Libsyn Directory

Learning to Break the Silence

Release Date: 05/26/2026

A Thousand Tiny Steps

Running was a part of my life for years and then… it was gone. I’ve had to rebuild my life piece by piece and in the process I’ve realized I need to get back into running. It’s the sport that taught me to love my body and more importantly gave me a community that understood the struggles and triumphs of running. Key Takeaways: [3:11] Running allowed me to love my body [5:11] The sexual abuse that’s prevelant to elite athletes [7:42] Being isolated from the running community [10:57] Thinking back to why I didn’t fight for myself [12:55] Running...

What Does Consent Mean to You?

A Thousand Tiny Steps

I’m quiet. I freeze. I don’t say no. My consent is violated again and again by numerous people in different situations that still follow me today. I did a deep dive on the types of consent, what it actually means, and why the meaning of it gets tricky for people. In this episode, I explore the different types of consent and how those have gone wrong in my life. Key Takeaways: [0:00] Saying the quiet part out loud and sexual assault [4:11] I don’t defend myself or set boundaries [5:47] Consent: voluntary, informed, mutual, respect personal...

Learning to Break the Silence

A Thousand Tiny Steps

The shouting starts, voices overlapping, and I freeze. I stay quiet hoping not to be noticed. Now, I’m having to unlearn that… A thousand tiny steps, right? It’s easier to not say anything, to justify the abuse, to defend those that have hurt me, but repeating traumatic situations because it’s familiar in my life can’t continue forever. This is how I’m taking small steps towards healing. Key Takeaways: [0:00] Giving $13,000 in scholarships [2:25] Cleaning out dance clothes [3:41] People want to be seen and heard [5:33] In conflict, I freeze up...

The Number 13 is Sacred

A Thousand Tiny Steps

Treat Yourself Like your Best Friend

A Thousand Tiny Steps

I went to Molly’s grave, but it’s not the same anymore. I know that as time passes, others forget, but I never will. So, as I grapple with that, I reflect on the amazing people I got to see, what I’m planning to do next with the podcast, and just sitting in my grief. Key Takeaways: [0:00] I don’t celebrate Mother’s Days anymore [2:50] The first Molly WOD not to be during death week [4:54] Visiting Molly’s gravestone and seeing Tim and Ricky [7:53] Kenny didn’t come visit Molly’s grave [9:46] Surround yourself with community in grief ...

Visiting France with Gracie

A Thousand Tiny Steps

Grab a baguette or an Oreo Coolatta, and find out what Gracie has been up to for 3 months in France as I recount our family’s visit to France to see Gracie. From Gracie making a lot of supportive friends from all over the world to Jack eating all the ice cream he possibly can, and talking about the fact that it’s been 10 years since Molly died. Key Takeaways: [0:37] Gracie has lived in France for 3 months [3:05] Public transportation is one of the biggest differences [5:25] Food quality in France is superior to America [7:56] Disneyland Paris is different...

Memories of the Boston Marathon

A Thousand Tiny Steps

As I’ve come up on the 10th anniversary of Molly’s death I look back on how as much as things change, they also stay the same. I was in Europe 10 years ago at this moment and that’s where I am now, but this time I’m trying to figure out where do I belong in life and how do I feel like I still have purpose as I age? Key Takeaways: [0:14] My memories of 2016 and going to Europe [2:38] Not going to the Marathon for years - and finally going back now [3:47] Reconnecting with so many lovely people at the Marathon [6:47] The...

Lady Justice and the Sisterhood of the Crones with author Jennifer Speidel

A Thousand Tiny Steps

Jennifer Speidel, my long time friend and now author, wrote a book called Lady Justice and the Sisterhood of the Crones. A story of a corrupt world where women are silenced and it’s up to Mavon and Buluku to get justice, gain wisdom, and rise to their true power. Key Takeaways: [0:39] Why I decided to write my first book: womanhood and getting older [4:20] I started the book by writing the chapter titles and developing characters [6:05] Crones in the book and what it represents in real life [12:07] The...

Gracie's in France!

A Thousand Tiny Steps

Gracie has been living in France and is here to tell us all what it’s been like! From navigating bonjour correctly to making friends with people from all over the world, and just being in your 20s navigating new experiences and a whole lotta change. Key Takeaways: [0:44] I’ve been working for Disney in France for a 2 months and here’s what’s different [6:22] The pastries are to die for, but the food is bland [12:14] Portion sizes are definitely smaller [14:12] Disney World Orlando vs Disney Land Paris [17:59] The French go on strike a lot [19:52] Work...

Molly’s Been Dead for 10 Years

A Thousand Tiny Steps

My mom is moving into what has been my office for years, another Molly birthday went by without her here, I’m exhausted from a lack of support, and I’m trying to find myself through it all. So if you also don’t know what you’re doing? Hi, I’m Barb! Join the club. Key Takeaways: [0:00] I bought my house 26 years ago [2:17] We’re moving my mom into my old office and it’s a lotta work [4:20] Molly’s been dead for 10 years [5:26] There’s a shift in the air [7:45] These past 18 months I’ve had to put myself aside for others [9:38] What’s next...

More Episodes

Key Takeaways:

[0:00] Giving $13,000 in scholarships

[2:25] Cleaning out dance clothes

[3:41] People want to be seen and heard

[5:33] In conflict, I freeze up and become quiet

[7:58] Why do I defend those who have hurt me by hiding?

[10:28] Repeating the trauma that happened in my childhood

[15:07] Justifying the abuse to make it less painful

[16:14] Not standing up for myself when losing my job

[17:47] Not speaking up enough in the ER with Molly and taking settlement money

[20:01] What trauma bonding actually is and my experience with it