From Darkness to Strength: Meghann Saige Volz on Reclaiming Life After Abuse
Release Date: 10/15/2025
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info_outlineIn this episode of “Brave Hearts Speak”, host Lucia Severtson welcomes Meghann Saige Volz, who shares her journey from surviving years of abuse to reclaiming her life. Meghann recounts her difficult upbringing, the gradual escalation of abuse, and the isolation she endured. She discusses her turning point, the support that helped her escape, and her healing through therapy, movement, and community. Now an athlete and yoga instructor, Meghann offers hope and advice to others facing similar struggles, emphasizing resilience, the power of sharing one’s story, and the importance of supportive connections.
Timestamps
Meghann’s Early Life and Family Background (00:03:12) Meghann describes her challenging upbringing, her father’s incarceration, and early responsibilities.
Coping Through Athletics and Caregiving (00:05:04) Meghann discusses using sports and caregiving for her mother as coping mechanisms.
Becoming Exclusive and Deepening Relationship (00:12:16) Meghann and her abuser become exclusive, feeling a strong connection.
Escalation of Emotional and Financial Abuse (00:17:00) Around year 3.5, emotional and financial abuse intensifies, including manipulation and isolation.
Normalization of Harm and Isolation (00:22:10) Repeated abuse becomes normalized; Meghann becomes increasingly isolated from friends and family.
Struggles with Leaving and Caregiver Mentality (00:25:57) Meghann explains her reluctance to leave, holding onto hope and her caregiver role.
Living by Abuser’s Rules and Emotional Turmoil (00:28:38) Meghann describes the need to comply with her abuser’s changing rules and the emotional confusion.
Turning Points: Pregnancy Loss and Life-Threatening Abuse (00:29:41) A miscarriage caused by abuse and a violent incident become pivotal moments for Meghann.
Resilience, Growth, and Rebuilding Identity (00:47:26) Meghann reflects on resilience, using her past as a tool for growth and self-discovery.
Advice for Survivors and the Power of Sharing (00:55:08) Meghann offers advice to those struggling, emphasizing hope, support, and the importance of sharing stories.
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Megan, 'I believed every single word. Especially when words are said over and over to you, you start to believe them.'
Megan, 'I honestly, for a long time, wanted to stay. I loved this person deeply.'
Megan, 'So confusing in the sense that here I love someone, but yet the actions are speaking so differently than what I’m feeling.'
Megan, 'Nature is in us, and we are in nature, and just seeing how resilient nature is.'
Megan, 'There really is a light at the end of the tunnel, even when you are in the darkest moments and you don’t see that light—it’s there.'
Megan, 'I just really hope that if someone is going through this, to know that they truly are not alone.'
RESOURCES:
COACH WITH LUCIA: COACH WITH LUCIA
TAKING STOCK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS (A Free Reflection Guide) - Get it Here!
A FREE INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DEFINE ABUSE AND BRAVERY - GET YOURS NOW!
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Brave Hearts Speak on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyVISIT OUR WEBSITE: THE BRAVE WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER
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Connect with Meghann:
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