From Grief to Advocacy: The Unbreakable Spirit of Nurse Survivor Monica Hall (Part 1)
Release Date: 11/26/2025
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...
info_outline
A Mother’s Legacy: Transforming Tragedy into Hope for Future Generations (Part 1)
Brave Hearts Speak
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...
info_outline
Title: Navigating the Shadows: Kaylin's Journey Through Abuse, Trafficking, and Healing
Brave Hearts Speak
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline![[Minisode] Healing Through Honesty: A Journey of Overcoming Subtle Abuse and Reclaiming Self-Worth show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/39165120?height=50&width=50)
[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. ...
info_outline
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...
info_outline![[Minisode] Why Auditioning for Belonging is So Last Season show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/38991965?height=50&width=50)
[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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline![[Minisode] When No One Shows Up: Choosing Yourself Anyway show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/38792705?height=50&width=50)
[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...
info_outline
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 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 students who lacked a voice. Drawing on deep faith, resilience, and her belief in advocating for those without power or privilege, Monica now channels her experiences into two upcoming memoirs, School of Hard Knocks and Freedom.
In Part 1 of this conversation, Monica recounts the emotional and political battles that shaped her, offering listeners a raw and inspiring look into courage, healing, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Timestamps
Monica’s Background and Nursing Journey (00:02:35) Lucia introduces Monica’s story, her advocacy, and her initial motivation for entering nursing.
Starting at the For-Profit College (00:07:40) Monica describes enrolling in the RN program, her initial positive experiences, and the supportive instructors.
Struggles with Grief, Sobriety, and Legal Battles (00:11:59) Monica reveals her recovery from alcoholism, her nephew’s death in jail, and the challenges of seeking justice.
Organizational Abuse and Administrative Neglect (00:20:15) She describes faculty neglect, the director’s dismissive attitude, and the toxic environment at the college.
Board of Nursing Intervention and Systemic Corruption (00:23:05) Monica explains the Board of Nursing’s site visit, the program’s closure, and the legal/political corruption protecting the school.
Legislative Advocacy and Reform (00:32:04) Monica details working with lawmakers, testifying before committees, and helping draft and pass new legislation.
Retaliation, Intimidation, and Political Pressure (00:41:17) She recounts being fired, her home being ransacked, and political threats against her supporters.
Confronting Smear Campaigns and Publicly Speaking Out (00:45:24) Monica addresses attempts to discredit her, confronts lawmakers, and publicly asserts her credibility.
Recognizing a National Issue and Deciding to Fight (00:51:42) Monica explains realizing the widespread nature of the problem and her decision to take action.
Facing Arrogance and Gender Dynamics (00:52:42) She describes the arrogance of the school’s leadership and her disappointment in female leaders who failed to support students.
Looking Ahead: Healing and Recovery (00:54:54) Monica and Lucia discuss plans to continue the conversation, focusing on Monica’s emotional recovery and current well-being.
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Monica, 'Now I am at a place where I thank God for it all. I don’t feel anger or grief anymore. I feel free.'
Monica, 'I was grieving, but I didn’t let it destroy me. I was still moving ahead.'
Monica, 'By the grace of God, I passed it and I was so proud of myself because of everything I was going through, but I did not stop.'
Monica, 'I have done the work, I am healed. I am telling this story from a place of being healed. It doesn’t hurt anymore.'
Monica, 'Sometimes you just know there’s something you have to fight for or fight against. That was definitely a time.'
Monica, 'Every step of the way, it’s like God put that person in my path to help me fight them.'
Monica, 'It wasn’t something that was overnight. It was years that I was down in that rabbit hole, depressed, somewhat suicidal at times.'
RESOURCES:
Connect with Monica:
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!
💼 Partner Offer: Headway
Looking to simplify insurance-based therapy? Headway helps licensed therapists and psychiatrists manage credentialing, billing, and admin — so you can focus on your clients.
✨ Special Offer:
Sign up through our referral link and receive a $100 bonus when you join Headway as a provider.
👉 Join Headway Here!
Disclosure: We may receive a referral bonus when you sign up through this link. This helps support the Brave Women’s Community Center and our mission to make mental health care more accessible.
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
Contact us for expert podcast production and support.