Connectedness

Ep. 35: Healing Is Not Linear: A Conversation on Trauma, Identity & Finding Yourself Again Caroline Wienecke

[TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains a brief mention of sexual assault. Please take care of yourself as you listen.]What does it really mean to "find yourself" after trauma? In this deeply moving conversation, I'm joined by Caroline Wienecke, author, entrepreneur, and storyteller behind the novel Finding You: Beyond Broken Pieces, a story of a woman who must learn to reclaim her voice, her identity, and her sense of wholeness after an unimaginable experience.Caroline shares her own healing journey with such honesty and courage — from the years she spent silently holding everything together, to the sleepless nights that eventually became the pages of her book. We talk about what it actually feels like to live through trauma while the world keeps moving, why healing is messy and non-linear, and why speaking your truth, even when it's terrifying, might be the most important thing you ever do.In this episode, we explore:Why trauma doesn't just change what happens to us — it changes who we becomeHow journaling and storytelling helped Caroline process what words alone couldn't expressThe surprising gift of vulnerability and why letting people in is where healing really beginsWhat to do when you feel stuck, isolated, or like you're just going through the motionsCaroline's one message for anyone who feels broken right nowWhether you're navigating something painful, supporting someone you love, or just curious about the deep connection between storytelling and healing, this episode will leave you feeling a little less alone.📖 Caroline's novel: Finding You: Beyond Broken Pieces🌐 Connect with Caroline: carolinewienecke.com | @carolinewienecke on Instagram & LinkedIn🎙️ Connectedness is a podcast about the relationships, experiences, and moments that help us better understand ourselves and each other. New episodes drop regularly — subscribe so you never miss one.💬 If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.📩 Connect with Fernanda: filledcups.com | @filled.cupsCHAPTERS:00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1] Trigger Warning00:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=20s] Welcome & Guest Introduction01:53 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=113s] Who Was Caroline Before Trauma?03:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=194s] The Moment She Knew She Wasn't Living as Herself05:11 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=311s] About the Novel: Finding You: Beyond Broken Pieces06:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=385s] What "Finding Yourself" Really Means08:38 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=518s] How Storytelling Became Her Healing11:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=674s] How Trauma Reshapes Identity13:44 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=824s] The Hardest Part of Healing Nobody Tells You16:31 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=991s] Practical Tips for Getting Back to Living Your Life18:33 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=1113s] Why Speaking Up After Trauma Is So Hard22:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=1340s] Creating Safe Spaces for Difficult Conversations23:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=1417s] How Connection Shaped Her Healing Journey26:09 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=1569s] What Caroline Is Still Learning27:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=1675s] A Final Message on Healing, Courage & Connection29:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgJ6uYxlq0&list=PLyvSNVtT64uY-XC99i1gzuyBsXAK6phgQ&index=1&t=1755s] Where to Find Caroline

Ep. 34: Finding Love After 40: Values, Expectations, & Mindset Tips with Amy Schoen

Are the expectations you're carrying into dating helping you find love — or quietly blocking it?In this episode of the Connectedness Podcast, I sit down with Amy Schoen, a certified professional life coach and ICF PCC-credentialed relationship coach who has spent 20 years helping marriage-minded singles find lasting, committed love. And yes, she's been in those shoes herself. Divorced in her mid-30s, Amy hired a coach, did the inner work, and met her husband at 42. They've been married 24 years and are still going strong.We talk about something that doesn't get enough airtime in the dating conversation: the expectations we carry without even realizing them, and how they shape every connection we make.In this episode, we cover:The most common expectations Amy sees singles bring into dating (pacing, finances, time, family, and more)- How to tell the difference between healthy standards and rigid dealbreakers- The "must haves vs. would like to haves" exercise that helps her clients get clear fast- Why her clients tend to reach exclusivity within just 3–6 dates- What separates the singles who find great relationships from the ones who stay stuck- How to navigate online dating without losing hope (yes, the good ones are out there)- Why the real relationship work begins after you find the personWhether you're newly single, back in the dating world after a long relationship, or just feeling like something isn't clicking, this conversation will leave you feeling more grounded, more hopeful, and a lot more self-aware.Connect with Amy Schoen:🌐 motivatedtomarry.com▶️ YouTube: Relationship Coach Amy ShonneConnect with Fernanda & Filled Cups:🌐 filledcups.com📸 Instagram: @filled.cupsIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who might need to hear it. Like, subscribe, and until next time — stay connected to yourself and others, and keep filling your cup. 💜#DatingAdvice #RelationshipCoach #DatingExpectations #SingleLife #FindingLove #ConnectednessPodcast #FilledCups #MarriageMinded #DatingMindset #SelfAwareness #LoveAfter40 #HealthyRelationships #ModernDating #SingleWomen #DatingCoach

Ep. 33: You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup: How Self-Care Strengthens Relationships

In this episode of The Connectedness Podcast, we sit down with Rita, founder of Simple Self-Care, to explore the powerful connection between self-care, stress management, mental health, and healthy relationships.After facing overwhelming stress, burnout, and thoughts of hopelessness while navigating the challenges of motherhood, Rita discovered that true self-care isn't about indulgence—it's about self-preservation.Together, we discuss:✅ Why self-care is NOT selfish✅ The hidden signs of stress overload and burnout✅ How stress impacts marriages, friendships, parenting, and community✅ Why you can't pour from an empty cup✅ Simple daily habits to reduce overwhelm and improve well-being✅ Journaling, movement, mindfulness, and practical stress relief techniques✅ The role of connectedness and community in healing and resilience✅ How to know when it's time to ask for helpIf you've been feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode, this conversation offers practical tools and hope for finding your way back to yourself.🌐 Learn more about Rita and Simple Self-Care:https://simpleselfcare.net📱 Join Rita's FREE Self-Care Text Club:https://simpleselfcare.activehosted.com/f/29Every Tuesday you'll receive a simple self-care mission designed to help you reduce stress and take better care of yourself—one small step at a time.🎧 Enjoyed this episode?Like, subscribe, and share it with someone whose cup may need refilling.#SelfCare #BurnoutRecovery #MentalHealth #StressManagement #Relationships #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #Wellness #Connectedness #Podcast

Ep. 32: Why High-Achieving Women Feel Unfulfilled (Even When Life Looks Perfect)

Have you ever looked around at your life and thought:"Everything is fine... so why doesn't it feel right?"In this episode of Connectedness, Fernanda sits down with life coach and founder of Uncompromised, Elinor Miller, for a powerful conversation about self-trust, people pleasing, boundaries, personal growth, and what happens when you've outgrown the life you've worked so hard to build.Elinor shares her own journey from feeling stuck in a life that looked successful on paper to helping women reconnect with themselves, stop abandoning their needs, and create lives that feel deeply aligned and authentic.In this conversation, we discuss:✓ Why high-achieving women often lose trust in themselves✓ The hidden danger of living a life that's "not bad"✓ How people pleasing disconnects us from who we really are✓ The difference between self-sacrifice and genuine kindness✓ Why wanting more doesn't make you ungrateful✓ Reparenting yourself and healing your inner child✓ How to stop seeking permission from others✓ Boundaries, relationships, and self-worth✓ Signs you've become disconnected from yourself✓ How to make major life decisions with confidence✓ The question that can change everything: Are you running toward something or away from something?One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode:"If you ever have to choose between disappointing yourself and disappointing someone else, your responsibility is to disappoint the other person."Whether you're navigating a career transition, relationship challenges, people-pleasing tendencies, or simply feeling called toward something more, this conversation offers practical wisdom and deep encouragement.Connect with Elinor Miller:Instagram: @elinormillerlifecoachWebsite: https://www.elinormillerco.com/Subscribe to Connectedness for conversations about personal growth, relationships, friendship, dating, emotional wellness, and living authentically.#SelfTrust #PersonalGrowth #PeoplePleasing #Boundaries #WomenEmpowerment #SelfWorth #Relationships #Confidence #Healing #LifeCoach #InnerChildHealing #ConnectednessPodcast #PersonalDevelopment #Mindset #AuthenticLiving

Ep. 31: Plant Care, Self-Care & Community | Veronica Leon from Verde Tribe

What if caring for a plant could help you care for yourself too?In this heartfelt episode of Connectedness, Fernanda sits down with Veronica Leon, founder of Verde Tribe, plant coach, community builder, and creator of the wildly popular Plant Bingo events in Charlotte. Together, they explore the deeper emotional connection between plants, mindfulness, wellness, and personal growth.Veronica shares how growing up in Ecuador and watching her grandmother lovingly care for plants inspired her journey into entrepreneurship and plant wellness. From moving abroad to Spain to building Verde Tribe into a thriving community-centered business, this conversation is full of wisdom about slowing down, trusting yourself, and creating intentional routines that support mental health.You’ll also learn:🌿 Why plants can reduce stress and improve creativity🌿 How plant care reflects our emotional well-being🌿 Tips for beginner plant parents🌿 Common plant myths (including why you should NOT water orchids with ice cubes!)🌿 The story behind Charlotte’s favorite community event: Plant Bingo🌿 How Veronica uses plants to create mindfulness and connectionWhether you’re a plant lover, entrepreneur, or simply looking for ways to feel more grounded in everyday life, this episode will leave you inspired to nurture both your space and yourself.✨ Connect with Veronica / Verde Tribe:Instagram & TikTok: @verdetribeWebsite: https://verdetribe.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqay1jQTRhemF2QzlMTjM3V1lTMW1XYWlQamlhUXxBQ3Jtc0ttRll6dmhDSHR5LW8yR0M1ZlBnblFEVG83aEd3VWhieURfemxHdnJQdFBEUk0yWHZWd2o5bFFXZFFIUlZMWUJlNnZDN0pfMW9RZHdMOFJoLVJsTHlfdHg3X0J6OGVNZ1JqT2dsVDNPYlZCME9mZkg2Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fverdetribe.com%2F&v=5or5MeiUn7U]✨ Follow Connectedness:Hosted by Fernanda, founder of Filled CupsNew conversations about growth, connection, authenticity, and wellness every week.