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What if your worst childhood trauma became the gateway to your greatest gift? In this profoundly moving episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Susan Grau: soul healer, grief and addiction therapist, and Hay House bestselling author. Her near-death experience transformed a childhood marked by extreme trauma into a life devoted to healing. Susan had a childhood that most people can't imagine surviving. But she’s transformed unimaginable pain into a life of powerful healing. Now a grief and addiction therapist who works with spirits from the other side, Susan shares how she learned to survive by becoming her unstable mother's "ally," how codependency became her survival strategy, and why she believes therapists need lived experience to truly help people heal. How do you heal from a childhood that tried to destroy you, and then use that pain to help others?True healing comes from walking through the fire, not just studying it from afar. (02:43) A Near-Death Experience That Changed Everything Susan's story of being locked in a freezer at age 5Growing up with sexual abuse and traffickingHow childhood trauma shaped her entire life journey and awakened her abilitiesThe beginning of her connection to the spirit world (05:51) Growing Up with a Mother with Mental Illness Susan's mother: borderline personality disorder, seeing spirits, and extreme inconsistencyLearning how to stay safeThe confusing duality: loving and giving one moment, frightening and abusive the nextWhy Susan became her mother's "ally" while her siblings didn't understand howUnderstanding codependency as a survival strategy for children of mentally ill parents (14:18) Addiction, Alcoholism & A Household of Dysfunction Growing up in a home with addiction, alcoholism, and abuseHer brother’s schizophreniaThe unpredictability of never knowing which version of your parent you'd getHow dysfunction becomes normal when it's all you know (27:33) Her Brother's Suicide & Choosing to Become a Therapist Why that loss pushed her toward becoming a grief and addiction therapistThe importance of therapists having lived experience with trauma and lossHow walking through darkness prepares you to help others find light (38:13) Why Your Therapist Needs to Have Walked Through Fire Too Why Susan doesn't want to see a therapist who hasn't experienced real traumaspan class="ql-ui"...

What if gratitude isn't just something you feel, but something you create more of every time you practice it? In this grounding Mental Wellness Month meditation, Karena guides you through an 8-minute practice designed to help you reconnect with gratitude for your body, your breath, and your journey. Using breathwork, visualization, and mantras, this meditation invites you to pause and give thanks for all that has carried you to this moment. Perfect for finding beauty in the everyday, shifting your perspective, or simply celebrating all that you have and all that you are. How do you cultivate gratitude as a way of living, not just a fleeting feeling?Gratitude is a practice. And every time you acknowledge it, you create more of it. (00:00) Finding Your Peaceful Place & Connecting to Beauty Settling into a quiet space, either indoors or in nature Recognizing that you are surrounded by beautyPausing to give thanks for all that you are and all that has carried you here (03:30) Bringing Gratitude to Mind & Holding It in Your Heart One thing you're grateful for todayGratitude for your body, your breath, a loved one, a lesson you've learnedUnderstanding gratitude as a practice, a perspective, a way of living (06:00) Mantras & Radiating Gratitude Outward "I am grateful for my body. I am grateful for this breath. I am grateful for my journey."Letting your gratitude radiate outward into your life and everydayCelebrating all that you have If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources: Connect with The Big Silence Community Order: The Big Silence Memoir audiobookShop The Big Silence Self Love CollectionSubscribe on YouTubeDonate to The Big Silence FoundationFind exclusive offers from our supporters: https://thebigsilence.com/pages/our-podcast-partners Show Resources: VISIT THE CHALLENGE...

What If Your Gut Could Heal Your Mind? In this deeply personal episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with functional medicine pioneer and bestselling author Dr. Will Cole. From growing up with a bodybuilding dad in the '80s to building the first functional medicine telehealth clinic, Dr. Cole shares his unconventional path to becoming one of the most trusted voices in holistic health. He opens up about the gut-brain connection, why psychiatry still ignores the organ it's treating, and how he practices what he preaches. If you've ever felt dismissed by traditional medicine, struggled with anxiety, or wondered why your mental health and digestive issues seem connected, this conversation will validate everything you've suspected and give you the tools to finally heal. Can you heal your mind by healing your gut? True healing requires looking at root causes, not just symptoms. Mental and physical health aren't separate—they're the same conversation. (00:00) From Bodybuilding to Functional Medicine Pioneer Growing up in the '80s with a Gold's Gym-owning bodybuilder dadHow his childhood of "crunchy granola" health became his life's workStarting the first functional medicine telehealth clinic 16 years ago (08:00) Why Doctors Told Karena They "Don't Deal With Mental Health" The devastating disconnect between mental and physical health in conventional medicineWhy psychiatry is the only field that doesn't test the organ it's treatingThe gut-brain connection: how inflammation, microbiome imbalance, and stress show up as anxiety and depressionBreaking down the stigma and siloed approach to healthcare (15:00) The Shame-Inflammation-Trauma Loop No One's Talking About How toxic shame inflames your body and destroys gut healthThe science behind stress, trauma, and autoimmunityWhy unresolved emotional pain manifests as physical symptomsDr. Cole's personal struggle with anxiety and overthinkingThe tools that work: vagus nerve stimulation, peptides, nature, and movement (25:00) When Everything Hit at Once His father's sudden death The "Gwyneth bone broth" controversy Navigating professional chaos while grieving (33:00) The Real Tools for Anxiety, Stress & Staying Grounded Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation: what it is and why Dr. Cole wears it dailyThe role of peptides in healing and stress managementspan class="ql-ui"...

What if the answer to your racing thoughts isn't fighting them—but watching them float by? In this week's free meditation for Mental Wellness Month, Karena guides you through a powerful practice designed for anyone whose mind won't shut up. This session teaches you to observe your thoughts without getting swept away by them—whether it's worry, planning, or that relentless inner critic. If you've been feeling mentally overwhelmed or caught in cycles of rumination, this 10-minute practice will help you remember: you are not the noise in your head. You are the one witnessing it. How do you create peace when your mind feels like chaos?Peace doesn't come from silencing your mind. It comes from changing your relationship with it. (00:00) Setting the Intention: Mental Wellness Month & Weekly Meditations Creating space for mindfulness, stress reduction, and mental well-beingPerfect for seasoned meditators and complete beginners alike (02:00) The Stream Visualization: Watching Your Thoughts Like Leaves on Water Finding stillness in your body and releasing physical tensionThe powerful metaphor of sitting beside a streamLearning to notice thoughts (worry, planning, self-doubt) without catching or fixing themUnderstanding that you are the observer of your thoughts (06:00) Anchoring in Awareness: Returning to Presence Repeating the mantra: "I am not my thoughts. I am the awareness behind them."Understanding that 80,000-100,000 thoughts per day is normalUsing breath as your anchor If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources: Connect with The Big Silence Community Order: The Big Silence Memoir audiobookShop The Big Silence Self Love CollectionSubscribe on YouTubeDonate to The Big Silence FoundationFind exclusive offers from our supporters: https://thebigsilence.com/pages/our-podcast-partners Show Resources: a href="https://my.toneitup.com/pages/new-year-new-tiyou-challenge" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

What if breaking your family’s silence was the first step to truly finding yourself? Author and educator, Dr. Joan Sung, joins Karena in Austin for a candid conversation about identity, intergenerational trauma, and what it really takes to prioritize mental health, especially within Asian American family systems. From the model minority myth to “tiger mom” dynamics, fetishization, and going “no contact”, Joan shares the tools, boundaries, and mindset shifts that helped her reclaim her story and raise her son with compassion and strength. She also opens up about therapy, inner-child work, and why an “emo tour” became her unexpected self-care. How do you heal when culture tells you to stay silent? Stripping away expectation starts with telling the truth about your past, your pain, and your needs, so you can build a life rooted in self-trust rather than approval. (1:25) Writing the Story That Wouldn’t Let GoTreat creative expression as catharsisExpect to re-encounter traumaSave old pages; fragments from earlier life chapters can become anchorsName your “why”: sharing openly helps others feel seen (and keeps you honest). (5:01) Dismantling the Model Minority MythLearn the history so you can spot manipulationReject perfectionism as belonging; create your own definition of “enough”Call out gendered stereotypes that penalize Asian women who self-advocatePractice bias disruption at work (10:49) When Silence Hurts: Stigma, History & Mental HealthReframing care as protecting the whole family lineIf talking feels foreign, blend modalities to ease inName intergenerational trauma so symptoms stop looking like “character flaws”Education heals: how learning context validates present pain (16:04) Tiger Mom, Pressure, and PerformanceSeparate love from achievement: high standards without shame build resilience, not anxietyChoose attunement over fearReplace internalized critics with compassionate coaching languageMeasure success by nervous-system safety (21:52) Boundaries that Break Cycles: Going No Contact“No contact” isn’t punishment; it’s acknowledging your capacity and choosing safetyExpect pushback; your healing doesn’t need consensusGrief comes with relief and tending to the inner child who still hopesli...

What if the powerful version of you isn't something you need to become—but something you already are? In this empowering Mental Wellness Month meditation, Karena guides you through a 9-minute practice designed to help you reconnect with your inner strength and rise into your most confident self. Using breathwork, visualization, and affirmations, this meditation reminds you that you're not waiting to become someone else; you're remembering who you've always been. Perfect for moments when you need to tap into your power, trust yourself, or move through life with intention and clarity. How do you access the strength that's always been inside you?Your power isn't something you build from scratch. It's something you remember and reclaim. (00:00) Settling In & Breathing Into Strength Finding a comfortable seated position with spine tall and shoulders backInhaling strength and power into your entire bodyExhaling doubt and anything holding you back (04:00) Visualizing Your Empowered Self & Calling It Forward Seeing yourself standing tall, rooted, and readyVisualizing a version of you who walks with purpose and speaks with clarityYou're not becoming someone else, you're remembering who you've always been (06:30) Affirmations & Rising Into Your Power "I am powerful. I am grounded. I trust myself."Letting the feeling of empowerment fill you completelyBringing awareness back to your body and carrying this power forward Subscribe to Karena’s NEW podcast! Tone It Down brings you real conversations about fitness, wellness, lifestyle, and more. If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources: Connect with The Big Silence Community Order: The Big Silence Memoir audiobookShop The Big Silence Self Love CollectionSubscribe on YouTubeDonate to The Big Silence FoundationFind exclusive offers from our supporters: a href="https://thebigsilence.com/pages/our-podcast-partners" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

What if your need for control is actually what's keeping you stuck? In this revealing episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with licensed therapist, YouTuber, and bestselling author Kati Morton to dive into her most personal book yet: Why Do I Keep Doing This? From toxic independence to people-pleasing as manipulation, Kati unpacks the precarious relationship we have with control—and why trying to control what we can't is the root of so much unhappiness. She opens up about her own daddy issues, hyperindependence, and the patterns that kept her dating emotionally unavailable men. Whether you're a perfectionist, a people-pleaser, or someone who can't seem to stop repeating the same mistakes, this conversation will hit home. Hard. How do you break the toxic patterns that keep you trapped, and learn to let go of what you can't control?Understanding why we repeat destructive behaviors is the first step toward real change and healthier relationships. (00:00) Control, Perfectionism & People-Pleasing The thread that runs through everything: our relationship with controlWhy control can be both good and badPeople-pleasing as a form of manipulationWhy trying to control what's outside your "locus of control" only hurts you and others (09:24) The Blueprint: Daddy Issues, Emotional Unavailability & Running Away Growing up believing "I can only depend on me, I will save myself."How childhood patterns shape who you're attracted to as an adultDating emotionally unavailable men (17:48) Breaking the Pattern: Therapy, Self-Discovery & Learning to Stay Figuring out what your "why" isThe importance of a therapist who challenges you, not just affirms youRewiring your nervous system and learning what safety actually feels likeSetting boundaries without being controlling or manipulativeHow to tell the difference between protecting yourself and pushing people away (26:12) Self-Care That Actually Works: Journaling, Movement & Showing Up for Friendships Why journaling has been life-changing for Kati's mental healthThe power of morning pages and releasing control over a "perfect timeline"Why friendships matter more than we realize (33:35) YouTube Evolution, AI Therapy & Fighting the Loneliness Epidemic Why personal experience changes minds more than DSM criteriaThe problem with AI therapyspan class="ql-ui"...

What if you could choose where your energy goes and protect what matters most? In this special Mental Wellness Month meditation, Karena guides you through a powerful practice designed to help you protect your peace and release what's not yours to carry. Using breathwork, visualization, and affirmations, this meditation creates a protective boundary around your energy and reminds you that not everything deserves your attention—and not everyone is owed access. Perfect for starting your day, resetting after stress, or finding your center when life pulls you in too many directions. How do you protect your peace in a world that constantly demands your energy?Learning to choose where your energy goes is an act of self-preservation and self-love. (00:00) Settling In & Releasing the Day Breathing exercise to release tension from shoulders and jawLetting go of the day and everything pulling at your mindBringing awareness to your body and the present moment (04:30) Visualizing Your Protective Light & Setting Boundaries Creating a soft light boundary around youGrounding into the truth: not everything deserves your attentionNot everyone is owed access to your spirit (07:00) Affirmations & Carrying Peace Forward "I choose peace. I release what is not mine to carry. I protect my energy."Bringing awareness back to your body and the room around youRemembering: your peace is yours, and it's not up for negotiation This is part of our Mental Wellness Month series. Enjoy a new free meditation every week throughout January. For more guided meditations with Karena, download the Tone It Up app. If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources: Connect with The Big Silence Community Order: The Big Silence Memoir audiobookShop The Big Silence Self Love CollectionSubscribe on YouTubeDonate to The Big Silence FoundationFind exclusive offers from our supporters: a href="https://thebigsilence.com/pages/our-podcast-partners" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air! Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn What if the thoughts that torment you don’t have to define you anymore? In this eye-opening episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Jon Hershfield, MFT, director of the Center for OCD and Anxiety at Sheppard Pratt. From his own lived experience with OCD to becoming a leading voice in evidence-based treatment, Jon unpacks what OCD really is, looking beyond the stereotypes. He shares how obsessions and compulsions hijack your life, why diagnosis matters, and how exposure therapy and mindfulness can help you reclaim control. Whether you're struggling with intrusive thoughts, supporting someone with OCD, or just want to understand this widely misunderstood condition, Jon's wisdom offers clarity, hope, and a roadmap forward. How do you distinguish between quirky habits and a diagnosable condition, and what does true healing look like?Understanding the difference between personality and pathology is the first step toward compassionate, effective treatment. (00:00) From Lived Experience to Leading Expert Jon's 20-year battle with OCD Finding community in online support groups Why he decided to pursue a career helping others with OCDThe power of treating the whole person, not just compartmentalized diagnoses (08:00) What OCD Really Is: Beyond the Stereotype Breaking down the difference between being "quirky" and having a disorderObsessions: unwanted intrusive thoughts that violate your valuesCompulsions: ineffective strategies to relieve distress from obsessionsThe "psychic damage" of mental rituals: ruminating, analyzing, and seeking certaintyRecognizing when the "D" (disorder) part matters (16:00) Diagnosis, Identity & the Modern Mental Health Landscape Navigating multiple diagnoses in a world of one-hour evaluationsThe danger of letting diagnoses become your identityHow OCD can coexist with other conditions like autism, ADHD, and personality disordersWhy specialization matters when seeking OCD treatment (25:00) ERP, Mindfulness & Doing the Work Why Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard for OCD treatmentHow mindfulness helps you observe thoughts without attaching to themThe importance of homework in therapyFacing your fears until your brain realizes you can survive the uncertaintyMeditation and being present with discomfort (33:00) Finding Help, Resources & What Brings Joy Where to start if you think you might have OCDWhy working with an OCD specialist is crucial for effective treatmentJon's upcoming book: Being a Parent with OCD (2026)The privilege of helping people expand their world when OCD has made it small Reconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at ToneItUp.com/app and we will see you January 5th! Episode ResourcesWatch The Big Silence...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air! Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn What if grief isn't just about what you've lost, but also about honoring who you were and how far you've come? In this raw and heartfelt episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with entrepreneur, artist, and mental health advocate Tallulah Willis. The youngest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore shares what it was like navigating life in one of Hollywood's most iconic families. We talk about confronting eating disorders, ADHD, autism, and her father's dementia journey, Tallulah opens up about the many forms grief can take. She shares how she's learned to embrace "good grief," build unshakeable self-trust, and find healing through creativity and vulnerability. Whether you're processing your own loss, struggling with identity, or searching for permission to feel it all, Tallulah's wisdom will reassure you that you're exactly where you need to be. How do you learn to trust yourself when life keeps throwing you into the unknown, and honor all the versions of yourself that got you here?True strength comes from acknowledging your feelings, giving yourself the dignity of your process, and knowing you can handle whatever comes your way. (00:00) Redefining Grief & The Power of "Yes, And" The concept of "Good Grief" and making space for celebration within the painHow DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) helps navigate the "yes, and" of complex emotions (3:30) High School: ADHD, Autism & Feeling Invisible Her recent autism diagnosis and lifelong ADHD Believing she was unintelligent Feeling "mid" and overlooked by adults who should have seen her (06:02) Growing Up in the Spotlight: Life as Bruce and Demi's Daughter What it was like being raised by "the last era movie stars"Fielding paparazzi from a young age How early experiences shaped her adaptability (8:39) Eating Disorders, ARFID & Using Control to Cope How her eating disorder became a catch-all for unprocessed emotionsLiving with ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder) her whole lifeThe journey to recovery and learning to nourish herself  (20:57) Surrounding Yourself with People Who See You Grieving relationships with people who didn't see herBeing surrounded by people whose reflection of her she lovesHer fiancé's recognition of her ability to adapt and roll with new situationsLearning what it means to be truly seen and valued (24:08) Her Father's Dementia, Love & Finding Joy Navigating Bruce Willis's FTD diagnosis and the family's decision to go publicWhy she initially avoided learning the clinical details Handling invasive questions with graceHow transparency opens doors for others to get checked and seek help (31:06) Self-Trust, Pausing & Acknowledging Your Feelings The power of naming what's realFocusing on her art practice: drawing, interior design, and creative expressionWhy she's leaning into discomfort and pushing herself into new spacesThe magic of curiosity Reconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air! Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn What if the sign you needed appeared at your darkest moment—and changed everything? In this deeply moving episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with actress, producer, and mental health advocate Sarah Gilman. Best known for her starring role as Delia Delfano in Disney Channel's "I Didn't Do It," Sarah has built an impressive career in Hollywood. But behind the bright lights lies a powerful story of survival. From her first suicidal thoughts at age eight, Sarah's journey is one of raw honesty and radical hope. Now, as the founder of the DD Hirsch NextGen Advisory Council, she's dedicated her life to mental health advocacy, making sure no one feels alone. Whether you're struggling yourself, supporting someone you love, or working to understand mental health better, Sarah's courage will inspire you to keep going. How do you rebuild your sense of self after hitting rock bottom, and learn that asking for help isn't a weakness?Stripping away shame and finding community proves that healing isn't linear. It's about showing up for yourself, even when it's hard. (01:37) When the Darkness Started Sarah's first journal entries about suicide as a young childCoping mechanisms that became self-destructiveThe suicide attempt that made her realize she wanted to liveThat split-second moment of regret—and why survivors often feel the same way (05:34) The Roots of Mental Illness: Family, Genetics & Environment Growing up with threads of OCD, anxiety, and depression in Sarah's familyThe collision of genetics and lack of emotional educationShared experiences as suicide survivors (08:03) Rock Bottom, Therapy & The Fork in the Road When friendships dissolved Her moment of reckoning: keep going and die, or ask tough questions and healDeep diving into psychology, sociology, philosophy, and neuroscienceLearning she's a "big feeler" who just needed healthier ways to express emotions (18:45) Finding Your People: Community, Connection & Healing How sharing experiences becomes part of the healing processThe power of being seen in your struggleWhy normalizing mental health conversations changes everything (27:30) Breaking the Stigma: Advocacy, Education & Social Media Using personal stories to create change in mental health spacesHow younger generations are reshaping mental health conversationsNavigating social media as both a tool and a potential trigger (38:15) Body Image, Eating Disorders & What Really Matters Sarah's experience with eating disorders and recoveryWhy she doesn't post body pictures on social media anymoreThe realization: "My body is the least interesting thing about me" (50:19) Live from Vegas: The Not Alone Summit & 988 16.5 million people have used 988 since 2022How 988 works: call or text for immediate, anonymous supportDebunking myths: less than 1% of cases escalate to 911, over 90% are de-escalatedSpecialized support available for LGBTQIA+, veterans, and different languages Reconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App....

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air! Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn What if the thing you're running from is the exact thing holding you back from everything you're meant to be?  In this raw and powerful episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with podcast host, author, and co-host of Impaulsive, Mike Majlak. From 10 years lost to heroin and OxyContin to 15 years clean and helping millions navigate their own mental health journeys, Mike's story is one of brutal honesty and hard-won wisdom. He opens up about recognizing anxiety as a teenager, the probation officer who saved his life, and why the path to healing isn't always a straight line. Whether you're battling anxiety, supporting someone through addiction, or just trying to show up for yourself every day, Mike's no-BS approach will remind you that you have something, and you're still here for a reason. How do you rebuild your life after losing everything to addiction, and learn that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's survival? Going back to basics proves that healing doesn't require perfection. It's about sleep, movement, and treating yourself like you matter. Because you do. (02:39) Anxiety at Age 13 Feeling like something was always "off"Constant questions: Why was I picked last? Do people not like me? Did I say something wrong?The onset of the opiate epidemic 10 years of addiction (04:56) His “Aha” Moment Getting clean from opiates The probation officer who wouldn't be finessedDetoxing from methanol, Xanax, heroin, and crack cocaine all at onceHow hurt became fuel (07:34) Managing Addiction The new wave of recovery: showing the journey, the faults, the realityStill struggling with gambling and other addictionsLearning control tactics Being curious about mental health instead of seeing it as a detriment (12:01) Longevity, Biohacking & Why Basic Actually Works We're in an era obsessed with optimizationNail the basics: sleep, nutrition, movementHuberman talks about sleep constantly for a reason (12:45) Go Towards What Gives You Resistance That feeling is showing you where to goFirst episode of Impaulsive: Mike sweat so bad he had a panic attack and walked off setWhen your gut tells you "this isn't for me", it actually IS for you (13:37) Don't Burn Out: Your Mental Health Is Your Bottom Line The most important thing to your EBITA, your ROI, is your own mental healthTake time for yourself to feel better, to get betterIt will make you a better business person, speaker, human—whatever you're trying to doRest isn't weakness; it's strategy Reconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at ToneItUp.com/app and we will see you January 5th!  Episode Resources WATCH: The Big Silence and Karena...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air! Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn What happens when you fight for a year to reclaim the company you built—and finally win? In this raw, emotional solo episode of The Big Silence, Karena Dawn breaks her silence and shares the news her community has been waiting for: she's bought back Tone It Up. After founding the company in 2009 at age 27, taking on investors in 2018, navigating a complicated acquisition, and spending the last year in intense negotiations, Karena now owns 100% of Tone It Up—with no investors. She opens up about the highs and lows of private equity, the days she wanted to walk away, why she stayed, and what's coming next for the community. From bringing back fan-favorite trainers to launching the new "Tone It Down" podcast, this episode is both a celebration and a masterclass in resilience. If you've ever fought for something you believed in, rebuilt yourself, or wondered what it takes to start over at 44, this one's for you. How do you hold on when everything feels like it's falling apart—and what does it take to reclaim what's yours? Fighting through years of uncertainty, negotiation, and emotional exhaustion proves that resilience isn't about never wanting to quit. It's about staying when every part of you wants to walk away. (00:00) The Big Announcement Why this moment is both exciting and nerve-wracking for herThe core mission behind Tone It Up: creating a safe, judgment-free community for womenWhat The Big Silence is really about: breaking stigmas around mental health and self-development (03:00) What Happened in 2018? The Investor Story & Growing Pains The reality of working with investors: when good intentions don't lead to good relationshipsThe emotional toll of the past 7-8 years: days she wanted to walk away vs. days she knew she had to stayGrowing up with the community: from 27 to 44, supporting each other through motherhood, loss, marriage, divorce, and perimenopause (07:00) The Year-Long Fight to Get Tone It Up Back Why Karena spent the last year behind the scenes in intense negotiationsThe intuition that kept telling her: "I just want it back, big or small."How she funded the buyback (09:30) What's Next: The Future of Tone It Up New fitness challenge launching in the Tone It Up appThe big reunion: Chyna, Stef, and Tori are back and just filmed workouts in Austin, TexasNew content across all platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram—all socials are backBuilding a home studio to create more fitness content for the community (12:00) Introducing "Tone It Down" Podcast & How to Participate A new podcast launching in January with episodes featuring Tori, Stef, and ChynaSolo episodes where Karena will answer community questionsHow to participate: leave voicemails at speakpipe.com/karenadawnThe Big Silence will focus on mental health and self-development; Tone It Down will be fitness, nutrition, and womanhood Reconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at ToneItUp.com/app and we will see you January 5th!  If this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air! Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn What if the invisible air around you was quietly impacting your sleep, your energy, and your overall health? In this eye-opening episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Wes Greenwood, Wellness Director at Jaspr and a former firefighter-turned-air quality expert. From his decade as a first responder exposed to hazardous environments to his personal journey through mold illness and autoimmune challenges, Wes shares why clean air is just as essential as clean water and food. He breaks down the science of air quality, reveals surprising truths about what's floating in your home, and offers practical tools for better sleep, reduced inflammation, and improved mental clarity. Whether you're dealing with allergies, poor sleep, or just want to optimize your health, this conversation will change how you think about the air you breathe. How do you protect your health when the invisible toxins in your home could be affecting everything from your sleep to your cognitive function? Understanding air quality and taking control of your environment proves that wellness starts with the basics, including what you breathe. (05:00) Why Nobody's Talking About Indoor Air Quality Breaking down particulate matter: the invisible particles floating in your airWhy PM 2.5 (2.5 microns) is the most dangerous size for human healthThe link between these particles and inflammation throughout the bodyHow PM 2.5 affects cognitive decline and overall well-beingWhy people are oblivious to indoor air quality issues  (10:00) Testing Air Quality: Inside vs. Outside Your Home Karena's surprise: her outdoor air was worse than indoorWhy every house is different: size, HVAC systems, pets, and movement all matterHow pets affect air qualityHow Jaspr improves air quality  (18:00) Sleep, Air Quality & The Inflammation Connection How poor air quality causes runny noses, blocked airways, and disrupted sleepWhy you can't reach deep rest when your body is fighting airborne irritantsThe impact of clean air on sleep quality and recoveryWes's personal journey: mold illness and autoimmune recovery (28:00) Breathwork as Medicine: Practical Tools for Anxiety & Stress Simple breathwork routines that actually workWhy controlling your breath is one of the most powerful tools you haveHow mold exposure affects the body's systems (38:00) Austin Air Quality: Cedar Allergies & Real Solutions Why Austin residents deal with constant allergiesThe habit of "prophylactic antihistamines" and why it's not idealHow Karena's body adapted over five years—and why she still needs supportPractical tips for anyone moving to or visiting AustinThe importance of having clean air in your bedroom (46:00) The Gratitude-Breathwork Connection Breathing particulate-free air as meditationHow to access gratitude even when it's hard The one-two combo: breathwork + gratitude as an anxiety antidoteKarena's ritual: cold plunge, pool time, and just being present (50:00) Prevention Over Treatment: Investing in Your Health Now Wellness items can be pricey, but prevention saves money laterReal results:...

Have a message for Karena? She'd love to hear from you and share your comment or question on air! Leave Karena a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/KarenaDawn What if the holiday season could be about joy and connection instead of stress and obligation? In this timely episode of The Big Silence, Karena welcomes back spiritual teacher, author, and podcaster Monica Berg for a conversation we all need before the holidays. From managing difficult family dynamics to preparing your mind and heart for gatherings, Monica shares practical wisdom on how to show up with presence, set boundaries, and actually enjoy the season. Whether you're dreading a particular family member, feeling financial pressure, or just want to navigate the holidays with more peace, this episode will help you shift your mindset and reclaim your power. It's about being proactive, not reactive—and choosing to be the light in any room. How do you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for family gatherings and show up with gratitude instead of anxiety? True holiday peace comes from taking responsibility for your own state of mind and choosing to be a being of sharing rather than lack. (00:00) Revisiting Past Conversations & How We've Changed Monica returns three years after her first appearance (episode 25)How relationships evolve and why revisiting old conversations reveals growthThe importance of being in different environments to recognize changeAn essential holiday conversation about family dynamics (02:00) The Pressure of the Holidays & Society's "Shoulds" Why certain times of year create unrealistic expectations for happinessThe pressure to be joyful and how that can sabotage gatheringsMonica's story about feeling the weight of seasonal expectationsRecognizing that every day can be meaningful, not just holidays (03:00) Should You Even Go? When to Skip the Gathering Monica's honest take: if you hate going, maybe you shouldn't attendHow negative energy affects everyone in the roomThe responsibility of getting your consciousness right before showing upWhy forcing it doesn't work (04:30) Identifying Your Triggers & Preparing for Difficult Conversations What to do when you're dreading the holidays but still want to attendIdentifying the source of your anxietyPreparing responses ahead of time for intrusive questionsRedirecting conversations and setting boundaries with graceHow to say "I'm not comfortable discussing that right now" with confidence (05:30) The Morning Routine That Changes Everything How to mentally prepare yourself before walking into a family gatheringAwakening gratitude by imagining what the day would look like if you were aloneDoing things you love in the morning to release stress and awaken joyShowing up with intention rather than worryGoing in with a plan for the conversations you want to have (07:50) Being Proactive vs. Reactive in Family Settings Understanding the difference between reactive and proactive behaviorWhy reactive people bring chaos, while proactive people create peaceTaking charge of your own thoughts and emotionsHonoring your power instead of giving it away to others' opinions (25:00) Beyond Holiday Gatherings: Tips for All of Life How these tools apply to any stressful situation—meetings, dinner parties, etc.Addressing financial anxiety around