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The Trusted Friend

by Lisa Helton

Welcome to ”The Trusted Friend,” the podcast that’s like a group therapy session, but without the awkward silences or the stale pastries. We all know that life can be a wild ride - sometimes it feels like we’re soaring on cloud nine, and other times we’re face-planting into the dirt. But no matter where we are on that rollercoaster, there’s one thing that can help us all feel a little less alone - sharing our stories. That’s what ”The Trusted Friend” is all about. We’re a podcast where we’ll be sharing stories of life’s ups and downs, joys and tragedies, losses and triumphs. And we’ll be doing it all with a healthy dose of humour, wit, and sarcasm. We’re not your typical self-help podcast - we won’t be giving you any cheesy advice like ”just think positive!” or ”breathe in, breathe out.” Instead, we’ll be sharing real stories from real people, with all the messy, complicated, and hilarious details. So if you’re looking for a podcast that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, tune i

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Episodes

  1. We Can Be Sad in Beautiful Places with Brytani Musick

    We all know the feeling: life should be good. From the outside, everything looks fine—even enviable. But inside? It’s a different story. In this deeply moving episode, Brytani shares her journey as an active duty Marine who quietly carries the weight of depression, suicidal thoughts, and the ache...

  2. Escaping the Monster with Desiree Arias

    The Trusted Friend Events This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse and may be difficult for some listeners. Please take care while listening. At just 15 years old, Desiree Arias had no idea that her first love would turn into a six-year nightmare. “I didn’t know anything about boys or...

  3. Diapers to Demolition to Dreams with Rossana Storani

    The Trusted Friend Events From changing diapers to breaking barriers in construction, Rossana Storani’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless determination. An immigrant from Argentina, Rossana left behind a life of wealth and comfort to start over in New York as a single...

  4. Commanding the Narrative with Theresa Carpenter

    The Trusted Friend Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of the guest and not behalf of the Department of Defense or the Navy. Meet Theresa Carpenter—Navy Commander, storyteller, and advocate for change. With 28 years of service, including a decade as an enlisted aviation...

  5. Breaking Ice.... Breaking Barriers with Alysia Rissling Olsen

    Trusted Friend What happens when you've dedicated your life to sports with a successful University basketball career, only to realize there's no clear next step once it's over? The sport that once defined you is suddenly in the past—so what now? Then, as you watch the Olympic opening ceremony,...

  6. Grit, Gold and Greatness with Michelle Cameron-Coulter

    Morocco Girls Trip You know those friends who just get you and make you want to be better? That’s Michelle Cameron-Coulter. She’s an Olympic gold medalist, a six-time world champion in synchronized swimming, a TEDx speaker, and the host of Inspiring Possibilities. But beyond all the titles, she’s...

  7. Unsung Women of War: Secrets, Sacrifice & Legacy with Author Clare Mulley

    Trusted Friend Upcoming Events In honor of International Women’s Day, we are diving into the extraordinary lives of women who defied expectations, risked everything, and played pivotal roles in shaping history—often without receiving the recognition they deserved Award-winning author and…

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  8. Rewriting the Lyrics of My Life with Lisette Xavier

    Trusted Friend Events Lisette Xavier’s life has been anything but predictable. She lost her mother when she was young, became a single mom of two when her husband left, and had every reason to give up. But instead, she found strength in her struggles, turned her pain into joy, and redefined what...

  9. When Love Hurts & When It Heals with Paige Stonehocker

    The Trusted Friend Events MOROCCO GIRLS TRIP Paige’s story is one that is often too familiar, full of heartbreak and not how she saw love unfolding. She found herself in a marriage filled with manipulation, betrayal, and emotional abuse—an experience that shook her to her core, affecting not just...

  10. My Heart Remembers, My Heart Loves Again with Christine Sharpe

    The Trusted Friend Christine’s world changed in an instant. What started as the perfect day—celebrating Bobby’s birthday, cherishing their time together as a family, and watching the sunset—became the last day they would ever share. Suddenly widowed with two little ones to care for, she was…

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  11. Playing Taylor..Finding Charity with Charity Eden

    The Trusted Friend Events What does it take to step into the shoes of one of the biggest superstars in the world? In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented Charity Eden, a singer-songwriter in her own right who has captivated audiences with her uncanny ability to perform as Taylor...

  12. Chasing Dreams...Doing More with Hayley Isabel

    In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Hayley Isabel, at only 13 years old, she's already a rising star in the country music scene whose talent and passion are capturing hearts everywhere. From her humble beginnings at an open mic on her 10th birthday to performing on some of the big...

  13. Breaking the Silence with Amber Nicole Hayes

    TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses the sensitive topics of Child Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence, please listen with care for yourself as it may be triggering. Please listen without young kids around. See helpline below. You're not alone, reach out for help. Amber Nicole Hayes, a…

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  14. Morocco Girls Trip.. FAQ with Laura Ericson

    BONUS EPISODE Laura and I sit down and chat about all the details and answering your most frequently asked questions about our upcoming epic girls' trip to Morocco! From what to pack to what makes this adventure so unique, I’ve got you covered. If you’ve been dreaming about wandering vibrant…

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  15. Letting Go of "Should" and Choosing Joy with Ariana Kane

    Hey friends, Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! This episode is all about those big, life-changing moments where you realize you’ve been living on autopilot—and decide it’s time to take back control. Embrace my talents and being my authentic self. Ariana is a fast-talking, deep thinking…

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  16. When Love Means Letting Go with Whitney Smith

    In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Whitney, a mother who courageously shares the story of her daughter, Ruby. Confronted with a devastating diagnosis, Whitney made the unimaginable choice to let Ruby return to heaven. She opens up about navigating chronic pain, the depths of grief, and…

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  17. Silent Struggles of Infertility with Lucy Froese

    In this episode, we sit down with Lucy, a mum of three from England and a certified Freedom Fertility Formula Specialist. Lucy takes us on an emotional and inspiring journey through her battles with primary and secondary infertility, including the heartbreak of miscarriage and the intense...

  18. Whispers from the Grave with Lisa Helton

    In this haunting episode, host Lisa Helton explores the chilling stories of three remarkable women whose lives and spirits continue to resonate through history. I share the tragic tale of Kate Morgan, whose restless spirit haunts the Hotel Del Coronado; the eccentric Sarah Winchester, whose grand...

  19. Raised in Fear.. Living with Faith - Anonymity requested

    In this powerful episode, we explore the heart-wrenching story of a woman who endured years of emotional and physical abuse from the very person meant to nurture and protect her—her mother. Drawing parallels to the story of the "Bummer Lamb," a lamb rejected by its mother yet later nurtured back…

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  20. Soulful, Selfless and Soaring with Kaiya Gamble

    Kaiya Gamble is a soulful singer-songwriter and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and philanthropy. Her love for music and her commitment to giving back have touched countless lives. Today, she shares her journey—from her early days of writing touching song for her grandma to...

  21. Widow to Warrior with Jennifer Carazo

    In this heartfelt episode of The Trusted Friend podcast, I speak with Jennifer Carrazzo, president of the Sugar Bear Foundation and a Gold Star Wife. Jennifer shares her journey from being a military spouse to becoming a pillar of support for Gold Star families after losing her husband, Mario…

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  22. Inner Strength..Outward Style with Courtney Robinson

    Hey friends! I’m so excited to introduce you, Courtney Robinson. Not only is she a women’s style mentor, speaker, and a newly best-selling author, but she’s also got an incredibly inspiring story to share. Courtney recently launched a book called Stand Up: Resilient Black Women Who Are Shaping…

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  23. Besties and Boundaries with Dr. Sweta Chawla

    Follow on Instagram for photos and fun. What you'll learn: You'll discover insights on how to build authentic relationships, set healthy boundaries, and find true connection. Additionally, you’ll hear real, anonymous reflections from women who shared why they believe others may not want to be…

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  24. Wounds to Wisdom with Denita Bremer

    The Trusted Friend Website Instagram What you'll learn from this episode: we have the power to break generational cycles and create new paths for ourselves and our families. In today’s episode, Denita opens up about her personal story and how’s it’s shaped much of who she is. From growing up in a...

  25. Swifties in Sweden with Maddie Karl & Kayla Navratil

    Swifties—and non-Swifties alike! Welcome back to *The Trusted Friend*! It’s so good to be back after the summer—I hope you had a ‘Fearless’ few months filled with memories This is my *50th* episode! What better way to celebrate than with a story about friendship, connection, and—you guessed...

  26. Out of the Basement with Deborah Halvorson

    Listener Discretion Advised. If you have experienced abuse, including sexual abuse, this episode may be triggering, listen with caution. In this episode, Deborah shares her personal story and we look into the profound impact of sexual assault, exploring how it leaves lasting scars on the mind,...

  27. Toxic Talks with Fatima Pagtakhan

    Just like a good friend, The Trusted Friend Podcast is here to share tips to help you live your best life. If you’re tired, overwhelmed, stressed, emotional, mentally struggling, struggling physical health and weightloss, this episode is for you. Fatima not only shares her story but goes from…

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  28. Frontlines to Punchlines with Robin Johnson 'Phoenix'

    After serving over 20 years in the United States Army, Robin's new mission is to uplift people, organizations, and communities through humor. Robin began her military career as an enlisted Soldier in the Ohio National Guard before earning her commission as an active-duty officer through The Ohio...

  29. What a Girl Wants...What a Girl Needs! with Laura Aura

    As the Trusted Friend Podcast, today’s story also has some great advice, just as a friend would give when you’re feeling in a rut and can’t escape the often rollercoaster ride of life. We unravel the knots of self-doubt and kickstart your journey towards unapologetic empowerment. In this episode…

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  30. Famous to Founder with Kayley Hamilton

    Meet Kayley Hamilton, the founder of UPLVL Agency and a 2X Emmy-Award winning celebrity news reporter. Growing up in Colorado, Kayley was captivated by the glitz of Hollywood and the allure of celebrities. Her childhood dream wasn't to be famous herself, but to connect with the stars she admired....

  31. Unapologetically Me with Michelle Johnston

    Michele Johnston, the powerhouse behind Fiercely Authentic Coaching! Raised with a strict religious ideology of what a woman “should be”, she married young and became a devoted mother of four. For years, she masked her struggles to fit society's perfect mold. As her kids got older, she…

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  32. Life Interrupted with Aubrey Johnston

    In honor of National Primary Immunodeficiency Month,we follow Aubrey, a resilient young woman living with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), as she navigates the complexities of her condition. Aubrey’s life took and unexpected turn at the age of 19, all excited to go off to college and live...

  33. Purpose in the Pain with Debbie Gail Zane

    In this heartfelt episode, we follow Debbie's journey from unimaginable loss to profound purpose. After tragically losing her beloved son to mental illness and addiction, Debbie undergoes a transformation, discovering her true calling in helping parents navigate similar struggles. Through her own...

  34. The Butterfly Effect with Atousa Raissyan

    In this episode we'll listen to Atousa's story and her metamorphasis from living in fear to living in Love. She has also written the book Change yourself, change the world available on Amazon. It's a concept we all nod along to, but let's be real, putting it into practice is no walk in the park....

  35. Everything is Made Up with Anna Przy

    Today We've got a tik tok superstar in our midst, none other than the fabulous Anna Przy, making her grand return to the Trusted friend podcast! Get ready to dive headfirst into a whirlwind of chatter—from dissecting the latest binge-worthy TV shows like Love is Blind and Bachelor, to uncovering...

  36. Heartache to Healing with Tara Prater

    Tara shares her powerful story in the form a testimony, appreciating and recognizing God in her journey of healing. Through childhood sexual abuse leading to eating disorder to later on in life dealing with infidelity of her husband and later her personal journey with infidelity and working…

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  37. Double Exposure with Stephanie Shanks

    In this episode, join Stephanie, a seasoned portrait photographer, as she opens up about the extraordinary journey that shaped her into the resilient woman she is today. Stephanie candidly shares the challenges of discovering her pregnancy with twins during high school, navigating the…

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  38. Beyond the Blueprints with Holly McNeill

    Step into the architectural world of Holly McNeil, where at 26, she found herself at the helm of the largest historic preservation project in the state, navigating construction sites with a confidence larger than life. With projects from the cancer hospital in Stanford to the Holy Mosque hospital...

  39. Unstoppable with Danielle Cobo

    Join us for an extraordinary episode as we listen to the life’s experiences of Danielle Cobo, the former Fortune 500 Senior Sales Manager known for instilling grit, resilience, and courage in others. Beyond her professional success, Danielle opens up about the profound impact of her tumultuous...

  40. Tackling Life's Challenges with Eileen Noyes

    In this episode, we tackle the story of Eileen Noyes, a woman who has experienced the highs and lows of life in the spotlight as the wife of an NFL football player. From the glitz and glamour to the struggles of identity and purpose, Eileen opens up about her marriage and divorce, raising eight...

  41. Breaking the Chains of Bullying with Kerri Jokala

    In this episode, Kerri opens up about the relentless bullying she endured, facing exclusion from elementary school through college. She candidly explores the profound impact it had on her sense of self-worth and identity. From the depths of isolation, Kerri takes us on a transformative journey,...

  42. Shooting for Self-Love with Hannah (Helton) Sloan

    Welcome to a compelling episode of the Trusted Friend podcast. In this deeply personal conversation, we sit down with Hannah, a remarkable individual who has not only excelled on the basketball court but has also navigated the challenging terrain of body image and eating disorders. As a college...

  43. A Working Mom's Sobering Reflection with Lynsey Retzlaff

    Lynsey shares with us her journey in overcoming her battle with addiction to alcohol and completely changing the course of her life. She is now a mindset and mental wellness speaker, working mom coach, and licensed therapist, Lynsey Retzlaff, LCSW shares her insights to impact lives near and far....

  44. From Hell to Heaven with Lena Cebula

    For about Lena and other guests go to: www.thetrustedfriend.ca Lena shares her powerful story in this impactful episode. Lena was born and raised in a post-USSR Ukrainian iron mining town. Her parents struggled in their marriage. Became an alcoholic, lost well paying jobs, eventually divorced...

  45. Becoming Avery with Avery Thatcher

    The Trusted Friend Website Join Avery on a transformative journey as she shares the profound shifts that led her to redefine her identity. From the challenges of medical setbacks and a life-altering diagnosis to the realization that she was no longer the person she once knew, Avery takes viewers...

  46. Christmas Memories with Jen Uschold

    More about Jen including some of Jen's delicious cookie recipes Jen and I sit down (via zoom) and chat all things Christmas in this special episode. Jen is the youngest of 9 children and has wealth of Christmas memories and traditions. We both share our Christmas memories coming from large...

  47. Parenting Personalities with Jami Kirkbride

    The Trusted Friend Website for more about this and other episodes Jami, a mom to seven, courageously shares her battles with getting her son the much needed help with his mental health and overcoming his struggles and the dark cloud looming over his head. At the young age of 7 he had thoughts of...

  48. Perfectly Imperfect with Alyssa Williamson

    The Trusted Friend Website This episode we meet Alyssa Williamson's as she shares her journey of overcoming her own need to be perfect and the immense pressures, anxiety, and sleepless nights it caused. Drawing from her own experiences, she empowers individuals to break free from perfectionism's...

  49. Just Breath it’s Christmas with Jen Ushold

    For more information on Jen see: The Trusted Friend Website This is a Mental Health Fitness Exercise. I'm not one for breathing exercise because my mind wanders and I can't sit still and feel awkward. But when she did this at the end of our interview I felt like having a nap afterwards and so…

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  50. 5 Wishes Before I Die with Yvonne Caputo

    In this short bonus episode, Yvonne Caputo joins us again (see her episode Flying with Dad) and takes us on a personal ride through the heart and soul of Five Wishes. She shares how this game-changing document lets you call the shots on your healthcare – from who's in charge when you can't…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to ”The Trusted Friend,” the podcast that’s like a group therapy session, but without the awkward silences or the stale pastries. We all know that life can be a wild ride - sometimes it feels like we’re soaring on cloud nine, and other times we’re face-planting into the dirt. But no matter where we are on that rollercoaster, there’s one thing that can help us all feel a little less alone - sharing our stories. That’s what ”The Trusted Friend” is all about. We’re a podcast where we’ll be sharing stories of life’s ups and downs, joys and tragedies, losses and triumphs. And we’ll be doing it all with a healthy dose of humour, wit, and sarcasm. We’re not your typical self-help podcast - we won’t be giving you any cheesy advice like ”just think positive!” or ”breathe in, breathe out.” Instead, we’ll be sharing real stories from real people, with all the messy, complicated, and hilarious details. So if you’re looking for a podcast that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, tune i

HOSTED BY

Lisa Helton

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Trusted Friend have?

The Trusted Friend currently has 81 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Trusted Friend about?

Welcome to ”The Trusted Friend,” the podcast that’s like a group therapy session, but without the awkward silences or the stale pastries. We all know that life can be a wild ride - sometimes it feels like we’re soaring on cloud nine, and other times we’re face-planting into the dirt. But no matter...

How often does The Trusted Friend release new episodes?

The Trusted Friend has 81 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Trusted Friend?

You can listen to The Trusted Friend on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Trusted Friend?

The Trusted Friend is created and hosted by Lisa Helton.
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