In Episode 36, Austynn Samarco shares her deeply personal story of losing her father to alcohol—and the complicated grief that followed.

Austynn reflects on the close bond she once had with her dad, from cherished memories to moments they shared that even went viral online. As she began her college journey, their relationship was still a strong and meaningful part of her life. But over time, things began to change. His behavior shifted—there was distance, confusion, and pain that Austynn couldn’t fully understand at the time.

It wasn’t until much later that she discovered the truth: her father had been silently battling alcohol addiction.

By the time she understood the depth of his struggle, Austynn was faced with unimaginable, life-and-death decisions no young adult should have to make. Now, she opens up about navigating the grief, guilt, and unanswered questions left behind.

This episode is a powerful reminder of how addiction impacts not only the individual, but everyone around them—even after they’re gone. Austynn’s story is one of love, loss, and learning to heal, and it serves as an important message for both young adults and parents about the lasting effects of addiction.

If you or someone you love is struggling, know that you’re not alone.

#AddictionAwareness #Grief #MentalHealth #AlcoholAddiction #HealingJourney

🎙️ Episode 35 | Shattered Silence Podcast

NOW STREAMING

In this episode, Jori sits down with our guest, Stephanie Grimsley, for a raw and honest conversation about her journey through severe postpartum depression.

What many expect to be one of the most beautiful seasons of life became a deeply challenging and isolating experience. Stephanie shares how her postpartum depression led her into a dark place, the moment she realized she needed help, and how seeking support from her doctor and therapist became a turning point in her healing.

She also opens up about the vital role her family played in her recovery and how she was able to overcome one of the most difficult seasons of her life.

This episode sheds light on the reality that postpartum doesn’t always match the “perfect” image we see online and that struggling doesn’t make you a bad mom, it makes you human.

If you or someone you love is navigating postpartum depression, this conversation is here to remind you: you are not alone, and help is available.

⬇️ Listen & Connect With Us https://linktr.ee/shatteredsilencepod

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#PostpartumDepression #MentalHealthAwareness #ShatteredSilencePodcast #MotherhoodUnfiltered #HealingJourney #YouAreNotAlone

Postpartum Depression: A Real Story | Episode 35 | Stephanie Grimsley Shares Her Story

In Episode 34 of the Shattered Silence Podcast, host Jori Kinney sits down with Scott Huhn, President of Aspire and proud sponsor of our show, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation.

Scott was one of Jori’s very first guests back in Season One — the episode where she bravely shared the story of losing Kyle, the inspiration behind Shattered Silence. In this episode, they reconnect, reflect on how far the podcast has come, and revisit the mission that started it all.

Scott checks in on Jori, acknowledging the emotional weight that comes with carrying so many stories of grief, addiction, and trauma. They talk openly about how Jori copes with the heaviness of the stories she holds, the importance of checking in on those who support others, how to help a loved one who may be struggling with addiction, and how to seek help for yourself — even if you’re not the addict. They also speak about the very real hope that exists, even in the darkest seasons, and the message they both continue striving to share.

This episode is honest, grounding, and full of compassion. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, that supporting others requires support too, and that hope is always within reach.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please know you are not alone.

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and continue helping us break the silence around grief, addiction, and mental health.

Episode 33 | Kayla Dalton – When 3 Hours Changed Everything

In honor of American Heart Month, Kayla Dalton shares the day her entire world changed.

Within three hours, she went from living an ordinary day with her husband… to becoming a widow.

There were no warnings. No obvious signs. No time to prepare.

Just shock. Silence. And a life split into “before” and “after.”

In this deeply emotional episode, Kayla walks us through those devastating hours — the disbelief, the confusion, the moment everything felt unreal. She shares what it’s like to lose your partner suddenly, without the chance to say goodbye.

But this conversation isn’t only about loss.

It’s about what comes next.

Kayla opens up about navigating life without him — rebuilding, grieving in real time, and learning how to carry both love and heartbreak at the same time. She speaks about honoring his life, honoring her own, and finding strength she never knew she would need.

Her message is powerful: You can feel young. You can feel healthy. You can feel like you have forever. But life can change in an instant.

This episode is raw. It’s honest. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s filled with love.

If this story moves you, share it. Hold your people close. And don’t take a single ordinary day for granted.

❤️ In honor of American Heart Month.

#AmericanHeartMonth #SuddenLoss #WidowLife #GriefJourney #HeartHealth #LifeAfterLoss #ShatteredSilence

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses child loss, drunk driving, and traumatic grief.

In episode 32, Lindsay Niumata and her sister, Cassidy Clement, share their family’s story with Jori. Lindsay recounts the day her ex-husband drove their children after drinking, causing a fatal car accident that took his life and the life of their six-year-old son, Gabriel. Two of her children survived, but their lives were forever changed.

They speak openly about the trauma that followed, the challenges of helping young children process grief, and the lack of mental health resources for children under ten after devastating loss. From this tragedy, Gabriel’s Gifts Foundation was born—providing comfort baskets to children experiencing trauma and loss.

This episode is about grief, resilience, and turning pain into purpose.

In this emotional solo episode, Jori opens up about how life is moving forward for her and Brooks as they approach Brooks’ 3rd birthday.

This time of year always brings a wave of emotions, reflecting also on the 22-year anniversary of losing her best friend and navigating life after losing Kyle.

Jori shares honestly about grief, growth, and finding moments of peace in the middle of it all. Whether you’re walking through loss, learning to heal, or simply trying to keep moving forward, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone.

Tune in as Jori talks about:

• What this time of year brings up emotionally

• How life has changed for her and Brooks

• What healing looks like years later

• Finding gratitude even in grief

If this episode speaks to you, don’t forget to like, comment, and share it with someone who might need to hear they’re not alone.

Hosted by Jori Kinney instagram.com/jorikinney

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Sponsored by Aspire Counseling Services

Website: https://aspirecounselingservice.com/shattered-silence

Available 24/7: (888) 585-7373

Planting Seeds, Saving Lives Microphone Sponsor:

Psychiatric Wellness Center

Website: https://psychwellnesscenter.com/

Created and Produced by Citryn Marketing

Website: https://citryn.com

Instagram: instagram.com/citrynmarketing

Their Work: instagram.com/citryndesigns

Produced by Citryn Marketing & Jori Kinney

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Shattered Silence Logo Design: Brandon Francis - Citryn Marketing

Video Editor: Janea' Roberts - Citryn Marketing

Podcast Producer: Teresa Greenhaw - Citryn Marketing

The content of this podcast discusses topics that may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners, including addiction, substance abuse, death, mental health struggles, and trauma. The stories shared are personal experiences and are intended for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional counseling or treatment. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Shattered Silence, Boone Frenzel, a fellow photographer and friend of Jori’s, shares his powerful journey of facing childhood trauma and overcoming addiction. Boone opens up about how early experiences affected his marriage, parenting, and career, and how they led him down a path of substance use, including marijuana, cocaine, and gambling.

Through treatment with Aspire Counseling Services and Psychiatric Wellness Center, unwavering support from family and friends, and the courage to confront his past, Boone found a way to heal and reclaim his life. His story is a testament that it’s never too late to face what’s holding you back and start truly living.

If you or someone you love is struggling, Boone’s journey is a reminder that recovery and hope are always possible.

In this deeply moving episode of Shattered Silence: Stories of Recovery & Resilience, we sit down with Jessica Prado, who opens up about the devastating loss of her boyfriend—the father of her child—to a fentanyl poisoning.

On the day of his viewing, Jessica discovered she was pregnant, carrying what she calls her final gift from him, their baby boy and his namesake. She shares what it was like to navigate pregnancy and motherhood in the midst of grief, and how the strength of her community and her love for her son helped her keep going. Jessica’s story is one of heartbreak, hope, and resilience, a powerful reminder of the families left behind in the wake of the fentanyl epidemic.

This episode sheds light on the ongoing fentanyl crisis and honors the strength it takes to rebuild after unimaginable loss. Tune in to hear Jessica’s journey of finding purpose through pain and carrying on the legacy of the one she loved.

Hosted by Jori Kinney instagram.com/jorikinney

CONNECT WITH US

► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shatteredsilencepodcast

► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shatteredsilencepod/

► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559521499106

► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShatteredSilencePodcast ►Website:https://aspirecounselingservice.com/shattered-silence/

Sponsored by Aspire Counseling Services Website: https://aspirecounselingservice.com/shattered-silence

Available 24/7: (888) 585-7373

Planting Seeds, Saving Lives

Microphone Sponsor: Psychiatric Wellness Center Website: https://psychwellnesscenter.com/

Created and Produced by Citryn Marketing

Website: https://citryn.com Instagram: instagram.com/citrynmarketing

Their Work: instagram.com/citryndesigns

Produced by Citryn Marketing & Jori Kinney

Music: https://elements.envato.com/emotional-PEX76KX

Shattered Silence Logo Design: Brandon Francis - Citryn Marketing

Video Editor: Janea' Roberts - Citryn Marketing

Podcast Producer: Teresa Greenhaw - Citryn Marketing

The content of this podcast discusses topics that may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners, including addiction, substance abuse, death, mental health struggles, and trauma. The stories shared are personal experiences and are intended for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional counseling or treatment. Listener discretion is advised.