
Losing McKenna: Three Hours That Changed Everything | Kayla Dalton | Ep 33 | Shattered Silence Podcast
Shattered Silence PodcastShow Notes
Episode 33 | Kayla Dalton – When 3 Hours Changed Everything In honor of American Heart Month, Kayla Dalton shares the day her entire world changed. Within three hours, she went from living an ordinary day with her husband… to becoming a widow. There were no warnings. No obvious signs. No time to prepare. Just shock. Silence. And a life split into “before” and “after.” In this deeply emotional episode, Kayla walks us through those devastating hours — the disbelief, the confusion, the moment everything felt unreal. She shares what it’s like to lose your partner suddenly, without the chance to say goodbye. But this conversation isn’t only about loss. It’s about what comes next. Kayla opens up about navigating life without him — rebuilding, grieving in real time, and learning how to carry both love and heartbreak at the same time. She speaks about honoring his life, honoring her own, and finding strength she never knew she would need. Her message is powerful: You can feel young. You can feel healthy. You can feel like you have forever. But life can change in an instant. This episode is raw. It’s honest. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s filled with love. If this story moves you, share it. Hold your people close. And don’t take a single ordinary day for granted. ❤️ In honor of American Heart Month. #AmericanHeartMonth #SuddenLoss #WidowLife #GriefJourney #HeartHealth #LifeAfterLoss #ShatteredSilence
More from Shattered Silence Podcast
.In Episode 42, Jori sits down with Cheree Ashley to discuss her journey from heroin addiction to 14 years of sobriety. Now a certified intervention specialist and owner of a detox and residential treatment center, Cheree has dedicated her life to helping others find recovery. She also shares how her skincare line helps people in recovery rebuild confidence through self-care. This inspiring conversation is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and purpose can be found on the other side of addiction.
David Winter Episode 41 Raised in a loving family, David never imagined that being introduced to drugs at just 14 years old would change the course of his life. What began with experimentation eventually led to methamphetamine and later a devastating fentanyl addiction that kept him trapped for decades. After years of homelessness and chasing his next high, a compassionate volunteer who consistently checked on him helped guide David toward recovery. Following rehab, David got sober, returned to school, and became a substance abuse counselor. Today, David dedicates his life to helping others find hope and healing. In this powerful episode, he shares his journey through addiction, recovery, and redemption, proving that no matter how long you've struggled, it's never too late to change your life. Hosted by Jori Kinney Instagram.com/jorikinney CONNECT WITH US: TikTok: shatteredsilencepodcast Instagram: shatteredsilencepod
In Episode 40 of the Shattered Silence Podcast, we sit down with Juanita Roland, whose journey shares many parallels with host Jori. After the podcast first launched, Juanita reached out to Jori after recognizing the similarities in their experiences with loss, grief, and addiction. Juanita bravely shares the story of losing her husband to an overdose and reflects on the larger-than-life person he was. She opens up about his battle with addiction, the challenges he faced staying sober, and how setbacks often came when life seemed to be going well. She also shares the unique and beautiful relationship she had with her husband's ex-wife as they navigated grief together, leaning on one another through unimaginable loss. Tragically, that bond was later tested by another heartbreaking loss when addiction claimed her life as well. Determined to turn pain into purpose, Juanita now honors her husband's memory through a foundation created in his name. Through advocacy, fundraising, and community support, she works to help families affected by addiction while raising awareness about the devastating impact substance use disorders can have on loved ones. This episode is a powerful conversation about grief, resilience, addiction, hope, and finding purpose after tragedy. If you or someone you love has been impacted by addiction or loss, Juanita's story serves as a reminder that healing is possible and that no one has to walk this journey alone. Subscribe for more conversations that break the silence surrounding grief, addiction, mental health, and recovery.
In Episode 39 of the Just for Today Podcast, we sit down with Vee Carlson — a trainer, Pilates instructor, and mental health advocate — as she courageously shares her journey through depression, postpartum depression, isolation, and healing. Vee opens up about moving to Alaska during her husband’s military deployment, navigating pregnancy far from family and support, and experiencing some of the darkest moments of her life, including a suicide attempt. Through honesty and vulnerability, she shares what helped her begin finding hope again. She credits her husband’s training working with veterans, the importance of finding the right therapist (even when it takes multiple tries), staying active, and learning how to ask for support as key parts of her healing journey. Today, Vee uses her experience to help others through fitness, movement, and advocacy — reminding people they are never alone in their struggles. This episode is a powerful conversation about motherhood, mental health, resilience, and the reality that healing is not linear. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7 in the United States. You are not alone. Guest: Vee Carlson Instagram: @veecarls Sponsored by Aspire Counseling Services www.aspirecounselingservice.com Help available 24/7 1-888-585-7373 Instagram: @aspire_counseling_services Shattered Silence Podcast Links https://linktr.ee/shatteredsilencepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e417c65f-94b6-4bbe-a054-c320e8f5f093 Produced by: Citryn Marketing Website: www.citryn.com
In this powerful episode, Jori sits down with Tracy Embry-Hernandez, MSN, RN, Associate Patient Care Executive, and Mandy Herrera, Project Manager & Community Health Worker from Adventist Health in Bakersfield, California. Together, they dive into the Adventist Health Bridge Model—a program designed to support individuals in our community as they recover from drug addiction. Through an honest Q&A conversation, they break down how the program works, why it’s needed, and the real impact it’s having on people’s lives. Tracy and Mandy also share personal stories from their work on the front lines, giving a deeper look into the challenges, the victories, and the human side of recovery. Their passion and compassion shine through as they discuss how this program has become a vital resource in addressing the addiction epidemic in our community. This episode highlights what’s possible when healthcare goes beyond treatment and truly shows up for people. 🎙️ Episode out now 📺 Watch on YouTube 🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify If you or someone you know is struggling, this conversation could be the start of hope and healing. #ShatteredSilencePodcast #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #CommunitySupport #Bakersfield #AdventistHealth Adventist Health Hospital www.adventisthealth.org Instagram: @adventisthealthcentralca Sponsored by Aspire Counseling Services www.aspirecounselingservice.com Help available 24/7 1-888-585-7373 Instagram: @aspire_counseling_services Shattered Silence Podcast Links https://linktr.ee/shatteredsilencepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e417c65f-94b6-4bbe-a054-c320e8f5f093 Produced by: Citryn Marketing Website: www.citryn.com Instagram: @citrynmarketing