Navigating family during the holidays can feel overwhelming, especially when old expectations and unspoken pressures come rushing back. In this conversation, therapist Sheri offers grounded, compassionate guidance for setting healthy boundaries—without guilt, conflict, or shame.

We talk about why kids melt down at gatherings (and why adults often feel the same way), how to respond when relatives push too hard, and why protecting your peace is an act of love, not rebellion. Sheri also breaks down the myth that “family means we can say anything,” and offers simple, practical ways to create connection without abandoning yourself.

If you’ve ever felt anxious heading into the holidays, struggled with family dynamics, or needed permission to say “I’m not ready for that,” this episode will meet you right where you are.

Topics we explore:
• Setting boundaries with clarity and kindness
• Why “clear is kind” changes everything
• Staying regulated during stressful gatherings
• Giving kids (and yourself) room to breathe
• Letting go of guilt around holiday expectations
• Building meaningful connection outside the pressure of tradition
• How to protect your peace without creating conflict

This conversation is honest, empowering, and full of wisdom for anyone longing to show up to family in a healthier, more grounded way.
 
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Connect with us:
Visit Theresa's Website: www.theresabruno.net
Follow Theresa on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @Theresa.Harper.Bruno
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

Holiday seasons have a way of revealing everything we’ve been trying to hold together.
In this deeply honest and comforting conversation, our resident therapist Sheri Ryland returns to talk with Theresa about why grief, identity loss, and emotional pain feel so much heavier this time of year and what we can actually do about it).

Sheri explains why the holidays magnify grief, whether the loss is a person, a marriage, a role we once filled, or even the version of ourselves we feel disconnected from. Together, they explore what it means to walk into holiday gatherings feeling out of place, how to navigate blended families, the loneliness of being “the outsider,” and how small shifts in communication can change everything.

This episode is a soft place to land for anyone who finds the holiday season emotional, overwhelming, or simply different than it used to be.
You’re not alone, and you don’t have to pretend you’re okay.

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Connect with us:
Visit Theresa's Website: www.theresabruno.net
Follow Theresa on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok: @Theresa.Harper.Bruno
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

In this heart-opening episode of The Soul Talks, Theresa Bruno sits down with beloved author and speaker Patsy Clairmont, one of the original voices behind Women of Faith, whose humor and honesty have touched millions. Together they explore how laughter, faith, and friendship become the medicine our spirits need most during life’s hardest seasons.

Patsy shares her deeply personal journey—from overcoming agoraphobia to walking through profound grief after losing her husband of sixty years—and how small acts of courage, compassion, and humor helped her find healing. With wit and warmth, she reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the light of God’s word and the gift of connection can bring steadying peace.

A tender, uplifting conversation about resilience, loss, and the sacred power of laughter to heal the soul.

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Connect with us:
Visit Theresa's Website: www.theresabruno.net
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

Connect with our guest:
Visit Patsy's Website: https://www.patsyclairmont.com/
Follow Patsy on Instagram: https://bit.ly/497yL0J
Find Patsy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatsyClairmont

What happens when the person who makes everyone laugh is walking through heartbreak?

In this episode of The Soul Talks Podcast, Theresa Bruno sits down with beloved comedian, author, and speaker Anita Renfroe to explore how laughter can be both a gift and a lifeline. From standing on a stump singing to cows as a little girl, to finding faith and humor through seasons of deep grief, Anita shares how joy became her ministry.

Together, Theresa and Anita talk about cultivating joy in a heavy world, learning to “step over” what you can’t fix, and discovering glimmers of redemption even in pain.

This conversation will make you smile, maybe cry, and remind you that laughter—especially when life isn’t funny—can be one of the most powerful forms of healing.

Subscribe for more soulful conversations.

Connect with us:
Visit Theresa's Website: www.theresabruno.net
Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3GnmGIE
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

Connect with our guest:
Visit Anita's Website: https://www.anitarenfroe.com/
Follow Anita on Instagram: https://bit.ly/4qM2OBE
Find Anita on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMomSong

When the life you’ve built begins to fall apart, could it actually be the beginning of something sacred?

In this heartfelt episode of The Soul Talks Podcast, Theresa Bruno sits down with spiritual teacher and author TJ Woodward for a deeply honest conversation about shame, surrender, and the journey back to wholeness.

TJ shares how losing everything — his business, a relationship, and his sense of identity — became the catalyst for profound spiritual transformation. Together, they explore what it means to reframe our past struggles as brilliant coping strategies that once helped us survive, and how true healing begins when we release shame and remember our divine wholeness.

This episode is an invitation to look at your own unraveling not as failure, but as the soul’s call to freedom.

 Listen now to discover how the path of conscious recovery can help you reclaim your spirit and live from your truest self.

 Subscribe for more soulful conversations.

Connect with us:
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

Connect with our guest:
TJ Woodward's website: https://www.tjwoodward.com/
Follow TJ on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3WcRIrd
Find TJ on Facebook:   / tjwoodwardauthor

In this deeply moving episode, Theresa Bruno sits down with spiritual teacher, author, and addiction recovery expert TJ Woodward for a powerful conversation about healing, awakening, and the journey back to the self.

TJ shares his story of early childhood joy, disconnection, and eventual addiction—and how those experiences became the foundation for his groundbreaking work in Conscious Recovery. Together, he and Theresa explore how what we often call “coping mechanisms” can be seen instead as brilliant survival strategies, and how true transformation begins when we remember the wholeness that’s always been within us.

With honesty and grace, they also touch on themes of spiritual emptiness, resilience, and the sacred power of being seen and loved into healing. This is a conversation about rediscovering connection, not just to others—but to the divine spark that never leaves us.

Subscribe for more soulful conversations. 

Connect with us:
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y 

Connect with our guest:
TJ Woodward's website: https://www.tjwoodward.com/ 
Follow TJ on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3WcRIrd 
Find TJ on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJWoodwardAuthor/

What if the seasons you’re desperate to move through are the very ones shaping who you’re becoming?

In this heartfelt conversation, Terri Matthews Woodall opens up about the lessons she’s learned through surrender, motherhood, marriage, and leadership. She shares the cost of perfectionism, the freedom of saying “no,” and how her faith has reframed what it really means to have balance.

Terri reminds us that the process — the in-between, the waiting, the growing — is where God does His most beautiful work.

 Finding Beauty in the Process is an invitation to slow down, release control, and rediscover the grace woven into every step of your journey.
 
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Connect with Terri: Website: https://terrimatthews.co/ 
Instagram: @terri

Connect with Theresa: Website: https://theresabruno.net/ 
Instagram: @theresa.harper.bruno
Facebook: http://bit.ly/423kFJy 
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

In this deeply moving episode, Theresa sits down again with entrepreneur and advocate Terri Matthews Woodall for a powerful conversation about calling, surrender, and the miracles that unfold when we say yes to God.

Terri shares the story of her son Jaden’s autism diagnosis—and how what first felt like loss became a divine assignment that transformed her heart, her family, and her purpose. From building Jaden’s Voice, a foundation now impacting families around the world, to watching her son defy every prognosis, Terri’s journey is a testament to faith in action.

She reminds us that God uses ordinary people with willing hearts, that our past does not disqualify us, and that the greatest breakthroughs often begin in surrender.

 “You are not your story. Your story is the preparation for your purpose.” — Terri Matthews Woodall

 Subscribe, so you never miss an episode

Connect with Terri:
Website: https://terrimatthews.co/    
Instagram:   @terri 

Connect with Theresa:
Website: https://theresabruno.net/
Instagram:   @theresa.harper.bruno  
Facebook: http://bit.ly/423kFJy
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

In this powerful conversation, Terri Matthews Woodall opens up about the resilience and faith that shaped her journey—from childhood moments of rallying kids to Vacation Bible School for a Barbie doll, to life-changing encounters where obedience to God brought the miraculous. Terri shares candid lessons on honesty, leadership, and trust, revealing how her early experiences prepared her to build businesses, steward relationships, and walk boldly in her calling.

Her story is a reminder that even when the world counts us out, God always counts us in.

Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 

Connect with Terri:
Website: https://terrimatthews.co/    
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terri/

Connect with Theresa:
Website: https://theresabruno.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresa.harper.bruno/
Facebook: http://bit.ly/423kFJyListen on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/44ftNuA

What if the hardest chapters of your life are actually preparation ground? 

In this intimate conversation, Terri Mathews Woodall shares how faith reframed her story. From early adversity to hard-won resilience, she has refused to be defined by her past. 

Terri opens up about the mindset shifts that moved her from survival to assignment, how she transformed “life isn’t fair” into “I’m being formed”, and how faith and surrender shaped her leadership, relationships, and work. 

Perfect for: anyone rebuilding, rewriting, or ready to take the first step. 
If this episode encourages you, please share it with a friend and leave a comment—it helps more people find these conversations.

Subscribe, so you never miss an episode.

Connect with Terri: Website: https://terrimatthews.co/    
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terri/


Connect with Theresa: Website: https://theresabruno.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresa.harper.bruno/
Facebook: http://bit.ly/423kFJy
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

In this powerful Soul Talks conversation, Shaun Proulx opens up about the courage it took to come out publicly as HIV positive, the full-circle moment of interviewing Oprah, and the life-changing lessons he’s learned along the way. With humor, honesty, and wisdom, Shaun reminds us to stop beating ourselves up for being human — and shares his simple secret to true happiness.If you’ve ever struggled with shame, stigma, or self-doubt, this episode will leave you inspired to live more freely and joyfully in the present moment.Subscribe for more soulful conversations.Connect with us:Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6YConnect with our guest:Shaun Proulx’s website: https://www.shaunproulxmedia.comFollow Shaun on Instagram: @shaunproulxmediaincFind Shaun on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaunProulx?mibextid=LQQJ4d

In this inspiring episode of The Soul Talks Podcast, Theresa Bruno sits down with Shaun Proulx—radio and TV host, writer, and storyteller whose journey from a small farm in rural Ontario to the national stage is nothing short of remarkable. Shaun opens up about growing up gay in the 1980s, facing daily bullying and cruelty, and how those early experiences shaped his resilience and authenticity. He shares tender stories of his late father’s influence, describing how love continues to flow through him and guide his life’s work. With honesty, humor, and heart, Shaun reminds us that courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about being yourself, even when the world tells you not to. Tune in for an episode full of wisdom, vulnerability, and the kind of life lessons that stay with you long after the conversation ends.Subscribe for more soulful conversations. Connect with us: Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y Connect with our guest: Shaun Proulx’s website: https://www.shaunproulxmedia.com Follow Shaun on Instagram: @shaunproulxmediaincFind Shaun on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaunProulx?mibextid=LQQJ4d

The Soul Talks Podcast isn’t going anywhere, but its mission is growing. In this special announcement, Theresa Bruno shares how the podcast that began as a way to process her husband’s loss has become a healing space for so many, and why she’s now expanding her work under her own name.Alongside The Soul Talks, Theresa is launching new resources, coaching opportunities, and community spaces designed to help others navigate grief, resilience, and transformation. This episode is both a thank-you for the support that has built this platform and an invitation to continue the journey together in an even deeper way.

In this special bonus update, Theresa shares a quick message with listeners before heading into the Labor Day weekend. Soul Talks is taking a short break, but will be back after the holiday with an exciting announcement about what’s next for the platform.Theresa also reflects on a recent encounter that reminded her of the power of connection and the faithfulness of this community. Thank you for listening, for showing up, and for walking alongside this journey.Stay tuned… Something new and beautiful is on the horizon.

In this episode of Soul Talks, Ruth shares her journey of faith, family, and the unexpected calling that led her to write a book she once swore she’d never write. From flipping houses and raising kids to being challenged by her uncle to seek “a vision beyond your resources,” Ruth opens up about the struggles of imposter syndrome, divine appointments that shaped her path, and how she discovered her true purpose. She reflects on the DNA of home — creating rhythms that slow life down, building intentional family culture, and finding meaning in the places where nothing is wasted. Through her vulnerable stories, Ruth reminds us that faith, love, and legacy are the true foundations of home. ✨ If you’ve ever wondered whether your story has purpose, this conversation is for you. 🛎️ Subscribe for more soulful conversations. Connect with us: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y Connect with our guest: Hungry for Home website: https://www.hungry4home.com/ At Home with Ruth McKeaney: http://bit.ly/45mBNe6 Follow Ruth: @hungryforhome on Instagram and TikTok

Nine moves in a single year. Financial strain. A new marriage. And an unexpected conversation with her mother before she passed away that changed everything. In this Soul Talks episode, Ruth McKeaney shares how she and her husband turned chaos into connection. And how her mother’s faith and perspective shaped the way she sees life, love, and what truly matters. 🛎️ Subscribe for more soulful conversations. Connect with us: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y Connect with our guest: Hungry for Home website: https://www.hungry4home.com/ At Home with Ruth McKeaney: http://bit.ly/45mBNe6 Follow Ruth: @hungryforhome on Instagram and TikTok

In this heartfelt opening conversation, Theresa sits down with author and speaker Ruth McKeaney to explore what it truly means to be "Hungry for Home". Ruth shares stories from her own journey: from building a family mission statement with her husband, to creating an intentional family culture, to learning that hospitality is far more about love than perfection. With humor, wisdom, and deep faith, she invites us to look at how we can live with purpose in our homes, our relationships, and our communities. Whether you’re in a season of building, rebuilding, or simply longing for more connection, Ruth’s insights will leave you inspired to make your home a place of welcome, purpose, and love.✨ In this episode: Why every family needs a mission statement The difference between hosting and true hospitality How faith shapes the way we create home Finding purpose in the everyday 🛎️ Subscribe for more soulful conversations. Connect with us: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y Connect with our guest: Hungry for Home website: https://www.hungry4home.com/ At Home with Ruth McKeaney: http://bit.ly/45mBNe6 Follow Ruth: @hungryforhome on Instagram and TikTok

On a peaceful summer retreat, Theresa takes you along on her morning hike to reflect on the beauty of nature and the way it guides us toward gratitude. Surrounded by streams, rocks, and trees, she shares how simple moments in nature can open our hearts, connect us to the God of our understanding, and shift our spirits for the day ahead.

In Part 3 of her powerful Soul Talks interview, Mert McNaughton opens up about the deeper layers of her path to building one of the most inclusive and dynamic salons in Birmingham, Alabama. Host Theresa Bruno invites Mert to reflect on the challenges she’s faced behind the scenes: navigating her healing journey, the emotional and financial strain of owning a business through the COVID shutdown, and the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up. They talk about: How she built a business culture around compassion, hard work, and authenticity How she encourages her team to: "Secure the bag” What advice she would give a young woman with a big vision This episode is a story of transformation told with heart, and it’s a must-watch for anyone trying to lead with love while building something new. “You don’t know what you don’t know. But you keep showing up.” “Boundaries aren’t bad. They create kindness.” Take care and take hope.Connect with us: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6YConnect with our guest: Follow Mert: @asmertshouldbe on Instagram & TikTok Forecast Salon: https://www.forecastsalon.com/

In this heartfelt Small Talk, Theresa Bruno shares the deeply personal preface to her new book, He’s Not Coming Back: Rewriting Life After Loss. Born from a season of profound grief after the death of her husband, this book is Theresa’s story of surviving, questioning, letting go—and ultimately rewriting the narrative of her life. This isn’t just a story about loss. It’s a guide for anyone wondering how to begin again after everything has changed. If you’ve ever asked yourself how to keep going when there’s no roadmap, this is for you. "This story isn’t over yet. Not mine or yours."Subscribe for more soulful conversations. Connect with us: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y