Life and Death

Life After Sexual Assault – with Diane

Sexual assault changes you — not just in the moment, but in every relationship that follows. Intimacy, trust, friendships, family, dating… it all feels different.
This week, Diane bravely joins us to share her story. She talks about the deep ripple effect of her experience and how she’s had to rebuild her sense of safety, identity, and connection.
This is a powerful conversation about survival, healing, and how trauma doesn’t just go away — it weaves itself into every part of your life… until you learn how to take the threads back.
Trigger warning: This episode discusses sexual assault. Please take care while listening.

Just the Two of Us

Welcome back to Life and Death with Genna and Noelle! Today, it’s just the two of us having a much-needed check-in—talking about life, big transitions, and preparing for all the changes ahead. From the excitement (and chaos) of getting ready for a baby to the curveballs life continues to throw, we’re diving into it all. So whether you’re out for a walk, stuck in traffic, or just taking a moment for yourself, join us for an honest conversation about what’s been happening behind the scenes.

Beneath the Surface: Rachel's Story of Endurance, Endometriosis, and IVF

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Rachel, who shares her powerful journey through IVF and living with endometriosis. From navigating pain and uncertainty to holding onto hope, Rachel opens up about the emotional and physical toll — and the strength it took to keep going. Her story is one of resilience, honesty, and the realities many face but few talk about.

A Realistic and Positive Perspective on Raising a Child with Special Needs

This week, we’re joined by Carri—a mother of two young men, one of whom lives with autism and verbal apraxia. Carri shares her honest, hopeful perspective on receiving a diagnosis, navigating lifelong support, and celebrating growth along the way. She also opens up about the impact on the whole family, including siblings, and how she balances motherhood with a busy career in real estate.
 
Carri also honors the memory of her sister-in-law Lori—the fun, supportive aunt—who passed away from breast cancer. She highlights the local research being done and the importance of carrying her spirit forward through advocacy and awareness.
 
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone looking to better understand the world of special needs, grief, or family resilience, this episode offers valuable insight, support, and real-life wisdom.
 
www.metavivor.org is the organization that Carrie mentions in this episode.

Aimee's Story -- Divorce, Motherhood, and Finding Herself Again

In this episode of Life and Death, we sit down with Aimee, a single mother who navigated the emotional and practical challenges of a difficult divorce while raising her two daughters. Aimee opens up about the struggles of redefining her identity, the resilience it took to move forward, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From co-parenting challenges to personal growth and the realities of starting over, her story is one of strength, love, and self-discovery. Tune in as we explore what it means to rebuild life on your own terms.

Grief, Growth, and the Fight for Tomorrow: Cara's Story

On this episode of Life and Death, Genna and Noelle welcome Cara to the podcast. Together, they explore the complexities of losing a parent when the relationship wasn’t always easy, and how that shaped Cara’s grief journey. Cara also shares her experience of facing breast cancer from a unique perspective and how it led her to become a passionate advocate for others. It’s a powerful conversation about healing, resilience, and finding purpose through life’s toughest challenges.
Cara's Half Marathon Fundraising page can be found here: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/87620/2025-dicks-sporting-goods-pittsburgh-marathon-weekend/pledge/participant/32901451
Cara is raising money for 412Thrive.org, a local Breast Cancer organization in Pittsburgh that gives directly back to patients, survivors, etc.
 

Bonus Episode: A Deeply Personal Conversation

Some conversations are harder than others, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be had. In this special bonus episode of Life and Death, it’s just the two of us—one listening, one sharing—holding space for an open and honest discussion about sexual assault.
 
This is a deeply personal episode, one that unpacks the layers of trauma, survival, and the long road of healing. It’s not an easy conversation, but it’s an important one—one that we hope fosters understanding, awareness, and, most of all, support for those who have experienced similar pain.
 
Please be advised that this episode contains discussions around sexual assault, which may be difficult for some listeners. If this topic is triggering for you, please take care of yourself and listen when (or if) you feel ready.
 
As mentioned in this episode, ⁠Rainn.org⁠ is a 24/7 nationwide hotline.
 
If you are interested in sharing your story in one of our April episodes, or if you’d like to connect with Genna directly, please direct message her @gennamarielifecoaching.

From Foster Care to Fearlessness: Hadiyah's Story of Resilience

In this Life and Death episode, Genna and Noelle talk with Hadiyah, a 25-year-old who shares her journey through foster care. Despite challenges, she’s achieved remarkable growth and resilience. Her story inspires hope and courage in overcoming adversity. 
To report abuse, call Childline 1-800-932-0313.
Learn about fostering at adoptuskids.org.

Mike’s Playbook: Beating Cancer & Coaching at Pitt

On this episode, we sit down with Mike, a childhood cancer survivor and football coach at the University of Pittsburgh.
To learn more about the amazing work that Make-A-Wish does for children and their families, please visit www.wish.org.

Grieving the Same Two People Differently: Neal and Noelle's Shared Journey of Losing Their Parents

Genna and Noelle are joined by a very special guest: Noelle's brother, Neal. Together, they discuss how siblings can grieve in their own unique ways and the life adventures that have shaped Neal's perspective on navigating love, loss and growth.