SHUT UP and Smile! is a safe environment that aims to empower survivors and inspire change. I want to raise awareness, break down stigma, and provide a platform for open and honest discussions surrounding abuse. We will tackle the societal factors that perpetuate abuse and highlight the importance of education, prevention, and support systems. Together, we strive to create a world where survivors are believed, empowered, and provided with the necessary resources to rebuild their lives.

Subscribe to SHUT UP and Smile! today and join me on my journey, become part of the tribe where we can walk together and find our voices, our empowerment and finally heal those scars so that we can SMILE and never have to SHUT UP again!

Together, we can create a world where survivors find their voice and where abuse has no place!

Listen To The Pod

Episode 1 - Who Am I?

Welcome to the very first episode of “Shut Up and Smile” ; I’m your host, Nancy Kohne, and I

want to thank you for joining me on this incredibly personal and important journey.

I believe in the power of sharing our stories, in shedding light on the darkest corners of our lives,

in order to inspire and empower others who may be going through similar experiences.

My own story is one that’s filled with pain, but also with hope. I was once trapped in an abusive

marriage, a relationship that seemed impossible to escape. But I found the strength to break

free, rebuild my life, and support my daughter, who also endured unspeakable horrors at the

hands of her stepfather.

Our goal is to let you know that you’re not alone, that there is hope, and that it’s possible to turn

your life around after such dark times. Together, we will explore the power of resilience, the

strength of the human spirit, and the importance of speaking out against abuse.

So, if you’re someone who’s been through or is currently facing abusive situations, or if you

simply want to learn more about the journey to healing and empowerment, “Shut Up and Smile!”

is the podcast for you. Join us in this ongoing conversation about strength, survival, and the

power of a smile.

Episode 3 - Let Me Tell You About Myself – Part 2

“Shut Up and Smile: Let Me Tell You About Myself – Part 2 Episode III” is more than a

podcast episode; it’s a heartfelt conversation that speaks to the human experience and the

universal journey of understanding and healing.

Whether you’ve experienced similar challenges, are looking for insight, or simply seek to

connect with authentic storytelling, this episode invites you to join Nancy as she continues

where she left off sharing with you her first “destructive” adult relationship and the struggle of

being a single Mom all the while trying to keep herself from drowning & then the decision to

finally leave.

Tune in, be part of our community, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.

Stay Strong and Smile On!

Episode 2 - Let Me Tell You About Myself

In the compelling Episode 2 of Shut Up and Smile” titled “Let Me Tell You About Myself”

we embark on an intimate journey into the past. Your host, Nancy Kohne takes a courageous

dive into the depths of their own childhood, revealing the intricate link between those early

experiences and later tumultuous adult relationships.

In this deeply personal episode, Nancy shares her own story, painting a vivid picture of her

formative years and the events that left an indelible mark on her identity. She delves into the

emotional landscape of her childhood, the challenges faced, and the connections between

those experiences and the unhealthy adult relationships she found herself in later.

With unwavering honesty and vulnerability, Nancy explores how our early experiences can

shape our understanding of love, trust, and self-worth. This episode is a testament to the power

of self-reflection and the healing journey, as Nancy navigates the intricate web of her past to find

healing, strength, and self-discovery.