Untethering Shame

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Mamone to talk about the complex reality of grief. Chris shares his personal experience of losing his son to stillbirth in 2022, and he explains how this massive loss forced him to re-evaluate everything he knew about processing pain. We discuss why grief goes far beyond just losing a loved one, noting that it can include job loss, moving, or losing relationships. Chris and I also explore the societal pressure to "get over it," the damage caused by shame, and how we can show up better for ourselves and those around us.We Covered:Grief is not a problem to be fixed; it is a process of personal transformation.The danger of the "yo-yo effect" happens when we let societal shame disconnect us from our true feelings.We must stop comparing our losses to the losses of others, as every experience is unique.You can support a grieving friend by simply being present and holding space instead of trying to offer solutions.It is possible to navigate the loss of connection and friendships in today's divisive social and political climate by focusing on what you can control.Memorable Quotes:"Most of us walk around with it and don't even know it." "Grievers don't need to be fixed. They don't need to be told what to do." "Grief does not discriminate in any capacity."More About Chris: Chris Mamone is an Acceptance Coach and the Founder of The Empowered Grief Coaching Practice and Podcast. He helps individuals move from a place of pain into a place of hope and empowerment through their grief. Chris supports those navigating grief, loss, and trauma to rediscover self-acceptance and step into their personal power so they can create an inspiring future grounded in healing, truth, and purpose. He is also releasing a book featuring 23 stories of grief this coming November.Connect with Chris:Website: http://www.empoweredgriefjourney.com/Podcast: https://empoweredgriefjourney.podbean.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechrismamoneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredgriefjourney/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empoweredgriefjourneyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/empoweredgriefjourney/

In this episode, I am joined by Kathy Wisniewski, certified health coach, owner of True and Lasting Wellness, and host of the Tragically Beautiful podcast, for an honest conversation about shame, abuse, and reclaiming personal power.We unpack why abusive and disempowering relationships are often misunderstood, how shame keeps people silent, and why leaving is not the same as healing. Kathy shares her personal experience through narcissistic abuse, perfectionism, and loss of self, and how learning to love herself enough to set boundaries changed everything.During our conversation, we discuss how narcissistic personalities often cast themselves as either the victim or the hero. They may begin a relationship with intense love bombing, giving all their attention and affection, before their mask slips and they begin to distance themselves and withhold affection. Kathy opens up about how shame acts as a silencer. She kept her experience a secret because she had bought into the narrative that her relationship was a meant-to-be fairy tale that started in high school.We also explore the painful emotions of shame and embarrassment. Overcoming this requires confronting lonely moments and doing inner child healing. A major realization for Kathy was understanding that her lack of boundaries stemmed from not loving herself enough. Often, people feel inherently defective or broken, leading them to believe they do not deserve to set boundaries. By overcoming this double dose of shame, the shame of the abuse itself and the shame of feeling like she should have known better, Kathy was able to channel her energy into serving others.If you have ever questioned your worth, stayed too long, or wondered why setting boundaries feels so hard, this conversation will meet you with clarity and compassion.Key TakeawaysAbuse thrives in silence, shame, and perfectionism.Narcissistic relationships often start with intense affection and love bombing before the partner becomes distant and withdrawn.Leaving a relationship does not automatically heal the nervous system.A lack of personal boundaries often comes from not loving oneself enough and feeling inherently broken.Shame acts as a silencer, keeping people trapped in a false narrative about their relationship.Victims often experience a double dose of shame because they believe they should have known better.Healing involves turning painful energy into a desire to provide service to others.About Kathy WisniewskiKathy Wisniewski is a passionate and dedicated health coach certified through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the owner of True and Lasting Wellness. With a deep commitment to comprehensive healing, she specializes in empowering survivors of abuse to rewrite their stories and reclaim their wellbeing across all key areas of their lives. Kathy is also the host of the Tragically Beautiful podcast, a platform dedicated to helping abuse survivors share their stories while celebrating the beautiful things that life can offer beyond trauma. Through candid conversations and inspiring narratives, Kathy and her guests shed light on the transformative power of healing and a positive mindset.Connect with KathyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tragicallybeautifulpodcastInstagram (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/tragicallybeautifulpodcastInstagram (Kathy): https://www.instagram.com/coachkathywisniewskiGet Connected. Subscribe to my YouTube channelSign up for my email list: https://adversityrising.com/email-list Listen to my Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AouludJr7EweOkMIN9s42?si=d8cdfcb925ce4c9cTake the Next Step. Download the FREE handout, "5 Things Shame Resilient People do Every Day" and start making those daily shifts to break that shame cycle that's keeping you stuck in that negative headspace. www.adversityrising.com/become-shame-resilient

In this conversation, Kyira Wackett and Jemma discuss the complex relationship between body confidence and shame, exploring personal journeys and societal influences. They delve into the importance of self-worth, the impact of societal standards on body image, and the journey towards body acceptance. Jemma shares insights on intuitive eating, the significance of body neutrality, and the challenges posed by hustle culture. The discussion emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in addressing body image issues across all body types.TakeawaysBody confidence is a journey that requires self-trust and self-belief.Shame often stems from societal conditioning and influences our body image.Intuitive eating can help separate self-worth from body image.Body neutrality is a more achievable goal for many individuals.Societal standards create pressure to conform to certain body types.The hustle culture can lead to unhealthy patterns in various aspects of life.Recognizing patterns of behavior can help in addressing body image issues.Building body confidence involves taking small, actionable steps.Empathy and acceptance for all body types can lead to a more inclusive society.The journey to body acceptance is ongoing and requires continuous effort.More about Jemma:Jemma Haythorne is a Confidence Coach on a mission to help women build unshakeable confidence, break free from body shame, silence their inner critic and make true self-love their default setting. After years of struggling with her body image, food, and self-doubt, she found true freedom - and now she's on a mission to empower others to do the same. She teaches women how to take up space, love their bodies, say yes to their dreams, and trust themselves fully. Whether through coaching, speaking, writing or her podcast, she's here to be your certified hype girl and the biggest advocate for lasting self-love.Connect with Jemma:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspire__wellnessWebsite: https://www.inspirewellnessau.com.auPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TxBxkB8ITxfhwmtN8Atwb?si=a1550204d6224d50Get Connected.★ Subscribe to my YouTube channel★ Sign up for my email list: https://adversityrising.com/email-list★ Listen to my Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AouludJr7EweOkMIN9s42?si=d8cdfcb925ce4c9c Take the Next Step.★ Download the FREE handout, "5 Things Shame Resilient People do Every Day" and start making those daily shifts to break that shame cycle that's keeping you stuck in that negative headspace. www.adversityrising.com/become-shame-resilient ★ Book a free 25-minute discovery call to discuss different program options and find the support best fits your needs. https://calendly.com/adversityrising/discovery-call★ Are you a people pleaser? Ruminator? Over-extender? Sign up for the next round of Liberated Living and implement the radical 3 practice — Radical Acceptance, Radical Responsibility & Radical Authorship: https://adversityrising.com/liberated-livingSHOUT-OUTS★ All video editing done by my wonderful husband, Jordan Wackett. Check him out at @jordanwackett.

In this episode, we welcome back Jane Pilger to explore the nervous system, shame, and the internal "parts" that drive our behaviors. While many believe binge eating stems from a lack of discipline, Jane explains that it is actually a nervous system response designed for protection. When we feel unsafe or overwhelmed, our bodies often turn to food as a way to regulate energy and numb difficult feelings.Jane breaks down the concept of the "Safety Paradox," where we seek safety in food even though it ultimately makes us feel unsafe. We also discuss Internal Family Systems (IFS) and how to distinguish between our "protector" parts and our "young" parts. By shifting from judgment to compassionate curiosity, we can begin to understand the protective role these behaviors play and learn to lead our internal parts with the wisdom of a "kindergarten teacher".We covered:The Nervous System & Safety: How the body constantly scans for danger (neuroception) and uses food to regulate excess energy from the "fight or flight" response.The Binge Feedback Loop: Understanding how we bounce between high-energy anxiety and low-energy collapse, using food to manage the transition.Shame as a Driver: How shame fuels the binge cycle by keeping the nervous system in a state of threat, which leads to more eating for relief.Parts Work (IFS): Identifying "Protector" parts that try to shield "Young" parts from pain, rejection, or trauma.The Safety Paradox: Why we turn to food for comfort even when we know it causes distress.Practical Strategies:Asking "How does this make sense?" to replace judgment with understanding.Creating a "Moments that Matter" list to track small victories.Using the "Kindergarten Teacher" analogy to guide internal parts with patience rather than criticism.More about Jane:Jane helps women understand why they binge eat and how to stop. She guides women who have been struggling, often for decades, to find the missing link to go from fighting with their bodies to working with them.Whether someone is a binge eater, doesn't trust themselves with certain foods, or just doesn't understand why they behave the way they do sometimes, she's got them. She teaches her clients how to understand their behavior, how to develop trust with themselves and how to cultivate the safety that they need to navigate life. Her approach is rooted in the science of the brain and body, trauma informed, and filled with compassion.Connect with Jane:Website: www.janepilger.comInstagram and Facebook: @janepilgercoachingSubstack: janepilger.substack.com💬 If this episode spoke to you, drop a comment and share what resonated or shifted for you.Ready to take the next step?Download the FREE handout, “5 Things Shame Resilient People Do Every Day” to begin building safety and trust with yourself.Book a free 25-minute discovery call to explore coaching or program options that support healing beyond survival mode.★ Subscribe to my YouTube channel★ Sign up for my email list: https://adversityrising.com/email-list★ Listen to my Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AouludJr7EweOkMIN9s42?si=d8cdfcb925ce4c9c Take the Next Step.★ Download the FREE handout, "5 Things Shame Resilient People do Every Day" and start making those daily shifts to break that shame cycle that's keeping you stuck in that negative headspace. www.adversityrising.com/become-shame-resilient ★ Book a free 25-minute discovery call to discuss different program options and find the support best fits your needs. https://calendly.com/adversityrising/discovery-call★ Are you a people pleaser? Ruminator? Over-extender? Sign up for the next round of Liberated Living and implement the radical 3 practice — Radical Acceptance, Radical Responsibility & Radical Authorship: https://adversityrising.com/liberated-living### SHOUT-OUTS:★ All video editing done by my wonderful husband, Jordan Wackett. Check him out at @jordanwackett.

Welcome back to the second half of this crucial conversation.If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I highly recommend hitting pause and going back to listen to that episode first [LINK TO PART 1 HERE]. In that first episode, we laid the foundation—defining what "pig butchering" actually is and exploring the global machinery behind these scams. You really need that context for this episode to hit home.In Part 2, Michele Ilich-Daubas and I move from awareness into application. We are breaking down exactly how people get deceived in real time, what happens in the aftermath, and—most importantly for this podcast—how shame keeps victims silent.We discuss the specific mechanics of deception, like phishing and "smishing," and how scammers rely on our brains’ natural tendency to "fill in the blanks" when we are stressed or fearful. Michele shares some truly eye-opening examples, including how law enforcement impersonation scams are specifically targeting licensed professionals like therapists and doctors. It was a humbling reminder that intelligence and education do not make us immune to fear-based tunnel vision.But we don’t just stay in the problem. We talk about the solution. We explore how to shift our language from "I fell for it" to "I was deceived," why we need to stop judging our aging parents and start empowering them, and how community connection is ultimately our strongest defense.Key TakeawaysThis episode is about compassion. It’s about slowing down. And it’s about remembering that under the right circumstances, anyone can be deceived.Deception works by hijacking fear, not logic Urgency, authority, secrecy, and intimidation shut down our critical thinking and kick our "lizard brain" into overdrive.Phishing and smishing rely on “filling in the blanks” Scams feel believable when they intersect with our real-life stressors, shame stories, or existing fears (like missing a toll, a tax payment, or fearing arrest).Professionals are actively targeted Michele reveals how therapists, doctors, and nurses are frequent targets of sophisticated law enforcement impersonation scams.Scams don’t just steal money — they steal self-trust The emotional aftermath often includes grief, isolation, and a devastating loss of independence that is harder to recover from than the financial loss.Language matters We discuss why shifting from "I fell for it" (which implies stupidity) to "I was deceived" (which acknowledges the crime) is critical for reducing shame.Silence protects scammers Talking openly about scams helps others recognize red flags before harm occurs.Prevention starts with slowing down Hanging up, verifying independently, and simply pausing when fear spikes can interrupt the cycle of deception.Grace is essential Being deceived is not a moral failure — it’s a human response to sophisticated manipulation.About Michele Ilich-DaubasMichele Ilich-Daubas is a fraud fighter, public speaker, and educator dedicated to exposing and preventing sophisticated online scams, including the devastating crime known as pig butchering. A former Meta employee turned advocate, Michele now leads public awareness efforts through her organizations Deception Code and Operation Shamrock, empowering individuals—especially older adults—to recognize, report, and recover from financial and emotional exploitation. Her work blends education, empathy, and advocacy to dismantle the shame that keeps victims silent and to shine a light on how scammers manipulate trust and connection to deceive even the most vigilant among us.Connect with MicheleWebsite: http://www.deceptioncode.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milichdaubas/Organization: http://www.operationshamrock.org/Resources MentionedPart 1 of this Interview: [LINK TO PART 1 HERE]Operation Shamrock: operationshamrock.org – A resource for survivor stories and scam prevention.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Kyira sits down with Michele Ilich-Daubas, a former senior legal analyst at Meta and scam-prevention advocate, to unpack the psychology behind modern scams — particularly “pig butchering,” a highly sophisticated form of financial and emotional exploitation.Rather than framing scams as random or obvious, this episode reveals how they are long-term psychological operations built on connection, trust, urgency, and fear. Michele explains how global crime syndicates operate, how trafficked individuals are often forced to carry out these scams, and why COVID-era isolation and digital dependence dramatically increased vulnerability.Together, they challenge a dangerous myth: that scams only happen to the “naive” or “elderly.” Instead, listeners are invited to consider a more honest and protective question: What would it take to deceive you?Key TakeawaysThis episode lays the groundwork for understanding scams through a shame-resilient, human lens — setting the stage for prevention, compassion, and awareness in Part 2.Scams are psychological, not intellectual failures Victims are masterfully deceived using fear, urgency, secrecy, and intimacy.Pig butchering is a long con These scams often unfold over weeks or months through fake friendships or romantic connections (a term derived from the concept of "fattening a pig before the kill").Anyone can be targeted Victims include professionals, therapists, and financially literate individuals — not just older adults.Isolation increases susceptibility COVID, social fragmentation, and loneliness created ideal conditions for exploitation.Your biggest vulnerability is tied to what you value most Children, safety, belonging, money, or being chosen are common entry points.Shame keeps people silent — and silence protects scammers Shifting language from “falling for a scam” to “being deceived” is critical for prevention.Prevention starts with slowing down Pausing, questioning urgency, and verifying through trusted channels can interrupt manipulation.About Michele Ilich-DaubasMichele Ilich-Daubas is a fraud fighter, public speaker, and educator dedicated to exposing and preventing sophisticated online scams, including the devastating crime known as pig butchering. A former Meta employee turned advocate, Michele now leads public awareness efforts through her organizations Deception Code and Operation Shamrock, empowering individuals—especially older adults—to recognize, report, and recover from financial and emotional exploitation. Her work blends education, empathy, and advocacy to dismantle the shame that keeps victims silent and to shine a light on how scammers manipulate trust and connection to deceive even the most vigilant among us.Connect with michelleWebsite: https://www.deceptioncode.com/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/milichdaubas/Organization: https://www.operationshamrock.org/Operation Shamrock: operationshamrock.org – A resource for survivor stories and scam prevention.Get Connected.★ Subscribe to my YouTube channel★ Sign up for my email list: https://adversityrising.com/email-list★ Listen to my Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AouludJr7EweOkMIN9s42?si=d8cdfcb925ce4c9c Take the Next Step.★ Download the FREE handout, "5 Things Shame Resilient People do Every Day" and start making those daily shifts to break that shame cycle that's keeping you stuck in that negative headspace. www.adversityrising.com/become-shame-resilient ★ Book a free 25-minute discovery call to discuss different program options and find the support best fits your needs. https://calendly.com/adversityrising/discovery-call★ Are you a people pleaser? Ruminator? Over-extender? Sign up for the next round of Liberated Living and implement the radical 3 practice — Radical Acceptance, Radical Responsibility & Radical Authorship: https://adversityrising.com/liberated-living

In this episode of Untethering Shame, I am joined by Jessica Fern, a therapist, educator, and the internationally recognized author of Polysecure, Polywise, and her newest book, Transforming the Shame Triangle.Together, we explore the Shame Triangle: the internal loop that occurs between the inner critic, the shame part, and the inner escaper. Jessica explains how we internalize the "drama triangle" of persecutor, victim, and rescuer, turning them into internal parts that drive self-criticism and disconnection.We discuss the origins of shame in our early needs for belonging and why our coping strategies often act like "expired milk": methods that were once adaptive and nourishing but have become toxic over time. This conversation offers a framework for moving from the Shame Triangle to the Self-Love Triangle, transforming the inner critic into an inner coach.Key TakeawaysThe Shame Triangle Defined: The internal dynamic consisting of the inner critic (the bully), the shame part (the victim), and the escaper (the rescuer).Escaper Behaviors: How we use over-functioning, perfectionism, under-functioning, or aggression to mute the inner critic.Expired Strategies: Understanding that our protective parts have good intentions but use distorted methods that no longer serve us as adults.From Critic to Coach: The process of the Self-Love Triangle involves updating our internal parts and teaching the inner critic to encourage rather than attack.Navigating Relationships: How healing our internal shame often requires shifting dynamics with parents, partners, or friends who may still be stuck in their own triangles.Radical Acceptance: The goal is not to eliminate shame entirely but to change the story we tell ourselves about it.About Jessica Fern: Jessica Fern holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution, is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a trained Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, and an integrative therapist drawing on 25 years of experience in somatic, narrative, psychotherapeutic, and spiritual healing modalities. She is the author of Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Nonmonogamy, The Polysecure Workbook, and Polywise: A Deeper Dive Into Navigating Open Relationships. Through her international private practice, Jessica works with individuals, couples, and multi-partner relationships to break free from reactive patterns, cultural conditioning, insecure attachment, and past trauma.Website: https://www.jessicafern.comRestorative Relationships: https://www.restorativerelationship.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicafern411/?hl=enGet Connected.Subscribe to my YouTube channelSign up for my email list: https://adversityrising.com/email-listListen to my Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AouludJr7EweOkMIN9s42?si=d8cdfcb925ce4c9c Take the Next Step.★ Download the FREE handout, "5 Things Shame Resilient People do Every Day" and start making those daily shifts to break that shame cycle that's keeping you stuck in that negative headspace. https:/www.adversityrising.com/become-shame-resilient ★ Book a free 25-minute discovery call to discuss different program options and find the support best fits your needs. https://calendly.com/adversityrising/discovery-call★ Are you a people pleaser? Ruminator? Over-extender? Sign up for the next round of Liberated Living and implement the radical 3 practice — Radical Acceptance, Radical Responsibility & Radical Authorship: https://adversityrising.com/liberated-living