Episodes

  • Finding Strength in Silence: Embracing Your Voice for Change and Empowerment
    Sep 29 2024

    Can the quiet strength of one woman ripple into the lives of countless others?

    Join me, Carmen Cauthen, as I share my transformative journey from a lifetime of silence to becoming a vocal advocate for change. Inspired by my mother, who quietly but forcefully challenged racial stereotypes in the 60s, I explore the courage it takes to speak out on critical issues like housing and employment.

    Through personal stories of standing up in the office and the PTA, I illustrate how using our voices, even when it's uncomfortable or unpopular, can lead to meaningful change. Recognize your own power and understand the necessity of sometimes being loud and immediate in our actions to make the world a better place.

    Discover how embracing your voice and expressing your true self can empower you in every role you play—whether as a mother, wife, daughter, or professional. I delve into the empowerment that comes from being seen, heard, and making a difference for oneself. We'll talk about how reclaiming activities and joys from our past can reconnect us with our authentic selves and why setting boundaries is crucial for personal fulfillment.

    Learn how to say "no" to reclaim your time and space, ensuring that your purpose doesn't diminish with age or retirement.

    Join me in this episode for a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

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    Carmen Wimberley Cauthen is an author, speaker, and lover of history, Black history in particular. As a truth teller, she delights in finding the hidden truths about the lives of people who made a difference - whether they were unknown icons or regular everyday people.

    To Learn more of Carmen:
    www.carmencauthen.com
    www.researchandresource.com

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    18 mins
  • Journey from Fairy Tale Dreams to Real-Life Marriage: Embracing Growth and Resilience
    Sep 22 2024

    Have you ever wondered whether the fairy tale of a perfect marriage is realistic?

    Join me, Carmen Cauthen, as I open up about my journey from childhood dreams of marriage to the complex realities that emerged over the years. From meeting my husband at 28 and marrying at 30, to navigating the ups and downs of life together, I'll share insights into the importance of friendship, communication, and shared values in sustaining a long-term relationship.

    Discover how differing economic backgrounds and life's inevitable challenges can test even the strongest bonds, and why intentional effort is crucial in keeping a marriage alive.

    The significance of setting boundaries and maintaining standards within a marriage is a recurring theme in this episode. I recount personal stories that highlight how external factors like financial struggles, health issues, and the presence of explicit material brought in by a father-in-law can disrupt a household dynamic. The crushing experience of losing a child and the subsequent impact on our marriage underscores the need for resilience and mutual support. Through these heartfelt reflections, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of marriage and the resilience required to navigate its challenges.

    Finally, I explore the emotional journey of recognizing when a marriage has become stagnant and the courage needed to embrace change. After 31 years, I confronted the realization that staying in an unfulfilling marriage was hindering my growth. By sharing my story of seeking counseling, supporting my children through grief, and ultimately deciding to leave, I aim to empower others to find their voice and pursue personal growth.

    This episode is a testament to rejecting stagnation, embracing change, and finding strength in one's own journey.

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    Carmen Wimberley Cauthen is an author, speaker, and lover of history, Black history in particular. As a truth teller, she delights in finding the hidden truths about the lives of people who made a difference - whether they were unknown icons or regular everyday people.

    To Learn more of Carmen:
    www.carmencauthen.com
    www.researchandresource.com

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    21 mins
  • Speaking Up for Your Own Well-Being
    Sep 15 2024

    Feeling unseen and unheard in a relationship that has lost its spark?

    In this gripping episode of "Quiet, No More," I, Carmen Cauthen, share my deeply personal journey through the emotional turbulence of a fading marriage. Together, we'll explore the isolating impact of dwindling shared interests, the strain of financial stress, and the heavy burden of caring for an indifferent partner.

    The conversation is raw and real, discussing the pivotal moments that make one reconsider the very foundation of their relationship.

    In our second segment, we uncover the powerful transformation that comes from choosing personal happiness over societal expectations and material possessions. I recount the life-altering moment when a simple question from an acquaintance helped me realize the importance of living truthfully.

    By reevaluating relationships and seeking counseling, we emphasize the crucial message of setting a positive example for the younger generation.

    This episode is a call to find the courage to speak up and address the issues head-on, rather than staying silent and living a lie.

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    Carmen Wimberley Cauthen is an author, speaker, and lover of history, Black history in particular. As a truth teller, she delights in finding the hidden truths about the lives of people who made a difference - whether they were unknown icons or regular everyday people.

    To Learn more of Carmen:
    www.carmencauthen.com
    www.researchandresource.com

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    17 mins
  • Finding Strength in the Midst of Family Challenges
    Sep 8 2024

    What happens when life throws one challenge after another, each more daunting than the last?

    Carmen Coffin shares her heart-wrenching journey of receiving a life-altering phone call at 2:45 AM and the subsequent emotional rollercoaster. Hear her courageous recounting of grieving the loss of a stepson while supporting a shattered spouse, all amidst the chaos of organizing her daughter's scoliosis surgery and addressing another child's mental health concerns.

    Carmen's story is one of immense strength, as she navigates these crises with a steadfast resolve to protect her family, often at the expense of her own emotional well-being.

    Balancing caregiving responsibilities for both children and aging parents is no small feat, especially when resources are stretched thin. Carmen opens up about the physical and emotional toll of this double duty, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the exhaustion and resilience required. From managing a parent's dementia to ensuring her children's needs are met,

    Carmen reveals the importance of a support network and practical strategies to maintain some semblance of normalcy. This episode is a raw and insightful look into the life of a caregiver, shedding light on both the hidden struggles and the small triumphs along the way.

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    Carmen Wimberley Cauthen is an author, speaker, and lover of history, Black history in particular. As a truth teller, she delights in finding the hidden truths about the lives of people who made a difference - whether they were unknown icons or regular everyday people.

    To Learn more of Carmen:
    www.carmencauthen.com
    www.researchandresource.com

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    22 mins
  • Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Unique Gifts
    Sep 1 2024

    Can a single word alter the course of someone's life?

    Join Carmen Cauthen in this episode of 'Quiet No More' as she recounts a childhood memory that resonated through her life—a racial slur uttered by another child.

    This moment, laden with pain and ignorance, opens the exploration of how name-calling is more than just words, but a deeply ingrained behavior that perpetuates racism and shapes identity. Carmen shares her struggle with feeling out of place, being mistaken for a white girl due to her modulated voice, emphasizing how harmful language can fragment one's sense of belonging and self-worth across racial lines.

    Discover Carmen’s journey towards self-validation and breaking free from societal stereotypes around beauty and intelligence. She candidly reflects on her battles with self-perception, stemming from a lack of external validation, and the critical role of affirming one's own unique qualities.

    The episode also celebrates the diverse forms of intelligence we all possess—from academics to creative talents. Carmen's insights underscore the importance of recognizing and embracing our individual gifts to contribute meaningfully to our communities.

    This episode is a powerful call to eradicate harmful language and champion the beauty of our unique identities.

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    Carmen Wimberley Cauthen is an author, speaker, and lover of history, Black history in particular. As a truth teller, she delights in finding the hidden truths about the lives of people who made a difference - whether they were unknown icons or regular everyday people.

    To Learn more of Carmen:
    www.carmencauthen.com
    www.researchandresource.com

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    19 mins
  • Overcoming Oppression Through Advocacy
    Aug 25 2024

    Have you ever been silenced by societal norms or workplace policies?

    This episode of "Quiet, No More" with Carmen Coffin will challenge you to speak out and make a difference.

    Through her own experiences of facing unfair dress codes and racial discrimination, Carmen passionately argues that silence only perpetuates injustice. She calls on all of us to find the courage to challenge these oppressive systems and advocate for ourselves and our communities. Whether it's about the restrictive head wraps in the office or the subtle biases encountered in daily life, Carmen's stories offer a compelling reminder that our voices have the power to drive change.

    What kind of impact can your voice really have? By sharing historical examples like the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education case, Carmen underscores the profound influence that speaking up can achieve. This episode explores the fears and risks associated with advocacy, from potential job loss to unexpected public attention. Despite these challenges, Carmen insists that the potential for significant societal impact makes it all worthwhile.

    Listen as we reflect on the transformative power of both individual and collective voices, and learn how you can harness this power to create meaningful change in your own community.

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    Carmen Wimberley Cauthen is an author, speaker, and lover of history, Black history in particular. As a truth teller, she delights in finding the hidden truths about the lives of people who made a difference - whether they were unknown icons or regular everyday people.

    To Learn more of Carmen:
    www.carmencauthen.com
    www.researchandresource.com

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    18 mins
  • You have to show up FOR YOU First!!!
    Aug 18 2024

    Have you ever felt like the only one standing up for yourself?

    Carmen Coffin shares her compelling journey of overcoming workplace challenges and managing health issues by prioritizing her own needs. Through personal stories, Carmen illustrates how acts of self-care and self-advocacy can transform your life when you find yourself facing obstacles alone.

    Learn how she navigated difficult moments and discover the importance of small acts, like treating yourself to a gift or a massage, that significantly boost your well-being.

    Join us as we uncover practical self-care practices that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. From taking a long hot bath to dancing alone at home, Carmen emphasizes the rejuvenating power of simple, joyful activities. Whether you're escaping to the beach or enjoying a solo movie outing, it's all about finding those small pleasures that make you feel special.

    This episode is a heartfelt reminder that you deserve to show up for yourself in meaningful ways, and that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for a balanced and fulfilled life.

    ====================================
    Carmen Wimberley Cauthen is an author, speaker, and lover of history, Black history in particular. As a truth teller, she delights in finding the hidden truths about the lives of people who made a difference - whether they were unknown icons or regular everyday people.

    To Learn more of Carmen:
    www.carmencauthen.com
    www.researchandresource.com

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    13 mins
  • Growing Up Black in a White Neighborhood: Resilience and the Power of Family Heritage
    Aug 8 2024

    Growing up as the only black girl in an all-white neighborhood during the late 1960s was a life-defining experience.

    From facing isolation at school to encountering both subtle and overt racism, my family's journey to simply buy a house was fraught with challenges. Yet, it was my extroverted nature and the unwavering support of my family that helped me navigate these lonely and difficult times.

    This episode of "Quiet, No More" opens a window into my childhood, highlighting how resilience and self-confidence were built through the pride instilled by my family. Celebrating black heritage and sharing our history through education and community engagement were key aspects that empowered me to rise above adversity.

    Moreover, I emphasize the crucial role of preserving and sharing personal and family histories. Rediscovering forgotten events and details from my past has shown me that every piece of our history plays a vital role in the larger narrative of our country.

    This episode encourages listeners to look at family artifacts and stories with a fresh perspective, understanding their significance in constructing our collective heritage. By recording and sharing our stories, we ensure that the vital pieces of our shared history remain known and cherished.

    Join me as we take an active role in preserving our legacy and ensure that our histories are "Quiet no More.

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    Carmen Wimberley Cauthen is an author, speaker, and lover of history, Black history in particular. As a truth teller, she delights in finding the hidden truths about the lives of people who made a difference - whether they were unknown icons or regular everyday people.

    To Learn more of Carmen:
    www.carmencauthen.com
    www.researchandresource.com

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    19 mins