Send us a text

The laughter starts with old-school cologne and a running joke about who’s the “sapphire,” then takes a deliberate turn into what those small rituals really mean. We talk about flipping the switch from smelling good for strangers to making it a daily love language at home—tiny habits that say “you matter” without a single grand gesture. That warmth sets the stage for a deeper journey through fidelity, boundaries, and the work it takes to rebuild trust after harm.

We open up about loyalty the hard way. Michael owns a past he’s not proud of and outlines the signs partners often miss—tactical avoidance, wardrobe tricks, and shifting timelines—so more people can protect themselves. Victoria brings the counterweight: healing after narcissistic abuse, how survivors reclaim identity, and why planning an escape is not paranoia but survival. The system comes under scrutiny too. Shielded, her upcoming book, exposes good‑old‑boy networks, intimidation, and the courtroom dynamics that interrogate victims instead of protecting them. It’s critical, but it’s also constructive, mapping out tools, language, and mindset for real recovery.

There are bright anchors throughout—dad–daughter movie nights, pizza runs in freezing weather, and the quiet power of tucking kids into a home that never confuses love with fear. We share a parking-lot moment that shows how advocacy can begin with one sentence and a reflection in a window. If you’re searching for steps forward, you’ll find practical insight on safety planning, survivor support, trauma-informed healing, and breaking generational cycles so children learn a different normal. Search for Victoria Cuore and Faith Cuore Solomon on Amazon, or drop by ContagiousSmile.com to explore the books and resources we mention.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help others find these tools. Your peace is worth the plan, your story is worth the work, and your future is worth the courage to begin today.

Support the show