The Holiday Survival Podcast 2025

Psychic Predictions for the Year Ahead with Jen Abra

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:30:00 -0500

This episode is brought to you by The Disaster Playbook.

In the final episode of season two, Erin is joined by award-winning psychic and medium Jen Abra for an unfiltered conversation about what she sees coming in 2026. Jen shares how she receives psychic information, the moment she went viral after trusting a controversial prediction, and why neutrality—not fear—guides her work. Together, they explore large-scale shifts ahead, including government changes, global disruptions, and how intuition and discernment can help people prepare for what’s next without panic.

In this episode, we explore:

How Jen discovered and developed her psychic abilities
What led to her viral prediction and how it changed her career
Major world events and patterns she sees emerging in 2026
Why fear-based interpretations distort intuitive information
How discernment, intuition, and preparation matter more than panic

This episode closes the season with grounded insight, perspective, and an invitation to trust your own inner knowing as the world continues to change.

✨ If this episode resonates with you, follow The Holiday Survival Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave a rating or review — it helps more people find hope, healing, and a little peace this season. Visit www.holidaysurvivalpodcast.com to listen to past episodes and explore our interactive Holiday Survival Podcast Gift Guide, featuring meaningful, heart-centered finds from small businesses and creators we love.

Connect with Jen on her website or on Instagram @spiritmentorjenabra.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:45 Welcome to The Holiday Survival Podcast, Sponsored by The Disaster Playbook

01:54 Meet Jen Abra

08:58 How Jen Went Viral

12:06 Predictions for 2026

26:03 Dealing with Skepticism and Hate

29:06 Closing Remarks

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

Mentioned in this episode:

Give the gift of peace of mind this holiday season with The Disaster Playbook

The Disaster Playbook is a beautifully designed emergency preparedness guide that transforms overwhelming disaster planning into manageable, family-friendly steps. Created by woman-owned small business Here Comes the Apocalypse, this guide makes emergency prep accessible and empowering rather than anxiety-inducing. Perfect for parents, new homeowners, or anyone who wants practical preparedness without the fear-mongering of typical survival guides. As one customer raved: "I already feel the cortisol receding and I am grateful for this helpful guide." Order now at thedisasterplaybook.com and give your loved ones the gift of preparedness and peace of mind—because the best gifts make families stronger and communities more resilient. Use our exclusive code HOLIDAYSURVIVAL to get 10% off!

The Disaster Playbook

How the Astrology of 2026 Changes Everything with Katherine Wehler

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin sits down with professional astrologer and new paradigm business coach Katherine Wehler to explore the astrology of 2026 and why it marks a major collective and personal turning point. They break down the key planetary shifts shaping the next few years—including Pluto in Aquarius, Uranus in Gemini, and Saturn and Neptune changing signs—and what these transits may mean for identity, leadership, work, technology, and community.

Katherine shares how this next era invites experimentation, authenticity, and a more heart-led approach to life, while offering insight into how individuals can align with these changes, trust their inner authority, and navigate rapid evolution with curiosity rather than fear.

In this episode, we explore:

Why astrologers are calling 2026 a watershed year and how it compares to other major historical shifts
How holiday stress, trauma, and nervous system overload may show up differently as collective energy accelerates
What the “new paradigm” actually means—and why individuality, community, and creativity matter more than ever
Practical mindset shifts to help you prepare for big life changes without burning out
Why following what genuinely lights you up is not selfish—but essential during times of transformation

Connect with Katherine on her website or on social media @katherine_wehler. Book your 2026 Year Ahead Astrology Reading here - use code HOLIDAY for $100 off.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to The Holiday Survival Podcast

01:51 Meet Katherine Wehler

02:02 Astrological Insights for 2026

15:32 Personal and Professional Alignment for 2026

24:45 Conclusion and Special Offers

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

Surviving Holiday Family Drama with Kiki Mullican

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 01:45:00 -0500

In this episode of the Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin is joined by Kiki Mullican—also known as the Trauma Drama Mama—for an honest conversation about surviving the holidays when you come from a toxic or dysfunctional family. Together, they unpack how narcissistic abuse, family trauma, and emotional manipulation often resurface during holiday gatherings, leaving many people feeling triggered, guilty, or cast as the “problem.”

Kiki shares practical tools for setting emotional boundaries, recognizing red flags like gaslighting and coercive control, and protecting your peace without over-explaining or self-abandoning. The episode also explores reparenting yourself, releasing guilt, and rebuilding identity after years of survival mode.

In this episode, we cover:

How toxic family dynamics and narcissistic abuse show up during the holidays
Emotional boundaries that protect your peace at family gatherings
Why guilt is often conditioning—not a sign you’re doing something wrong
Red flags to watch for in family, work, and personal relationships
Reparenting yourself and rebuilding joy after trauma

If the holidays bring up family drama, emotional exhaustion, or old wounds, this episode offers validation, clarity, and grounded strategies to help you navigate the season with more confidence and self-trust.

Connect with Kiki on social media @the.trauma.drama.mama.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to the Holiday Survival Podcast

01:46 Meet Kiki Mullican

03:58 Recognizing and Navigating Family Dysfunction

07:37 Setting Emotional Boundaries During the Holidays

11:49 Understanding Narcissism and Protecting Yourself

18:33 Reparenting Yourself: A Path to Healing

25:59 Building a Joyful Future After Trauma

29:21 Final Thoughts and Farewell

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

When the Holidays Trigger Your Trauma with Will Rēzin, SEP

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:03:00 -0500

In this episode of the Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin sits down with Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Will Rēzin, Founder of Trauma and Somatics, to explore what’s really happening when the holidays bring up reactions that feel bigger than the moment. Together, they unpack how trauma lives in the body, why certain traditions, gatherings, or expectations can activate old survival responses, and how to tell the difference between everyday holiday overwhelm and trauma being triggered.

Will shares practical, body-based tools to help regulate the nervous system when old patterns resurface, including grounding, breathwork, and gentle movement practices you can use in real time. This conversation blends science, intuition, and compassion—offering listeners a new way to understand their reactions and meet themselves with care during a season that can feel anything but peaceful.

In this episode, we explore:

How and why the holidays can trigger unresolved trauma
The difference between normal seasonal pressure and trauma responses
What it looks like when the body goes into survival mode
Simple somatic tools to support regulation and emotional safety
How self-awareness and self-care can change the holiday experience

This episode is an invitation to stop judging your reactions and start listening to your body—so you can move through the season with more understanding, agency, and support.

Connect with Will on his website or social media @willrezin. For more information about Trauma and Somatics, check out their website and social media @traumaandsomatics.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to the Holiday Survival Podcast

02:00 Meet Will Rēzin

02:47 Understanding Trauma and Somatics

06:43 The Evolution of Trauma and Somatic Practices

16:24 Differentiating Stress from Trauma Responses

22:41 Managing Stress Responses

23:47 Breathing Techniques for Calmness

26:33 Orienting and Grounding Practices

29:49 Self-Contact and Vocal Techniques

34:14 Preparing for Stressful Situations

36:10 Connecting with Your Body After Trauma

41:28 Resources and Final Thoughts

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

Permission to Pause with Teri Gosselin

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin talks with grief guide and soul mentor Teri Gosselin to explore how to navigate the emotional intensity of the holiday season. Teri shares her personal story of losing her brother and how it shaped her approach to embracing both grief and joy simultaneously.

They discuss the pressures of performative happiness, the importance of checking in with your nervous system, and practical ways to create boundaries and self-compassion. Listeners will gain tools to honor their emotions, reclaim their energy, and find small moments of joy and presence, even when the season feels heavy.

In this episode, we explore:

Giving yourself permission to pause and honor your emotional needs during the holidays.
How grief and joy can coexist and support deeper presence and awareness.
Practical ways to check in with your nervous system to manage stress and overwhelm.
Setting boundaries to protect your well-being without guilt.
Noticing and appreciating small moments of joy that balance grief and foster presence.

Connect with Teri on her website or on social media @soulglowandalchemy.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to the Holiday Survival Podcast

01:56 Meet Teri Gosselin

02:38 Personal Journey and Government Shutdown Impact

08:38 Understanding Emotional Duality

17:38 Practical Tools for Emotional Well-being

23:37 The Coexistence of Grief and Hope

27:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

Holding It All During the Holidays with Dionna Chambers

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Erin sits down with intuitive business coach Dionna Chambers for a raw and heartfelt conversation about navigating grief, loneliness, and the pressure to “make the holidays magical” as a single mom.

Dionna shares how childhood trauma, financial stress, and major losses shape her holiday experience today, while offering grounded, honest insight into what “enough” truly looks like when you’re doing your best with what you have.

In this episode, we explore:

How grief resurfaces during the holidays and quietly influences emotions
The pressure single mothers feel to create joy while managing survival mode
The longing for connection and partnership during an emotionally loaded season
Practical ways to care for yourself and set realistic expectations
Why love, presence, and meeting basic needs are enough

Connect with Dionna on Instagram and Threads @dionnachambers.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to The Holiday Survival Podcast

02:01 Meet Our Guest: Dionna Chambers

06:27 Navigating Grief During the Holidays

09:01 Practical Tips for Single Moms

15:32 Final Thoughts and Connection

18:18 Closing Remarks and Listener Support

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

Creating Moments of Genuine Connection with Juliette Karaman Van Schaardenburg

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

This week on The Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin welcomes intimacy expert Juliette Karaman Van Schaardenburg for a grounded conversation about staying connected - to yourself and to the people you love - during one of the most emotionally charged seasons of the year. They talk about why communication can feel harder around the holidays, how touch can soothe or overwhelm the nervous system, and what it really means to create moments of genuine connection in the middle of chaos.

Juliette also introduces her “tell me” prompts and shares gentle, practical ways to check in with your body, regulate your emotions, and honor your boundaries — whether you’re spending the season with family, a partner, or on your own.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why the holidays amplify miscommunication, overwhelm, and emotional triggers

• Simple grounding tools to calm your body when you feel overstimulated

• How to offer touch that actually lands — and how to say no when it doesn’t

• Ways to communicate your capacity and boundaries with clarity and compassion

• Connection practices you can use with partners, family, or yourself

If you’re craving calmer conversations, deeper connection, and more presence this holiday season, this episode offers tools you can use right away.

Connect with Juliette on her website or on social media @juliettekaraman. You can download Juliette’s Holiday Communication Survival Kit for free if you use the code SCRUMPTIOUS.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to the Holiday Survival Podcast

01:48 Meet Juliette Karaman Van Schaardenburg

03:58 Navigating Holiday Stress and Emotional Triggers

05:52 Practical Tips for Grounding and Connection

12:32 Exploring Physical Touch and Comfort

19:43 The Power of Music and Creativity in Healing

25:11 The Holiday Survival Kit and Final Thoughts

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

A No Guilt Guide to Holiday Spending with Dr. Severine Bryan

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin chats with Accredited Financial Counselor Dr. Severine Bryan to break down one of the biggest stressors of the season: money. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed by expectations, or trying to recover from years of financial strain, this conversation brings clarity, compassion, and practical tools you can actually use.

Dr. Sev shares her own powerful story of rebuilding after financial hardship and offers guidance for approaching holiday spending with intention instead of pressure. Together, she and Erin explore what generosity really means, how to set boundaries around money, and why emotional spending shows up so strongly this time of year.

In this episode, we explore:

How to build a realistic holiday budget you can stick to
Strategies to avoid emotional or guilt-based spending
Ways to cut costs without cutting meaning
What to do if you’re already financially stretched—or in recovery mode
How to set expectations with family (and yourself)
Tools like spreadsheets, apps, and simple systems to track spending
Creating a post-holiday financial reset plan
Why the heart behind a gift matters more than the price tag

This episode is a practical, shame-free guide for anyone who wants to feel more grounded, empowered, and in control of their finances this season.

Connect with Dr. Severine at sevtalksmoney.com or on LinkedIN.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to the Holiday Survival Podcast

02:16 Meet Dr. Severine Bryan

05:42 Creating a Realistic Holiday Budget

07:15 Redefining Generosity and Holiday Traditions

15:52 Creative Budgeting and Bartering

22:29 Planning for Unpredictable Incomes

27:12 Recovering from Holiday Spending

32:19 Conclusion

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

Mentioned in this episode:

Shop Small This Holiday Season

The Holiday Survival Interactive Gift Guide is packed with makers, creators, artists, and founders who pour their actual heart into what they do. When you shop small: ✨ A real person does a happy dance ✨ A family feels supported ✨ A dream gets to keep growing Your dollars matter more here. Your gifts mean more here. Your impact is bigger here. If you want gifts that feel personal, thoughtful, and intentional this guide is for you. Explore the full interactive guide here.

Gift Guide

Sociology Lab

Give the gift of clarity and confidence for yourself or someone you love. Learn to navigate relationships, society, and identity with guidance from an Oxford sociologist. Join the Sociology Lab community and start the new year supported, seen, and empowered. Visit: https://sociology-lab.com

Sociology Lab

Healthy(ish) Holidays: Practical Wellness Strategies with Tess Cheng

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin sits down with Certified Health Coach Tess Cheng to explore what sustainable wellness really looks like during the holiday season. Instead of rigid rules or unrealistic expectations, Tess shares practical, compassionate strategies that help you take care of yourself without sacrificing joy, connection, or your favorite foods.

Together, they dive into the emotional ups and downs of the season—why stress eating happens, how travel disrupts routines, and what it actually means to stay “consistent” when life gets busy. Tess breaks down how to stay grounded, nourished, and supported, even when your schedule (or your feelings) are all over the place.

In this episode, we cover:

Staying connected to your health goals without falling into perfectionism
Navigating emotional eating with more awareness and less shame
Healthier fast food + grab-and-go choices during busy travel days
Easy ways to move your body when routines fall apart
Protecting your sleep when the holidays get hectic
Building habits that last long after the season ends

Connect with Tess at glowithtess.com or on social media @glowithtess.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to the Holiday Survival Podcast

01:49 Meet Certified Health Coach Tess Cheng

03:14 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eating Habits

04:45 Dealing with Emotional Eating

07:47 Healthy Fast Food Alternatives

10:05 Staying Active While Traveling

12:40 Importance of Sleep During the Holidays

18:44 Conclusion

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

Mentioned in this episode:

Sociology Lab

Sociology Lab

Shop Small This Holiday Season

Gift Guide

Your Holiday Wellness Survival Guide with Dr. Shikha Jain

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin sits down with Dr. Shikha Jain — board-certified hematologist, oncologist, and trusted media voice — for a grounded, no-nonsense conversation about staying well during a season that can push our bodies and minds to the limit.

Dr. Jain breaks down what actually supports your immune system (and what’s just internet myth), how stress impacts your overall health, and simple, evidence-based ways to take care of yourself without adding more pressure to your plate. She also shares compassionate guidance on how to show up safely for immunocompromised loved ones, plus why vaccines matter more than ever during busy family gatherings.

If you’ve ever felt confused by conflicting health advice or just want practical steps to protect your energy and well-being, this episode is full of clarity, comfort, and actionable insight.

In this episode, we explore:

What truly boosts your immune system
Stress vs. overwhelm — and how each impacts your health
How to navigate gatherings with immunocompromised friends and family
Holiday travel considerations
Vaccines, myths, and what the science actually says
Small, doable habits that make a real difference

✨ If this episode resonates with you, follow The Holiday Survival Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave a rating or review — it helps more people find hope, healing, and a little peace this season. Visit www.holidaysurvivalpodcast.com to listen to past episodes and explore our interactive Holiday Survival Podcast Gift Guide, featuring meaningful, heart-centered finds from small businesses and creators we love.

Connect with Dr. Shikha at shikhajainmd.com or on social media @shikhajainmd. For more information about her organization, Women In Medicine, check out their website.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to the Holiday Survival Podcast

01:50 Meet Dr. Shikha Jain

02:11 Staying Healthy During the Holidays

08:08 Managing Stress and Immunity

13:28 COVID-19 Updates and Safety Tips

18:30 Combating Misinformation

24:33 Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season

28:22 Conclusion and Next Steps

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

Maintaining Faith and Perspective in a Chaotic World with Phil Stacey

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 03:10:00 -0500

In this episode of The Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin Billings talks with Phil Stacey — American Idol finalist, Christian recording artist, worship pastor, and founder of Missions Coalition.

Together, they explore how to find hope and peace during stressful and uncertain times, especially when family dynamics, burnout, and world events start to weigh us down. Phil shares personal stories, including an incredible grocery store miracle, and opens up about how love, faith, and community continue to anchor him through life’s chaos.

This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that even when the world feels divided or overwhelming, connection and compassion can still light the way.

✨ If this episode resonates with you, follow The Holiday Survival Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave a rating or review — it helps more people find hope, healing, and a little peace this season. Visit www.holidaysurvivalpodcast.com to listen to past episodes and explore our interactive Holiday Survival Podcast Gift Guide, featuring meaningful, heart-centered finds from small businesses and creators we love.

Connect with Phil at www.philstacey.com or @philstaceymusic on social media.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to the Holiday Survival Podcast

01:41 Meet Our Guest: Phil Stacey

02:32 Phil's Journey

03:23 Music and Mission Work

09:11 Navigating Chaos with Faith

14:47 The Importance of Compassion and Understanding

22:28 The Power of Love in Political Discourse

23:46 Recognizing Our Own Brainwashing

25:01 The Syrian Refugee Crisis: A Tale of Two Perspectives

28:27 Navigating Family Disagreements with Grace

31:07 The Importance of Relationships and Reconciliation

36:11 God's Provision: The Fruity Pebbles Story

41:48 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

Finding Glimmers of Hope During the Holidays

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500

In this first episode of The Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin Billings opens up about the side of the holidays we don’t talk about enough — the grief, the loneliness, the pressure to be cheerful when life feels anything but.

Erin shares her own experiences and offers practical ways to care for yourself during a season that can stir up a lot: setting healthy boundaries, redefining traditions, and finding support when things feel heavy.

This episode sets the tone for the season — a safe, honest space for anyone who’s ever struggled to keep it together through the holidays. You’ll also get a sneak peek at what’s ahead: heartfelt conversations with experts, storytellers, and healers who remind us that survival can still hold moments of peace, connection, and even joy.

✨ If this episode resonates with you, follow The Holiday Survival Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave a rating or review — it helps more people find hope, healing, and a little peace this season. Visit www.holidaysurvivalpodcast.com to listen to past episodes and explore our interactive Holiday Survival Podcast Gift Guide, featuring meaningful, heart-centered finds from small businesses and creators we love.

Connect with Erin at www.producedbyerinbillings.com or @producedbyerinbillings on social media.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to the Holiday Survival Podcast

01:46 The Reality of Holiday Struggles

03:15 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care

04:31 Finding Hope and New Traditions

08:34 Community and Support Resources

14:09 Mental Health and Professional Help

17:05 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

If you’re struggling or need mental health support, you’re not alone. Help is available — and it’s okay to reach for it.

🩵 Free Resources:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Call or text 988 for 24/7, confidential support.
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor anytime.
Find a Therapist: findahelpline.com, nami.org/help, or check local mental health hotlines for free or low-cost counseling options.

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk

The Holiday Survival Podcast 2025 Preview

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:58:00 -0500

In this preview of The Holiday Survival Podcast, listeners are introduced to a new season focused on thriving during the stressful holiday period. This season will feature special guests, including American Idol finalist and Christian Music Recording Artist Phil Stacey discussing how to maintain hope and faith in the midst of global chaos, world-renowned oncologist Dr. Shikha Jain on boosting immunity during peak cold and flu season, 'The Trauma Drama Mama' Kiki Mullican on healing from narcissistic abuse, and award-winning psychic Jen Abra with predictions for 2026.

This season begins November 12th, so make sure to follow/subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to be the first to hear new episodes as they drop!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Holiday Survival Podcast

00:31 Finding Hope and Maintaining Faith and Perspective with Phil Stacey

01:06 Staying Healthy During the Holidays with Dr. Shikha Jain

01:55 Healing from Narcissistic Abuse with Kiki Mullican

02:54 Psychic Predictions for 2026 with Jen Abra

03:58 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk