In this engaging and optimistic podcast, author, life coach, and host Vonnie Woodrick interviews guests about their lives and their stories relating to mental health and suicide. Vonnie is the founder of the the non-profit organization i Understand and she is a social change agent who is passionate about changing the perception and conversation surrounding mental health and suicide. She has been featured in the national magazine Women’s World and is a contributing writer to Women’s Lifestyle Magazine.
In this special episode of Behind the Smile, Vonnie Woodrick is joined by beloved Grand Rapids radio personality Aly Mac as a guest host for the first in a heartfelt new series exploring the healing power of music.
Together, Vonnie and Aly open up about the moments when words weren't enough — when pain, grief, or overwhelm left them speechless — and how music became their refuge. Through candid conversation and shared vulnerability, they reveal the songs that served as lifelines during their darkest days, acting as anchors for resilience, reflection, and hope.
Listeners will not only hear the personal stories behind these meaningful tracks but also gain insight into how music can be a powerful tool for emotional expression and connection — especially in times of struggle.
Whether you're navigating your own grief, supporting someone through mental health challenges, or simply looking for a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode offers comfort, inspiration, and the universal language of music.
11 Jul 2025
019 Behind The Smile - Dez Durden
In this episode of Behind the Smile with Vonnie Woodrick, we sit down with Miss Michigan Petite, Dez Durden — a behavioral therapist, mental health advocate, and founder of When Roses Bloom, a 24/7 mental health hotline born from her personal journey of healing.
What began as a self-published poetry book has evolved into a deeply impactful mental health resource. Dez personally answers every call that comes through the hotline, providing around-the-clock support to individuals navigating emotional distress, grief, and mental health challenges. Through this work, she has cultivated a compassionate community she affectionately refers to as her “Rosebuds.”
Dez opens up about the experiences that inspired When Roses Bloom, the realities of holding space for others while managing her own healing, and the importance of accessible, human-centered mental health care. She also shares her current journey to the national Miss Petite USA stage — and the resilience it has taken to keep going after her entire competition wardrobe was recently stolen.
This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, something beautiful can bloom.
30 Jun 2025
018 Behind The Smile - Cynthia with Corewell Health
In this companion episode to Nancy’s powerful story, we sit down with Cynthia Bailey, FNP — the compassionate and knowledgeable psychiatric nurse practitioner who played a pivotal role in Nancy’s journey to healing. As someone who has supported countless individuals navigating PTSD, anxiety, and other complex mental health challenges, Cynthia offers an informed perspective on what psychiatric care really looks like — beyond the stigma and misconceptions.
Together, we explore the importance of treating mental health with the same care and urgency as physical health, and what it means to create a space where people feel truly seen, heard, and safe. Cynthia also helps debunk common myths about psychiatric treatment, medication, and therapy, offering hope and clarity for those who may feel uncertain or afraid to reach out.
This episode is not just about clinical insight — it’s about the human side of healing, the power of a trusting provider-client relationship, and how lives can transform when we stop surviving and start seeking support.
If Nancy’s episode moved you, this one will deepen your understanding of the care that made her transformation possible.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
30
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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