’s blessings, and inspire a more meaningful existence—even in the face of profound grief.

Join Scott as he guides this honest, touching, and ultimately uplifting conversation about resilience, love, and the ways we find strength through life's most difficult curveballs.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Fawzia’s motherly instinct persisted even when professionals dismissed her concerns. Never underestimate the power of intuition.
2. Sometimes, you have to push through resistance and continue seeking answers for what you know is right.
3. Fawzia and Mustafa turned heartbreak into a mission—demonstrating that out of hardship can come newfound purpose.
4. They made a conscious choice to release anger and focus on positive experiences with their daughter, showing that perspective is everything.
5. Building community, sharing stories, and leaning on others remained central to their healing journey.
6. As Scott reflects, everyone faces adversity in life—it’s how we respond that shapes our journey.
7. The couple’s gratitude for their palliative care team and community highlights how vital it is to let others in.
8. Their commitment to creating joyful memories—even in the face of loss—is a reminder to appreciate small moments with those we love.
9. By openly sharing their journey, Fawzia and Mustafa inspire others to find hope, strength, and meaning—even amidst the unimaginable.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Unexpected Encounter Changes Everything

(03:32) Finding Common Ground Instantly

(07:20) Balancing MBA, Baby, and Challenges

(10:59) Struggling with Infant Colic Challenges

(14:49) Curveballs of Parenthood and Life

(18:34) Intuition, Connection, and Rare Diseases

(21:48) Life-Changing News Delivered Suddenly

(26:21) Strength and Purpose Amid Tragedy

(29:06) Life-Changing Diagnosis Realization

(31:15) Love and Create Lasting Memories

(35:05) Finding Strength and Gratitude

(38:00) Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Dr. Nadine Macaluso—known as Dr. Nae—a renowned trauma therapist and survivor of a high-profile, toxic relationship with the real-life “Wolf of Wall Street,” Jordan Belfort, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the Oscar-nominated film. Dr. Nae opens up about her journey from being swept off her feet by a charming, powerful partner to recognizing the harrowing patterns of coercion, manipulation, and trauma bonding. Drawing from her personal story and her professional expertise, Dr. Nae breaks down what trauma bonds really are, how to spot the red flags, and why so many people struggle to leave unhealthy relationships.

You’ll hear insights about the psychological roots of toxic relationship patterns, the challenges of escaping them—especially when family and societal expectations get in the way—and the steps people can take to build resilience and heal. Plus, Dr. Nae shares valuable parenting advice for raising emotionally healthy children and offers hope for anyone feeling trapped in a difficult relationship.

Whether you’re curious about the realities behind the “Wolf of Wall Street” story, want to understand trauma bonds, or are looking for practical guidance on cultivating healthier relationships, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and encouragement.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Trauma bonds are toxic, dysfunctional relationships built on emotional attachment, power imbalance, and cycles of extreme kindness and then cruelty.
2. The pattern of alternating between "love bombing" and abusive behavior creates strong psychological ties, making it hard to leave.
3. Watch for dynamics where one person holds—and abuses—control, whether through resources, intimidation, or emotional leverage.
4. It’s not about one-off incidents; persistent patterns of disrespect, betrayal, and coercion signal a trauma bond.
5. If you consistently feel something is “off” in your body or gut, don’t dismiss those signals. They’re often your best guide.
6. It often takes multiple attempts for someone to exit a trauma bond; preparation, support, and safety planning are essential.
7. Most individuals who create these toxic dynamics do not change unless they truly want to—a rare occurrence.
8. Personality patterns and relationship dynamics often stem from early childhood experiences, including abuse or entitlement, coupled with biological predispositions.
9. Validate your children’s feelings, balance boundary-setting, and model healthy relationships—children learn from what you do, not just what you say.
10. Surround yourself with helpers—therapists, educational resources, supportive communities—and know you’re not alone. Healing and growth are possible.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Understanding Trauma Bonds

(04:40) Trust Intuition, Recognize Patterns

(09:49) Coercive Relationship Pressures Unfold

(12:11) Navigating Toxic Relationships while Trapped

(16:26) Can Insight Be Developed?

(20:13) Patriarchy and Societal Challenges

(22:21) Parenting Advice on Values

(26:22) Parenting: Balancing Complexity and Individuality

(28:36) Breaking Habits, Rewiring Behavior

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