A Contagious Smile Podcast

Send us a text

Every survivor deserves a voice—regardless of gender. When Michael witnessed his wife Victoria's domestic violence advocacy work up close for the first time, it sparked a raw, necessary conversation about who abuse affects and how cycles can be broken.
Victoria pulls back the curtain on her nearly two decades as an advocate, showing how she bridges the gap between survivors, law enforcement, and the court system. She explains the crucial first steps an advocate takes when approaching authorities: "I am not a threat to you, I am a domestic violence advocate." This inside look demystifies a process that many fear, potentially giving survivors the courage to seek the help they deserve.
The conversation takes a powerful turn when Michael shares his own journey as a male survivor of emotional and financial abuse. "I would tell people, 'Oh, that's just the way she is' for years," he reveals, describing how he would "smile and laugh it off" while going home miserable. His vulnerability challenges the harmful stereotype that men can't be victims, showing fellow male survivors they aren't alone in their experiences.
Both hosts emphasize that breaking generational cycles is possible—and essential. "It is not fair to make our children spend their adulthood recovering from their childhood," Victoria states, as they discuss how conscious parenting choices can create homes free from the trauma they experienced. Their message is clear: whether you're seeking help or supporting someone who is, speaking up against abuse changes lives.
Ready to join the conversation about breaking cycles of abuse? Subscribe now and share your thoughts. If you're experiencing domestic violence or know someone who is, resources are available through our website—because everyone deserves a life free from abuse.

Support the show

Send us a text

Financial abuse remains one of the most powerful yet least understood tactics used by abusers to maintain control. In this raw, emotional conversation, two survivors share their hard-earned strategies for financially preparing to escape dangerous relationships.
The hosts reveal detailed methods that helped them break free—from getting cash back at checkout and removing that portion of receipts, to building reserves through reward programs, gift cards, and couponing. Their advice extends beyond merely saving money to creating comprehensive safety plans, including teaching children emergency protocols and maintaining "grab-and-go" safes with essential documents.
What makes this episode particularly powerful is the authentic vulnerability shared through personal stories. One host reveals the horrifying moment her ex-partner deliberately endangered her infant daughter's life by obstructing her tracheostomy, while another describes preparing end-of-life instructions for her teenage son when she discovered her ex was planning to kill her. These aren't theoretical scenarios but lived experiences that underscore why financial preparation can be life-saving.
The conversation also addresses the judgment survivors often face from those who've never experienced abuse, with a poignant story about confronting a mother who blamed her daughter for staying in an abusive relationship. The comparison between seeking specialized medical care for cancer versus appropriate support for domestic violence survivors resonates deeply.
Whether you're currently planning your exit, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand the complex dynamics of abuse, this episode offers practical wisdom, emotional support, and above all, the reassurance that you are not alone on this journey.

Support the show

Send us a text

When Malcolm Goodwin reached out to thank Victoria for saving his friend's life, it reinforced exactly why the Contagious Smile podcast exists. "I'm not looking for praise or notoriety," Victoria shares with raw honesty. "When I went through this and was laying on the floor bleeding, not wanting to get up, I wished someone could say 'I've got you. You're not alone.'" That connection – knowing someone understands your darkest moments – can transform a tiny remaining spark into a wildfire of healing.
This episode unveils exciting new developments, including Victoria joining Cameo as talent (at just $10 per video) and the creation of the Stucco Squad community, named after Victoria's beloved service dog. The Squad will offer special merchandise including hospital-friendly bracelets for children and families navigating medical challenges. Michael and Victoria's natural, sometimes hilarious banter reveals why their authenticity resonates with millions of listeners worldwide, propelling their podcast into the top 2% globally.
The heart of their mission shines through stories of impact – how Victoria's memoir "Who Kicked First" took a decade to write due to fear but ultimately saved lives, and how her domestic violence advocacy creates practical safety plans for those in danger. Their work extends beyond trauma to celebrate relationships that heal, like Michael's special father-daughter bond with Faith, showcased through weekly movie nights and playful pranks that balance the heavier topics with genuine joy.
Whether you're a survivor seeking connection, a parent navigating challenges, or someone wanting to understand trauma's impact, the Contagious Smile podcast offers a rare blend of unflinching honesty and hopeful perspective. Join the Stucco Squad community on Facebook to participate in upcoming events, contests, and receive updates on their initiatives that turn pain into purpose and isolation into belonging.

Support the show

Send us a text

What does it mean to transform personal trauma into a mission that uplifts others? Join Victoria and Michael as they unveil several groundbreaking initiatives designed to create safe spaces for those who need them most.
The excitement is palpable as Victoria announces their podcast-a-thon benefiting Give Kids the World, an extraordinary organization providing magical experiences for children with critical illnesses. This partnership with Make-A-Wish represents their commitment to creating meaningful moments for families facing unimaginable challenges.
Meet the Stucco Squad – named after Victoria's beloved service dog – a community where extraordinary superheroes can form lifelong friendships and be validated for exactly who they are. Michael shares a touching story about inviting a young woman with special needs to appear on their show, and how her tears of joy illustrated exactly why representation matters.
Drawing from her nearly 20 years of advocacy experience, Victoria introduces the Safe Haven Phoenix Center for survivors of abuse. With courses priced at just $4.99, she explains, "I've been exactly where you've been, but I went there alone, and I don't want anybody to have to go through that alone." This philosophy of paying forward hard-won wisdom permeates everything they create.
The conversation takes a powerful turn when Victoria demonstrates what resilience truly means. As an amputee who hangs pictures with a hammer and nail one-handed, she embodies her philosophy that "impossible" should be reframed as "I'm possible." Through stories of nearly losing their daughter and spending months in ICU, they remind us that life's petty annoyances pale in comparison to what truly matters.
Subscribe to extend your smile with Victoria and Michael as they continue creating platforms that validate voices, heal wounds, and celebrate the extraordinary in all of us. Your voice matters here – whether you're speaking, signing, or simply seeking connection in a world that sometimes forgets to listen.

Support the show

Send us a text

Ever experienced the chaos of a last-minute surgery mix-up and the unexpected presence of a plastic surgeon? That's exactly what happened to us, Victoria and Michael, as we embarked on a whirlwind hospital adventure. From the frantic journey to the operating room to sharing light-hearted moments with a nurse who recognized us, this episode is a rollercoaster of emotions. Victoria, in her 18th surgery, remains a beacon of resilience, humorously refusing pain meds despite the complex nerve and muscle procedure on her arm.
Navigating the post-surgery landscape turned out to be as unpredictable as the surgery itself. We recount the trials of recovering without proper guidance, facing an allergic reaction to surgical tape, and managing the painstaking wound care at home. Through it all, the unwavering support from our family, especially our daughter Faith, becomes a powerful reminder of the strength and laughter that bind us together. Sharing these moments, we underscore the significance of empathy and effective communication in healthcare, highlighting needs that are as important as the medical procedures themselves.
As we wrap up, we share the behind-the-scenes challenges of improving our podcast, including our quest for better audio quality with upgraded microphones. It's all part of our commitment to delivering a better experience for our listeners, while balancing the humor and heart that define our show. We invite you to join our journey, engage with us on social media, and even participate as a guest. With playful banter and heartfelt exchanges, we offer a genuine glimpse into our lives, showing how humor and love can heal even the deepest scars.

Support the show