
Hosted by Shattered Silence Podcast · EN
Heartfelt stories from individuals who have faced significant challenges, from mental health struggles and addiction to catastrophic life events.

In Episode 39 of the Just for Today Podcast, we sit down with Vee Carlson — a trainer, Pilates instructor, and mental health advocate — as she courageously shares her journey through depression, postpartum depression, isolation, and healing.Vee opens up about moving to Alaska during her husband’s military deployment, navigating pregnancy far from family and support, and experiencing some of the darkest moments of her life, including a suicide attempt. Through honesty and vulnerability, she shares what helped her begin finding hope again.She credits her husband’s training working with veterans, the importance of finding the right therapist (even when it takes multiple tries), staying active, and learning how to ask for support as key parts of her healing journey. Today, Vee uses her experience to help others through fitness, movement, and advocacy — reminding people they are never alone in their struggles.This episode is a powerful conversation about motherhood, mental health, resilience, and the reality that healing is not linear.If you or someone you know is struggling, please know help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7 in the United States.You are not alone.Guest: Vee Carlson Instagram: @veecarlsSponsored by Aspire Counseling Services www.aspirecounselingservice.com Help available 24/7 1-888-585-7373 Instagram: @aspire_counseling_services Shattered Silence Podcast Links https://linktr.ee/shatteredsilencepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e417c65f-94b6-4bbe-a054-c320e8f5f093Produced by: Citryn Marketing Website: www.citryn.com

In this powerful episode, Jori sits down with Tracy Embry-Hernandez, MSN, RN, Associate Patient Care Executive, and Mandy Herrera, Project Manager & Community Health Worker from Adventist Health in Bakersfield, California.Together, they dive into the Adventist Health Bridge Model—a program designed to support individuals in our community as they recover from drug addiction. Through an honest Q&A conversation, they break down how the program works, why it’s needed, and the real impact it’s having on people’s lives.Tracy and Mandy also share personal stories from their work on the front lines, giving a deeper look into the challenges, the victories, and the human side of recovery. Their passion and compassion shine through as they discuss how this program has become a vital resource in addressing the addiction epidemic in our community.This episode highlights what’s possible when healthcare goes beyond treatment and truly shows up for people.🎙️ Episode out now 📺 Watch on YouTube 🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyIf you or someone you know is struggling, this conversation could be the start of hope and healing.#ShatteredSilencePodcast #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #CommunitySupport #Bakersfield #AdventistHealthAdventist Health Hospital www.adventisthealth.org Instagram: @adventisthealthcentralcaSponsored by Aspire Counseling Services www.aspirecounselingservice.com Help available 24/7 1-888-585-7373 Instagram: @aspire_counseling_services Shattered Silence Podcast Links https://linktr.ee/shatteredsilencepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e417c65f-94b6-4bbe-a054-c320e8f5f093Produced by: Citryn Marketing Website: www.citryn.com Instagram: @citrynmarketing

YouTube description for Episode 37 Lindsay Hackford Episode 37 is one of the most powerful and heartfelt conversations we’ve had on the show.Lindsey Hackford bravely sits down to share her story of surviving a domestic violence situation that began when she was just 16 years old. What started as a young relationship quickly turned into years of emotional manipulation, control, and psychological trauma. Lindsey opens up about how she was made to believe it was her responsibility to take care of her partner, while being told she shouldn’t expect loyalty or fulfillment from him alone.Over time, that emotional abuse escalated into physical violence. Lindsey shares the reality of how difficult it was to leave, the many attempts it took, and the strength it required to finally break free.This episode is not just about survival—it’s about rebuilding. Lindsey takes us through her journey of starting over, rediscovering her self-worth, and regaining her confidence. Today, she stands strong, supported by a loving husband who encourages her to share her story in hopes of helping others who may be going through similar experiences.If you or someone you know needs to hear this message, please share this episode. You are not alone, and there is a way out.#Podcast #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SurvivorStory #HealingJourney #Episode37Lindsey’s Links:Instagram: @living.inthe.aftermath and @lyndseyh6723The Refuge Utah Instagram: @therefugeutah https://therefugeutah.org Resources:National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233Shattered Silence Podcast Links https://linktr.ee/shatteredsilencepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e417c65f-94b6-4bbe-a054-c320e8f5f093Produced by: Citryn Marketing

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 PodcastNOW STREAMINGIn 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👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe for more real, unfiltered conversations#PostpartumDepression #MentalHealthAwareness #ShatteredSilencePodcast #MotherhoodUnfiltered #HealingJourney #YouAreNotAlonePostpartum 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 EverythingIn 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 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.

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.