In a candid moment on the latest episode of her podcast "Mina AF," Mina Starsiak Hawk shared her raw emotions, admitting that she's been grappling with feelings of shame amidst a strained relationship with her mom, Karen E. Laine. It’s the kind of honesty that makes you sit up and listen.

“A lot of people on Instagram tell me I should keep my life private, but here's the thing: more of you are telling me that you're actually benefiting from my openness,” Mina told her listeners on Tuesday, November 7. She went on to explain that while some might think her personal life should stay behind closed doors, others have found solace in her vulnerability. It's a conversation that resonates deeply with so many of us.

Learning from Brené Brown: Shame and Empathy

Mina, who’s 38 and counting, has been diving into Brené Brown’s book Dare to Lead. It’s been a game-changer for her, teaching her that shame thrives in isolation. “Here's the kicker: you can only feel shame if you feel alone,” she explained. Mina shared how her podcast has become a lifeline, allowing her to express her thoughts and connect with others who might be going through something similar. “Like when I was feeling shame for not inviting someone to a party or for setting boundaries, I can now talk about that openly, and others can relate,” she added, her voice filled with conviction.

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A Family Rift That Runs Deep

The HGTV star has been navigating a tough patch with her family since the filming of season 8 of Good Bones, which marked the show's final season. Mina first revealed the tension during an episode of her podcast back on August 28, disclosing that she and her mom, Karen, 61, were not on good terms. Since then, she’s been on the receiving end of criticism from Instagram users who question her decision to air her family drama publicly. “Those messages make me feel shame,” she confessed. “I read them, and that feeling creeps up on me.”

Karen E. Laine sits in a chair next to Mina Starsiak Hawk — Courtesy of Karen E. Laine/Instagram

Shame Beyond Family Dynamics

It’s not just her family drama that’s triggered feelings of shame for Mina. The TV personality underwent a mommy makeover after welcoming her children, Jack and Charlotte, with her husband, Steve Hawk. “Talking about my plastic surgery is a big one for me,” she admitted. “Even though I talk about it openly, I still feel judged. People think I took the easy way out, even though I know that’s not true. The shame would be so much worse if I kept it a secret and let it fester in my own mind.”

Finding Purpose in Vulnerability

With her massive platform from Good Bones, Mina aims to use her voice for good. “I’m definitely not the only one who’s had issues with family or a mom,” she said. “But because of the platform the show created, I have a larger reach than most people. That’s where things get tricky for those in the spotlight. It’s really challenging because it opens up so many doors to ugly stuff, but I hope my story can help others going through something similar.”