Send us a text

In this conversation, Nancy, Keery and Margaret discuss the complexities of dating, particularly focusing on the challenges women face when navigating relationships with narcissists and emotionally abusive partners. They explore the importance of recognizing green flags, understanding the difference between nice guys and good guys, and the significance of self-love and boundaries in fostering healthy relationships. Margaret shares her personal experiences and insights on healing from trauma, emphasizing the need for women to step back and allow men to pursue them, while also highlighting the dangers of emotional manipulation. The discussion culminates in a powerful message about the journey from brokenness to empowerment, encouraging women to seek support and prioritize their well-being.

Send us a text

In this powerful episode of Shut Up and Smile, your hosts Nancy and Keery sit down with Margaret Stone—a licensed clinical therapist turned no-nonsense dating coach for women. Margaret specializes in helping women break free from toxic relationship cycles, including narcissistic abuse, love bombing, and anxious attachment.

With her signature tough-love style, Margaret walks us through her non-negotiable coaching framework, sheds light on the red flags too many women ignore, and explains how feminine power is key to reclaiming emotional freedom. From healing childhood wounds to navigating modern dating with clarity and confidence, this episode is packed with real talk, relatable insights, and empowering truth bombs.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a pattern of “dating the wrong men” or questioned whether lasting love is still possible after trauma—this conversation is for you.

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode, host Nancy Kohne welcomes the dynamic Blanca Rodriguez, CEO of Wounded Healer, LLC. Blanca wears many healing hats—massage therapist (for both people and pets!), certified fitness instructor, Amazon best-selling co-author, speaker, podcaster, and holistic life coach.

Together, they explore:

• The meaning behind “Wounded Healer” and how Blanca’s personal journey shaped her mission
• How she integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual healing in her coaching
• Her powerful evolution into public speaking through Toastmasters—in both English and Spanish
• The heart-driven community work she does with survivors, senior dogs, and no-kill shelters
• Advice for bilingual women and immigrant communities who feel called to heal and lead

From trauma to transformation, Blanca’s story is one of purpose, visibility, and compassion. Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation filled with healing, heart, and hope.

🗣️ Bianca always offer our listeners some "free life coaching" so don't miss it!

💜 Visit us at shutupandsmile.com
📩 Write us at: shutupandsmilelive@gmail.com
🛑 If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek help. You are not alone.

Until next time, never shut up—and smile on.

Send us a text

Get ready for a raw, real, and unexpectedly witty conversation as we sit down with author Jodi Pavlock to discuss her powerful new book, Jekyll Can’t Hyde. In this candid and emotionally charged interview, Jodi pulls back the curtain on the seductive charm and devastating fallout of falling in love with not one—but two—narcissists.

From emotional manipulation and gaslighting to reclaiming her voice and rediscovering her worth, Jodi walks us through the highs, lows, and jaw-dropping twists of her story. Through heartfelt storytelling and unapologetic honesty, she sheds light on the rarely spoken reality of narcissistic abuse—and why breaking the silence is the first step toward healing.

Jekyll Can’t Hyde isn’t just a memoir—it’s a survival guide packed with wisdom, wit, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you’re in the midst of your own storm or standing in the light after it, Jodi’s story will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and empowered to take your life back.

Send us a text

In this deeply personal episode, host Nancy Kohne continues her story, picking up from the summer of 1999. She had just moved into her dream home, believing she was building a perfect life with her partner. However, the reality was far from ideal—she was unknowingly trapped in a relationship with a pathological liar, someone who manipulated her emotions, isolated her from loved ones, and constantly kept her on edge.

Nancy recounts the terrifying events of a seemingly ordinary morning—dropping off her kids at school, making a quick stop at the bank, and then experiencing a horrific car accident caused by her partner’s reckless and aggressive driving. What should have been a minor inconvenience escalated into a near-fatal crash, leaving her unconscious and later waking up in the hospital. As she processed the trauma, she wrestled with overwhelming guilt, questioning whether she could have prevented it, and berating herself for not speaking up when she sensed danger.

Send us a text

Nancy took an unexpected ten-month break from her podcast, Shut Up and Smile, due to a series of personal challenges. Now she’s back, excited to relaunch Season Two in September. Here are the main highlights she covers in her update:

1. Reasons for the Hiatus

• After planning only a short pause, life threw numerous obstacles her way—medical concerns, family dynamics, and unexpected emotional stress—that prolonged her break.
• She struggled with self-doubt about continuing creative projects but ultimately persevered thanks to encouragement from loved ones.

2. Personal and Family Changes

• Nancy’s household experienced both joy and upheaval: she welcomed her second step-grandchild over the summer and undertook major home renovations.
• Her “bonus” daughter, B, who had been living with them and receiving substantial help, abruptly moved out and cut off contact, leaving Nancy hurt and questioning her own boundaries.
• Meanwhile, her son Jordan left home but returned, offering Nancy solace and a sense of closure after B’s departure.

3. Friendship Ups and Downs

• Nancy lost a close friend, Leah, over misunderstandings and hurt feelings surrounding a July 4th event and a wedding. Despite efforts to reconnect, Leah blocked Nancy on all platforms, leaving Nancy both shocked and saddened.
• Reflecting on the conflict, Nancy notes that sometimes friends walk away without resolution, and she’s had to accept that as part of life.

4. Health Struggles

• Nancy copes with five autoimmune diseases (including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic fatigue), which flare up in colder months.
• She dealt with severe throat issues, possibly related to a new RA medication, resulting in an emergency endoscopy and ongoing treatment.
• Recent months brought additional surgeries and health scares, amplifying her anxiety and PTSD.

5. A New Book and Future Podcast Plans

• Nancy has been working on a book about her journey as an abuse survivor and hopes it will inspire others to share their own stories.
• Season Two of Shut Up and Smile will feature co-host Keery, plus guests who will share stories of survival and discuss mental health and other important topics.
• She’s determined to continue advocating for abuse survivors and to encourage conversations that support healing.

Despite the setbacks and heartaches, Nancy’s renewed energy and optimism drive her forward. She invites listeners to revisit Season One episodes and get ready for a bigger, better Season Two, launching in September, complete with new content, interviews, and her forthcoming book.

Send us a text

In this raw and real episode, Nancy shares her personal journey of trying to save her beloved pit bull, Jasmine, who had behavioral issues. She recounts how she rescued Jasmine and her sister as puppies, and the challenges they faced due to their inbreeding. Nancy describes the incidents where Jasmine attacked other dogs and a person, leading to vet bills and legal concerns. Despite her efforts to train and rehome Jasmine, her anxiety and aggression continued to escalate. Ultimately, Nancy had to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize Jasmine. This experience has made Nancy reflect on the importance of choosing who to love and save, and the need for support for those in abusive situations.

Send us a text

Nancy shares her journey of attending her son's army graduation and spending time with her daughter in California. She reflects on the pride she felt seeing her son's transformation and the special moments they shared.

Nancy also discusses her experience of being in an abusive relationship and the emotional toll it took on her. She opens up about the manipulation and control she endured, highlighting the importance of sharing her story to help others in similar situations.