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/KarenaDawnWhat 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 AnnouncementWhy 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 PainsThe 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 BackWhy 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 UpNew 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 ParticipateA 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 womanhoodReconnect 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/KarenaDawnWhat 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 QualityBreaking 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 HomeKarena'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 ConnectionHow 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 & StressSimple 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 SolutionsWhy 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 ConnectionBreathing 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 NowWellness 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/KarenaDawnWhat 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 ChangedMonica 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 GatheringMonica'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 ConversationsWhat 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 EverythingHow 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 SettingsUnderstanding 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 LifeHow these tools apply to any stressful situation—meetings, dinner parties, etc.Addressing financial anxiety around

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/KarenaDawnWhat if your intuition was the key to rewriting your story?In this illuminating episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with bestselling author and renowned intuitive Laura Day, whose new book The Prism: Seven Steps to Heal Your Past and Transform Your Future offers a groundbreaking roadmap for change. From a traumatic childhood and family loss to becoming a sought-after healer for global leaders and celebrities, Laura opens up about how she turned survival into spiritual alchemy, proving that transformation is not about escaping your past. It’s about learning to use it as your light source.How Do You Heal the Parts of You That Formed Before You Could Choose Them?Our early experiences shape us long before we’re aware of them. Laura shares how understanding the ego’s formation can help us rewrite our internal programming.(1:00) The Prism and the Power of the “I”The Prism is about reclaiming the much-maligned ego, the “machinery” that allows us to create our worldBy age seven, our ego is fully formed; from there, every challenge becomes a catalyst for change.Why change should be taught in second gradeThe ego isn’t the enemy of spirituality; it’s the structure that gives creation shape.(06:00) Breaking the Cycle of Trauma and the Parentified ChildBecoming the adult at age five for her younger siblingsThe difference between being a motherless child and a parentified child, and how early responsibility shapes identityNormalized a chaotic environment Building resilience through trauma, and observing life rather than collapsing into it(14:00) Intuition, Empathy, and Doing the WorkWhy empathy is “a psychiatric illness”True healing comes not from identifying with others’ pain but from finding solutions for them.“Understanding comes five years after you’ve solved the problem.”Small, tangible shifts, the “doing”, over endless introspection(21:00) Moving Through Pain: Tiny Goals and Practical HealingWhen life feels unbearable, start with small, manageable goals“Deal with the mammal first.” Care for your physical body before chasing spiritual breakthroughs.Hope doesn’t precede healing; it follows it. You don’t have to feel better to start acting better.“You won’t find hope in the depths of your misery. You’ll find it in movement.”(29:00) Love, Trust, and BoundariesLove is a choice, not blind faith: “Trust means belief without evidence. I have evidence of my love.”Learning boundaries later in life and how porosity versus structure is a lifelong balance.Avoid “magical thinking” in relationships. Build proof, not fantasy.The healthiest relationships are co-created and constantly evolving(31:00) Turning Intuition Into ImpactHow predicting major business outcomes and aiding in medical breakthroughs became her life’s workIntuition is not mystical — it’s mechanical: “We are machines in a mechanical world. Change how you operate, and your world changes.”The Prism offers practical exercises for identifying where you feel discomfort and taking one small, different action.You don’t need to understand your trauma to heal it. You just need to do something new.(48:00) Living What You TeachHow she lives in...

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/KarenaDawnWhat if your lowest moment became the foundation for your purpose?In this heartfelt episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with country music artist Chase McDaniel, who transformed generational trauma, addiction, and mental illness into powerful storytelling through his debut album Lost Ones. From growing up in rural Kentucky with an addicted father to facing panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and the long road to self-love, Chase’s story is both devastating and deeply inspiring. He shares how music became his therapy, how faith reshaped his outlook, and how he learned to live and love again.How Do You Heal When Pain Feels Like the Only Thing You Know?Chase opens up about breaking generational trauma, finding purpose through art, and learning that strength isn’t about faking perfection; it’s more like honesty.(01:00) Growing Up in Chaos — Finding Strength in Small-Town KentuckyA childhood surrounded by addiction, violence, and uncertaintyHow he discovered stability and unconditional loveHis family’s gym became both a sanctuary and a symbol of survivalThat bond inspired “What I Didn’t Have”(10:00) Breaking the Cycle of Pain and AddictionMental illness and suicide ran deep, stories long kept silentThe moment he chose to live differently: “I don’t have to live as the victim.”How truth-telling frees families from generational traumaHealing begins when we stop protecting the lie(17:00) Panic Attacks, OCD, and the Search for ControlThe concussion that ended Chase’s athletic career and triggered relentless panic attacksYears of isolation led him to believe he was losing his mind“My dorm room felt like it was shrinking every day.”Learning to identify triggers, seek help, and rebuild trust in his mind became his turning point(24:00) Love, Faith, and Learning to StayLove once felt like a survival tactic—until he learned to receive it“Imagine a version of you that doesn’t feel this way anymore. That’s who you’re fighting for.”Now in a healthy, patient relationship, he calls love “an act of courage.”Faith re-entered his life while writing Lost Ones, reframing his survival as purpose.(33:00) Finding Purpose Through Music: The Making of Lost OnesChase wrote Lost Ones to process trauma and leave a legacy of hope.“Before I Let You Go” became a letter to his late father—and to himself.His favorite track, “What I Didn’t Have,” honors the grandparents who saved him“I was desperate to get this album out before I died. It’s my reason to live.”(43:00) Turning Pain into PurposeFans have shared how his songs saved their lives and, in turn, healed him.“You’re not alone” isn’t just a slogan; it’s lived experienceAuthenticity over image and purpose over fame“If I can make someone’s life a little easier, that’s the real mission.”&nbsp;Thanks for the support from our partners, including:&nbsp;Visit ForHers.com/BIGSILENCE to get your personalized perimenopause treatment plan today.Guest Resources<a...

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/KarenaDawnWhat if one terrifying night became the catalyst for a lifetime of healing?In this powerhouse episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Angelo Keely, co-founder and CEO of Kion, to unpack his extraordinary path—from a near-fatal stabbing at 16 to building a company rooted in simple, consistent habits that support both muscle and mood. Angelo breaks down protein (in plain English), and you’ll learn how small, repeatable choices can stack up into real change. He also explains why essential amino acids and creatine are especially impactful as we age. If you’ve wondered how to protect muscle, sharpen your mind, or support mental health without going “all or nothing,” this one’s for you.How Do We Build Muscle and Mood—At Any Age—With Protein, Aminos, Creatine, and Consistent Habits?Angelo shares the science and the systems that actually work, and how to choose one tiny action you can repeat every day for real impact.(00:01:00) What Kion Is—and Why Angelo Says You Don’t “Need” ItPrinciple first, product second: Food comes first; EAAs are a targeted way to stimulate muscle protein synthesis with fewer calories.Non-workout days matter: EAAs still drive protein synthesis—even on rest days.Consistency &gt; intensity: Angelo takes EAAs every morning (often with creatine) to “tell” his body to rebuild.Better together: Taking EAAs before training leverages increased blood flow for greater impact.(00:05:30) From Bad Trip to Bigger Life: Trauma, Accountability, and 20 Years of IntegrationThe turning point: A severe LSD episode led to assault and multiple stab wounds—sparking a decades-long healing journey.Whole-person recovery: Talk therapy, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, movement, and study.Daily rhythm: 15k steps, basic strength work, slow “zone-2” runs, and short family meditations.One thing rule: Pick one change you’ll actually do every day; stack from there.(00:14:30) Protein 101: Why EAAs Can Beat Whey—and Whey Often Beats SteakEnergy vs. materials: Carbs/fats fuel; protein rebuilds tissues, enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters.Quality counts: Higher essential amino acid content + digestibility = stronger protein synthesis signal.Practical takeaway: EAAs can deliver the goal of protein (rebuild/retain muscle) with fewer calories—useful for fat loss without muscle loss.Aging advantage: As we age, we’re less sensitive to protein; powders and EAAs become more useful.(00:31:30) Creatine &amp; Women: Strength, Cognition, and Mood—Minus the “Bloat” MythHow it works: Creatine saturates muscle (and brain) phosphocreatine stores, making reps and sprints feel slightly easier—strength builds over time.Brain benefits: Higher intakes in studies have shown improvements in memory/focus; emerging research suggests better depression outcomes.Myth-busting: Quality creatine monohydrate doesn’t cause true “bloat”; women tend to gain strength/endur­ance—not bulk.Dosage mindset: Daily use matters (not just on lift days). Pair with protein/EAAs and strength work for the compounding effect.(00:40:30) Weight Loss Without Muscle Loss: GLP-1s, Deficits &amp; The Case for More Protein/EAAsThe risk: Calorie deficits (drug-assisted or not) can strip muscle unless protein/EAAs are substantially higher.Target outcome: Lose fat, keep muscle—use EAAs as a “cheat code” to shore up a day’s...

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/KarenaDawnWhat if redefining success started with your nervous system?In this powerful, live from New York conversation, Karena sits down with therapist and author Israa Nasir to unpack why achievement alone can still leave us feeling empty. You’ll learn how to rebuild self-worth and regulate anxiety in a content-saturated world, and how to set boundaries that deepen connection. From cultural myths about “hustle” to cognitive distortions, this is a grounded, practical path back to yourself.How do we reclaim self-worth beyond achievement in a content-saturated world?Stepping off the productivity hamster wheel shows that worth isn’t earned by output. It’s built through nervous-system safety, self-trust, and boundaries that honor your life.(00:59) Toxic productivity, defined- spot the driversNaming the emotions behind the urge to do more&nbsp;Ask: “What value am I sacrificing for this outcome?”Track when achievement ≠ fulfillment to find misalignmentSwap “more” for “meaning”: one priority per day(06:11) High-achiever mind traps + overcommitment fixesChallenging the idea “If I did it, it must’ve been easy—so it doesn’t count.”Log weekly wins before raising the bar againRecalibrate unrealistic timelines without self-shamingBuild buffer time into every “yes”(10:47) 7 types of rest &amp; creative regulationThe 7 Types of Rest Dr. Saundra Dalton-SmithRotate rest: physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, spiritualEmotional rest = time you don’t process feelings—protect itTry “mediocre hobbies” for nervous-system careSchedule short, low-stakes creative breaks to prevent rumination(14:29) Anxiety in an info storm: design your media dietPractice monotasking to lower baseline arousalLong-form inputs lengthen dopamine loops and build patienceReduce tab clutter; batch-check news/social to curb hypervigilanceNotice fragmentation triggers and step away(25:41) Boundaries that deepen connection (and when to go firm)Lead with “I can/can’t…” vs. policing others—invite dialogueExpect pushback; validate feelings without abandoning limitsContext matters: choose low-drama exits on charged topicsDistinguishing privacy from secrecyThanks for the support from our partners, including: Guest ResourcesRead the Book: Toxic ProductivityExplore: The Well Guide&nbsp;Follow Israa on InstagramJOIN US: "Fall Into Motion" with Tone It Up! The Program begins October 20th, sign up now: https://my.toneitup.com/pages/fall-into-motionIf this episode moved you, please consider...

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/KarenaDawnWhat if the moment you thought would end your life became the start of a mission to save millions?In this extraordinary episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with suicide prevention advocate, storyteller, and best-selling author Kevin Hines. At 19, Kevin jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge — and lived to talk about it. Since then, his journey has become a beacon of hope, proving that resilience, love, and the right words at the right time can rewrite any story. From the sea lion that kept him afloat to the love story that began in a psych ward, Kevin shares the lessons he’s learned about staying, surviving, and thriving.How do you find the will to live when your own mind tells you otherwise?Kevin shows us that survival is not just possible. It can be the foundation for a life full of purpose, healing, and connection.(00:00) From Trauma to Adoption: The Early YearsKevin’s childhood of neglect, poverty, and losing his brother in foster careHow the Hines family gave him stability, love, and a new beginningHiding behind the mask of “everything’s fine”(07:57) Living With Bipolar Disorder &amp; Suicidal IdeationWhy silence and shame keep so many from getting helpKevin’s mantra: “My thoughts do not have to become my actions”The four words that have kept him alive for 25 years(11:40) The Golden Gate Bridge Attempt &amp; Miracles That FollowedThe instant regret that 19 survivors reported feelingThe sea lion that kept him afloat until the Coast Guard arrivedHow a stranger’s phone call set off a chain of lifesaving miracles(15:27) Turning Pain Into Purpose: Speaking, Writing &amp; AdvocacyKevin’s mission to share his story&nbsp;His workbook The Art of Wellness and the daily practices he lives byHow routines like breathwork, exercise, and sleep protect his brain health(18:51) Love in the Psych Ward: Kevin &amp; Margaret’s StoryMeeting his future wife during his third involuntary stayThe “worst first date ever”&nbsp;Why unconditional love and partnership became his ultimate source of strength(21:13) The Fight for Safety at the Golden Gate BridgeHow Kevin and his father co-founded the Bridge Rail FoundationThe long battle to install suicide prevention netsWhy saving lives matters more than “aesthetics” or money(23:58) How to Save a Life: What to Say When Someone’s in PainThe exact questions anyone can ask when they see someone strugglingWhy simply stopping and caring could make the differenceKevin’s reminder that suicide is never the solution; it’s the problem(25:58) Daily Mental Health Habits That WorkThe 23-minute rule for exercise and better moodUsing logic and support to combat paranoiaWhy therapy, meditation, and medication all play a role(31:01) Living Proof That Healing is PossibleHow Kevin’s work has reached over 3 billion viewers worldwideThe thousands of people who’ve written to say his story saved their livesHis message: every waking moment is a gift worth staying forGuest...

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/KarenaDawnWhat if fear wasn’t an enemy to conquer, but a source of fuel for creativity?&nbsp;In this powerful episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with actor, teacher, and Committed Impulse founder, Josh Pais. From growing up in New York’s gritty Alphabet City to starring in over 150 films and shows alongside legends like Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, and Joaquin Phoenix, Josh’s story is one of resilience, presence, and creative freedom. He opens up about his new book, Lose Your Mind, how anxiety can become fuel instead of a roadblock, and why the unknown is the most powerful space for growth. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or simply trying to quiet the self-judgment in your head, Josh’s wisdom will shift the way you experience fear and creativity.How can we reframe fear as a source of creative energy?Josh reveals how fear, anxiety, and even sadness aren’t enemies to suppress but sensations to ride — opening the door to authentic expression, connection, and freedom.(00:01:00) From Ninja Turtles to NeuroscienceHow Josh’s father, a physicist who worked with Einstein, influenced his view of emotions as atomic vibrations.Early struggles with anxiety and why suppressing fear disconnects us from authenticity.(00:11:30) The Four Access Points to PresenceJosh’s simple framework: “I’m back,” body awareness, breath, and environment.Why tuning into sensation creates connection, from courtroom lawyers to surgeons in the OR.How these tools help shift from self-judgment into creativity.(00:20:00) Feeling Without FixingWhy any sensation, even anxiety, shifts in 7–12 seconds when fully felt.Josh guides Karena through noticing “atomic” sensations in her body.Why honoring sadness, joy, and fear unlocks energy instead of draining it.(00:27:30) Growing Up in Alphabet CityJosh’s childhood surrounded by artists, danger, and addiction in Lower Manhattan.How play and imagination became his lifeline.The decision to step away from drugs and lean into creativity as a survival tool.(00:34:50) Lessons from LegendsStories from working with De Niro, Streep, Joaquin Phoenix, and more.Why the most powerful acting lesson he ever learned was simply: “Just talk to the person.”Josh’s mantra before every scene: “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”Guest ResourcesFollow Josh Pais on InstagramGet his new book Lose Your MindLearn more about Committed Impulse trainingJOIN US: "Fall Into Motion" with Tone It Up! The Program begins October 20th, sign up now: https://my.toneitup.com/pages/fall-into-motionIf this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:Connect with The Big Silence Community<a...

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/KarenaDawnWhat happens when a cancer diagnosis collides with raising $10 million in venture capital?On this episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with Vanessa Rissetto, registered dietitian, CEO and co-founder of Culina Health, and cancer survivor who’s redefining resilience. From growing up in a Haitian household to building the only nutrition company backed by a big insurance provider, Vanessa’s story is proof that success is about more than grit — it’s about honesty, boundaries, and balance. She opens up about her diagnosis, how entrepreneurship pushed her to the brink, and why learning to say “no” has become her ultimate health strategy.How Do We Redefine Health and Success Beyond Hustle Culture?Vanessa shares how her cancer journey shifted her perspective from chasing external validation to prioritizing joy, mental health, and self-care, while still leading a groundbreaking health-tech company.(00:01:00) From Dietitian to Tech CEO: Building Culina HealthWhy Vanessa decided to take insurance when most dietitians catered only to the eliteHow COVID opened doors for telehealth and scaled her business to $1M in under a yearThe bold move that got Blue Cross Blue Shield on her cap table — a first in the industryHer mindset shift: every investor “no” was just practice for the next “yes”(00:10:30) Cancer, Entrepreneurship, and the Cost of External ValidationThe overlooked symptom that led to Vanessa’s breast cancer diagnosisRaising $10M in venture funding while undergoing treatment — and why she now calls it “f***ing stupid”How avoidance, anxiety, and resentment crept in post-diagnosisThe power of saying “no” as a complete sentence(00:17:00) Back to Basics: Nutrition, Myths, and Mental HealthWhy she believes restrictive diets like keto miss the bigger pictureThe truth about protein, fasting, and why micro-counting often backfiresHow Vanessa balances Doritos, home-cooked meals, and plant-based principlesNutrition as behavior change, not just “eat more vegetables”(00:29:00) Therapy, Caregiving, and Whole-Person HealingHow Culina Health integrates with physicians and therapists for 360° careThe role of dietitians in eating disorder recovery and mental health supportWhy therapy for caregivers is just as important as therapy for patientsVanessa’s own two-therapist system: one for trauma, one for feelings(00:35:00) Menopause, Midlife, and Finding JoyHer experience with medically induced menopause and brain fog&nbsp;Why women need different strategies after 35&nbsp;How AI is reshaping the future of nutrition and health-techThe freedom of midlife: smaller circles, more joy, and living on your own termsThanks for the support from our partners, including: Guest ResourcesFollow Vanessa on InstagramLearn more about Culina HealthFollow Culina Health on InstagramIf this episode moved you, please consider supporting The Big Silence Foundation and exploring our resources:Connect with The