Libsyn Directory

EP 44: Breaking Free From Religious Control to Empowered Healing with Brooke Kekos

Release Date: 02/05/2025

EP 70: Unmasking the "Man of God": Gabrielle Burton on Spiritual Abuse, Narcissism, and Identity Restoration

That's Where I'm At

In this episode of "That's Where I'm At," host Laura sits down with Gabrielle Burton, a Christian Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in the intersection of faith and clinical mental health. Gabrielle’s expertise isn't just professional—it’s deeply personal. Growing up as the "Golden Child" of a narcissistic pastor, she lived the confusing reality of reconciling a charismatic public persona with the severe emotional abuse that happened behind closed doors. Gabrielle shares her journey of "performing for love" and how her upbringing in a high-control religious...

EP 69: From Pain to Purpose: Alana Sharps on Healing from Narcissistic Abuse and Supporting Others

That's Where I'm At

In this episode of "That's Where I'm At," host Laura sits down with Alana Sharps, founder of SurThrive Tribe, a High Conflict Divorce and Child Custody Consultant, and Best Selling Author. Alana’s work is deeply rooted in both professional expertise and lived experience. After navigating a toxic marriage marked by psychological abuse, she transformed her own pain into purpose—emerging as an empowered survivor and a dedicated advocate for others facing similar challenges. Alana shares her personal journey through a psychologically abusive marriage with a covert...

EP 68: Permission Granted: How to Prioritize Pleasure and Presence in Your Everyday Life with Amy Jones

That's Where I'm At

In this episode of "That's Where I'm At," host Laura sits down with Amy Jones — a Reflector Mentor, Sacred Strategist, and award-winning Publisher who generated over $1M in new client revenue in her first year of business while working part-time as a single mom of three. As a rare Reflector (just 1% of the population), Amy blends intuitive clarity with grounded, strategic leadership to help women build sustainable, soul-led businesses rooted in rhythm, purpose, and inner truth. Before founding LIVE WITH INTENT Media Group, Amy spent more than two decades in...

EP 67: How Lynda's Fear-Busting Challenge Changed Everything In Her Life

That's Where I'm At

In this episode of "That's Where I'm At," host Laura interviews Lynda Sunshine West, who shares her journey from a traumatic childhood to personal transformation. Lynda recounts running away from home at age five, overcoming years of fear and low self-worth, and breaking through one fear every day for a year. Her story highlights healing from past trauma, building healthy relationships, and finding purpose as a bestselling author and book publisher. The conversation offers hope and practical tools for women seeking to overcome fear, embrace self-acceptance, and create a fulfilling, authentic...

EP 66: Consciously Awake: Lisa's Journey Out of Toxic Love

That's Where I'm At

In this episode of "That's Where I'm At," host Laura interviews Lisa Hawkins — a Dating & Relationship Coach who empowers men and women to thrive in their relationships. With over 30 years of experience, Lisa has dedicated her life to understanding the intricacies of human connection and what truly makes relationships flourish. Her personal journey, marked by challenges, growth, and deep spiritual awareness, has given her a profound understanding of the obstacles individuals face in their search for love, healing, and self-discovery. Lisa shares her story of overcoming generational...

EP 65: Beth's Cinderella Story: A Journey of Healing, Courage, and God-Given Purpose

That's Where I'm At

In this episode of "That's Where I'm At," host Laura welcomes Beth M. Jones—an International Speaker, Author of 30 books, and podcaster. Beth is the wife of fire chief Ray, mom to three beautiful daughters (Heather, Eden, and Leah), and has two adorable cats. She helps women step out of fear into faith by sharing her story and the freedom we have in Jesus. Beth believes we should dream big because we serve a big God! Beth shares her powerful journey from childhood abuse and toxic relationships to healing and faith. She discusses overcoming trauma, recognizing red flags in abusive...

EP 64: Gray Rock & Glow Up with Julie Danielson: Rebuilding Life After a Toxic Marriage

That's Where I'm At

In this episode of "That's Where I'm At," host Laura welcomes Julie Danielson—Life Coach, author, host of the "Get Over Divorce" podcast, and creator of the "Get Over Divorce Collective," a coaching program that helps women heal powerfully and create a life they love after divorce. Julie discusses healing after divorce, especially from narcissistic relationships, sharing her personal journey and the challenges of co-parenting with a toxic ex. She offers practical strategies like setting boundaries and using the Gray Rock Method. Together, they emphasize the importance of self-care,...

EP 63: Your Money, Your Voice: How to Reclaim Control After Divorce with Rhonda Noordyk

That's Where I'm At

In this episode of "That's Where I'm At," host Laura talks with Rhonda, a financial coach and advocate for women navigating divorce. Once someone who avoided conflict, Rhonda transformed her communication skills through therapy and education, turning her personal challenges into a mission to help other women find their voice and financial confidence. With over 17,000 hours of experience, 565 clients served, and $20 million secured for women, Rhonda brings both expertise and empathy to her work. A former financial advisor, she recognized that women facing divorce need more than advice—they...

EP 62: Rebuilding After Divorce — Finding Yourself Again with Heidi Bee

That's Where I'm At

In this empowering episode of That’s Where I’m At, host Laura sits down with Heidi Bee, the Divorce Comeback Coach, to explore the emotional journey of rebuilding life after divorce. Heidi Bee is a certified and trauma-informed divorce coach and somatic breathwork facilitator. Through her 3-month Comeback Course & Coaching Community, she helps women navigate their “new normal” by providing the roadmap, resources, and relationships needed to move forward with confidence. She’s also the host of the Divorce Comeback...

EP 61: The Power of Sobriety & Self-Discovery with Kate Vitela

That's Where I'm At

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura sits down with Kate, a nurse of more than 20 years and a personal development coach, to talk about sobriety, self-worth, and healing after narcissistic relationships. Together, they explore how alcohol, food, and limiting beliefs can leave women vulnerable to toxic dynamics—and how breaking free requires courage, boundaries, and a new story. Kate shares her personal journey of getting sober, healing from toxic relationships, and reclaiming her power through coaching and self-discovery. With a focus on mental health and sobriety in her...

More Episodes

In this episode, Laura is joined by Brooke Kekos, a Trauma Healing Coach, Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT), and NLP Practitioner who specializes in empowering survivors to rewrite their stories. Her path, a testament to overcoming indoctrination, abuse, and toxic bonds, ignites her profound insight and unshakeable dedication.

Today, Brooke shares her journey of breaking free from the Jehovah's Witnesses organization after 36 years and healing from religious trauma and an abusive marriage. She discusses the parallels between high-control religious systems and narcissistic relationships, the challenges of losing community support, and her path to spiritual awakening. Through her work as a trauma healing coach, Brooke helps others process complex PTSD, rebuild their sense of self, and find authentic connections with their spirituality.

As a sought-after speaker, author, and advocate against religious abuse and domestic violence, Brooke's voice resonates far beyond the confines of her coaching practice.

Are you ready for this? Step into an existence where authenticity thrives!

Timestamps:

[02:52] Brooke's background in Jehovah's Witnesses and struggles with questioning beliefs

[04:27] Brooke’s experience with restrictions on holidays and celebrations

[07:15] How Brooke discovered abuse cover-ups and left the church

[08:05] How high-control religions and narcissistic abuse mirror each other

[10:23] How being excommunicated at 16 left Brooke feeling alone and devalued

[13:09] Why you should always question beliefs and seek truth for yourself

[17:08] The challenge of leaving support systems behind

[25:09] Experiencing a spiritual awakening and discovering a high-power connection

[34:28] Brooke's approach to trauma healing work

[40:55] Why self-acceptance is crucial for a fulfilling life

[43:21] How to connect with Brooke

Key Quotes:

I lost my entire community. I was all alone. So I lost family that was still in the religion, and I lost all of my friendships that I thought were forever friends.
Being in a high-control religion or a cult-like system is abusive. And so you only know abuse. So it's no wonder why you recreate the pattern in your relationship.
What you're struggling with now in life always comes from childhood. There's a belief system, and there are experiences that you had in childhood.
Healing the past helps us embrace and empower ourselves now.
Inner child work changed my life. It’s about going back, healing past wounds, and rewriting the story of who you are.