[Minisode] Why Auditioning for Belonging is So Last Season
Release Date: 11/12/2025
When the System Fails: Kris Barney’s Call for Accountability and Change (Part 2)
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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A Mother’s Legacy: Transforming Tragedy into Hope for Future Generations (Part 1)
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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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Title: Navigating the Shadows: Kaylin's Journey Through Abuse, Trafficking, and Healing
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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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Navigating the Emotional Toll of Fighting Back: Monica Hall's Journey of Resilience and Healing (Part 2)
Brave Hearts Speak
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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[Minisode] Healing Through Honesty: A Journey of Overcoming Subtle Abuse and Reclaiming Self-Worth
Brave Hearts Speak
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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From Grief to Advocacy: The Unbreakable Spirit of Nurse Survivor Monica Hall (Part 1)
Brave Hearts Speak
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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[Minisode] Why Auditioning for Belonging is So Last Season
Brave Hearts Speak
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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From Silence to Strength: June Hill’s Story of Survival and Hope
Brave Hearts Speak
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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[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 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 bravery.
Timestamps
Story Introduction: Community or Hierarchy? (00:01:40) Introduces the main story about discerning true community from disguised hierarchy and subtle abuse.
Initial Partnership with Mountain Sisterhood (00:03:06) Describes the beginnings of the partnership, initial impressions, and early signs of imbalance.
Pre-Hike Dread & Group Dynamics (00:07:58) Shares feelings of dread before the hike, lack of excitement, and uncertainty about co-leadership.
The Hike: Coldness and Exclusion (00:09:15) Describes the hike day, lack of recognition as co-leader, and the cold, unwelcoming group atmosphere.
Reflection on Abuse and Community (00:13:15) Calls out the subtle abuse experienced, discusses expectations in community, and urges braver participation.
Takeaways: Partnership, Generosity, and Standards (00:16:58) Shares three key lessons: true partnership, co-creating safety, and shifting the question to "Do I want this?"
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
'I cannot approach things from the question of do they want me anymore? Am I good enough for them? The question has got to start being are they what I want? And do they meet my standards? And for me, the answer is no.'
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!
BRAVE THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS; RECLAIMING YOUR LIGHT AND PEACE; A free, 15-minute guided meditation. Brave Through the Holidays: "Reclaiming Your Light and Peace”
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