[Minisode] When No One Shows Up: Choosing Yourself Anyway
Release Date: 10/29/2025
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[Minisode] When No One Shows Up: Choosing Yourself Anyway
Brave Hearts Speak
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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Finding Peace After Narcissistic Abuse: Laura Richards’ Journey to Healing and Self-Love
Brave Hearts Speak
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 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 showing up and choosing yourself, even when it’s hard.
Timestamps
Therapeutic Improv and Initial Success (00:01:40) Lucia describes her nonprofit’s mission and the role of therapeutic improv, sharing early successes with group attendance.
Recounting Past Betrayal (00:04:22) Lucia details a specific abusive group dynamic with eight women, reflecting on the pain and her vision for a new way of women supporting women.
Creating a Safe, Feminine Space (00:06:59) She sets up her studio, emphasizing its welcoming, creative, and imperfectly authentic atmosphere.
The Session with Only Three Attendees (00:08:24) Despite low turnout, Lucia leads a meaningful session, highlighting the bravery and growth of the small group.
Personal Growth and Lessons from Participants (00:09:34) Lucia shares insights from Shaye, Jennifer, and Jennifer’s daughter, focusing on leadership, letting go of perfection, and courage.
Lessons Learned: Showing Up and Redefining Success (00:12:00) She summarizes key lessons: show up for yourself, challenge internalized abuser voices, and redefine success beyond external validation.
Sorting Relationships and Setting Boundaries (00:14:23) Lucia encourages listeners to invest in supportive people and set boundaries with those who undermine them.
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
'The old story came flooding back to me: I’m invisible, I don’t belong, I don’t matter.'
'I learned to show up for the women who show up for me.'
'When I show up for them, something powerful happens—the shame and not-good-enough voices fade, and I’m left with connection.'
‘The choice is yours: do you cancel on yourself, or do you show up anyway?'
'Maybe you’ve felt alone for too long. I know that feeling.'
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 Spotify
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: THE BRAVE WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER
JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP FOR LOCALS TO DENVER, COLORADO – JOIN HERE!
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