176. Carmen Serano: The Beauty Between the Breaks

In today’s episode, we sit down with actress Carmen Serano-Gingles, who shares a powerful story of healing, resilience, and transformation. Carmen opens up about navigating her own “dark night of the soul” and the hope she now brings to other women as a coach and guide. Having survived multiple layers of trauma in both childhood and adulthood, she eventually discovered true self-love and a deep sense of wholeness in midlife. Through courageous inner work and generational healing—supported by psychedelic journeys—she reconnected with herself and opened the door to authentic love. This journey is at the heart of her forthcoming memoir, The Beauty Between the Breaks, which she describes not just as a book, but as a movement of healing, connection, and love. In our conversation, we explore: Carmen’s painful first decade of life, marked by abuse and a deep sense of not belonging—at home or at school. Becoming a mother at 16, repeating her own mother’s pattern, and navigating a complicated relationship. The trauma and resilience tied to her son’s birth with cerebral palsy—and her determination that he would always be seen by the world. How her son opened unexpected doors, including being signed by a modeling agency at 19, which launched her acting career. Her 18-year marriage to a narcissist, a move to New Mexico, and raising two beautiful daughters while pursuing modeling and acting. A devastating sexual assault in her 30s that shattered her but also forced her to confront buried memories—ultimately becoming the catalyst for her healing journey. The lifelong process of facing her complicated relationship with her mother, and how her healing work has rippled across generations. The profound impact of psychedelic journeys, which helped her cultivate empathy for her mother and reframe her family dynamics. The arrival of a new, healthy love after doing the work to become whole. The vision behind her memoir and artistic collaborations—transforming pain into beauty and amplifying the voices of artists of color. Carmen’s story is one of courage, alchemy, and radical love. It’s an invitation to believe in the possibility of healing—no matter how broken the past may feel. Excerpt “What I Learned About My Mother” “And then my Nana came through. My mother’s mother, who had adored both of us. I heard her clearly: “Stop looking to her to be your mother. I am your mother. She is your tormented sister.” I knew she didn’t mean those words literally. It was a soul-level truth, a reframe. My Nana was reclaiming her maternal role in my life and reminding me that my ownmother was too wounded to play hers. “She cannot give you what you need.” And in an instant, everything changed. I wasn’t angry anymore. I wasn’t grieving what I didn’t get. I saw my mom not as the woman who failed me, but as a girl who had been broken too. A girl who had been hurt by her own father. A girl who survived things I’ll never fully understand. And in that space of truth, compassion bloomed…..” Learn more about Carmen’s work: Breaking Bad : Played Carmen Molina, the principal of J.P. Wynne High School. Urban Justice: (2007): Co-starred with Steven Seagal. Deadly Impact: (2010): Appeared in the film. Next Friday: (2000): Had a role in the comedy film. Marvel’s Runaways : Portrayed Alice Hernandez.  @carmenserano Donate to The Beauty Between the Breaks : A memoir, organized by Carmen Serano-Gingles gofundme.com To join the Tend Her 4.0 Course on Hope (It’s Free!), visit here: https://dryogamomma.com/tend-her-4-0-hope/ Past Episodes You Might Like with Kate & Betsy:  Episode 164 : Christina Woods: Unraveling the Heal Episode 150: Healing the 3 Feminine Wounds Episode 80: Self Compassion: The Secret Sauce of Life Episode 66: Therapy Anyone? Episode 145: Dr. Candida Mauer: Vibrant Explorer Today’s Episode sponsored by: The Local Hub Kate Moreland Coaching Dr Yoga Momma Heartland Yoga   Want to go on retreat?  Want to join Betsy in Costa Rica in May 2026 at her favorite retreat center to help you reorganize your inner space using yoga, meditation, energy medicine, and hypnosis?  All the details here! Source