Becoming Sound

What if the reason you keep attracting the wrong relationships has less to do with dating... and more to do with the relationship you have with yourself?

In this episode, Krista sits down with dating and relationship coach Lilli Bewley to explore the deeper patterns that influence love, connection, boundaries, self-worth, and emotional healing. What begins as a conversation about dating quickly becomes a much bigger discussion about identity, self-abandonment, childhood conditioning, attachment patterns, and learning to trust yourself again.

Lilli shares her own journey from feeling unseen and unheard to creating a life and relationship built on authenticity, alignment, and self-trust. Together, Krista and Lilli unpack why so many women struggle to feel fulfilled despite doing all the "right" things and how healing old wounds can transform every area of life, not just romantic relationships.

Whether you're single, dating, married, divorced, or simply working on becoming more connected to yourself, this episode offers powerful insights into the patterns that may be keeping you stuck and how to begin creating healthier relationships from the inside out.

Key Takeaways

✔ Awareness is the first step, but healing requires action.

✔ Your triggers are not the problem. They are information.

✔ The patterns showing up in your relationships often started long before your current relationship.

✔ Self-love is not something you earn through achievement.

✔ Healing isn't about fixing yourself. It's about building a new relationship with yourself.

✔ The healthiest relationships begin when your thoughts, actions, emotions, and values are aligned.

Connect with Lilli Bewley

What happens when the person you love most is struggling, and you realize you've been losing yourself in the process?

In this deeply honest conversation, Krista sits down with returning guest and author Elana Epstein to talk about her powerful new book, Today Will Be Fearless, and the unexpected healing that can emerge from life's most painful experiences.

As mothers of sons in recovery, both Krista and Elana share what it was really like to navigate addiction, fear, guilt, codependency, self-sacrifice, and the painful realization that healing wasn't just their children's work, it was theirs too.

Together they explore:

• Why so many parents blame themselves when addiction enters the family
• The connection between a child's self-destruction and our own self-abandonment
• How people pleasing, overfunctioning and codependency keep everyone stuck
• The importance of boundaries and learning to let go of control
• Why "going first" in recovery can transform an entire family system
• The role hope plays in healing
• What happens when we stop hiding pain and start telling the truth
• How recovery creates opportunities for growth, connection and deeper self-awareness

This conversation is filled with compassion, wisdom and practical insight for anyone loving someone through addiction, mental health challenges, or difficult life circumstances.

Connect with Elana

In this heartfelt and honest episode of Becoming Sound, Krista and Shannon sit down for another “Oversharing with Shannon” conversation to reflect on the biggest lessons they’ve learned over the past year after both turning 56.

From overcoming fear and public speaking anxiety to healing family relationships, setting boundaries, trusting your nervous system, and learning to stop abandoning yourself, this episode is packed with real talk, laughter, emotional honesty, and powerful takeaways for anyone navigating midlife growth, healing, identity, and self worth.

Oh, and there’s a dog in a hoodie, I mean come on 👀

Together, they explore:
• Why confidence comes through action, not overthinking
• The difference between people pleasing and living in service
• How nervous system awareness changes everything
• What it means to truly come back to yourself
• Why asking for help can feel so difficult
• The importance of boundaries, self trust, and authenticity
• Midlife healing, peace, and finding joy in simplicity

This episode feels like sitting down with two best friends having the kind of conversation many women desperately need to hear: honest, vulnerable, funny, healing, and deeply relatable.

If you’ve ever struggled with overfunctioning, fear of judgment, perfectionism, people pleasing, burnout, or feeling disconnected from yourself, this conversation will remind you that growth doesn’t come from becoming someone new. It comes from finally becoming more yourself.

🎧 Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that healing, confidence, and peace are still possible.

What happens when you spend your life holding everything together… and it finally catches up to you?

In this powerful episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with Evan Whitehead to unpack the hidden cost of over-functioning, people-pleasing, and living in survival mode.

From growing up in a home shaped by addiction, to becoming a high-achieving athlete and leader… Evan shares how success on the outside masked what was happening internally.

Until it didn’t.

A mental health crisis, addiction, and complete burnout forced a moment of truth that changed everything.

This conversation covers:
✔️ Burnout and mental health
✔️ Emotional regulation and self-awareness
✔️ The truth about work-life balance
✔️ Why boundaries feel so hard
✔️ The 3 B’s: Balance, Boundaries, Breaks

If you’ve been pushing, performing, and holding it all together… this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar in the best way.

Connect with Evan:

🔗 Email: evanwhitehead11@gmail.com

🔗 X/Twitter: @evanwhitehead00

🔗 Instagram: @balanceboundariesandbreaks

🔗 LinkedIn: Evan Whitehead, Creator of the 3Bs Balance, Boundaries, and Breaks ™

What if your pain isn’t just physical… but something emotional your body has been holding onto for years?

In this episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with Lora to unpack a powerful story of chronic pain, trauma, identity, and healing through quantum energy work.

After a car accident at 15 and years of misdiagnosis, emotional suppression, and being told she was “too dramatic,” Lora found herself at rock bottom. What happened next completely changed her life.

This conversation explores:
✔️ Trauma stored in the body
✔️ The link between thoughts, identity, and pain
✔️ Nervous system regulation and healing
✔️ Quantum healing explained in simple terms
✔️ Why “I know” isn’t the same as awareness

If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected, or exhausted from carrying everything… this one will hit.

Connect with Lora:

What happens when addiction doesn’t just affect one person… but the entire family?

In this deeply honest conversation, Krista sits down with recovery coach and author Dave Mahler, who has experienced addiction from every angle, as a spouse, a parent, and someone navigating his own trauma.

Dave shares his powerful story of love, loss, and transformation, including the heartbreaking loss of his daughter to fentanyl poisoning. Together, they unpack the realities of addiction that often go unspoken: the chaos behind closed doors, the weight carried by families, and the patterns of over-functioning, enabling, and emotional survival.

This episode goes beyond awareness. It’s about understanding, breaking stigma, and learning what actually helps.

If you’ve ever loved someone struggling with addiction or felt the ripple effects in your own life, this conversation will meet you there.

Key Takeaways:

• Addiction affects everyone in the household, not just the individual
• You can’t fix someone else, but you can get support for yourself
• Recovery is more than sobriety, it’s a full lifestyle shift
• Language matters more than you think when supporting someone
• Healing happens faster when families do the work together
• You are not alone, even if it feels like it

Resources & Links for David Mahler:

Menopause isn’t just hot flashes. It’s anxiety out of nowhere, emotional swings, brain fog, weight gain that won’t budge, and feeling like a stranger in your own body.

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Krista and Shannon share their real experiences navigating perimenopause and menopause, from being dismissed by doctors to questioning their sanity, struggling with body changes, and the emotional toll no one prepared them for.

This conversation opens up what so many women are quietly going through and reminds you that you’re not crazy… and you’re definitely not alone.

Key Takeaways:

• You’re not “losing it”,  your hormones are shifting in a big way
• Mental health struggles during menopause are real and common
• Lack of education around women’s health is still a huge issue
• Your body changing isn’t failure - it’s transition
• You don’t have to go through this alone
• “Half the population goes through this, why aren’t we talking about it?”

Resource: https://www.instagram.com/drmaryclaire/

https://thepauselife.com/

Today we are getting real with why we are feeling disconnected and what we can do about it. What if the real reason you feel disconnected isn’t your life, your relationships, or your circumstances?

What if it’s the masks you’ve been wearing to survive?

In this solo episode of Becoming Sound, Krista shares a powerful, real-time reflection after attending a transformative workshop that challenged how she shows up, connects, and allows herself to be seen.

There is no polished “5 steps to be authentic” guide in here.
This is about what actually happens in your body, your nervous system, and your relationships when you stop performing… and start getting real with yourself.

Key Takeaways

• You’re not disconnected because something is wrong with you. You’ve just been conditioned to hide
• Masks might protect you, but they also block real connection
• Your nervous system plays a huge role in whether you feel safe to be yourself
• Authenticity isn’t a big leap, it’s small choices in real moments
• Real connection starts when you stop performing and start being honest

Because authenticity isn’t something you master.
It’s something you practice… one moment at a time. 

If you’ve been feeling disconnected from yourself… this is your invitation. To start noticing the masks. To get honest about where you’re holding back. And to take one small step toward being real.

And if you’re craving spaces where you don’t have to perform…
I’m building something for you. A community of women ready to drop the masks, reconnect, and actually feel like they belong in their own lives again.

Stay close. It’s coming. 

In this powerful and raw conversation, Krista sits down with Andrea Schroder to explore what it really takes to rebuild your life from the ground up.

Andrea shares her journey from early addiction, codependency, and living in survival mode to becoming a sober, self-aware, and empowered woman. From navigating a deeply complex marriage affected by alcoholism to losing her husband and caregiving for multiple family members, her story is one of resilience, honesty, and transformation.

Together, they unpack the realities of sobriety, the grief that comes with change, and the courage it takes to walk away from environments that keep you stuck. Andrea also shares how she rebuilt herself through yoga, nervous system work, and learning to trust her own voice again.

This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t linear, reinvention isn’t easy, and sometimes the life you want requires you to let everything else go first.

🎧 If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns, overwhelmed by your environment, or unsure how to start over… this one will hit.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• You can’t heal in the same environment that’s keeping you stuck
• Sobriety isn’t just about quitting something… it’s about rebuilding everything
• You cannot change someone else, no matter how much you love them
• Nervous system regulation is a game changer in healing
• Reinvention requires trying things, even when you don’t know who you are yet
• Grief, guilt, and growth can all exist at the same time
• The life you want may require letting go of the one you’ve known

Connect with Andrea:

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Krista sits down with leadership expert and speaker Ally Stone to unpack what it really means to lead from authenticity… not performance.

From building a $40M business in her early 20s to navigating personal trauma, loss, and the unknown, Ally shares how her leadership was shaped not in a classroom, but through real-life experiences that forced her to grow, adapt, and get honest with herself.

They dive into the hidden side of success… imposter syndrome, emotional breakdowns, and the pressure to hold it all together… and why the most impactful leaders are the ones willing to be seen in the mess, not just the highlight reel.

This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about having it all figured out… it’s about having the courage to show up anyway.

What You’ll Hear

• Why leadership is often born from survival, not strategy
• The impact of childhood experiences on how we show up as adults
• The truth about imposter syndrome… even at high levels of success
• What happens when life forces you to question everything you built
• The difference between performing as a leader vs. being one
• How vulnerability builds stronger teams, trust, and connection
• Why sitting with your emotions is a leadership skill
• Redefining success after trauma and unexpected life changes

Connect with Ally:

This episode of Oversharing with Shannon is your real-life check-in… the kind most of us avoid.

Krista and Shannon circle back to the goals they set and ask the uncomfortable question: are we actually living in alignment with what we said mattered… or just staying busy enough to not notice we’re not?

They get honest about what happens when life fills up, when “no time” becomes the default excuse, and how easily we disconnect from ourselves without even realizing it.

But the conversation goes deeper… into what we’re actually chasing underneath it all.

Because most of us say we want joy…
while still looking for it outside of ourselves.

They unpack what it really means to feel joy, not just talk about it… and how joy isn’t something you find out there, achieve, or finally earn when life slows down.

It’s something you allow. Something you embody.
Something that’s already available when you stop overriding yourself long enough to feel it.

Key Takeaways

• Being “too busy” is often avoidance in disguise
• The goals you set don’t fail… you just stop showing up for them
• Rest isn’t something you earn… it’s something you require
• Joy isn’t something you chase… it’s something you allow and embody
• Looking outside yourself for fulfillment keeps you disconnected from what’s already there
• When you don’t create space, life will force it eventually
• The “sweetness” of doing nothing feels uncomfortable… until it becomes the thing that brings you back to yourself

In this episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with Tami Lysher, trauma informed movement educator, Pilates studio owner, children’s yoga teacher, and creator of Move Into Calm, to explore how trauma lives in the body and why nervous system healing matters for both children and adults.

This conversation is both eye opening and deeply practical. Whether you are a parent, educator, someone living with stress stored in the body, or simply beginning to understand your own nervous system, this episode offers compassionate insight and simple ways to start reconnecting with yourself.

Key takeaways

1. Trauma is not just a memory, it is often a body experience.
2. Children’s behavior is communication, especially when they do not yet have language.
3. Trauma may show up in the body through illness, tension, jaw clenching, shallow breathing, digestive issues, and more.
4. Movement can be a powerful entry point for healing and regulation.
5. Breath work can help, but it needs to be approached gently because it can feel activating for some people.
6. Adults need regulation too. In fact, healing often starts with the adult nervous system first.
7. Kids need movement, play, risk, and connection more than more control and punishment.
8. Slowing down is often where awareness begins.

Connect with Tami:

🔗 https://www.studiotpilates.com/ 

In this deeply moving conversation, Neil Campbell shares his story as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and the long road toward reclaiming his voice.

For many survivors, the pain of trauma doesn’t stay in childhood. It shows up later as anxiety, shame, addiction, disconnection, and the quiet belief that you have to carry it alone. Neil speaks openly about how unspoken trauma impacts mental health, identity, and relationships, especially for men who often face additional stigma around sharing their experiences.

Through vulnerability and courage, Neil sheds light on the importance of breaking silence and allowing stories to be told. He also shares a powerful personal connection to Spider-Man, reflecting on how the idea of responsibility, resilience, and rising after hardship helped him make sense of his own journey.

This episode also highlights the life-changing work being done by Little Warriors and Be Brave Ranch, organizations dedicated to supporting children who have experienced sexual abuse and helping them begin the healing process.

Neil’s message is clear: healing begins when we stop carrying the weight alone.

This conversation is about courage, truth, and the power of speaking the words that once felt impossible to say.

Key Takeaways

• Childhood trauma can shape mental health and identity long into adulthood
• Male survivors often face additional stigma when speaking about abuse
• Silence and shame can keep trauma trapped in the body
• Sharing your story can be a powerful part of healing
• Support and community are critical for survivors
• Organizations like Little Warriors and Be Brave Ranch are helping young survivors access healing resources

Connect with Neil Campbell: 

What happens when loss changes you overnight?

In this deeply honest conversation, Tiffaney Childers shares what it was like to lose both of her parents to suicide within one year — and the invisible weight that followed. The grief. The stigma. The silence.

We talk about what survival mode really looks like, how it can protect us in the short term but quietly keep us stuck, and why healing doesn’t move in a straight line. It circles. It revisits. It softens and resurfaces.

Tiffaney opens up about the turning point that led her to create the Rise Up method — a framework born from her own healing journey. She speaks about community as medicine, journaling as processing, and the courage it takes to reach out when everything in you wants to withdraw.

This episode isn’t about tidy answers.
It’s about sitting in the truth.
And remembering that even after devastating loss, healing is still possible.

If you’ve experienced grief,  especially suicide loss — or love someone who has, this conversation offers compassion, perspective, and grounded hope.

Takeaways

• Grief doesn’t follow a timeline — it revisits in waves.
• Survival mode can help you get through, but healing requires intentional support.
• Stigma around suicide often keeps people silent — and silence deepens isolation.
• Reaching out for help is strength, not weakness.
• Processing emotions (through writing, therapy, or community) is essential to healing.
• Loss changes you — but it doesn’t have to define you.
• Sharing your story can become part of your healing — and someone else’s lifeline.

Connect with Tiffaney:

Kids are struggling, and most of the time, they don’t have the language to tell us how.

In this conversation, youth therapist Stacy Schaffer shares what she’s seeing after two decades of working with children and teens. From childhood trauma to emotional regulation, from social media pressure to silent anxiety, we unpack what’s actually happening beneath the behavior.

We talk about:

• Why “acting out” is often a nervous system in distress
• The long-term impact of childhood trauma
• How emotional language changes everything
• Why parents doing their own work is non-negotiable
• What signs of distress often get missed
• How to ask questions that actually open kids up

This episode isn’t about blaming parents. It’s about empowering them.

Because raising emotionally healthy kids starts with emotionally aware adults.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough — this conversation will steady you and stretch you in the best way.

🎧 Listen on all streaming platforms.

With Valentine’s Day just past, let’s talk love, longing, and letdowns.

In this episode of Oversharing, Krista and Shannon unpack the complicated emotional landscape of love — from the commercialization of Valentine’s Day to the very human experience of yearning, disappointment, and evolving expectations in relationships. This is an honest, grounded conversation about love in all its forms — romantic, platonic, and the relationship you have with yourself. 

They talk about:

• Why Valentine’s Day can trigger loneliness, resentment, or pressure
• The natural longing for love — and why it’s not something to be ashamed of
• Disillusionment in romantic relationships and what it actually teaches us
• How romance changes over time (and why that’s not always a bad thing)
• The importance of self-love, boundaries, and maintaining your identity
• Why modern dating can feel overwhelming, transactional, or exhausting
• What it really means to “fill your own cup”

Because love isn’t just flowers and grand gestures.

It’s respect.
It’s self-awareness.
It’s emotional maturity.
And sometimes? It’s learning to stop outsourcing your worth to someone else. If Valentine’s Day brings up mixed emotions for you — this one’s for you.

➡️ ‼️Attention:

My friend Elicia Ybarra is launching 21 Days to Unbreakable — a 21-day self-defence and confidence training for women who are done playing small.

This isn’t about living in fear. It’s about embodied confidence — learning how to protect yourself, trust your instincts, and walk through the world differently.

The program includes video lessons, a guided workbook, practice drills, and community support.

Addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling.
It reshapes entire families.

In this powerful episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with Joanna Miranda for an unfiltered conversation about addiction in the family, recovery, grief, parenting, and what real healing actually requires.

Joanna shares her personal journey navigating addiction within her family system — and the moment she realized that surviving wasn’t the same as healing.

Together, they unpack:

• Why silence keeps families stuck in cycles of addiction
• How language shapes recovery and mental health
• The difference between adapting to dysfunction and actually healing
• Why children need honesty — not protection from the truth
• How vulnerability builds trust and connection
• The awakening moment that changed everything

This episode dives deep into grief, self-love, and the courage it takes to tell the truth — especially when it’s uncomfortable.

Because pain is part of life.
But suffering in silence doesn’t have to be.

If you’ve been impacted by addiction — as a parent, partner, or child — this conversation will remind you that healing starts with honesty.

🎧 Listen now and join the movement toward truth, connection, and breaking generational cycles.

Connect with Joanna:

In this episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with Tanya Horne for an honest, grounding conversation about what healing actually looks like in real life—not the polished version, but the lived one.

Tanya shares her personal journey of healing from trauma and unpacks why healing isn’t a finish line, but an ongoing relationship with yourself. Together, they explore how humour can be a powerful regulation tool, why creativity often becomes a lifeline during recovery, and how slowing down can unlock clarity, connection, and deeper self-trust.

This episode also dives into the importance of boundaries as an act of self-respect, the role of community in sustainable healing, and why integration—bringing what you learn into how you live—is where real transformation happens.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing the work” but still questioning if you’re healing the right way, this conversation is a reminder: there is no one way—and you’re not behind.

✨ In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Why healing is a continuous journey, not a destination
• How humour helps process trauma and soften the nervous system
• The role of creativity in healing and self-expression
• Setting boundaries without guilt
• Why slowing down can actually move you forward
• Integrating insight into daily life
• How community support changes the healing experience
• Communication as a cornerstone of healthy relationships

🎧 Listen now and meet yourself where you are.

Connect with Tanya:

🔗 https://letsgetinfinite.com/

🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/161823953676531

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lets.get.infinite

🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letsgetinfinite

🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgetinfinite

Connect with Us:

In this episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with Angie Hawkins, an Inner Glow coach and author, for a deeply honest conversation about emotional unavailability, perfectionism, and the quiet exhaustion that comes from trying to hold it all together.

Angie shares her deeply honest journey from growing up with emotional unavailability, to chasing happiness through achievement, perfectionism, and even a bold solo move from Chicago to Hawaii. Despite outward success and adventure doing marathons, skydiving, and radical life changes, Angie found herself anxious, exhausted, and disconnected from her true self.

Angie shares why vulnerability isn’t weakness, how perfectionism disguises itself as “having it together,” and why joy is often found in the smallest, most ordinary moments. Angie also shares the story behind her book Running in Slippers, a metaphor for learning to move through life imperfectly, honestly, and with compassion.

This episode is for anyone who looks successful on the outside but feels disconnected on the inside—and is ready to stop running and start listening.

✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• How emotional unavailability in childhood shapes adult coping patterns
• Why changing your environment doesn’t automatically create happiness
• The cost of perfectionism on mental health and nervous system safety
• How grief and loss can become turning points instead of breaking points
• Why vulnerability is essential for authenticity and self-discovery
• What self-love actually looks like beyond quotes and surface-level fixes
• How finding joy in everyday moments supports healing and wholeness
• The role coaching can play in deep, sustainable personal growth

Connect with Angie:

In this candid and refreshingly honest episode of Becoming Sound, Krista and Shannon unpack the truth about goal setting, especially the kind that tends to blow up by mid-January. Together, they explore why traditional New Year’s resolutions often fail and how unrealistic expectations, emotional overwhelm, and lack of accountability quietly sabotage even the best intentions.

Krista opens up about her habit of setting overly ambitious goals fuelled by who she thinks she should be, while Shannon shares her more cautious, self-protective approach. Their conversation highlights the importance of understanding your current capacity, nervous system safety, and emotional bandwidth before setting goals that actually stick.

Rather than chasing productivity or perfection, this episode reframes goal setting as an act of self-awareness and self-respect. Krista and Shannon share practical, doable strategies for creating goals that support joy, clarity, and sustainability—including breaking goals into manageable steps, challenging negative self-talk, and building accountability through safe relationships.

If you’ve ever felt behind, unmotivated, or frustrated with yourself for “failing” at goals, this episode offers a grounding, compassionate reset—and permission to do things differently this year.

Who This Episode Is For

• Anyone exhausted by hustle culture and unrealistic expectations
• Listeners who abandon goals and then spiral into self-judgment
• People navigating transition, burnout, or emotional overwhelm
• Anyone craving a softer, more sustainable approach to growth

🎧 Listen now and start setting goals that work with you—not against you.

Connect with Us: 

In this powerful episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with Bill Hoopes to explore how early life experiences shape our decisions, leadership style, and parenting approach. Bill shares his journey through a challenging childhood, the pivotal choices that altered his life’s trajectory, and how mentorship—both given and received—can become a lifeline.

As a coach and mentor for young women in sports, Bill speaks candidly about family dynamics, emotional responsibility, and the often-overlooked influence parents have on their children’s confidence and self-worth. The conversation also introduces his 60 for Me movement—a simple yet powerful daily practice focused on self-care, accountability, and showing up with intention.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, mentors, coaches, and anyone navigating personal growth while trying to lead the next generation with awareness instead of autopilot.

Key Takeaways

• Early childhood experiences can deeply influence life choices and leadership styles
• One intentional decision can completely change the direction of your life
• Mentorship plays a critical role in helping young people build confidence and resilience
• Family dynamics and parental behavior significantly impact a child’s emotional development
• Self-awareness is essential for both personal growth and conscious parenting
• The 60 for Me movement encourages daily accountability and intentional self-care
• Empowerment starts with consistency, not perfection
• Growth happens when responsibility replaces blame

Connect with Bill:

In this deeply honest episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with Janelle Martin, author of Losing Her, Finding Us, to explore addiction through a rare and powerful dual perspective — that of a parent and a child in recovery.

Janelle shares her journey as a mother navigating her daughter’s addiction and recovery, opening up about the emotional toll addiction takes on families, the weight of shame and guilt parents often carry, and why denial can keep families stuck longer than necessary.

Together, Krista and Janelle unpack the importance of early intervention, education around addiction and brain health, and the life-changing power of community support. This conversation offers compassion, clarity, and hope for parents who love their children deeply but feel lost, afraid, or unsure how to help.

If you are parenting a child struggling with addiction — or healing from the ripple effects of substance use within your family — this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, and support is not a failure… it’s a lifeline.

 Key Takeaways

• Addiction impacts the entire family, not just the individual
• Shame and guilt often keep parents from asking for help
• A dual parent-child perspective offers deeper understanding and healing
• Early intervention can change the trajectory of substance use
• Brain health practices support recovery and emotional regulation
• Education empowers parents to respond with compassion instead of fear
• Community support is essential — isolation makes everything harder
• Sharing our stories helps break stigma and invites connection

Connect with Janelle

As we close the door on 2025 and step into a brand-new year, Krista Zaft invites you into a reflective, honest solo episode of Becoming Sound - one rooted in gratitude, growth, and gentle truth-telling.

In this episode, Krista shares the powerful lessons she learned in 2025 and the things she’s deeply grateful for, offering insight into self-love, fear, manifestation, curiosity, and the importance of slowing down—especially when life forces your hand.

From reprogramming limiting beliefs and reframing fear as excitement, to learning how thoughts shape reality and why curiosity can be healing, this conversation is a reminder that growth doesn’t come from pushing harder—it comes from becoming more aware, more compassionate, and more intentional.

Krista also opens up about a life-altering car accident late in the year that required her to slow down, listen to her body, and release old patterns of over-functioning. Instead of ending the year depleted, she chose to finish it softer, clearer, and grounded—entering 2026 with less pressure and more presence.

This episode is for anyone:

• Reflecting on a challenging or transformative year
• Working on self-love and mindset shifts
• Navigating fear, transitions, or personal growth
• Ready to move into the new year with intention—not burnout

If you’re craving permission to slow down, choose yourself, and move forward with clarity and compassion, this episode is for you.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love your support.
Please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who might need it—it truly helps these conversations reach the people they’re meant for.

And if you’re feeling ready to shift old patterns, gain clarity, or move into the next season of your life with intention and support, coaching can be a powerful next step. You’ll find links in the show notes to explore what that could look like.

Connect with Us: 

Christmas can be magical… and brutal. In this holiday episode of Becoming Sound, Krista and Shannon celebrate one year of “Oversharing with Shannon” with a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and honest.

They talk about growing up with dysfunction and hyper-vigilance during the holidays - and how Christmas can carry both joy and emotional landmines. Shannon shares what it was like to stop celebrating Christmas during junior high and high school due to religion, and how that absence shaped her relationship with the season. The conversation also touches on divorce, shared custody, lonely Christmas moments, and the heavy pressure many parents, especially moms, carry to make the holidays “perfect.”

This episode is a permission slip to drop unrealistic expectations and create traditions that actually work for your real life—whether that’s a smaller celebration, cozy connection, or even McDonald’s on fine china.

If the holidays feel complicated for you, you’re not alone. This one is for anyone navigating grief, family stress, old programming, or the quiet work of rewriting the season on your own terms.

Key Takeaways

In this episode, Krista sits down with author and mental health advocate Jalene Murphy for a vulnerable, wide-open conversation about courage, self-discovery, and what it really takes to walk away from the life you thought you should live in order to step into the one that’s actually yours.

Jalene shares the heart and grit behind her book Modern Day Courage, diving into the perfectionism she wore like armor, the identity shifts she navigated after leaving a heterosexual marriage, and the emotional weight of bullying that shaped her early years. Together, they explore the role of community, the quiet bravery of baby steps, and the power of choosing authenticity over expectation.

This is an episode for anyone who’s ever felt torn between who they were taught to be and who they’re becoming.

Takeaways

• True courage often looks like tiny steps, taken consistently.
• Perfectionism can keep you from seeing yourself clearly.
• Healing isn’t linear — but self-awareness makes it possible.
• Community is essential; no one grows in isolation.
• Embracing your identity is an act of liberation.
• Sharing your story creates connection, hope, and healing for others.

Connect with Jalene:

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalenemurphy/

🔗 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/jalene.smith.7

🔗 LinkedIn: JaleneMurphy

🔗 Website: www.jalenemurphy.com

In this week’s conversation, Krista sits down with young author and mental-health advocate Natasha Soregaroli, whose book Becoming Me Again dives deep into the emotional reality of growing up in a hyper-connected digital world. Together, they unpack the pressures of social media, the weight of comparison, and the loneliness that often hides behind the screen.

Natasha opens up about her journey through self-doubt, journaling her way toward clarity, and finding confidence through action - not perfection. Krista and Natasha explore how parents can shift from controlling to coaching, how vulnerability creates connection, and why young people need safe spaces to question, explore, and simply be.

This empowering episode reminds listeners that self-discovery isn’t a one-time event - it’s a lifelong invitation to know yourself more deeply and grow with intention.

Key Takeaways

• Self-discovery is a lifelong practice, not a finish line.
• Social media can be both supportive and emotionally overwhelming.
• Parenting is most powerful when rooted in guidance, not restriction.
• Confidence grows through small, consistent actions — not waiting to feel ready.
• Journaling helps release emotional clutter and builds inner awareness.
• Vulnerability in writing or sharing creates real connection and healing.
• Community support is essential for young people navigating their identity.
• Curiosity and self-questioning strengthen emotional well-being.
• Celebrating achievements helps integrate growth and build resilience.
• Every person — at any age — faces moments of self-doubt and loneliness.

Connect with Natasha: 

In this powerful episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with KL Wells for a deeply human, soul-steadying conversation about addiction, recovery, parenting, and what it really means to love someone through their darkest moments. KL shares her raw journey of growing up around addiction, raising a child in crisis, and discovering that resilience isn’t born from perfection - it’s built in the trenches.

Together, they explore the emotional weight families carry, the importance of boundaries, and how self-care becomes a lifeline instead of a luxury. KL reflects on her work in the recovery community, the stories she’s gathered through her own podcast, and how sharing truth dismantles stigma. This episode is an empowering reminder that healing isn’t solitary, it’s communal. And even in chaos, hope, connection, and higher consciousness can rise.

If you’re navigating addiction personally or loving someone who is, this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and real talk about what thriving in the middle of the storm actually looks like.

Key Takeaways

• KL’s story shows how childhood addiction shapes identity—and resilience.
• “Being the love on the sidewalk” is one of the most profound ways to support someone in crisis.
• You can care deeply and hold boundaries—support doesn’t mean self-abandonment.
• Thriving in chaos comes from intention, not perfection.
• Understanding addiction helps us respond with empathy instead of fear.
• Self-care is a form of leadership, not selfishness.
• Even the darkest moments can birth purpose and healing.
• Community and shared stories are essential in recovery.
• Talking openly about addiction breaks shame and stigma.
• Awakening to higher consciousness creates space for collective healing.

Connect with KL Wells:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klwells1/

🔗 IG:  https://www.instagram.com/voicesincourage/

🔗 FB: https://www.facebook.com/katherine.wells.98

🔗 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@voicesincourage

Holiday Hustle? I think not! Listen in as Krista and Shannon dive into the emotional weight women often carry not just during the holiday season, but in regular life - the endless to-do lists, the unspoken expectations, and the perfectionism that leads straight to burnout. Together, they unpack the patterns that keep women stuck, specifically, Krista's recent mini melt down and how Shannon came to the rescue (that's what besties are for) to cycles of overfunctioning and overwhelm, and explore practical ways to reclaim peace, presence, and perspective. It’s easier than you think.

The conversation touches on everything from emotional expression and asking for help, to finding simple and practical steps that actually support you (not add more to your plate). Krista and Shannon share personal stories and hard-won lessons about setting boundaries, simplifying commitments, and recognizing when “coping” has turned into overcompensating.

This episode is a gentle but honest reminder that you don’t have to do it all — and that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for yourself and your family is to pause, ask for help, and prioritize your own well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Women often internalize the pressure to “do it all,” especially during the holidays.
• Recognizing and interrupting old patterns is key to emotional health.
• Asking for help shows strength, not weakness.
• Emotional expression helps release overwhelm and create clarity.
• Evaluate what truly fills your cup — and let go of what drains it.
• A tidy environment often leads to mental and emotional clarity.
• Mindful coping mechanisms, like small acts of self-care, can help restore balance.
• Shifting direction in life doesn’t mean failure; it means growth.
• 
  

In this powerful episode of Becoming Sound, Krista Zaft sits down with Danielle Miller to unpack her deeply personal story of growing up in a strict evangelical household shaped by purity culture, control, and shame. Danielle opens up about the lasting impact of religious expectations on her identity and self-worth, sharing how early messages about obedience and perfection shaped her inner world.

Through honest reflection, she discusses her experiences in a Christian school, her struggle to fit in, and how rebellion became a form of survival. As an adult, Danielle began the difficult but liberating journey of questioning beliefs, healing from internalized shame, and rediscovering her authentic self. This conversation explores faith, freedom, and the courage it takes to redefine spirituality and womanhood on your own terms.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the weight of religious conditioning or struggled to separate your worth from external approval, this episode will speak straight to your soul.

Takeaways

• Puritanical religious upbringing can shape identity through fear, shame, and control.
• Purity culture often distorts one’s sense of self-worth and personal agency.
• Rebellion can be a natural response to oppressive belief systems.
• Healing requires questioning old narratives and redefining spirituality.
• Self-acceptance and grace are essential parts of personal growth.
• Embracing your gifts and authenticity leads to true liberation.
• Letting go of judgment creates room for compassion and connection.

Connect with Danielle:

In this episode of Becoming Sound, host Krista sits down with author Mary Fields, whose powerful memoir Forever in a Day delves into her lived experience of trauma, grief, and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Together, they explore the deep connection between writing, self-awareness, and healing, and how putting painful memories into words can become a catalyst for transformation.

Mary opens up about the loss of her father—the moment that inspired her to write—and how storytelling helped her process years of repressed memories and emotional pain. She speaks honestly about the foster care system, the impact of generational trauma, and her conscious decision to parent differently to break the cycle.

Mary reflects on the beauty of finding joy again, creating new traditions with her family, and using her voice to bring light to dark places.

Whether you’ve walked through grief, grown up in dysfunction, or are learning to rewrite your story, this episode is a reminder that healing is possible—and joy is worth reclaiming.

 Episode Takeaways

• Writing can be a powerful tool for processing trauma.
• Grief and compassion are deeply intertwined.
• The foster care system needs empathy-driven reform.
• Breaking the cycle of trauma starts with awareness and choice.
• Parenting differently is an act of healing and hope.
• Joy can coexist with pain—and both are part of recovery.

Connect with Mary

This episode of Becoming Sound, is packed with real talk and powerful insights. Krista sits down with Natalie Peterson to explore what it really means to live a life of healing, self-discovery, and authentic storytelling. Together, they dive into how multi-potentiality—embracing many passions and identities—creates a richer, more fulfilling life, especially in later seasons of change and transition.

The conversation moves through themes of generational trauma, rest as resistance, and the healing power of community and vulnerability. Krista and Natalie discuss how sharing our stories helps bridge generations, connect us to ancestral wisdom, and foster collective healing. They remind us that the future of storytelling lies not in perfection, but in authenticity, curiosity, and connection and how this inspired her new book Stories, Tools + Community for Healing Curious Humans

 Key Takeaways

• The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and ever-evolving.
• Multi-potentiality invites freedom to explore many paths in one lifetime.
• Retirement can be redefined as a new chapter of growth and creation.
• Storytelling connects, heals, and strengthens community.
• Rest and reflection are vital to rejuvenation and creativity.
• Ancestral wisdom deepens our connection to identity and purpose.
• Authenticity and curiosity fuel the next generation of storytelling.

Connect with Natalie:

In this special Halloween episode of Becoming Sound, Krista and Shannon lean into their spooky sides and unpack why so many of us are obsessed with true crime, horror movies, and all things creepy. They reflect on how childhood memories and early experiences may quietly shape our fascination with fear.

From nostalgic trick-or-treat tales and ghost stories to the deeper psychology of why we love the thrill of being scared, this episode dances between laughter, curiosity, and a touch of introspection. Whether you’re lighting candles, watching a slasher classic, or hiding under a blanket, this one’s for you - the sensitive souls who can’t resist a little chaos, curiosity, and candy corn.

Takeaways

• Our fascination with fear often has roots in childhood experiences.
• True crime and horror can give us a strange sense of control over chaos.
• Halloween traditions can connect us back to creativity and playfulness.
• Sharing ghost stories helps us bond — and laugh — over shared fears.
• The “thrill” of being scared is actually a nervous system release (who knew?).
• Sometimes, it’s not the monsters that scare us — it’s what they represent.
• 
  

Connect with Us:

In this episode of Becoming Sound, host Krista Zaft explores the tender transition from overfunctioning and people-pleasing to embracing mindfulness, balance, and calm. With raw honesty and personal insight, Krista reflects on how being busy once felt like safety, worthiness, and control — until she realized it was also a trauma response.

She shares her experience as a recovering overfunctioner learning to slow down, release perfectionism, and create space for alignment and peace. From journaling for clarity to reconnecting with the rhythms of nature, Krista reminds listeners that rest isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. This episode is an invitation to question the constant hustle, honor your body’s pace, and rediscover your self-worth beyond productivity.

Key Takeaways

• Busyness can be a trauma response rooted in control, worthiness, or avoidance.
• Productivity does not equal value — your worth is not measured by your to-do list.
• Slowing down allows your nervous system to regulate and your creativity to return.
• Awareness is everything: ask if your actions are aligned or simply distractions.
• The goal isn’t hustle or rest — it’s balance, intention, and self-awareness.

In this episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with Kim Long, registered psychologist and founder of Dochas Psychological Services, for a deep conversation about identity, authenticity, and self-discovery in the modern world.

Together, they unpack how our identities are shaped by early experiences, community influences, and the constant noise of social media. The conversation dives into how fear, comparison, and people-pleasing can disconnect us from who we really are—and how healing and emotional awareness can guide us back home to ourselves.

This episode offers practical insights on trusting your inner voice, navigating change, and learning to live with confidence and authenticity—even when the world tells you to be something else. It’s a must-listen for anyone ready to shed old stories, step into alignment, and embrace personal growth on their own terms.

Key Takeaways

• Identity is fluid - it evolves as you grow, heal, and reconnect with yourself.
• Authenticity requires safety - you need spaces and people who allow you to show up as you are.
• Community shapes identity - who you surround yourself with influences who you become.
• Fear is the gatekeeper - you can’t live authentically without facing what scares you.
• Self-discovery is layered - every season of life invites a new level of awareness.
• Healing brings clarity - it’s messy, emotional work that leads to freedom.
• Social media can distort identity - comparison can pull you away from your truth.
• Trust yourself - your intuition is your best compass for authenticity.
• You can redefine yourself at any age - change doesn’t require permission.

In this episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with Melanie Wakelin to dive into the fascinating intersection of nutraceuticals, health, and cellular activation—and how storytelling and community can spark true healing.

Melanie shares her journey in the health and wellness industry, highlighting the critical role of antioxidants—especially glutathione—in protecting the body against oxidative stress and supporting overall well-being. Together, Krista and Melanie discuss how substance abuse can deplete essential nutrients and the importance of replenishing the body at a cellular level.

But this conversation goes beyond science. They explore the power of vulnerability and how sharing personal stories creates ripple effects of connection, healing, and personal growth within communities. It’s a raw and real look at how podcasting, storytelling, and authentic conversations can transform both individual health and collective well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Nutraceuticals harness natural compounds to support long-term health.
• Cellular activation improves vitality and overall wellness.
• Antioxidants, like glutathione, protect against oxidative stress and aging.
• Substance abuse deeply impacts the body by depleting critical nutrients.
• Storytelling fosters healing, resilience, and human connection.
• Vulnerability is a catalyst for personal empowerment.
• Community support amplifies growth and understanding.
• Podcasting provides a platform for diverse voices and shared experiences.

In this Oversharing with Shannon episode of Becoming Sound, Krista and Shannon get honest about the messy middle of sibling relationships when you grow up in dysfunctional or addicted homes. Krista opens up about losing her brother and the complicated emotions that followed—guilt, shame, resentment, and love—while Shannon shares how violence with her brother shaped her early beliefs and boundaries. Together, they unpack why kids raised in the same house still have wildly different experiences, how to process what’s stuck in your body, and why peace doesn’t come from someone else’s apology—it comes from self-validation.

Key Takeaways

• Same house ≠ same childhood. Different personalities, roles, and parental states mean siblings are effectively raised by “different parents.” (Shout to Gabor Maté’s insight.)
• Grief is layered. Loss can surface old guilt, shame, and “shoulds.” That’s normal—and workable.
• You don’t need their apology to heal. Real freedom comes from self-validation and releasing resentment in your mind + body.
• Write it out or move it out. Journaling/brain-dumps and somatic release help move stuck emotion.
• Timing matters. Some conversations need your nervous system to be ready—not just your mouth.
• 
  

Connect with Us: 

Ever wonder if your story is worth sharing? Yes, it most definitely is and Jody Lamb is proof of that. In this episode, she opens up about her experience of growing up with an alcoholic mother and the ripple effects it had on her life. She shares what it means to navigate the world as an adult child of an alcoholic (ACOA) and the pivotal role that healing and community have played in her recovery.

Jody highlights the importance of self-care, boundaries, and the power of storytelling, not only as a tool for her own healing but as a way to inspire others walking a similar path. She also takes us behind the scenes of her writing journey, from publishing a book to help teens understand parental addiction to working on her upcoming memoir.

This conversation is an honest reminder that your story matters, recovery is possible, and it’s never too late to begin the journey of healing and breaking generational cycles.

Takeaways

• Support groups offer community, understanding, and hope.
• Writing and storytelling can be transformative healing practices.
• Boundaries are essential for protecting your peace and building healthy relationships.
• Addiction is not your fault—and recognizing that is freeing.
• It’s never too late to step into recovery and growth.
• Simple daily practices seem simple, but they are powerful.
• You have the ability to break cycles and create a new legacy for your family.

Connect with Jody Here:

In this heartfelt conversation, Krista sits down with Jeff Kolez to explore the emotional journey of life after divorce—especially for men. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked struggles of identity loss, emotional expression, and vulnerability that come with starting over.

Jeff opens up about his own experiences navigating grief, rebuilding self-identity, and learning to embrace emotional intelligence. They talk about how relationships act as mirrors, the importance of teaching resilience to children, and why asking for help is actually a mark of strength—not weakness.

This episode offers raw, practical insight into what it takes to heal, rebuild, and show up with authenticity in relationships and life.

Key Takeaways

• Divorce can shake the foundation of personal identity.
• Men often face barriers when it comes to emotional expression.
• Emotional literacy is the key to healing and resilience.
• Grief must be honored, not bypassed, to move forward.
• Relationships reflect our inner world back to us.
• Teaching kids resilience builds lifelong strength.
• Asking for help is courageous, not weak.
• Personal responsibility drives real growth.
• Honest communication requires humility and trust.
• Sitting with emotions—even the hard ones—is part of true healing.

Connect with Jeff:

In this replay of the very first episode of the Becoming Sound Podcast, Krista takes a deep dive into the lived experience of being an adult child of alcoholics and dysfunctional families. She unpacks the emotional and psychological impacts that ripple into adulthood, from self-doubt and perfectionism to people-pleasing and hyper-independence. Krista breaks down the well-known ACA laundry list of traits, showing how it can serve as both a mirror and a map for those on their healing journey.

More importantly, she emphasizes the power of sharing our stories—not just for ourselves, but for others who may feel alone in their struggles. Through self-awareness, community support, and the courage to speak out, healing becomes possible, and growth takes root. This is real talk about recovery, resilience, and the messy middle of becoming sound. 

Takeaways

• Your story matters. Speaking it out loud can be the very thing that helps someone else heal.
• Dysfunction hits differently. No two children experience the same family system in the same way.
• The ACA laundry list is a tool. It highlights common traits and gives language to what once felt confusing or isolating.
• Healing requires tribe. Connection and community support are essential for lasting recovery.

In this powerful episode of Becoming Sound, Krista Zaft sits down with Kathryn Sforcina to dive into the heart of Transforming Tribes—the idea that true healing and growth don’t happen in isolation, but in community. Kathryn shares her journey through life transitions, the wisdom behind her Wiser and Wilder Awakening program, and the deeply personal inspiration for her new book Bringing the Lost Parts of Me Home.  Together they explore the importance of collective healing, women’s empowerment, and self-discovery. This conversation is for anyone seeking transformation, deeper connection, and the courage to break through old patterns.

Krista and Kathryn explore the realities of carrying “soul wounds,” the concrete we collect from past experiences, and the courage it takes to break it apart so our roots can finally expand. They unpack how women can step into empowerment by reconnecting with their inner wisdom, leaning into community, and releasing labels that no longer fit.

This episode is a reminder that healing is lifelong, messy, and infinitely possible when we witness each other’s journeys.

Key Takeaways

• Community and connection are essential for real transformation.
• Healing requires courage to face the inner landscapes we often avoid.
• Life transitions, though uncomfortable, hold the seeds of growth.
• The Wiser and Wilder Awakening program offers women a supportive container for their journeys.
• Soul wounds shape how we see ourselves—and healing means reclaiming the lost pieces.
• We all carry “concrete” from our past, and breaking it open makes room for expansion.
• Being witnessed and witnessing others is a form of collective medicine.
• Labels may feel safe but can limit who we truly are.

Connect with Kathryn Here:

This episode is a celebration — Becoming Sound is officially one year old! 🥳

Over the past year, this podcast has been a space for growth, healing, and connection through raw conversations and powerful stories. In this special anniversary episode, host Krista Zaft sits down with her friend Shannon to reflect on the lessons learned, the importance of vulnerability, and the life-changing impact of sharing our stories in community.

Together, they talk about what it takes to keep showing up, even when fear and doubt whisper otherwise, and how podcasting has become a form of therapy and empowerment. Krista also shares her vision for the next season of Becoming Sound — bringing in even more diverse voices and continuing to highlight the transformative power of storytelling, not just through trauma, but through inspiration, hope, and possibility.

Takeaways from This Episode

• A heartfelt celebration of one year of Becoming Sound
• The courage it takes to face fears and doubts head-on
• How podcasting has deepened listening skills and self-discovery
• Why vulnerability creates stronger human connection
• The vital role of community in personal growth and healing
• A shift toward amplifying more stories of inspiration and resilience
• Deep gratitude for the listeners and supporters who made this first year possible

💌 A Note from Krista

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for walking this journey with me. Your support, messages, and shares have made this podcast what it is today — and I couldn’t be more grateful. Here’s to another year of growing, healing, and becoming sound together.

👉 If you haven’t already, make sure to follow, share, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and over on YouTube so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Your support not only fuels this show but also helps spread these conversations to those who need them most.

Connect with Us: 

Three years ago, my family was in the trenches of addiction. This weekend, we celebrated my son’s wedding — a full-circle moment of love, recovery, and gratitude. In this short and heartfelt episode, I share how family, friends, and community can transform the hardest seasons into celebrations worth remembering.

Three years ago, my family was in the trenches of addiction — living day to day with heartbreak, fear, and the pain of watching someone you love self-destruct.
This past weekend, we celebrated my son’s wedding.

In this short and heartfelt episode, I share a powerful full-circle moment that reminded me of the impact of family, friends, community, and support in the journey of recovery. It’s about facing the hard moments, soaking in the joyful ones, and recognizing how far we’ve come when we do the work of healing.

Whether you’re in the middle of your own storm or celebrating a hard-earned victory, this is your reminder to keep going — because there is light, love, and possibility on the other side.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How a family moves from heartbreak to celebration in just a few years.
• The role of community, friendship, and support in recovery.
• Why sitting in the moment — both the painful and the joyful — matters for healing.
• A personal reflection on gratitude, growth, and what it means to truly come full circle.
• How to hold on to hope when you’re still in the middle of the hard stuff.

If this episode gave you hope or reminded you of your own full-circle moment, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
And if you’re walking through a tough season right now, let this be your sign that change is possible — for you, your family, and your future.

✨ Let’s connect:

In this episode of Becoming Sound, Krista sits down with licensed chemical dependency counselor Joshua Pair for a raw and insightful conversation about addiction, recovery, and the deep work of emotional sobriety.

Joshua opens up about his personal journey through addiction and how healing truly began when he started addressing his family dynamics and emotional patterns through the ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) framework. He shares how vital communication skills, spiritual connection, and holistic support systems have been in relearning what a healthy relationship even looks like.

This conversation is a deep dive into what recovery really takes—not just abstinence, but awareness. You’ll hear about Joshua’s passion for helping others through his own story and his drive to create a podcast platform to spotlight diverse recovery experiences.

Whether you’re navigating recovery yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers both compassion and clarity.

🔑 Takeaways

• Emotional sobriety is just as important—if not more—as physical sobriety.
• Family dynamics shape addiction and healing more than we often realize.
• Communication is a learned skill that can transform relationships in recovery.
• ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) provides a powerful framework for healing childhood wounds.
• Triggers are guideposts, not threats—understanding them is key to growth.
• Holistic recovery includes addressing mind, body, and spirit.
• Spirituality doesn't have to be religious—it’s about connection and meaning.
• Healing is about relearning how to relate—to yourself, to others, to life.

Connect with Joshua Here:

In this heartfelt episode of Becoming Sound, I sit down with Ashley, a powerful voice in the healing space, to talk about what it really looks like to face your past and reclaim your future. Ashley shares her raw and real journey through childhood s*xual assault, the unglamorous but transformative work of therapy, and how learning to set boundaries changed everything.

We talk about the courage it takes to speak your truth, the strength found in community, and why healing isn’t a one-and-done — it’s a lifelong, sometimes messy, always-worth-it journey. Ashley’s podcast and personal mission are all about reminding people they’re not broken — they’re becoming. And this conversation? It’s your reminder that you don’t have to heal in silence or isolation. 

What you will learn in this episode:

• Your story holds power — when you share it, you give others permission to do the same.
• Therapy was a game-changer for Ashley’s healing and continues to be a vital tool.
• Boundaries aren’t just helpful — they’re necessary for growth, safety, and peace.
• Healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Community matters.
• Confidence isn’t built overnight — it’s a practice.
• Ashley encourages “messy action” over perfection — just start.
• Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
• You can change your story — and help others change theirs too.
• You’re not alone in this. None of us are.

Connect with Ashley Here:

This month on Oversharing with Shannon on Becoming Sound, Krista and Shannon sit down for a heart-to-heart about what it really looks like to navigate female friendships through the seasons of life. From growing up in dysfunctional homes to stepping into motherhood and personal healing, they unpack how your past can shape your present—and how growth can completely shift the way you show up in relationships.

They get honest about outgrowing friendships, craving deeper connection, and what it takes to build nourishing, soul-aligned relationships in adulthood. If you've ever felt like your friendships don't quite fit anymore, or you’re redefining what it means to be “a good friend,” this episode will land deep. Oh and they finally introduce you to Pip, Winnie and Molly, like seriously, it’s about time!

What you will learn in this episode:

• How dysfunctional childhoods can lead to people-pleasing and approval-seeking in friendships.
• Why healing changes your friendship standards—and that’s okay.
• How motherhood and major life shifts often realign your circle.
• How increasing emotional intelligence and self-awareness deepens connection and true friendship.
• True friendship includes space for both joy and the messy parts.
• When we need to let go of shallow friendships.
• How friendship can be a mirror for your own growth and boundaries.
• Why community and connection are essential, especially for women.

In this solo episode of Becoming Sound, Krista Zaft cracks open a big truth: healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Fresh from a transformational coaching course in addiction and recovery, Krista reflects on the power of vulnerability and the deep human need for community.

She dives into what it means to move from survival mode to true connection — and why forming your own support tribe is essential for growth. If you've ever felt like you're doing life alone or afraid to let others really see you, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s how we build trust and real connection.
• We’re wired for community. Trying to do it all alone keeps us stuck.
• Safe spaces are everything when it comes to opening up.
• Healing happens when you’re seen, heard, and held — start small and build from there.
• When you model vulnerability, you give others permission to do the same.
• You don’t have to overshare to be real — just let people in a little at a time.

In this insightful episode of Becoming Sound, Krista Zaft sits down with psychologist Vanessa Iceton to explore the deep, layered work of healing from grief, childhood wounds, and emotional dysregulation. Vanessa shares her journey into psychology and how a desire to help others evolved into a career focused on nervous system healing, inner child work, and self-empowerment. Together, they unpack the many faces of grief—beyond death—and explore how lost dreams, unmet needs, and emotional pain from childhood can quietly shape our adult lives.

This raw and real conversation touches on nervous system regulation, the power of mindfulness, how to know when you're ready for therapy, and why self-responsibility isn’t about blame—it’s about freedom. If you've ever struggled with emotions you can’t quite name, or feel like you're carrying grief that doesn't “make sense,” this one’s for you.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Vanessa’s entry into psychology stemmed from a deep desire to support others through their pain.
• Grief isn’t just about death—it includes lost hopes, childhood unmet needs, and unlived versions of ourselves.
• Owning your mistakes and taking responsibility is a powerful form of self-leadership.
• Your nervous system plays a critical role in how you process emotions, triggers, and stress.
• The body stores unresolved emotional pain—and it can show up as physical symptoms.
• Inner child work helps us reconnect with core wounds and unmet needs with compassion.
• Mindfulness isn’t about being calm all the time—it’s about being aware and present.

- And so much more!

Loved this conversation? Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

In this episode of Becoming Sound, host Krista Zaft sits down with confidence creator and photographer Emma Wood to explore how our early experiences shape our self-worth—and how we can reclaim it.

From her quiet, shy beginnings to boldly helping women embrace their bodies and stories through boudoir photography, Emma shares her journey of healing, empowerment, and breaking generational patterns. Together, they dive into the impact of childhood dynamics, the emotional weight of limiting beliefs, and the importance of creating safe spaces for self-expression.

Emma also opens up about her leap from a law enforcement career to entrepreneurship, and how community, vulnerability, and celebration became pillars of her confidence-building work.

Whether you're struggling with self-doubt, repeating old patterns, or just need a reminder that your voice matters and you deserve to be seen—this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence can be cultivated—even if you didn’t grow up with it.
• Childhood conditioning often shapes adult self-worth and identity.
• Healing generational patterns is powerful and possible.
• Safe spaces for vulnerability are essential to healing and self-love.
• Boudoir photography can be a radical act of self-celebration.
• Small wins matter—confidence builds through consistency.
• Community and connection fuel our growth and resilience.
• Self-love is a gift to yourself and the people around you.

Find Emma Here:

In this deeply personal and laugh-out-loud episode of Oversharing With Shannon on Becoming Sound, Krista and Shannon let down the walls and go full tilt into oversharing. From forgiveness to guilty pleasures, surprising hobbies (spoiler: birds are involved), childhood memories, and raw moments of heartbreak and healing—nothing is off limits.

Together, they reflect on what it means to be truly seen by someone, why friendship can be one of the most healing forces in our lives, and how even life’s hardest moments—like divorce or regrets—can lead to deeper growth and self-acceptance when we’re brave enough to talk about them.

Whether you’re navigating tough stuff or just want to feel a little less alone, this episode is a warm hug, a deep exhale, and a reminder that healing doesn’t have to happen in silence. Sometimes, it sounds like two friends laughing through the mess and talking about their moms.

✨ What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

• Why having a “person” in your life changes everything
• How fear shows up—and why naming it helps
• The emotional impact of divorce and relationship transitions
• Favorite things, surprising joys, and... birding? Yep.
• Childhood memories, bittersweet regrets, and the lessons they leave behind
• The sneaky power of guilty pleasures
• How forgiveness frees you—especially when it starts with yourself
• Why emotional safety in friendship is essential to healing

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In this deeply human episode of Becoming Sound, host Krista sits down with Cherie Sawaryn, founder of BeeKind Hive and Cup of Tea Leadership, to explore the messy, meaningful intersections of grief, loss, and leading with vulnerability.

Cherie shares her personal experiences with family addiction, loss, and the journey of holding space for grief without needing to fix it. The conversation dives into how humor becomes a lifeline, how community care trumps rugged independence, and why authentic leadership requires a strong dose of self-compassion.

From cracking open in heartbreak to creating ripples of kindness, this episode is about finding resilience in the realest parts of life, laughing and creating community.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Grief is not just pain—it’s a portal to growth and self-awareness.
• Safe spaces allow us to process and honor our big feelings.
• Burnout recovery requires active replenishment, not just rest.
• Vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the foundation of authentic leadership.
• Collective care > hyper-independence. Let others in.
• Leadership rooted in lived experience builds deeper trust.
• It's okay to be a work in progress and still make an impact.

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