Brave Hearts Speak — Healing, Hope, and the Power of Storytelling With Gabi Garland
Release Date: 10/15/2025
Brave Hearts Speak
In this powerful episode of "Bravehearts Speak," host Lucia Severtson continues her conversation with Kris Barney, who bravely recounts the loss of her daughter Miranda to domestic violence. Kris shares her journey through grief, systemic failures, and her ongoing fight for justice and awareness. She discusses the hidden dynamics of abuse, the challenges survivors face, and the importance of community and support. The episode offers hope, practical resources, and reflections on resilience, emphasizing that healing and a fulfilling life are possible after trauma. Timestamps The...
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In this powerful episode of "Brave Hearts Speak," host Lucia Severtson interviews Kris Barney, a domestic violence survivor and advocate. Kris shares her harrowing journey through emotional abuse, stalking, and the tragic loss of her three-year-old daughter, Miranda, to domestic homicide. She discusses the systemic failures she faced, her work with the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team, and founding the Miranda Faith Memorial Foundation. Lucia guides listeners with compassion, emphasizing self-care and the importance of bearing witness to survivors’ stories. The episode highlights...
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In this episode of "Braveheart Speak," host Lucia Severtson welcomes Kaylin, a survivor and advocate, who shares her powerful journey through childhood abuse, human trafficking, and addiction. Kaylin details her struggles, the failures of support systems, and her path to healing through faith, therapy, and advocacy. She reflects on reclaiming her voice, the importance of empathy, and her work supporting other survivors. The episode highlights the complexities of trauma, the need for compassionate listening, and encourages listeners to speak out, support survivors, and join a growing...
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In this Part 2 episode of Bravehearts Speak, host Lucia Severtson continues her conversation with Monica Hall, picking up where last week’s powerful story left off. Building on Part 1, where Monica detailed her fight against unethical practices within a for-profit nursing college, this episode moves deeper into the emotional impact of that battle. Monica opens up about the years of exhaustion, depression, and isolation she endured while standing up for herself and countless students. She also shares the healing she found through faith, community, and creative expression as she rebuilt...
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In this mini episode of “Brave Hearts Speak”, host Lucia Severtson shares a personal story of emotional abuse and boundary violations by people she once considered family. She reflects on the subtle forms of harm, the importance of everyday bravery, and the healing power of speaking one’s truth. The episode also highlights resources for support, including a guided meditation and the Headway platform for accessible mental health care. Lucia encourages listeners to recognize their own bravery, reject shame, and join a supportive community dedicated to healing and empowerment. ...
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In this episode of “Brave Hearts Speak,” host Lucia Severtson interviews Monica Hall, a nurse advocate, survivor, and soon-to-be published memoirist. Monica shares her powerful journey—from pursuing her nursing degree in 2009 to becoming an unexpected voice for legislative reform in Kentucky after uncovering unethical practices within a for-profit nursing college. Her story extends far beyond academic injustice. Monica has navigated profound grief, battled alcoholism, faced political intimidation, and confronted systemic corruption—all while standing up for...
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In this mini episode of “Brave Hearts Speak”, host Lucia Severtson shares a personal story about her challenging partnership with the nonprofit Mountain Sisterhood. She explores subtle forms of abuse and hierarchy disguised as community, describing emotional labor, dismissal, and the importance of reciprocity. Lucia reframes the question from “Do they want me?” to “Do I want them?” and encourages listeners to seek genuine, co-creative spaces. The episode offers insights on recognizing covert abuse, building true community, and choosing environments that honor one’s worth and...
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In this episode of “Brave Hearts Speak”, host Lucia Severtson welcomes June Hill, who shares her powerful journey of surviving childhood abuse, complex PTSD, and reclaiming her life. June discusses her role as protector of her siblings, the impact of trauma, and her path to healing through therapy, advocacy, and storytelling. Now a life coach and author, June inspires listeners with messages of self-compassion, authenticity, and hope, emphasizing that healing is possible. The episode offers a safe space for reflection, connection, and community, encouraging women to embrace their...
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In this episode of “Brave Hearts Speak”, host Lucia Severtson shares a vulnerable story about leading a therapeutic improv session at her nonprofit, the Brave Women’s Community Center. When few women attended, Lucia confronted feelings of invisibility and self-doubt rooted in past betrayal. Despite this, she chose to show up for herself and the small group, turning the session into a powerful experience. Lucia reflects on the importance of redefining success, challenging internalized negative voices, and investing in supportive communities, reminding listeners that true bravery is about...
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In this episode of “Brave Hearts Speak”, host Lucia Severtson interviews Laura Richards, a survivor of decades-long narcissistic abuse and host of That's Where I'm At. Laura shares her journey from confusion and pain in an abusive marriage to finding healing, self-love, and peace. She discusses the challenges of recognizing psychological abuse, setting boundaries, and rebuilding her life. The conversation highlights the importance of community, storytelling, and bravery in breaking free from cycles of abuse, offering hope and guidance to listeners navigating similar experiences....
info_outlineIn this episode of "Brave Hearts Speak", host Lucia shares her personal journey of healing from abuse and introduces the podcast’s mission: to create a safe space for women to reclaim their power through storytelling and community. Lucia is interviewed by Gabi Garland, discussing her work as a psychotherapist, her experience with OCD, and her commitment to amplifying survivors’ voices. The episode explores the transformative power of creativity, play, and bravery in healing, offering practical insights and inviting listeners to join a supportive community focused on resilience, connection, and hope.
Timestamps
Lucia’s Personal Story and Realization of Abuse (00:01:13) Lucia shares her experience with OCD, recognizing lifelong abuse, and the importance of naming abuse.
Empowering Women and Reclaiming Self (00:05:13) Encouragement for women to reclaim their power, recognize covert abuse, and set boundaries.
Letter to Listeners: Validation and Hope (00:07:57) Lucia reads a heartfelt letter to women who feel invisible, offering validation and hope.
Personal Healing and Therapeutic Evolution (00:20:49) Lucia discusses her own therapeutic work, complex PTSD, and the ongoing process of healing from abuse.
Creating Safe, Supportive Communities (00:27:25) The importance of safe, supportive groups for women to explore identity and build confidence.
The Grief and Process of Family Boundaries (00:40:05) Discussion of the emotional difficulty, grief, and need for support when setting family boundaries.
Creativity and Play in Healing (00:45:21) The role of creativity and play in healing, and how programs like Missy Joy Club foster joy and connection.
Looking Forward: Spotlighting Women’s Stories (01:06:32) Lucia’s hopes for the podcast: empowering women to find purpose and step into their own spotlight.
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
'I know that in speaking it, I will not only free myself, but I might help free someone else too.'
'We take what was handed to us—the shame, the lies, the poison—and we give it back.'
'Then we stand, brush ourselves off, and we rise into the full potential of the part of us within us that has always whispered, you are more.'
'That’s my mission: to help you notice even the subtle undermining, to recognize covert abuse, and to say no.'
'That voice says you are not nothing. You are something. You are amazing, you’re brilliant.'
'You trusted them. You loved them. You admired them. You maybe needed them. You did the most human thing possible. You loved and they betrayed.'
'Designing your life is about picking the people that should be in it.'
RESOURCES:
Connect with Gabi:
Website: https://www.resilientvoicemedia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabi.garland/
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VISIT OUR WEBSITE: THE BRAVE WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER
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