Brave Hearts Speak
Brave Hearts Speak is a podcast dedicated to helping women reclaim their voices, rise from the shadows of abuse, and step fully into their power. Hosted by Lucia, a psychotherapist and survivor, each episode offers heartfelt conversations, healing insights, and real stories of resilience. Through truth-telling, creativity, and community, Lucia creates a safe and empowering space for women to break silence, process trauma, and rediscover joy. Whether you’re beginning your healing journey or walking alongside others on theirs, Brave Hearts Speak invites you to listen, connect, and remember—you are not alone, and your story matters. Join the movement. Speak your truth. Heal your heart.
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[Minisode] Why Auditioning for Belonging is So Last Season
11/12/2025
[Minisode] Why Auditioning for Belonging is So Last Season
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 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: TAKING STOCK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS (A Free Reflection Guide) - A FREE INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DEFINE ABUSE AND BRAVERY - FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Brave Hearts Speak on Podcasts and VISIT OUR WEBSITE: JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP FOR LOCALS TO DENVER, COLORADO – BRAVE THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS; RECLAIMING YOUR LIGHT AND PEACE; A free, 15-minute guided meditation. 💼 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 ! 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 Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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From Silence to Strength: June Hill’s Story of Survival and Hope
11/12/2025
From Silence to Strength: June Hill’s Story of Survival and Hope
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 worth and speak their truth. Timestamps Experiences of Abuse and Dissociation (00:08:08) June describes physical and sexual abuse, dissociation, and the normalization of trauma in her childhood. The Role of PTSD in Survival (00:13:34) June reframes PTSD as a protective mechanism and discusses its impact on her adult life. Adolescence, Escape Attempts, and Custody (00:16:14) June recounts running away, returning for her siblings, and eventually gaining custody of them. Normalizing Dysfunction and Seeking Connection (00:20:51) Reflection on how chaos can feel like home and the challenge of breaking familiar patterns. Therapy, Diagnosis, and the Turning Point (00:29:59) June describes her MS diagnosis, the loss of her job, and how therapy and research on complex PTSD began her healing. Comparison, Empathy, and Validating All Trauma (00:36:22) Addressing the tendency to compare traumas and affirming that all pain is valid and deserving of healing. Reclaiming the Self and Embracing Emotions (00:44:04) June talks about reclaiming hidden parts of herself, processing anger, and learning to stand up for her needs. Helping Others and Advocacy Work (00:52:06) June shares her current work: support groups, public speaking, and her upcoming book to help others feel less alone. Final Messages and Self-Compassion (00:53:16) June offers words of encouragement, emphasizing self-grace, self-care, and the importance of belonging. Book Announcement and Closing Reflections (00:54:14) June introduces her book, "The Birth of an Advocate," and discusses its themes and release. Powerful Quotes from the Episode June, 'Having my children made me realize how much I needed to change.' June, 'I would take any of the pain for them, and if they were safe, then what was happening to me was worth it.' June, 'I think my siblings just want the love we never really got, and they’re still going to chase it. For me, it’s more peaceful to have the hole than to try to fill it with someone who will never change.' June, 'Men didn’t like women who are strong or have a voice, and I have fought against that my entire life.' June, 'The more I talk, the more I find people who relate, and helping them is helping me.' June, 'Now I feel a power in it. I can proudly say, this is what I’ve been through. I made it out.' June, 'It’s such a freeing experience knowing there’s nothing in my closet anymore. I have nothing to hide.' June, 'Healing is nowhere near a straight line. It’s a roller coaster, but it’s so worth it.' June, 'You need to give yourself the same grace you give to everyone else you’re taking care of. You do deserve it.' June, 'Learn what you enjoy, what you love, what is important to you, and find people who connect with that—not those who want something from you.' RESOURCES: Connect with June: About June’s Upcoming Book: My novel, The Birth of an Advocate, is in the final editing stage and I will update my followers with a release date as soon as I have it. This book is like another child to me, as I have poured myself into it, in hopes of educating others on the effects of Complex PTSD, the importance of mental health, and helping those who live with trauma-induced mental illness feel less alone. No matter how bad, how long, or how old you are — you can, and you absolutely deserve to heal. COACH WITH LUCIA: TAKING STOCK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS (A Free Reflection Guide) - A FREE INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DEFINE ABUSE AND BRAVERY - FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Brave Hearts Speak on Podcasts and VISIT OUR WEBSITE: JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP FOR LOCALS TO DENVER, COLORADO – BRAVE THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS; RECLAIMING YOUR LIGHT AND PEACE; A free, 15-minute guided meditation. 💼 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 ! 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 Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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[Minisode] When No One Shows Up: Choosing Yourself Anyway
10/29/2025
[Minisode] When No One Shows Up: Choosing Yourself Anyway
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 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: TAKING STOCK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS (A Free Reflection Guide) - A FREE INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DEFINE ABUSE AND BRAVERY - FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Brave Hearts Speak on Podcasts and VISIT OUR WEBSITE: JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP FOR LOCALS TO DENVER, COLORADO – 💼 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 ! 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 Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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Finding Peace After Narcissistic Abuse: Laura Richards’ Journey to Healing and Self-Love
10/29/2025
Finding Peace After Narcissistic Abuse: Laura Richards’ Journey to Healing and Self-Love
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. Timestamps Before the Relationship: Longing for Love (00:04:43) Laura shares her early life, family trauma, and her deep need to be loved before meeting her ex. Early Red Flags and Love Bombing (00:15:05) Laura recounts how she met her ex, the rapid progression of their relationship, and early signs of narcissistic abuse. Control, Backhanded Compliments, and Covert Abuse (00:21:42) Laura describes subtle control tactics, covert narcissism, and the confusion it creates. Finding Her Voice Through Therapy (00:28:14) Laura explains how therapy helped her find her voice, understand boundaries, and begin healing. Suicidal Thoughts and the Turning Point (00:40:19) Laura discusses reaching a breaking point, the dangers of couples therapy with a narcissist, and her decision to leave. Life After Leaving: Healing and Anger (00:47:53) Laura describes her initial healing, discovering her ex’s infidelity, and the anger that followed. The Power of Vulnerability and Connection (00:54:05) Laura emphasizes the importance of sharing, vulnerability, and the rapid breaking of shame in community. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Laura, 'He never would even acknowledge me that way, so I always just felt like, do I matter?' Laura, 'Once you start healing, you will not put up with anything. When you love yourself enough, you won’t put up with garbage.' Laura, 'I needed to slow down, but I couldn’t because I had that deep need inside me to be loved.' Laura, 'I didn’t realize I was being abused until after my divorce.' Laura, 'I started to find my voice and understand that I have certain responsibilities, and other people have certain responsibilities, and I can walk through this world loving myself and being who I want to be.' 'Laura, 'I don’t need a minute. I need one word: peace. That’s the biggest thing—I walk in this world in peace.' RESOURCES: Connect with Laura: COACH WITH LAURA: SELF WORTH RESET MINI COURSE: YOU’RE NOT CRAZY ebook: MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: COACH WITH LUCIA: TAKING STOCK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS (A Free Reflection Guide) - A FREE INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DEFINE ABUSE AND BRAVERY - FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Brave Hearts Speak on Podcasts and VISIT OUR WEBSITE: JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP FOR LOCALS TO DENVER, COLORADO – 💼 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 ! 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 Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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From Darkness to Strength: Meghann Saige Volz on Reclaiming Life After Abuse
10/15/2025
From Darkness to Strength: Meghann Saige Volz on Reclaiming Life After Abuse
In 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: TAKING STOCK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS (A Free Reflection Guide) - A FREE INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DEFINE ABUSE AND BRAVERY - FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Brave Hearts Speak on Podcasts and VISIT OUR WEBSITE: JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP FOR LOCALS TO DENVER, COLORADO – Connect with Meghann: VISIT MEGHANN'S WEBSITE - 💼 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 ! 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 Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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[Minisode] Everyday Bravery — Turning Shame into Strength
10/15/2025
[Minisode] Everyday Bravery — Turning Shame into Strength
In this debut mini episode of "Brave Hearts Speak", host Lucia Severtson shares a personal story of facing subtle online abuse and public shaming after using AI-generated graphics for her grassroots nonprofit, the Brave Women’s Community Centre. Lucia reflects on the importance of recognizing covert forms of abuse, setting boundaries, and practicing everyday bravery. She offers listeners practical step s for responding to shaming and encourages women to reclaim their voices, connect with supportive community, and redefine what bravery means in their daily lives. Timestamps Mini Episode Introduction: Everyday Bravery (00:00:33) Explains the purpose of mini episodes: recognizing covert and overt abuse, and practicing boundary-setting. Responding to Public Shaming (00:03:57) Narrates the host’s response to the shaming, emphasizing the importance of collaboration over criticism. Setting Boundaries and Emotional Honesty (00:06:42) Describes setting a firm boundary, feeling anger, and the importance of not suppressing those feelings. The Role of Anger and Raising Standards (00:07:54) Discusses how anger can fuel bravery and the need to stop normalizing shaming and abuse. Three Steps for Everyday Bravery (00:09:12) Outlines steps: pause and notice, name the behavior, and choose your response to set boundaries. Powerful Quotes from the Episode ‘The only thing I really wished for in that moment was that she would get some help for her unhealed wounds.' ''My anger reminds me: no more. No more tolerance for shaming. No more collapsing under someone else’s tone. No more silence when another woman tries to diminish me or you.' 'Right now, I do not wish her well. I wish her growth. I wish her accountability. I wish her the kind of healing that would stop her from projecting her pain onto others.' ‘Maybe you have felt alone for too long. I know that feeling, but I am here now and we are finding each other.' RESOURCES: COACH WITH LUCIA: TAKING STOCK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS (A Free Reflection Guide) - A FREE INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DEFINE ABUSE AND BRAVERY - FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Brave Hearts Speak on Podcasts and VISIT OUR WEBSITE: JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP FOR LOCALS TO DENVER, COLORADO – 💼 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 ! 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 Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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From Surviving to Self-Worth — Rayven Veritas on Unmasking Abuse and Reclaiming Power
10/15/2025
From Surviving to Self-Worth — Rayven Veritas on Unmasking Abuse and Reclaiming Power
In this episode of "Brave Hearts Speak", host Lucia Severtson interviews Rayven Veritas, a survivor and author of Psychopaths or Sexy?. Rayven shares her journey from childhood insecurities and family challenges to surviving emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse in a relationship. She discusses the complexities of recognizing abuse, the impact of military spouse culture, and her path to healing and self-worth. Through poetry, reflection, and honest conversation, Rayven offers hope, insight, and practical advice for survivors, emphasizing the importance of agency, self-compassion, and reclaiming one’s identity after trauma. Timestamps Rayven’s Early Life & Insecurity (00:03:47) Rayven shares about her childhood insecurities, bullying, and family dynamics that shaped her self-worth. Impact of Bullying and Family Dynamics (00:06:18) Rayven reflects on how bullying and family treatment led to deep insecurity and withdrawal from social activities. Caretaking and Emotional Responsibility (00:15:33) Rayven describes feeling responsible for managing her partner’s emotions and the exhaustion of “walking on eggshells.” Recognizing Abuse: Emotional, Sexual, Financial (00:21:35) Rayven discusses the difficulty of recognizing non-physical abuse, including sexual coercion and financial control. Military Spouse Culture & Isolation (00:25:25) Rayven talks about the expectations and stigma of being a military spouse and the resulting isolation. Deciding to Leave: The Breaking Point (00:35:50) Rayven explains the factors that led her to leave, including the discard phase and recognizing calculated abuse. Book Writing: Psychopaths or Sexy? (00:51:27) Rayven introduces her book, its structure, and how it explores grooming, awakening, and transformation. Defining “Good” and Setting New Standards (00:55:31) Rayven shares how she learned to define healthy relationships, the role of therapy, and actionable healing. Final Reflections on Bravery and Choice (00:58:24) Rayven and Lucia discuss the importance of bravery, the power of even a small belief in change, and advice for survivors. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Rayven, 'I was always wearing a mask that everything was great, but in reality, I’d be crying myself to sleep all the time.' Rayven, 'You keep coming back for more because when it’s good, it’s incredible.' Rayven, 'I didn’t have my own accounts, and it was excusable for so long until I realized I couldn’t even afford to leave.' Rayven, 'The silent treatment was really hard for me because all I wanted was emotional connection and understanding.' Rayven, 'I took away any comfort because I wanted to face it all, and that was so challenging.' Rayven, 'You don’t become more worthy by allowing people to exploit you.' Rayven, '00:51:02', 'Worth is not measured by how much you can sacrifice at your own detriment.' Rayven, '00:56:04', 'Fear and love are not intertwined, and that was a huge perspective shift for me.' RESOURCES: Connect with Rayven: PSYCHOPATHS ARE SEXY - BLUE MORPHO PODCAST - COACH WITH LUCIA: TAKING STOCK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS (A Free Reflection Guide) - A FREE INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DEFINE ABUSE AND BRAVERY - FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Brave Hearts Speak on Podcasts and VISIT OUR WEBSITE: JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP FOR LOCALS TO DENVER, COLORADO – 💼 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 ! 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 Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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Brave Hearts Speak — Healing, Hope, and the Power of Storytelling With Gabi Garland
10/15/2025
Brave Hearts Speak — Healing, Hope, and the Power of Storytelling With Gabi Garland
In this episode of "Brave Hearts Speak", host Lucia shares her personal journey of healing from abuse and introduces the podcast’s mission: to create a safe space for women to reclaim their power through storytelling and community. Lucia is interviewed by Gabi Garland, discussing her work as a psychotherapist, her experience with OCD, and her commitment to amplifying survivors’ voices. The episode explores the transformative power of creativity, play, and bravery in healing, offering practical insights and inviting listeners to join a supportive community focused on resilience, connection, and hope. Timestamps Lucia’s Personal Story and Realization of Abuse (00:01:13) Lucia shares her experience with OCD, recognizing lifelong abuse, and the importance of naming abuse. Empowering Women and Reclaiming Self (00:05:13) Encouragement for women to reclaim their power, recognize covert abuse, and set boundaries. Letter to Listeners: Validation and Hope (00:07:57) Lucia reads a heartfelt letter to women who feel invisible, offering validation and hope. Personal Healing and Therapeutic Evolution (00:20:49) Lucia discusses her own therapeutic work, complex PTSD, and the ongoing process of healing from abuse. Creating Safe, Supportive Communities (00:27:25) The importance of safe, supportive groups for women to explore identity and build confidence. The Grief and Process of Family Boundaries (00:40:05) Discussion of the emotional difficulty, grief, and need for support when setting family boundaries. Creativity and Play in Healing (00:45:21) The role of creativity and play in healing, and how programs like Missy Joy Club foster joy and connection. Looking Forward: Spotlighting Women’s Stories (01:06:32) Lucia’s hopes for the podcast: empowering women to find purpose and step into their own spotlight. Powerful Quotes from the Episode 'I know that in speaking it, I will not only free myself, but I might help free someone else too.' 'We take what was handed to us—the shame, the lies, the poison—and we give it back.' 'Then we stand, brush ourselves off, and we rise into the full potential of the part of us within us that has always whispered, you are more.' 'That’s my mission: to help you notice even the subtle undermining, to recognize covert abuse, and to say no.' 'That voice says you are not nothing. You are something. You are amazing, you’re brilliant.' 'You trusted them. You loved them. You admired them. You maybe needed them. You did the most human thing possible. You loved and they betrayed.' 'Designing your life is about picking the people that should be in it.' RESOURCES: Connect with Gabi: Website: Instagram: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Resilient Heart Podcast on Podcasts and COACH WITH LUCIA: TAKING STOCK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS (A Free Reflection Guide) - A FREE INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DEFINE ABUSE AND BRAVERY - FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Brave Hearts Speak on Podcasts and VISIT OUR WEBSITE: JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP FOR LOCALS TO DENVER, COLORADO – 💼 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 ! 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 Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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Your Story Matters — A New Space for Healing and Bravery
10/14/2025
Your Story Matters — A New Space for Healing and Bravery
In this introductory episode of "Brave Hearts Speak", hosted by Lucia Severtson, listeners are welcomed into a supportive space for women to reclaim their lives and embrace bravery. Lucia shares the podcast’s mission to highlight real stories of resilience and growth, including her own experiences with everyday bravery and setting boundaries. The episode encourages women to speak their truth, find community, and connect through shared stories. Listeners are invited to subscribe, share, and join the Brave Women’s Community Centre for ongoing inspiration and support on their journey to self-worth and healing. Timestamps Stories of Resilience and Bravery (00:00:30)Overview of sharing real stories of abuse, resilience, vulnerability, and personal growth, including the host’s own experiences. Encouragement and Community Invitation (00:01:25)Encouragement to subscribe, share, and connect; invitation to join the Brave Women's Community and submit personal stories. Powerful Quotes from the Episode "I've started designing a life that reflects my worth instead of my wounds." "My hope is that as you listen, something in you stirs—maybe a spark of bravery, a bit more clarity, and the reminder that you are not alone." "I'd love to hear your thoughts and your own stories of bravery." RESOURCES: COACH WITH LUCIA: TAKING STOCK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS (A Free Reflection Guide) - A FREE INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DEFINE ABUSE AND BRAVERY - VISIT OUR WEBSITE: JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP FOR LOCALS TO DENVER, COLORADO – 💼 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 ! 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 Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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