Shows
The School of Hard KnocksEP: 76 Seven Months Later: What’s Changing Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, email…darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com Seven months ago, I pressed record and launched The School of Hard Knocks.Since then? Growth. Healing. Stretching. Recalibrating.In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what these last seven months have really looked like — what I’ve learned, what I’ve outgrown, and...
2026-03-0413 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 75 From Trauma Reactions to Conscious Choices👉 Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, email…darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.comYesterday at breakfast, a simple conversation turned into something much deeper.We started talking about decisions — the ones we feel guilty about… and the ones we didn’t even realize we were making.Between the ages of 0–7, we absorb beliefs about love, safety, worth, and identity. We don’t choose them consciously —...
2026-02-2717 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP:74 Why Grief Makes You So Tired (And How I Shift It in Real Time) Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, email…darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.comGrief doesn’t just hurt — it exhausts you.In today’s episode, I’m talking about the kind of tired that sleep doesn’t fix. The emotional weight that sneaks up on you months later. The heaviness that makes even simple things feel overwhelming.I’m a little over four months into this s...
2026-02-2416 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 73 When the Publisher Interviews the Author Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, email…darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.comIn this special feature episode, I join multiple authors from Queenie Publishing for a spotlight conversation hosted by the incredible founder herself.During my six-minute interview, she speaks about my journey — the resilience, the rebuilding, and the momentum I’ve continued to build even after the loss of my father.I introduce...
2026-02-2306 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 72 Procrastination Isn’t Laziness — It’s Overload👉 Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, email…darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.comToday’s episode is raw and real.I almost didn’t record it — not because I’m lazy, and not because I need perfection — but because I have a lot on my plate right now.In this short episode, I talk about the two real reasons I procrastinate:• Wanting what I create...
2026-02-2010 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 71 Breaking Generational Fear: A Survivor’s Journey from Teenage Abuse to Safe Love and Success Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, email…darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.comAt 15, she believed she had found love.What followed were years of fear, control, and living in survival mode — protecting herself and her child while navigating abuse no one saw.In this powerful episode, Denise shares:• What kept her stuck• The moment she found her courage• How sh...
2026-02-1958 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 70 Healed People Heal People: A Moment of Confirmation Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, email…darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.comAfter an experience as a volunteer at our Special Needs Ministry this weekend, I came to realize how my journey of healing is truly healing other people. We are all a work in progress. Don’t give up on yourself!
2026-02-1713 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 69 The “Safety Girl” Strategy: Borrowing Confidence When You Need It👉 Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, email…darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.comToday’s episode is a little different.I was watching Pretty Woman and had a flashback to being 18 years old and saying, “I’m a safety girl.” What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was borrowing confidence from a character to help myself feel safe in a moment I wasn’t fully comfortable in...
2026-02-1314 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 68 Keep Your Healthy Mind When Your Loved One Loses Theirs | A Conversation with Suzanne👉 Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, email…darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.comWhat do you do when the person you love most begins to change… and you can’t fix it?In this deeply emotional conversation, I sit down with Suzanne, author of Keep Your Healthy Mind When Your Loved One Loses Theirs.Suzanne shares her journey of walking alongside her adult daughter as un...
2026-02-1137 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 67 From Jail Cell to Breakthrough: Sammie’s Full-Circle Redemption👉 Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, email…darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.comSome stories don’t just inspire you — they stop you in your tracks.In this episode, I sit down with Sammie, a woman who has walked through addiction, incarceration, escorting, losing herself… and nearly losing everything that mattered most.This is not a story of shame.This is a story of radic...
2026-02-111h 17The School of Hard KnocksEP: 66 Self Love is Mindset Work: How To Get Started👉 Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, email…If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.comToday’s episode guides you through why self love is needed to open the door to a mindset shift. Included is a big tip on how to hold yourself accountable!
2026-02-1019 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP:65 Your circle is only as strong as your pillars: Why good friends matter👉 Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode.If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.comAligning yourself with friends, actual friends, that hold you up instead of bring you down will change everything. In this episode I talk about leaving a friendship in 2025 and what my friendship rebuild over the last 6 months looks like. I also joke about not having a highl...
2026-02-0630 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP:64 Don’t Corkscrew: How to Stop a Downward Spiral Before It Starts👉 Hit follow and save this podcast so you don’t miss an episode.Yesterday could have turned into a full downward spiral. Tech issues, pressure, miscommunication — the kind of moment where it’s easy to throw your hands up and walk away.In today’s episode, I talk about what spiraling actually looks like, why panic pulls us deeper like a corkscrew, and how learning to pause — instead of react — changes everything.This is real-time coaching from a real moment, and a reminder that clarity always...
2026-02-0322 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 63 Why Starting Over Keeps Happening: Why You Should Stay The CourseWe’ve all been there. We want to reach the goal or objective, but life happens and we give up. A lot of restart. Most of us don’t. Let’s change that. Here’s how and why! you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2026-01-3012 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP:62 Giving Voice to the Voiceless: Shawn on Innovation, Autism Support, and PurposeIn this uplifting episode of The School of Hard Knocks, Shawn shares the heart and journey behind creating a powerful speech-support app designed to help autistic children, adults with aphasia, and families navigating communication challenges.More than just technology, Shawn has built a platform rooted in compassion—along with a supportive community where parents can connect, feel seen, and know they’re not alone. With deep passion and unmistakable purpose, she talks about what it means to follow a calling, serve others through innovation, and do work that truly changes lives.If y...
2026-01-2927 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP:61 From Disconnected to Grounded: Amanda on Adoption, Faith, and Healing ForwardIn Episode 61 of The School of Hard Knocks, Amanda shares her story of growing up adopted and struggling to feel fully connected and grounded through some of the hardest seasons of her life. After years of navigating pain and rough patches, everything began to shift five years ago when she and her husband found their faith.Now a mental health coach, Amanda reflects on how faith transformed the way she processes challenges, approaches healing, and shows up in her life and work. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about identity, belonging, and what it...
2026-01-2943 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 60 Still Here for a Reason: Sarah on Survival, Healing Beyond Therapy, and Answering the Call In this powerful episode of The School of Hard Knocks, Sarah shares her extraordinary survival story—nearly losing her life and her child’s life at the hands of her first child’s father, surviving six motor vehicle accidents, and walking away from corporate America to build a business rooted in healing.Often joking that she must have a team of guardian angels watching over her, Sarah reflects on why she believes she was protected—and how that protection led her to her calling. Today, she supports people in what she calls “after-therapy therapy,” helping those...
2026-01-291h 04The School of Hard KnocksEP:59 Staying with the Healing: Maureen Ortega’s Story of Survival and StrengthIn this deeply honest episode of The School of Hard Knocks, Maureen Ortega shares her life journey with remarkable openness—from childhood abuse to the loss of a baby, divorce, a devastating house fire, and the quiet, ongoing work of healing.This is not a story about being “fully healed,” but about staying with the process, choosing resilience, and learning how to keep moving forward even when life keeps taking. A powerful reminder that healing doesn’t have a finish line—and you don’t have to walk it alone.If you have questions or would lik...
2026-01-291h 02The School of Hard KnocksEP: 58 Part 2 Losing Yourself in Motherhood - and Finding Your Way Back | With BeckyIn this episode, I sit down with Becky - a mother of three, entrepreneur, and fellow podcast host - to talk about the reality of motherhood and the identity shifts that come with it.Becky shares what it's been like to balance raising her children, running a business, and choosing an unschooling approach to education, all while learning how to reconnect with herself as a woman beyond the role of"mom."If you've ever felt like you lost pieces of yourself in motherhood, this conversation is an honest reminder that it's possible to...
2026-01-2737 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 57 My Current Remember When Era: You Will Be OkAnother tool from my toolbox that I have used during some of my scariest moments. In the hospital with my Dad. During my Covid Era. A positive mindset will take you so much further on your journey with such a sense of peace. If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2026-01-2711 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 56 Part 1 Losing Yourself in Motherhood — and Finding Your Way Back | Becky this episode, I sit down with Becky — a mother of three, entrepreneur, and fellow podcast host — to talk about the reality of motherhood and the identity shifts that come with it.Becky shares what it’s been like to balance raising her children, running a business, and choosing an unschooling approach to education, all while learning how to reconnect with herself as a woman beyond the role of “mom.”If you’ve ever felt like you lost pieces of yourself in motherhood, this conversation is an honest reminder that it’s possible...
2026-01-2636 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP:55 Unstoppable: Win Charles on Trauma, Loss, and ResilienceIn this episode, I sit down with Wynne Charles—an incredibly strong, resilient, and inspiring woman who shares her journey through disability, childhood trauma, and the loss of her mother.Win’s story is one of courage, perspective, and choosing hope despite unimaginable circumstances. This conversation is a powerful reminder that what tries to limit us can also be what makes us unstoppable.If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2026-01-2630 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 54 Your 90 Day Exit Plan: With JaniceCome sit with us as I talk with Janice, a fellow co-author from Empower Her Volume 1.In this conversation, Janice shares her journey out of corporate America and the moment she realized the cost of climbing higher was missing time with her family—especially her son. She opens up about the pressure, the sacrifices, and the clarity that came when she chose alignment over advancement.This episode is an honest look at what it really means to build an exit plan, redefine success, and choose a life that supports bo...
2026-01-2642 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP:53 The Little Things of Love LanguageIt’s the little things in a relationship that add up to big moments. Not every moment needs a grand gesture. Some simply need a snack. If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2026-01-2319 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 52 Time Can Be A Thief: Slow Down So You Don’t Miss It AllThere’s no time limit to reach our goals. Our aspirations. There’s a time limit on our life. How long or kids and grandchildren stay young. Slow down and take the time to truly appreciate the biggest blessings while the others are coming in perfect timing. If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2026-01-2013 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 51 Part 2 Breaking Generational Curses: With ElliceGenerational curses don’t start with us—but they often end with us.In this deeply honest conversation, Ellice shares how inherited patterns of trauma shaped her beliefs, relationships, and ultimately led her into an abusive situation she had to fight her way out of.She speaks candidly about the process of recognizing generational transfer, the courage it took to break free, and how reclaiming her life became an act of healing not just for herself—but for those who come after her.Ellice also i...
2026-01-1628 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 51 Breaking Generational Curses: With ElliceIn this powerful episode of The School of Hard Knocks, Ellice opens up about generational curses—how they form, how they transfer, and what it takes to break them.She shares how unhealed patterns passed down through generations led her into an abusive relationship, and the moment she realized that survival wasn’t enough—reclaiming her life was necessary.Ellice walks us through her personal healing journey and introduces a meaningful project that visually demonstrates how generational curses are transferred, and more importantly, how they can be interrupted....
2026-01-1633 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 50 Healing with Old Memories: Saving For a New DayIn this episode I talk about finding my Dads phone and being able to hear his voice for the first time in awhile. Saving that precious treasure for all the good days ahead instead of allowing them to make my hard days feel more hard. Treasures should be used as a reward. Not to induce more pain or sadness. If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2026-01-1619 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP:48 Slowing down without quitting on your dreamsDreams are meant to be lived. Not just what helps keep you asleep at night. Let’s talk about slowing down while still reaching for all the stars in the sky and making those dreams a reality! If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2026-01-1323 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 46 Take Control Of Your Trauma: Hiding Isn’t HealingIn this episode I share why I held on to my Trauma for the better part of my life, and what it looks like to finally let it go. Some tips on how to start your journey to healing. If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2026-01-0927 min
The Why Of It AllFrom Hard Knocks To Healing with Darcie Burtch | Ep. 39 | The Why Of It AllIn this powerful episode of The Why Of It All, we sit down with Darcie Burtch, host of the School of Hard Knocks podcast and co-author of the bestselling book Empower Her, to explore what it truly looks like to move from profound adversity into healing and purpose.Darcie’s journey is shaped by early trauma, growing up in a toxic household, and a series of life-altering experiences that forced her to grow up fast and learn how to survive. For years, she lived in reaction mode—pushing forward, doing what needed to be done...
2026-01-071h 06The School of Hard KnocksEP: 45 Rest Didn’t Fix It — Here’s WhyWe’re told that if we’re exhausted, all we need is rest. Take a break. Sleep more. Slow down.But what happens when you finally rest… and you’re still tired?In this episode, I talk about nervous system exhaustion, the kind of fatigue that doesn’t come from doing too much in a day—but from doing too much for years. Hustling, surviving, keeping up, pushing through, and living in a constant state of “go.”I share why I didn’t make New Year’s resolut...
2026-01-0619 minThe School of Hard KnocksSeason 2 • Episode 44 Change your perception: Allow the joy in!New Year Resolutions are so old school! This year we are equipped with our Trauma Tool Box and the ability to change our perception. This allows us to find more joy. Even when the struggles are real! If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2026-01-0212 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 43 The Year Is Ending: So Are Our Bad Habits2025 is coming to an end. This is the perfect time to release the trauma and pain of this year and find growth in yourself. Let’s talk about that! you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-12-3025 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP 42: 13 Christmas Trees Didn’t Stop the GriefThis episode is for anyone navigating grief during the holidays, especially when Christmas doesn’t feel like Christmas at all.I decorated everything this year—trees, lights, garlands, all of it. And when Christmas Eve came, none of it mattered.In this episode, I talk about choosing grace over performance, honoring your body when it can’t push through, and letting yourself be human during the holidays.If you felt heavy this season, you’re not broken. You’re grieving—and you’re not alone.
2025-12-2621 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP:41 When Accountability Changes EverythingIn today’s episode, I talk about the importance of taking accountability—especially in situations where we played a role, even unintentionally. Growth doesn’t come from blame; it comes from self-awareness, ownership, and the willingness to look inward. This is a reminder that accountability can soften conflict and bring clarity where there was once confusion.If you have questions or would like to be on the show, you can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-12-2314 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 40 Not Today, Rabbit HoleSome thoughts don’t deserve your energy.Some stories don’t need revisiting.And some rabbit holes will only steal your peace if you let them.In this episode of School of Hard Knocks, I’m talking about the practice of stopping the spiral before it starts. How to recognize your personal warning signs, protect your emotional bandwidth, and choose grounded presence over mental chaos.This one is for anyone learning how to heal without re-injuring themselves in their own mind.If y...
2025-12-1913 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP 39 Two Months Without You… and the Day Music ReturnedSunday marked two months since my dad passed away.And for the first time since losing him… I played music in the house again.If you’ve ever experienced deep grief, you know there are moments that feel impossible to return to — not because you don’t love them anymore, but because they carry too much memory.Music was one of those things for me.In this episode, I talk about what happened on Sunday — the quiet resistance, the emotional...
2025-12-1617 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP 38 Don’t Wake Up Grumpy: Setting the Tone for Your DayHow you start your morning sets the tone for everything that follows.In this episode, I talk about morning energy, personal responsibility, and why “I’m not a morning person” isn’t an excuse to bring chaos into shared spaces.I share a few simple, practical ways to take control of your mornings—whether you live with a spouse, a roommate, a friend, or even just your dog (because trust me… they don’t want your attitude either).This is about awareness, respect, and choosing how you show up before...
2025-12-1216 minThe School of Hard KnocksPT 2 The Day She Walked Away: Shonda’s Journey Out of Domestic AbuseIn this deeply personal episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I sit down with my sister Shonda as she shares a story she spent years surviving, hiding, and eventually rising above.Shonda opens up about her experience with domestic violence on two different occasions — both involving the fathers of her children — and the terrifying, heartbreaking, and courageous journey of getting out.We talk about:• what abuse looks like behind closed doors• how it impacts mothers who are trying to protect their children• the emotio...
2025-12-1031 minThe School of Hard KnocksPT 1 The Day She Walked Away: Shonda’s Journey Out of Domestic AbuseIn this deeply personal episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I sit down with my sister Shonda as she shares a story she spent years surviving, hiding, and eventually rising above.Shonda opens up about her experience with domestic violence on two different occasions — both involving the fathers of her children — and the terrifying, heartbreaking, and courageous journey of getting out.We talk about:• what abuse looks like behind closed doors• how it impacts mothers who are trying to protect their children• the emotio...
2025-12-0924 minThe School of Hard KnocksWhen Life Breaks Apart… and You Don’t: Amy’s Story of Divorce, Motherhood & Rising AgainIn today’s episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I sit down with Amy — a woman whose story will stay with you long after this conversation ends.Amy opens up about walking through one of the hardest seasons of her life: the moment she had to tell her young children that everything was about to change, including leaving the home and the life they knew with their dad.We talk about:• navigating divorce while still trying to hold your world together• the guilt and pressure...
2025-12-0940 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP 37 When Life Won’t Let Up: The Compound Effect of Hard SeasonsIn this episode, I hit record in my car after picking up dog food — because sometimes life doesn’t wait for perfect conditions.These last eight weeks have been one thing after another: losing my dad, losing Eric’s brother, our truck breaking down, being thrown straight into menopause, and trying to hold everything together while life keeps piling on.I talk about the compound effect of trauma — not just the big moments, but the way the little and medium ones stack until you feel like you’re standing in the middle of a storm...
2025-12-0919 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP 36 Boxes, Bags, and Blindspots: Seeing Christmas Clearly AgainTonight, Eric and I watched the OG Grinch…and somewhere between Whoville and that tiny little heart growing three sizes, I realized something:We have it all backwards.Christmas doesn’t come in boxes and bags and bows and tags.It comes in moments…in prayers whispered with your family…in the way you slow down long enough to actually see the people you love.One day, my granddaughters won’t remember what Grandma and Grandpa bought the...
2025-12-0514 minThe School of Hard KnocksBeauty Within Divorce: Caryn's No-BS Guide to Healing & Reinventing Your LifeIn this episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I sit down with Caryn, author of Beauty Within Divorce- A No BS Guide to Healing, Reinventing, and Loving Life Again, We talk about the raw, real process of going through divorce... grieving what was... and finally stepping into who you were always meant to be. Caryn shares the truth about:* Losing yourself in a marriage*The moment everything shifted*The courage it takes to rebuild after heartbreak*Finding identity, purpose, and...
2025-12-0359 minThe School of Hard KnocksInterview with Melanie: Navigating Dual Parental Loss & the Path to Trauma ReleaseIn this heartfelt interview, Melanie opens up about the profound experience of losing both parents — a life-shaping grief that changed her emotionally, spiritually, and physically.She shares how her mother’s passing during the COVID era created layers of isolation around her grief, and how her father’s later passing — forced her to navigate yet another wave of loss.Instead of shutting down emotionally, Melanie searched for and embraced healthy trauma-release modalities that helped her heal… and now she teaches others how to do the same.In th...
2025-12-0354 minThe School of Hard KnocksInterview with Marty Robison: How She Overcame Childhood Trauma & Created New TraditionsToday’s episode shines a light on a woman with extraordinary strength.Meet Marty Robison — a mother, a cycle breaker, and someone who chose healing over repeating history.Marty walked through deep childhood trauma, the kind that forces you to grow up before you’re ready. And instead of allowing her past to define her, she built a life rooted in new traditions, emotional safety, and the kind of motherhood she never received.If you’ve ever navigated complicated family dynamics, struggled with trauma that came from the peop...
2025-12-0356 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP 35 Paper Plates & Peace: How Letting Go Saved My ThanksgivingIn this short episode, I’m sharing how lowering the bar this Thanksgiving actually made it one of the best ones yet — paper plates, red solo cups, unfinished mac and cheese, and all. If you need permission to slow down, simplify, and breathe again… this one’s for you.You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-12-0209 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP 34 It Wasn’t Perfect… But It Was ThanksgivingToday didn’t go perfectly… but it also didn’t fall apart. I cried twice before anyone even arrived, felt my dad around me all day, and somehow made space for new memories in the middle of it all. This episode is simply about a holiday that was what it was — messy, tender, surprising, and survivable.You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-11-2809 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP 33 A Holiday Gift They’ll Never Forget: Be Kind to the ExToday we’re getting real about loving your kids more than you hate your ex. I share a raw piece of our co-parenting history — the messy, the awkward, the Cruella moment — and how choosing peace can heal wounds at any age. Your kids deserve that gift this Christmas.You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-11-2515 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP 32 Don’t Wait for January: Your Pre–New Year Reset Starts NowI’m talking about my pre–New Year resolution: choosing positivity, healing, and healthy habits now — not January 1st. Every minute is a new chance to start again.You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-11-2115 minThe School of Hard KnocksEP: 31 If You Don’t Reply Fast Enough: When Other Peoples Guilt Does The TalkingToday we’re talking about the people who message you, don’t hear back in 3 minutes, and suddenly spiral into, “Are you mad at me?”This episode dives into guilt-driven communication, emotional projection, and how to respond with intention instead of pressure.Reach me anytime at: darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-11-1813 minThe School of Hard KnocksSunday Soul Note: Choose your crowd wiselyIn this Sunday Soul Note, you’ll hear a quick reminder of the importance of choosing your crowd wisely! You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-11-1604 minThe School of Hard KnocksEp 30 Comfort Food, Coping, and the Cycle That Almost Broke MeSometimes it isn’t the food — it’s the fear.In this episode, I’m opening up about how my lifelong relationship with food began as a way to comfort my eight-year-old self in the middle of chaos and fear… and how I’m finally learning to break that cycle 38 years later.I talk about the moment I realized food had become my drug of choice, how grief reignited those patterns after my dad’s passing, and what self-love and discipline look like when you’ve decided to stop soothing pain with the very thing t...
2025-11-1121 minThe School of Hard KnocksSunday Soul Note: You Don’t Need a Date to Start Breathing AgainThis week’s Soul Note is short, simple, and straight from the heart.Eric and I are tucked away in a quiet suite this weekend — a little escape to breathe, reset, and detach from the heaviness of the past few weeks.I was reminded how often we go through life trying to breathe through a straw… just surviving. But we don’t have to wait until January 1st or rock bottom to start taking care of ourselves — mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.You can choose now...
2025-11-0904 minThe School of Hard KnocksFinding Thankfulness Through the PainThe holidays can feel heavy when the people we love aren’t here to share them with us. In this episode, I open up about what it means to find gratitude in the middle of grief. From favorite recipes to small traditions that keep memories alive, i remind you that even through loss, there’s still light — and that thankfulness can be both tender and transformative.If you’re walking through a hard season, this one’s for you. You’re not alone, and you still have every right to find moments of peace, joy, and gra...
2025-11-0712 minThe School of Hard KnocksBreakthrough Preview: Amy on Choosing Divorce After a Short MarriageListen in as Amy shares the moment she knew it was time to make the final decision to move forward with divorce after such a short period of marriage. Her story is one of courage, reflection, and faith in what comes next.We’re excited to continue sharing Amy’s full interview with you once subscription options become available very soon.Please make sure you’re following The School of Hard Knocks so you don’t miss a breakthrough. 💫For questions or collaborations, reach out anytime...
2025-11-0604 minThe School of Hard KnocksFalling Together When the World Tries to Pull You ApartThis morning has been one of those “God, give me strength” kind of mornings. You know the ones — where the person you love drives you absolutely crazy, but deep down you know they’re your person.Today’s episode is all about the messy moments — the ones that test your patience, your love, and your peace — and how to fall together instead of falling apart when the world (or your partner) seems to be pushing every single button you have.Because real love isn’t about perfection. It’s about grace, growt...
2025-11-0414 minThe School of Hard KnocksTime Is a Thief, but Gratitude Is the GuardrailAs the calendar turns to November, I find myself sitting in a wave of reflection — realizing just how quickly this year has passed. It feels like only yesterday Eric and I were ringing in the new year with my dad, kissing him on the cheek at midnight, and now here we are… just two months away from closing out another chapter.In today’s Sunday Soul Note, I’m talking about how time can slip through our fingers if we’re not careful — how easily we get caught up in the busyness and forget to live in t...
2025-11-0204 minThe School of Hard KnocksConfrontation Without Combat: The Art of ResolutionIn this episode, I talk about the power of healthy confrontation — the kind that heals instead of harms. Too often we step into hard conversations just to defend our stance instead of truly seeking resolution. What if the goal wasn’t to be right, but to reach understanding? This is your reminder that growth lives in the middle of discomfort — and that real healing begins when we choose compassion over control.You can always reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-10-3117 minThe School of Hard KnocksWhen Fractured Relationships Leave Cards UnopenedSometimes the deepest lessons come sealed in envelopes we never open. In this episode, I reflect on what happens when fractured relationships resurface—through unexpected gestures, old memories, or unopened cards. I share a moment from my own corporate-world past and how a similar experience recently surfaced for my husband, Eric, reminding us that healing doesn’t always require reopening every door.You can always reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-10-2813 minThe School of Hard KnocksGrief Takes Time, But Don’t Stay in SorrowIn this deeply personal episode, I reflect on navigating grief after the passing of my father — a journey filled with heartbreak, gratitude, and grace. Inspired by a song that reminded me not to spend too much time in sorrow, i share how even in loss, God’s blessings remain. From my dad’s strong hugs to the quiet moments of love that spoke louder than words, this episode is a gentle reminder that healing is not forgetting — it’s learning to carry love forward.You can always reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-10-2417 minThe School of Hard KnocksGrace During Grief: Taking Care of YouThis week, I’m sharing something deeply personal — how I’m learning to give myself grace through grief.Just this morning, a moment with music brought me to tears. It reminded me of how much I miss my dad and how grief often shows up in the smallest, most unexpected ways.For years, I used to tell myself to get it together or be fine. But not this time. This time, I’m learning that it’s okay not to be okay — and that real healing happens when we stop trying...
2025-10-2113 minThe School of Hard KnocksSundays Soul Note: Giving yourself GraceWhere Grace runs deep, your faith will run more. Give yourself the time you need when you’re healing. Be kind to yourself! You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-10-1904 minThe School of Hard KnocksThe Day Heaven Gained My Dad: A Journey Toward HealingIn this deeply personal episode, I open up about the loss of my dad — the man whose strength, humor, and love shaped so much of who I am. After six years of caregiving, I share what it was like to say goodbye, what he taught me in life and in passing, and how I’m learning to heal one gentle day at a time.If you’ve ever lost someone who meant everything to you, this conversation is for you. Healing isn’t fast. It isn’t linear. But it is possible — and it’s holy work.
2025-10-1714 minThe School of Hard KnocksLegacy That LastsThis week, I got emotional thinking about what it really means to leave a legacy.After hearing about the passing of Diane Keaton — a woman I’ve always admired for her authenticity, humor, and grace — I started reflecting on how we measure a life well-lived.You can leave behind a house, a car, or a business empire…but those things fade.The legacy that never fades is the one built on kindness, tenacity, love, and light.It’s the sparkle you leave behind in other p...
2025-10-1410 minThe School of Hard KnocksSunday Soul Note- Gods timing is always perfectGods timing may not always align with ours, but it is always perfect! You can always reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-10-1203 minThe School of Hard KnocksThe Puzzle Pieces of Healing: What Do You Do When It’s Finally Put Together?Healing is a lot like putting a puzzle together.You start by building the border — those solid edges that give you safety, boundaries, and a sense of where you begin. Then you start filling in the middle — the messy, confusing, mismatched pieces of your past and your pain. You turn them around, move them around, and eventually, things start to connect.But once the picture finally starts to come together… what do you do with it?Do you glue it together and frame it proudl...
2025-10-1015 minThe School of Hard KnocksThe Confidence to Find Your Confidence: Shine your lightIn this episode, Darcie opens up about what it really feels like to step into new territory — from standing outside a TV station with shaky hands to realizing that true confidence doesn’t come before the moment… it comes through it.This one’s for anyone learning to shine, even when your voice still trembles. 💗You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-10-0712 minThe School of Hard KnocksSunday Soul Note: Trust YourselfA short reminder to trust the voice within. No one knows you better than you and God.You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-10-0503 minThe School of Hard KnocksWhen Trauma Meets Faith and CourageSometimes the hardest decisions are the ones that change everything. At 17, I made the choice to enter foster care — and sitting here now, seeing my face on a Times Square billboard, I can’t help but wonder where I’d be if I hadn’t bet on myself back then.In this episode, I share why you are always just one step away from heading in a completely different direction in your life. It takes bravery, it takes discomfort, but the best bet you’ll ever make… is on yourself.You can re...
2025-10-0313 minThe School of Hard KnocksWhen Marriage Is Like An Olympic Sport: Remember The Vows You TookMarriage isn’t for the faint of heart—it takes training, endurance, and more grit than most people ever realize. In this episode, I share the real-life hurdles, javelins, and high dives Eric and I have faced over the years, and why I believe marriage deserves the same recognition as an Olympic event.From the in-law battles to caregiving stress, from loss of confidence to job changes, we’ve walked through it all. The truth? Longevity in marriage isn’t about perfection—it’s about commitment, faith, and remembering the vows you took when you said “I...
2025-09-3019 minThe School of Hard KnocksSunday Soul Note: Permission To PauseToday I’m giving myself permission to pause. Sometimes rest is the most powerful step forward. If your soul feels heavy, take this as your reminder—you’re allowed to breathYou can always reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-09-2802 minThe School of Hard KnocksWhen the In-Laws Feel Like Outlaws: Who Did You Say Vows To?In this episode, I open up about one of the hardest dynamics I’ve faced in my marriage—navigating in-laws who never really wanted me around. For over a decade, I felt like the outsider, the black sheep, the one they couldn’t accept no matter how much love I poured into my marriage.I share the raw truth of what it’s like to be treated poorly by your spouse’s family, the awkward holidays, the painful comments, and the unspoken weight it can put on your heart. But I also share the lesson I h...
2025-09-2623 minThe School of Hard KnocksWhen Helping Hurts: My Journey as a Recovering EnablerFrom the age of 16, I thought I was helping the people I loved. Whether it was taking care of my dad after my parents’ divorce, or supporting my brother through his struggles, I believed my sacrifices were love.But at 39 years old, I had a hard realization: what I thought was helping was actually enabling. In this episode, I share the story of how I uncovered this painful truth—and how learning to stop enabling transformed my relationships and my sense of self.If you’ve ever felt like you gi...
2025-09-2313 minThe School of Hard KnocksTrailer – Start Here👉 If you’re new here, start with this short trailer for a taste of what the School of Hard Knocks is all about.You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-09-2200 minThe School of Hard KnocksSunday Soul Note: How Music Can Calm Anxiety and Heal Your SoulIn this week’s Sunday Soul Note, I’m sharing my #1 tool for calming anxiety — music. 🎶When anxiety rises, I turn to songs that shift my spirit:✨ “Desperate” by Jamie McDonald when I need to cry out.✨ “Champion” by Carrie Underwood when I need to rise up.✨ And when nothing else works… I blast 90s hip-hop and let Missy Elliott or TLC remind me I’m still alive and thriving.Music has the power to carry your anxiety away and wrap your heart in healing. Let the lyrics...
2025-09-2104 minThe School of Hard KnocksWhat Is Love Bombing? Red Flags of Toxic RelationshipsLove bombing might look like affection, attention, and intensity—but underneath, it’s manipulation. In this raw and fiery episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I unpack the truth about love bombing: what it is, how to recognize the signs, and why it’s one of the biggest red flags in an abusive or toxic relationship.Whether you’re questioning your own relationship or supporting someone you love, this conversation will give you clarity and courage to see through the false “love” that only causes harm.💌 You can always reach me...
2025-09-1920 minThe School of Hard KnocksChange your Perception: Like the falling leavesEven in our darkest days, we can still find beauty around us. We just have to be open to look for it. You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-09-1609 minThe School of Hard KnocksSunday Soul Note: Never Give upYou are your own superpower. 💫Friday I shared this reminder, and today I’m living it out again. For over a year, we didn’t give up on our dogs. We believed that peace was possible — even when it felt far away.This morning, for the first time, all three dogs were together… peacefully. 🐾💕 Proof that when you stay tenacious and keep moving forward — even slowly — big things do happen.The only way we fail in life is if we never start… or if we give up. Keep going...
2025-09-1403 minThe School of Hard KnocksGetting unstuck from Trauma: You are your own super powerIf you can’t figure out why you haven’t been able to move forward in your trauma, don’t fear it — more than likely, the invisible roadblock in your way is yourself.You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-09-1211 minThe School of Hard KnocksThe strongest heart wins- Why you should never give up!My dad once called me his “pit bull” because I never give up. In this episode, I share that story and talk about what it really means to dig deep, heal through trauma, and keep going — because the strongest heart always wins.You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-09-0910 minThe School of Hard KnocksSunday Soul Note: Go Self Love Yourself!There’s only two steps to self love care and you’re about to learn them today! Let’s start your journey now! Contact me anytime at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-09-0703 minThe School of Hard KnocksJust Make the Call: How even a few minutes can make a big impactHave you ever been in the middle of something—cooking, driving, scrolling—and suddenly thought, “I should call them”? Most of us push that thought aside, worried about time, interruptions, or inconveniencing someone else. But what if those nudges are exactly what we should follow?In this episode, I share the importance of picking up the phone and making those small but powerful connections. I even recorded a recent call with my grandma after dedicating my Empower Her chapter to her and my grandpa—a six-minute conversation that meant the world to us both.
2025-09-0509 minThe School of Hard KnocksWhen Little Eyes Are Watching and Little Ears Are ListeningHave you ever realized how much your children pick up, even when you think they aren’t paying attention? In this episode, I share a story inspired by Mrs. Doubtfire and my own reflections on the truth that little ears are always listening. The words we say and the way we show up in life can become the seeds our children carry with them forever.You can always reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-09-0207 minThe School of Hard KnocksSundays Soul Note: Believe You Can And You WillOur limiting belief in ourselves has stopped us from achieving the success that we desire. In business, love and happiness. When you believe in yourself, your ability to attract what you crave becomes obtainable. You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-08-3104 minThe School of Hard KnocksMaking Friends as Adults (and Why It Feels So Hard)Why does making friends as an adult feel so awkward—even when the connection feels natural? In this episode of The School of Hard Knocks, Darcie shares her own stories of stepping back into social spaces after years of caregiving, fear, and self-protection. From striking up conversations in the Target checkout line to rediscovering the joy of coffee dates and community, she explores: • Why adult friendships feel harder than childhood ones • The fears that keep us from saying “hi” or exchanging socials • Real-life examples of how connection can bloom in unexpected places • Simple...
2025-08-2909 minThe School of Hard KnocksYour Pain is Still Valid (Even If Someone Has It Worse)Your pain is real. Your struggle is valid. Even if someone else “has it worse,” what you’ve been through still matters.In this episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I share why comparing trauma only keeps us silent — and how acknowledging your own pain is the first step toward healing.🎙️ Listen in, and remember: you don’t have to minimize your story to deserve breakthrough.You can reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-08-2607 minThe School of Hard KnocksSundays Soul Note: Finding Joy In What You Did DoIn this week’s Soul Note Sunday, I share a simple but powerful reminder: while we may not have checked off every box on our summer bucket list, the beauty is often in the memories we did make. 🌻I’ll take you through my own reflection—how I caught myself feeling bummed about missed plans, only to realize through scrolling photos just how much joy this summer really held.This episode is your invitation to pause, look back, and celebrate the moments you may have forgotten. Because life isn’t measured...
2025-08-2403 minThe School of Hard KnocksBeing a Right Fighter Ain’t Always Right: The Outcome is Still LoadingHave you ever found yourself in an argument where winning felt more important than peace? In this episode, I’m unpacking what it means to be a ‘right fighter’—that habit of needing to prove your point no matter the cost. Together, we’ll look at where it comes from, how it shows up in our relationships, and the bricks it adds to our walls. And more importantly, I’ll share ways to step out of the battle and into breakthrough, so healing—not being right—becomes the goal.
2025-08-2211 minThe School of Hard KnocksLoving a Cheater: When Loyalty Meets BetrayalBeing in a relationship with someone who cheats can leave scars deeper than most people realize. It’s not just about broken trust—it’s about the mind games, the self-doubt, and the shame that gets quietly carried.And if you’ve had that Rihanna line stuck in your head—“Is he cheating? Man, I don’t know… I’m breaking dishes…”—then you know the storm of emotions I’m talking about.In this episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I’m diving into the raw reality of loving a cheater—what it...
2025-08-1911 minThe School of Hard KnocksSundays Soul Note: Comparison is the biggest thief of joyHighlight reals will never be better then the authentic thing. Don’t disregard all your amazingness to compare yourself to others. You are incredible and being you is your super power! You can always reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-08-1702 minThe School of Hard KnocksSelf-Love: The First Step in Your Breakthrough to JoySelf-love isn’t just bubble baths and candles (though those are nice). It’s the courage to set boundaries, say “no” without guilt, and protect your peace. In this episode, I’m breaking down what real self-love looks like — and how it can be the first step in your breakthrough to joy.You can always reach me at darcie@theschoolsofhardknocks.com
2025-08-1509 minThe School of Hard KnocksThe Blame Game: When All the Fingers Point Back at YouEver feel like you’re stuck in a job, relationship, or friendship you know isn’t serving you — but you stay because it’s comfortable? In today’s episode, we talk about why you’re not a tree (you’re not rooted in one place!) and how the power to move forward starts with self-love.I share why blaming your past, other people, or even circumstances only keeps you from the life you deserve — and how to break free from the patterns that hold you back.And yes… you’ll hear me fumble my...
2025-08-1238 minThe School of Hard KnocksSunday’s Soul Note: You’re Never Behind Your Becoming ✨This one’s for the dreamers who’ve had to put their passions on the shelf… maybe for years.I wanted to be a psychologist in high school. Then I thought, “Maybe I’ll just become a social worker instead—it’s still important work, and I’ll get to help people.” But then… life started lifing.Fast forward to now—at 45 (almost 46), I’m about to walk into a dream I didn’t even see coming. On August 27th, I’ll officially be a published author. 📚If you’ve been feeling “behind”...
2025-08-1003 minThe School of Hard KnocksSpiritual Sabotage or Just A Bad DayWhen everything is finally falling into place… why does it sometimes feel like the rug gets pulled out from under you? In this episode, I talk about the difference between a spiritual attack and just a bad day — and how to recognize which one you’re facing. Real-life moments that test your patience, this is a conversation about staying grounded, keeping perspective, and not letting the enemy steal your joy.
2025-08-0809 minThe School of Hard KnocksCorporate & Caregiver Burnout: When it’s all just too muchIn this episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I open up about what it feels like to be caught in the impossible middle—navigating the toxic expectations of corporate culture and the invisible weight of caregiving for a loved one.We talk about the emotional burnout no one prepares you for, the exhaustion behind always being the strong one, and the quiet grief of losing parts of yourself while keeping everyone else afloat.If you’ve ever felt trapped, unseen, or just done—this one’s for you.
2025-08-0512 minThe School of Hard KnocksNew Month and Here’s Your Permission SlipYour 2-minute Sunday reminder that you don’t need a Monday, a perfect plan, or anyone’s permission to begin.Bringing you the faith, love, and courage to rise—right here, right now.
2025-08-0302 minThe School of Hard KnocksFrom Doormat to Done: My Turning PointIn this first episode of The School of Hard Knocks, I’m sharing the moment that changed everything—the moment I stopped being everything to everyone else, and started reclaiming my peace.After my dad was shot, I found myself completely burned out. I had spent years helping everyone else, only to realize that when I needed support, I was on my own.This is the story of how I finally said enough, how I stopped being “Dormat Darcie,” and how I began building a life that honors my boundari...
2025-08-0107 minThe School of Hard KnocksMy First Trailer (before I found my flow 🙈)This was my very first trailer when I launched. I’m leaving it up because it’s part of the journey, but if you’re brand new—make sure to start with the new trailer above!
2025-07-3001 min