That's Where I'm At

Welcome to "That's Where I'm At" with your host, Laura Richards! Join Laura Richards, a survivor of narcissistic abuse with 33 years experience, as she guides you through the journey of identifying, healing from, and thriving after emotional and psychological abuse. With a mission to raise awareness, foster emotional recovery, and empower you to love yourself, Laura brings honesty, compassion, and a touch of humor to every episode. Dive into deep, meaningful conversations, tackle tough topics, and uncover moments of hope and healing. Our supportive community is here for you, offering insights, support, and a shared path to recovery and empowerment. Subscribe now and be part of a transformative journey that’s messy, real, and truly inspiring!

Rebuilding Self-Worth After Emotional Abuse with Dr. Jill Rosenthal 07/09/2025

Rebuilding Self-Worth After Emotional Abuse with Dr. Jill Rosenthal In this episode of "That's Where I'm At," host Laura and guest Dr. Jill Rosenthal, an award-winning Harvard and Stanford educated physician who retired after a 35+ year career and became certified as a wellness and mindset coach, share their personal journeys through trauma, loss, and healing. Dr. Rosenthal’s extensive experience and training, coupled with her own transformation from a stressed, overworked, unhealthy physician, wife, and mother into a happy, healthy, thriving coach, make her uniquely equipped to help others release unconscious thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that hold them back, so they can create their dream life. Together, Laura and Dr. Rosenthal discuss the impact of emotional and psychological abuse, the challenges of rebuilding self-worth, and the importance of processing difficult emotions. Through candid conversation, they highlight the power of storytelling, community, and self-compassion in overcoming adversity and reclaiming one’s life after trauma. Introduction & Coping Mechanisms (00:00:00) Discussion on comfort habits, dopamine hits, and how people push away uncomfortable feelings. Podcast Introduction & Guest Bio (00:00:40) Laura introduces the podcast, shares her mission, and presents Dr. Jill Rosenthal’s background and transformation. Dr. Jill’s Personal Journey (00:02:16) Dr. Jill summarizes her life challenges, including loss, illness, and her shift from medicine to coaching. Impact of Trauma & Feeling Stuck (00:03:30) Exploring how trauma, stress, and feeling stuck affect decision-making and self-worth. Coping with Trauma & Childhood Programming (00:05:41) Discussion on trauma responses, childhood experiences, and how they shape adult coping mechanisms. Effects of Emotional Abuse & Decision Paralysis (00:06:45) Laura and Dr. Jill discuss the impact of long-term emotional abuse on the ability to make decisions. Gaslighting & Narcissistic Abuse (00:09:09) Laura explains gaslighting, shares her experience, and introduces her book on healing from narcissistic abuse. Overcoming Conditioning & Taking Action (00:10:22) Dr. Jill describes the process of relearning decision-making and removing internal barriers to action. Overwhelm & Temporary Distractions (00:11:37) Conversation about overwhelm, avoidance behaviors, and why people turn to distractions for comfort. Pushing Away Feelings & the Bop Clown Analogy (00:12:20) Dr. Jill uses the bop clown metaphor to explain how suppressed feelings resurface and the importance of feeling them. Healing After Abuse & Setting Boundaries (00:14:23) Discussion on the necessity of healing emotional wounds, developing self-worth, and setting healthy boundaries. Patterns in Second Relationships (00:17:25) Exploring why unresolved trauma can affect new relationships and the importance of inner work before moving on. Feeling Safe After Abuse (00:18:54) The difference between rational understanding and truly feeling safe in new relationships. Conclusion & Resources (00:19:27) Closing remarks, Dr. Jill’s website and free gift, encouragement to connect, and final thoughts on healing and community. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Laura, 00:00:40, "I believe keeping secrets will make you sick, and that they always come to light in the end. As women, we're often told to be quiet, don't share your story, don't talk about the things we go through. It's making women sick, sad, and suicidal. We don't have to be on the other side to share our story." Dr. Jill Rosenthal, 00:02:29, "I went through a two and a half year period where I lost both my parents, managed their care from two to three thousand miles away, had foot reconstruction, my husband went into assisted living and now memory care for Alzheimer's disease, and I had breast cancer—surgery, radiation, chemotherapy. There was so much that would make your average person just run screaming from the room. But Jill 2.0 is thriving and happy despite all of the stuff that's going on. There's still stuff going on—my husband is in memory care and doesn't know who I am the last couple of weeks. I'm getting called every other day because he's hitting, kicking, and punching the staff. So I have things to deal with, but it doesn't have to take me down." Dr. Jill Rosenthal, 00:03:30, "My treatment for my cancer eventually led to a disability retirement from my 35-year medical practice. It was sad, because I loved my patients, I adored my team, I loved what I did, and it was probably killing me with stress. We're so used to taking that—the stress accumulates. We're like the frog in boiling water. Although I was not in a marriage of abuse, my first husband wasn't great to me emotionally, but not like what a lot of people are dealing with. I get what happens when you feel like you have no choices, when you feel stuck in a situation and you can't get out, and when it impacts and changes your thoughts and feelings. You just sort of go, 'Oh, woe is me.' I get that." Laura, 00:05:41, "I remember towards the end, when you're in psychological and emotional abuse, your brain—I just remember my brain was mush. It had been 33 years. My brain was mush. I couldn't make any choices because, exactly, every choice was wrong. So I did feel stuck in a lot of ways, even just making simple decisions. I remember even after leaving my marriage, talking to my therapist and her saying, 'Just say yes to some good things and see if you like them.' Because I'm like, 'I don't know.' I call myself Laura 2.0. I think it's great, but it's so true. We're not dead, so we're not done. There's still time to do what you want to do. But I just remember going, 'I don't know what's next.'" Laura, 00:09:09, "I spent 33 years with someone who made me feel like I was the problem for everything that was wrong in our lives." Laura, 00:12:14, "I need sunshine. I am a houseplant. I need oxygen and sunshine and some water." Dr. Jill Rosenthal, 00:15:49, "Unless you heal this, you're still carrying it around. It's on your shoulders, it's in big, heavy suitcases—the old ones, not the ones with the spinner wheels that you just kind of roll. Unless you heal it, it's still there, and it's still talking to you, and you're still feeling it. So you take it everywhere you go." Dr. Jill Rosenthal, 00:16:44, "If you've been in a relationship where somebody has really beaten you down like that, you have to heal the damage that's been done to your psyche, and you have to heal that feeling of self-worth. You have to learn to get better boundaries, but you have to be able to do it in a way that is constructive." Laura, 00:20:53, "I have a heart for helping women because I felt so alone after my divorce, and I don't want anybody to feel that way." Laura, 00:21:02, "This is why we do these things, right? We didn't want anybody else to feel the way that we did." RESOURCES: YOU’RE NOT CRAZY, RECLAIMING YOUR SANITY AND SELF-WORTH AFTER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE ebook: MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: COACH WITH LAURA: FOLLOW DR JILL: WEBSITE: INSTAGRAM: FACEBOOK: GIFT FOR YOU: Put Down The Baggage: A Self-Healing Journal & Quick-Start Guide to Letting Go of What’s Holding You Back After Trauma Produced and edited by Resilient Voice Media. Visit us at /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/37293815

Navigating Love After Trauma: Tips for Building Healthy Connections With Dawn Bennett 06/25/2025

Navigating Love After Trauma: Tips for Building Healthy Connections With Dawn Bennett What are Two Things you could do to improve your relationships? Perhaps you’ve heard the way you do one thing is the way you do everything. You see, your mind doesn’t know the difference between past, present, and future. Changing how you think and feel about emotionally stressful times in your life can shift everything! Dawn works to help people find and maintain their ideal relationships. Dawn has Board Designations for Hypnosis & NLP Training & Coaching. She also is an Accredited Certified EFT Practitioner and EFT Relationship and Intimacy Coach. In this episode of "That's Where I'm At," host Laura and guest Dawn, a relationship and intimacy coach, discuss healing from past relationship trauma. They explore the impact of past experiences on self-worth, the importance of sharing stories, and practical healing methods like EFT and hypnosis. Dawn shares insights on recognizing unconscious beliefs and setting healthy boundaries, while Laura reflects on her own healing journey. Together, they encourage listeners to prioritize self-care, seek supportive connections, and embrace personal growth on the path to healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Transition from Massage Therapy to Emotional Healing (00:02:25) Dawn describes her journey from massage therapy to emotional release and mind-body healing techniques. The Body’s Response to Stress and Trauma (00:03:15) Discussion on how the brain and body hold onto stress and trauma, affecting physical and emotional health. Unconscious Mind and Relationship Patterns (00:04:26) Dawn explains the unconscious mind’s role in shaping relationship behaviors and reactions. Clearing Emotional Blocks and Beliefs (00:05:27) Dawn details how she uses tapping, hypnosis, and other techniques to clear limiting beliefs and emotional blocks. Adjusting to Healthy Relationships After Toxic Ones (00:06:17) Conversation about how healthy relationships can feel “boring” after chaos, and how to identify and accept positive traits. Self-Worth, Value, and Gaslighting (00:08:49) Laura discusses the impact of gaslighting and the importance of reclaiming self-worth after narcissistic abuse. Personal Story of Lost Self-Worth (00:10:08) Dawn shares her experience of losing self-worth in an abusive relationship and the journey to regain her power. Unpacking Childhood Beliefs and Patterns (00:12:45) Dawn explains how early childhood experiences shape beliefs and how hypnotherapy can gently address these patterns. Setting Goals and Somatic Therapies (00:14:43) Dawn emphasizes individualized healing journeys, the value of somatic therapies, and creating permanent change. Overcoming Fear of Being Alone (00:16:38) Discussion on helping clients who fear being alone, and how to find safety and self-worth outside of relationships. Recognizing Red Flags and Elevated Self-Value (00:18:32) Laura and Dawn discuss how self-work makes it easier to spot red flags and walk away from unhealthy relationships. Letting Go for Healthier Relationships (00:19:01) Dawn explains the importance of releasing relationships that aren’t right for both parties’ growth. RESOURCES: YOU’RE NOT CRAZY, RECLAIMING YOUR SANITY AND SELF-WORTH AFTER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE ebook: MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: COACH WITH LAURA: FOLLOW GUEST: LINKS: WEBSITE: TIK TOK: INSTAGRAM: FACEBOOK: Produced and edited by Resilient Voice Media. Visit us at /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/37041060

From Attempted Murder to Life Transformation: J Lumen's Journey from Surviving to Thriving 06/11/2025

From Attempted Murder to Life Transformation: J Lumen's Journey from Surviving to Thriving In this powerful episode of "That's Where I'm At," host Laura sits down with J Lumen, a certified Life Transformation and Empowerment Coach who knows firsthand what it means to feel completely trapped in life. J's story takes a shocking turn when what started as feeling stuck in the wrong relationship and wrong job escalated to a terrifying night that ended with her ex-boyfriend's arrest for attempted murder—her attempted murder. This life-altering experience became the catalyst for J to stop tolerating her life and start truly living it. Through her "Unknown Bucket List Approach," J teaches others how to make "micro shifts" that lead to major life transformations. This conversation dives deep into overcoming the fear of judgment, recognizing the power of "mini moments," building what J calls a "force field of resilience," and learning to live without regret. J shares practical strategies for those feeling trapped by circumstances, guilt, or doubt, showing how to break free from the cycle of tolerance and step into a life worth celebrating. J Lumen is a certified Life Transformation and Empowerment Coach who understands intimately what it means to feel trapped in the wrong life. After years of being stuck in an unfulfilling relationship where she knew she'd say no if proposed to, and a job she hated but felt financially obligated to keep, J made the difficult decision to pay for her boyfriend to move over 1000 miles away to live with his family. Two months later, he returned unexpectedly, and the night ended with his arrest for attempted murder—her attempted murder. This traumatic wake-up call became the turning point that transformed J from someone who was merely surviving to someone truly thriving. She created "The Unknown Bucket List Approach," a methodology focused on making "micro shifts" and collecting "mini moments" to create meaningful life changes. J is passionate about helping others stop tolerating their lives and start living without regret, teaching that you don't have to wait for major life upheavals to begin creating the life you want. Her philosophy centers on the belief that "if you're not dead, you're not done" and that everyone deserves to live a life they don't regret. Key Topics Discussed: From Trapped to Taking Action: Feeling stuck in the wrong relationship and wrong job, and the difficult decision to change her circumstances The Attempted Murder Wake-Up Call: How surviving a life-threatening situation became the catalyst for complete life transformation The Unknown Bucket List Approach: J's methodology for identifying overlooked achievements and leveraging them for future growth Micro Shifts vs. Major Overhauls: Why small, intentional changes are more sustainable and effective than waiting for big life events Mini Moments That Matter: Learning to recognize and celebrate small achievements that build momentum for larger goals Overcoming Fear of Judgment: Strategies for dealing with criticism from family, friends, and colleagues when making life changes Building a Force Field of Resilience: Creating strong boundaries that protect your energy and maintain your progress The Tolerance Trap: How society teaches us to "suck it up" and why this mindset keeps us stuck in unfulfilling lives Living Without Regret: The philosophy of making decisions based on what you'll regret least, not what others expect Collecting Your Past Wins: How to look back at your life and recognize achievements you've been dismissing as insignificant The Balance of Time: Living like life is both short and long—urgent enough to take action, patient enough to build sustainably Redefining Success: Moving from external validation to internal satisfaction and authentic self-expression Supporting Others vs. Self-Care: How to maintain relationships while prioritizing your own growth and boundaries Powerful Quotes from the Episode "Life happens. And it's good or bad. It's unexpected, random, unplanned... And then we have to react. And that's what shift happens." "We don't have to wait for that shift to happen before we start living the life that we don't regret." "If you're not dead, you're not done." "It's just about living a life that you don't regret because it is yours. So you should live the one you want without fear or influence." "If you are wanting to do this and also this, then you decide which one you're going to regret the least. And you do that." "You can look back at your life and you can start seeing all the things that you've done and that you've experienced and you can basically uncover the bucket list of your life that you've been living." "Most people would not even give themselves enough credit... But those are the little mini moments that I'm talking about." "Once your way of thinking has been shifted, you'll never go back." "We're taught as adults that we have to suck it up and tolerate so many things... No, so who? That's a story." "Live like life is short and live like life is long. And it's about finding the balance in between." Resources Host Laura's Resources: YOU'RE NOT CRAZY, RECLAIMING YOUR SANITY AND SELF-WORTH AFTER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE ebook: MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: COACH WITH LAURA: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: J Lumen's Resources: Website: Free Life Assessment: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok: Connect with the Show Follow the Podcast: Host: Laura, podcast host and author focused on healing from narcissistic abuse Mission: Sharing stories with women in the middle of the mess, showing up bravely as they heal Community: Creating space for women to learn, grow, and heal together through shared experiences Loved this episode? J's story proves that our worst moments can become the catalyst for our greatest transformations. Her journey from feeling trapped and tolerating life to creating a methodology that helps others thrive shows that "shift happens"—and we don't have to wait for tragedy to start living the life we deserve. Sometimes the most powerful changes begin with the smallest shifts, and every mini moment matters in building the life you won't regret. Produced and edited by Resilient Voice Media. Visit us at /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/36900295

From Lost to Thriving 06/04/2025

It's Never Too Late: Finding Your Voice with Lori Daneke 05/28/2025

It's Never Too Late: Finding Your Voice with Lori Daneke In this inspiring episode of "That's Where I'm At" podcast, host Laura welcomes Lori Daneke, a communication and relationship coach who discovered her calling later in life. Lori shares her powerful journey from being a people-pleaser trapped in a silent, emotionally abusive marriage to becoming an empowered coach helping others find their authentic selves. What started as a quest to improve her golf game led to a complete life transformation at age 58. Through candid conversation, Lori explains how 90% of our thoughts aren't our own, stemming from our imprint years (ages 0-7), and how breakthrough work can help us release the emotional baggage we've been carrying. Her story demonstrates that it's truly never too late to make changes, use your voice, and ask for what you want. Lori Daneke is a communication and relationship coach with master certifications in NLP, TLT, Hypnotherapy, Reiki Level 3, and Huna, as well as Advanced Trauma and Addiction training. With over 300 hours of training and having coached over 100 clients, she specializes in supporting women in creating the life they desire and deserve while embracing their authentic selves. Lori's journey into coaching began unexpectedly at age 58 when seeking to improve her golf game led to discovering that golf and life are direct reflections of each other. She is a proud grandmother of three (with another grandchild on the way) and finds her happy places playing with her grandchildren and going to the beach. Key Topics Discussed: The Connection Between Golf and Life: How Lori's quest to improve her golf game revealed deeper life patterns The Four Voices in Our Head: Understanding the inner child, inner critic, inner ego, and intuition People-Pleasing Patterns: The dangers of living according to others' expectations rather than your authentic self Silent Abuse: Recognizing emotional abuse through withholding communication and attention The 90% Rule: How most of our thoughts come from our imprint years (ages 0-7) rather than our true selves Breakthrough Process: Lori's 10-step method for uncovering root causes and aligning conscious and unconscious minds Releasing Emotional Baggage: Using the analogy of travel luggage to understand letting go of past trauma Finding Your Purpose: How it's never too late to discover your authentic calling and voice Powerful Quotes from the Episode "It'd be grateful for what you have experienced, take the learnings from it, so you can have even more gratitude and love yourself. Because truly, it's never too late to make choices and use your voice and ask for what you want." "In my marriage, I couldn't do that. I wasn't allowed. It was very transactional. And when I asked for what I needed or what I wanted, I got crickets. So that was the abuse that I tolerated. And I tolerated it is silence." "I discovered that not only that golf and life are direct reflections of each other. So what was going on in my golf game was going on in my life. I was angry, frustrated, felt like I was isolated and alone." "90% of our thoughts are not our own. They come from our imprint years or zero to seven... we learned what we learned from the people from the people that are closest to us." "I was the definition of a people pleaser. I did everything that everybody thought I was supposed to do and everybody told me what I was supposed to do." "You can't help other people unless you help yourself first... because you haven't released the blocks around what is actually holding you back from getting what you want." "Everything that happens to us, good, bad, or ugly, is there to teach us a lesson. And the lessons we learn is something positive and it's going forward." "It's never too late to discover that voice and that authentic you, your true purpose in life and what you were put on this planet to do." RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW LORI: EMAIL: FACEBOOK: Loved this episode? Connect with Lori through her Facebook pages or email to learn more about her breakthrough coaching process. Don't forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find these stories of hope and healing! Produced and edited by Resilient Voice Media. Visit us at . /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/36710385

Rebuilding Self-Worth, Knowing Your Values & Setting Boundaries 05/21/2025

Finding Freedom: Healing the Hurt Beneath Emotional Eating with Claudia Braun 05/14/2025

Finding Freedom: Healing the Hurt Beneath Emotional Eating with Claudia Braun In this powerful episode host Laura welcomes Claudia Braun, a holistic mindset and lifestyle coach certified in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Claudia opens up about her personal journey with emotional eating that began at age 10 when she discovered food could temporarily ease emotional pain. She shares how this coping mechanism followed her through adolescence, college, and into adulthood, creating a vicious cycle of stress eating and dieting. The conversation explores how our relationship with food often masks deeper emotional needs and how the cultural messaging around dieting affects women. Claudia offers practical insights on breaking free from emotional eating patterns by addressing the root emotional causes, embracing authenticity, and learning to own both your "yes" and your "no" instead of living to please others. Claudia Braun is a longtime Chicago resident, certified in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and works as a holistic mindset and lifestyle coach. With 30 years of yoga practice, she brings a wealth of experience to her approach to healing. Claudia has been a keynote speaker at several in-person women's events, hosted the Healing Summit, and been featured on the Holistic Monitor podcast. Drawing from her own journey of healing her relationship with food and emotional eating, Claudia now helps others break free from stress eating patterns and people-pleasing behaviors to live more authentically. She is also a dog mom to Jason, an avid gardener, and enjoys working with clay. Key Topics Discussed: Emotional Eating as a Coping Mechanism: How food becomes a "companion" to manage stress and difficult emotions The Vicious Cycle of Dieting: Why traditional dieting approaches often fail to address the emotional roots of eating habits People-Pleasing and Boundaries: The connection between people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, and using food for comfort Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/Tapping): How this approach helps release trapped emotions in the subconscious mind Authentic Living: The importance of being true to yourself rather than living based on others' expectations Owning Your Yes and No: Practical strategies for honoring your own needs and setting boundaries Healing Through Vulnerability: The power of acknowledging and expressing difficult emotions rather than suppressing them Cultural Conditioning Around Food: How societal and family messages about food and dieting affect our relationship with eating Powerful Quotes from the Episode "One of the things that I'd like to share with y'all is that I have these three strategies to own your yes and own your no. And part of that is kind of getting in touch with what do we actually feel." "I didn't know my yes. I didn't know my no. I knew other people's yes and other people's no. I was a master people pleaser." "It brings me back to that story with my boyfriend's therapist... I was saying to him, 'I don't know how to make my parents happy and my boyfriend happy at the same time.' And he looks at me and I could see that there was something about that statement I made that was really off... I'm not even in the equation." "You can't put a happy face in an empty tank." "I give people permission to say what they don't want to say." "When I work with clients, I have them write a letter to food, like say goodbye to your best friend. It is your best friend. It's been your best friend." "The only way out is through." "Can you imagine what life would be like if you were authentically you instead of constantly living life based on everyone else's judgments and expectations of you?" RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW CLAUDIA: WEBSITE: 3 strategies to Own Your YES & Your NO (without the guilt, that’s held you back before) Produced and edited by Resilient Voice Media. Visit us at . /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/36466810

Is He a Narcissist? Trusting Yourself & Owning Your Journey 05/07/2025

Finding Your Authentic Self After Narcissistic Abuse with Angie Marie 04/30/2025

Finding Your Authentic Self After Narcissistic Abuse with Angie Marie In this powerful episode of That's Where I'm At, Laura welcomes Angie Marie, a lifestyle and health coach who spent 20 years in a narcissistic relationship. Together, they explore the insidious nature of covert and overt narcissism, the devastating impact of gaslighting, and the complex emotions that surface when leaving these relationships. Angie shares her journey of reclaiming her authentic self after years of people-pleasing and self-abandonment, discovering that true health encompasses both physical and emotional well-being. This raw conversation offers validation, hope, and practical insights for anyone recovering from narcissistic abuse. Angie Marie is a lifestyle and health coach and upcoming podcaster launching "Reauthenticated." After spending 20 years in a narcissistic marriage and working 25 years as a hairdresser, Angie is on a mission to help people reconnect with their authentic selves. Her journey began with focusing solely on nutrition and physical fitness, but evolved to include emotional healing from trauma as she recognized that self-validation had been missing from her life. Through her platform "Reauthenticated," Angie guides others to build confidence not just through nutrition and physical activity, but through healing past traumas and embracing their spiritual journey. Key Topics Discussed Different Types of Narcissism: The distinction between covert narcissists (who appear nice in public but are abusive in private) and overt narcissists (who are openly self-centered) Gaslighting and Its Effects: How narcissists use gaslighting to make victims question their reality and sanity The Friend Betrayal: Angie's experience with her friend who became involved with her husband during their separation Why Victims Stay: The psychological reasons people remain in abusive relationships, including survival mode and fear of life changes Healing Through Communication: Learning to express feelings and speak truth after years of silence The Peace After Leaving: Finding relief and healing after exiting the relationship Building a New Identity: Discovering who you are outside of the narcissist's definition Physical vs. Emotional Health: Balancing external appearance with internal emotional well-being Powerful Quotes "But we don't get the opportunity to talk about our feelings with the narcissist because it doesn't do any good. It's not going to be valid. They're going to disregard it." - Angie Marie "I finally learned how to love myself and not seek validation in other people. You know, I don't have to look perfect. I don't have to look pretty all the time... Now instead of everything being so perfect and so polished, I get to just be me." - Angie Marie Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and welcome 04:15 - Discussion on covert vs. overt narcissism 08:30 - Angie's story of betrayal during separation 16:45 - The friend who pointed out narcissism 22:20 - The physical and emotional impact of narcissistic abuse 29:15 - Learning to speak your truth after years of silence 33:45 - The influence of childhood trauma on adult relationships 39:10 - Finding self-love and authentic expression 46:30 - Building a healthy new relationship after abuse 54:20 - Creating boundaries and healing 58:40 - Information about Angie's podcast and coaching Loved this episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more people find these stories of healing. Follow Laura on social media and let her know what resonated with you. Resources RESOURCES FROM LAURA: Join Laura on the Conscious Transformation Summit May 7th @ 1:00 pm PST: MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW ANGIE: WEBSITE: INSTAGRAM: TIK TOK: PINTEREST: Produced and edited by Resilient Voice Media. Visit us at . /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/36238705

Are You Ready to Unsubscribe from What No Longer Serves You? With Barbara Siemen 04/16/2025

Are You Ready to Unsubscribe from What No Longer Serves You? With Barbara Siemen Barbara Siemen is a certified life coach, yoga instructor, and writer who helps others find their path to joy and fulfilled living. After a failed business endeavor and subsequent mental illness diagnosis in 2016 caused her to go into a major slump, Barbara questioned her life’s purpose. She devoted her time to unlearning what was holding her back and undoing the pain of her childhood trauma. It took over 5 years for her to follow the breadcrumbs but with the help of coaches, therapists, self-help books, spiritual tools, and her own intuition, she is now proud to be unsubscribed from all the things she doesn’t want in life, and making room for the things she does want in life. In this episode of the "That's Where I'm At" podcast, Barbara, a certified life coach, yoga instructor, and writer, shares her journey of healing from childhood trauma and the process of "unsubscribing" from negative influences. She discusses a rock-bottom moment that led her to seek help and embrace her true self, emphasizing the importance of living fearlessly and authentically. Host Laura, who has overcome a relationship with a narcissist, underscores the healing power of sharing women's stories. The episode centers on personal growth, healing from trauma, and the significance of setting boundaries and living authentically. Timestamps: (00:02:11) Barbara shares her background and the extensive work she did to heal from childhood trauma. (00:02:38) Barbara reflects on her rock bottom experience and the years it took to understand her past. (00:04:03) Importance of Curiosity Laura and Barbara discuss the significance of curiosity in personal growth and healing. (00:07:00) Creating a False Life, Barbara reflects on the disconnect between her curated online life and her true feelings. (00:07:19) Blog and Its Consequences,Barbara recounts the legal issues surrounding her blog and the stress it caused her family (00:17:12) Mind-body connection between emotional trauma and physical health issues. (00:19:32) Embracing Fearlessness Again ,rediscovering her fearless side and setting boundaries in her life and how self love played a part. (00:21:55) Raising Strong Women. Barbara discusses her commitment to raising her daughter as a strong, independent woman, avoiding the "doormat" mentality. (00:30:14) Mental Load of Women Laura and Barbara discuss the hidden burdens women carry and the need for self-care amidst societal expectations. Quotables: 'It's really tough to stand and stare at yourself sometimes, you know, even completely naked, and then you look at your entire body and say loving things to your body. But to look in your own eyes in a mirror and say, "I love you, I really, really love you," that's hard. Some people can't do that for a while; it takes some time.' Barbara "I had to be done because narcissists are always right; everything's perfect. But if you look at their real life, you can see the truth." Laura RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW BARBARA: Produced and edited by Resilient Voice Media. Visit us at . /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/36111605

Breaking Generational Cycles: Healing Trauma & Rewiring the Mind with Diane Konkin 04/02/2025

Breaking Generational Cycles: Healing Trauma & Rewiring the Mind with Diane Konkin In this powerful episode of That's Where I'm At, Laura sits down with Diane Konkin, a rapid transformational therapy (RTT) practitioner and self-sabotage expert. Diane shares her journey of supporting her late husband through addiction and bipolar disorder, her own healing process, and how she now helps others break free from intrusive emotions and self-limiting beliefs. Diane Konkin is the Founder and CEO of Advanced Mind Health, a virtual, no-repeat client therapy practice, specializing in helping professionals eliminate intrusive emotions, self-sabotage and substance use habits in only 1-3 sessions with a 99% success rate. Diane began her Rapid Transformational Therapy® practice after helping her late husband navigate through his 20 year struggle with bipolar and alcohol use disorder. RTT® is a new, advanced form of curative psychotherapy based on the latest research in neuroscience and is quickly gaining global recognition as one of the most effective treatments available. Key Topics Discussed: Breaking Generational Cycles: How trauma and behaviors are often passed down through generations and how we can be the ones to stop the cycle. The Power of the Mind: How our subconscious controls our actions, thoughts, and self-worth and how we can rewire it. Surviving and Thriving After Toxic Relationships: Diane and Laura discuss personal experiences with toxic relationships and the process of reclaiming personal power. Healing Through Hypnotherapy & RTT: How rapid transformational therapy works and why it can create lasting change in just 1-3 sessions. Overcoming Negative Self-Talk: Strategies to stop the inner critic and start self-praising to build confidence and self-love. The Emotional Burden of Caregiving: Diane’s personal story of caregiving for her husband and finding freedom after his passing. Importance of Emotional Release: How unexpressed emotions can manifest as physical illnesses and why allowing ourselves to grieve is crucial. Powerful Quotes from the Episode: "Our subconscious controls 95% of our behaviors. So, let’s start giving it the right instructions." "Your mind is like a taxi driver. If you don’t give it a destination, it will take you anywhere." "The words you say to yourself matter stop believing negative thoughts that don’t serve you." Loved this episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more people find these stories of healing. Follow Laura on social media and let us know what resonated with you. RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW DIANE: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: Produced and edited by Resilient Voice Media. Visit us at . /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/35922085

Breaking Free of the Shoulds with Debbie Harrell 03/19/2025

Breaking Free of the Shoulds with Debbie Harrell Debbie Harrell is the vibrant force behind the New World Normal podcast—a space where questioning and disrupting societal norms is not just encouraged, it's the main event. As the host, Debbie dives into insightful conversations with guest experts and thought leaders, exploring how we can break free from norms that no longer serve us. In her coaching practice, Debbie is a guide for values-focused individuals ready to disrupt their personal norms. She empowers clients to challenge all of their "shoulds" and "have-tos," helping them align with their core principles rather than societal expectations. Beyond her biz, Debbie is a proud mom to two grown humans and caretaker of two rescued fur-babies. Nature, travel, and live music are her happy places, especially when they come together. Debbie's belief in the power of community is the driving force behind her podcast and community—providing comfort and connection in our often chaotic world. Because, in Debbie's view, embracing our similarities and collaborating as a collective offers the best chance for us all thriving in this crazy world. When we face life changes like divorce or a new job, uncertainty often follows. I would ask my friends what they wanted, and most didn't know. We've spent so much time following societal expectations that we're disconnected from our true desires. Today’s guest is Debbie from the New World Normal podcast, where she challenges societal norms and guides individuals to align their lives with personal values instead of society's demands. Debbie shares her journey into coaching—realizing she wasn't fulfilled despite doing everything expected of her led her to question life's transitions. She found herself asking others what they truly wanted when faced with similar uncertainties. Her own experiences—a challenging year marked by loss and trauma—prompted deep reflection on how past events impacted her well-being. Recognizing symptoms of trauma helped Debbie understand the importance of addressing these issues before reaching breaking points. We discuss recognizing signs that something might be wrong: feeling numb, relying on distractions like shopping or Netflix too heavily, or saying “that’s just who I am” as an excuse for behavior patterns developed for self-protection. The key takeaway is giving yourself permission to explore your feelings without waiting for major life disruptions as catalysts for change. Healing doesn't have to be overwhelming; it's about peeling back layers gently over time while seeking support through communities or professionals when needed. 3:13 Realizing we did all the “shoulds” we’re told to do. 04:06 Being caught on a treadmill of what we should do, and reflecting on what we actually want to do. 04:43 Hindsight on divorce & the transition 6:36 From podcasting to coaching 7:38 My Hero’s journey & an abrupt loss 08:58 The nation's largest mass shooting 00:15:46The comparison game about trauma 21:23 Feeling trapped in a relationship that leaves you questioning your worth and sanity? 29:07 Needing permission as an adult and borrowing courage 32:06 Oh, wait, who am I? Like, people don't want to hear from me. 33:04 Book recommendations 42:09 Reflections on becoming better Quotes : “We are not getting better for the sake of being better for ourselves. We're getting better for the sake of being better for the world around us. You know, like, it all ripples out. “ “Why do we have to wait for big life transitions? Why not start thinking about it now?” “If you’re feeling something was traumatic, it probably was.” If you are ready to questions some norms please schedule a free discovery call today! RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW DEBBIE: Instagram: Books Mentioned: Check out the list here: Wild & Precious Life Sarah Wilson Myth of Normal Gabor Mate’ The Body Keeps the Score Untamed Glennon Doyle Rest in Resistance /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/35737975

How to Protect Your Energy as an Empath with Lisa Campion 03/05/2025

How to Protect Your Energy as an Empath with Lisa Campion Lisa Campion is the author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Psychic Reiki and the upcoming book Energy Healing for Empaths. She is a psychic counselor and Reiki master teacher with over 25 years of experience. She has trained over 1,000 people in Reiki and conducted over 15,000 individual sessions. She also hosts the radio show and podcast "The Miracle of Healing" on Empower Radio. Lisa specializes in training emerging psychics, empaths, and healers to fully embrace their gifts because the world needs all the healers it can get! In this episode, Lisa talks about energy healing, boundaries, and how empaths can protect their energy in a world that often feels overwhelming. She also discusses energy vampires, the importance of self-care, and how setting boundaries fosters respect and empowerment. Tune in to learn practical tips on harnessing your sensitivity as a superpower and avoiding burnout as an empath! Timestamps: [02:19] Lisa Campion's background and her work[03:19] Tips to manage energy and relationships as an empath[05:15] How to overcome energy and sensory overload[09:00] Learning to say no with kindness[11:32] Why boundaries foster respect and security[17:22] What are energy vampires?[19:40] How to recognize when someone is draining your energy[26:19] How to recognize if you're an energy vampire[32:49] The importance of play, creativity, and joy[37:27] How to visualize your energetic boundaries Quotes: "Boundaries make people feel safe. If people can't feel your boundary, they don't really feel safe with you." "If you don't learn how to manage your energy and you're not taking responsibility for your boundaries, you can become an energy vampire." "Having boundaries breeds respect. So when we set clear, kind, and compassionate boundaries, people respect us." "Empaths have this like spongy kind of porous energy field... The sponge is full, and then you go into something called empathic overload." "We can't really trust people unless we can trust their ability to say no." "When you say yes, when you need to say no, you're not actually doing anyone else a favor. They know it doesn't feel good and makes you untrustworthy." RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW LISA: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/35485280

Faith, Freedom & Finding Yourself: Lisa Croke’s Journey Beyond Narcissistic Abuse 02/19/2025

Faith, Freedom & Finding Yourself: Lisa Croke’s Journey Beyond Narcissistic Abuse In this episode, Laura speaks with Lisa Croke, an ICF ACC Empowerment Life Coach and Leadership Consultant with over two decades of experience. She is powered by authenticity, non-judgment, and empathy and creates a safe, empowering space for her clients to reframe their challenges into their superpowers. In her life coaching and leadership consulting work, her mission remains the same: Empowering individuals to achieve their highest potential! Lisa's journey has been one of resilience and reinvention. At 42, she emerged from a 20-plus-year abusive marriage. Faced with the loss of her career, community, possessions, and a year of stalking at the hands of her abuser, she went through the court system and relocated 2,000 miles away to rebuild her life. Lisa has since worked tirelessly to transform her personal hardships into a powerful narrative of resilience and transformation. Lisa is dedicated to helping other trauma survivors, particularly high-achieving, accomplished women who have experienced relationship trauma, tap into their superpowers and move from surviving to thriving. Grounded in real-life experience, her warm, empathetic approach validates her clients' experiences and provides practical tools for reframing their stories, claiming their superpowers, and building a thriving life. In addition to her coaching and consulting work, she is available for keynote presentations, workshops, podcasts, and collaboration opportunities. Today, Lisa shares her journey from being a children's pastor and pastor's wife to recognizing and escaping narcissistic abuse within her marriage and religious community. She discusses how the church often fails abuse survivors through inadequate support and harmful messaging about forgiveness and reconciliation. Tune in now! Key Highlights [00:00] Lisa's initial approach to church leadership about marriage concerns [01:33] Lisa's background as an empowerment life coach and leadership consultant [03:39] How domestic abuse affects high-achieving women [06:27] Lisa's religious background and early marriage at age 19 [09:24] Church leadership and ministry roles and how this affected Lisa's marriage [15:32] Experience with jealousy and control in ministry positions [20:05] When Lisa started noticing abusive patterns [29:02] How most Christian women in leadership struggle with the stigma of divorce [38:16] The biblical perspectives and the church's inadequate response to abuse [41:23] Why you need therapy rather than relying solely on prayer for guidance [45:31] Lisa's personal growth and achievements post-divorce [59:03] Perspectives on forgiveness and healing [01:05:21] Final thoughts and how to connect with Lisa Notable Quotes: When you exist in that space and have that very loud voice, when that voice goes away, the freedom I felt because there wasn't someone criticizing everything. Even if you're beat up and you're not sure head to tail what's going on, you survived that. Our relationship with God doesn't fit in a box. And so many times church does market that. And those of us who have had trauma, we don't fit in the box, and we question the box, and we question the methods. And so we are the ones that are the instigators The words that have been spoken over you, the actions that have been done to you, they don't define you. You are enough, and you are so loved. If God loves him, and if you believe that God loves him, then he is God's to care for; it is not your responsibility. We become shells of ourselves, right? Like, well, when we're married so young, we don't know who we are. But, I would argue that we are empathetic and we're gentle. There are reasons why narcissists attach to us. RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW LISA: “The Summer Day,” by Mary Oliver Leslie Vernick Coaching /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/35315080

Breaking Free From Religious Control to Empowered Healing with Brooke Kekos 02/05/2025

Breaking Free From Religious Control to Empowered Healing with Brooke Kekos 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. RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW BROOKE: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/35085935

Kelsey's Shift From A Survivor Of Abuse To An Empowered Advocate And Leader 01/22/2025

Kelsey's Shift From A Survivor Of Abuse To An Empowered Advocate And Leader In this episode of That's Where I'm At, Laura sits down with Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews, a first-generation college graduate, published author, and advocate for mental health and empowerment. Kelsey, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and was honored as a Truman Scholar, shares her remarkable journey of resilience. From growing up in an abusive environment in East Haven, CT, to overcoming institutional betrayal and narcissistic abuse, Kelsey uses her experiences to advocate for those affected by emotional and verbal harm. Her professional journey spans rehabilitative mental health, substance abuse prevention, non-profit leadership, and community engagement. As the Founder and CEO of Phoenix Rising Coaching & Consulting, LLC, and a Maxwell Leadership Team member, Kelsey empowers individuals and leaders to overcome challenges and become agents of transformative change. Kelsey discusses her passion for ethics, power dynamics, and leadership, shaped by her survival story and advocacy for others. She also shares her journey as a public speaker, including her TEDxUNLV talk, "Transformative Leadership: The Power of Love to Change the World," and her plans for graduate studies in Social Work and Social/Personality Psychology. Tune in now! Timestamps [01:14] Kelsey's background, struggles, and advocacy [03:05] Early childhood challenges [06:19] How Kesley grew up amidst dysfunction and codependency [10:50] Kesley's experience with a traumatic childhood incident [18:01] How lack of care and safety shaped Kesley's emotional well-being [23:43] The impact of addiction and the lack of awareness about overdose prevention [29:24] How our childhood experiences shape who we become [38:53] Boundary violations and manipulation by her therapist [42:01] How intermittent reinforcement prolonged the emotional pain [1:01:00] The unexpected role of Kesley's therapist in leading her to Christ [1:10:12] The contrast between harmful institutions and those that provide real support [1:20:30] Kelsey's path to self-awareness and resilience through therapy and advocacy [1:30:45] The importance of self-love in building healthy relationships [1:39:44] Kelsey's message of hope for others facing similar challenges Notable Quotes You can't make sense of disorder. You can't make sense of chaos. The worst thing that ever happened to me is the best thing that ever happened to me. What happens is that with trauma bonding, it's the person who's hurting you is also the person who's loving you or soothing you. When you live in gaslighting, you end up gaslighting yourself. People mistake my kindness for weakness, and that's funny because I never end up being what they bargain for. I end up kicking and screaming because I will fight for myself. You can only love others as much as you love yourself. RESOURCES: Your Story Matters Virtual Summit: January 21-23, 2025 Get your free ticket here! Healthy Boundaries: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW KELSEY: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/34903055

Overcoming Spiritual Abuse and the Church’s Stigma Around Divorce with Kristina Ravenhill 01/08/2025

Overcoming Spiritual Abuse and the Church’s Stigma Around Divorce with Kristina Ravenhill Spiritual abuse and the church’s stigma around divorce have silenced and shamed countless women, often leaving them trapped in cycles of pain and self-doubt. But it’s time to reclaim the narrative. Overcoming spiritual abuse means breaking free from manipulation cloaked in faith and recognizing your worth beyond judgmental doctrines. Divorce is not a failure; it’s an act of courage when choosing yourself and your well-being over harmful dynamics. In this episode of the That's Where I'm At Podcast, Laura Richards welcomes Kristina Ravenhill. Kristina or Tina as her Father nicknamed her, grew up in the South Pacific. The middle child of three sisters, she grew up as an MK (missionary kid) and a PK (preacher's kid). Eventually, the family moved back to the United States where she went to Bible School in Dallas, Texas, and ultimately met her husband. Together they served in ministry and also owned a successful international sales business. Twenty-two years and 4 children later, Tina filed for divorce after years of narcissism and abuse throughout the marriage. Now free, she spends her extra time helping others come out of spiritual abuse and wants the stigma of divorce from abuse to be changed in the church mindset. Her joy is spending time with her kids and exploring the world. Kristina shares her powerful journey of overcoming spiritual abuse and navigating the church’s stigma around divorce. Kristina candidly recounts the red flags she ignored, the manipulation she endured, and the spiritual abuse she experienced from her ex-husband. She discusses the struggle of leaving an oppressive marriage, the profound impact of trauma bonds, and the societal pressures women face when seeking freedom. Kristina also offers hope and practical steps for healing, including how she reconnected with her dreams, found forgiveness, and rediscovered God’s unconditional love. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-worth, and spiritual liberation. Timestamps [03:14] Signs Kristina saw before she was done [06:10] Spiritual abuse Kristina experienced from her ex-husband [10:06] Did Kristina have support when she decided to leave? [15:03] God loves you more than divorce [18:14] Narcissists have the inability to change [24:27] Things Kristina did to heal after divorce [30:53] How Kristina got rid of her oppression and started to dream again [33:50] The thought that things will be great when you leave [41:07] Waking up to the reality [43:24] Kristina’s trauma bond experience [48:44] How Kristina dealt with forgiving his ex-husband [51:55] Kristina’s final remarks Notable Quotes “We always have the thing about God hates divorce.” “It’s not about how long can a marriage last.” “Dream is to have your life back.” “Some of these things, they may not sound like they are terrible until it’s all the times.” RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW KRISTINA: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/34752890

From Silence to Strength: How Jennifer Found Her Voice After Domestic Violence 12/25/2024

From Silence to Strength: How Jennifer Found Her Voice After Domestic Violence From the depths of silence, women who have endured domestic violence are rising to reclaim their power and find their voices. This journey of empowerment is not just about breaking free from abuse but about rediscovering one's strength, worth, and resilience. Through support networks, self-care practices, and advocacy, survivors are transforming their pain into purpose. They are learning to trust themselves again, make their own decisions, and rebuild their lives on their own terms. By sharing their stories, these women not only heal themselves but also inspire and empower others. In this episode of the That's Where I'm At Podcast, Laura Richards welcomes Jennifer Peterkin, an avid traveler, a lover and collector of stories, and the host of the podcast The Human Experience - a platform that seeks to elevate stories, empower the storyteller, and invite the listener into a place of validation, understanding, and compassion. Through her personal story, she illuminates the path from silence to strength, exploring how survivors of abuse can rediscover their worth and resilience. Jennifer discusses the crucial role of support networks, therapy, and self-reflection in her healing process, as well as the red flags she overlooked in her marriage. The conversation delves into societal conditioning that often silences women, the importance of telling one's own story, and the healing power of sharing experiences. Tune in to get insights on recognizing narcissistic abuse, the challenges of marriage counseling in abusive relationships, and practical steps toward healing and empowerment. Timestamps [02:13] Why Jennifer started her podcast [04:04] Were some of Jennifer’s friends sharing their experience of divorce? [08:52] Jennifer’s therapist and friends were her biggest validators through divorce [13:50] What made Jennifer wait before launching her podcast [18:10] Red flags Jennifer ignored in her marriage [19:25] Did Jennifer’s parents contribute to her being in this toxic marriage? [23:55] How Jennifer got some clarity of who she really was after her divorce [33:02] How young girls are trained not to ruffle up the feathers [36:04] The things that helped Jennifer heal [46:22] Marriage counseling and therapy Notable Quotes “When you are going through domestic violence, everything in your mind is turned upside down.” “Everybody deserves to tell their own story from their own perspective in their own voice.” “Most of the times narcissists are not going to leave because they have to play the victim.” “We all have moments in our lives that make us stop and do a 180.” RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW JENNIFER: THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE PODCAST: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/34614035

Trusting Intuition and Embracing Your Calling: Ange’s Journey to Spiritual Empowerment 12/11/2024

Trusting Intuition and Embracing Your Calling: Ange’s Journey to Spiritual Empowerment Self-doubt can be a formidable obstacle for women on their spiritual journey, often hindering them from embracing their true calling. Many women struggle with feelings of inadequacy, imposter syndrome, and self-sabotage, which can prevent them from fully realizing their potential. By nurturing a strong spiritual foundation, women can tap into their inner strength, recognize their unique gifts, and courageously pursue their authentic calling. This process of spiritual empowerment enables women to rise above societal expectations and limitations, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. In today's episode of the That's Where I'm At Podcast, Laura Richards is joined by Ange de Lumiere, a spiritual lawyer and mother of four children with autism. Ange, born in Paris and now residing in the UK, shares her unique path to becoming a spiritual lawyer and how she helps ambitious entrepreneurs trust their intuition for success. She talks about her initial hesitations about pursuing psychic work and the pivotal moments that encouraged her to embrace her spiritual calling. Ange discusses the impact of therapy on her childhood resilience, the importance of understanding our body's language, and strategies for dealing with energy vampires. Ange de Lumiere is the mother of four children with autism aged 28 to 12. Born in Paris, she now lives in the UK and helps ambitious entrepreneurs trust their intuition to make smart decisions in order to create success on their terms, rather than someone else's. She calls herself a Spiritual Lawyer and has authored two books and three podcasts, her latest being True Spirituality with Ange. Tune in and gain profound insights on overcoming self-doubt, the power of mindset in achieving success, and the significance of recognizing and trusting one's intuition. Timestamps [02:10] How Ange became a spiritual lawyer [08:02] How Ange works with her clients as a spiritual lawyer [12:06] What led Ange to become a spiritual lawyer [18:06] What happened after Barbra talked to Ange in the lecture [25:18] Why Ange was hesitant about doing psychic word [27:24] What really encouraged Ange to start doing spiritual work [34:35] The mindset of thinking you cannot go forward [41:20] How therapy made Ange so strong as a child [48:00] Our bodies have a language [55:30] How to deal with an energy vampire Notable Quotes “People can feel intuitively that you are hiding something. They just don’t know what it is.” “With psychic readings, if you get things wrong, you can really have a massive impact on someone’s life.” “Be careful what you think because it may not be your thoughts.” “Success is 50% mindset.” “What you are going through is in your body; you just don’t realize it.” “People don’t need to understand about energy or know about energy in order to use your energy.” RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW ANGE: WEBSITE: LINKEDIN: FACEBOOK: THE FREEDOM PROGRAMME: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/34346480

Life After Discard: Identifying the Subtle Traits of a Covert Narcissist with Lauren Wickline 11/27/2024

Life After Discard: Identifying the Subtle Traits of a Covert Narcissist with Lauren Wickline Covert narcissists exhibit subtle signs of narcissism, often masked by a facade of humility. They possess an inflated sense of self-importance yet express it through passive-aggressive behavior and subtle manipulation. Hypersensitive to criticism, they may respond with intense emotions or withdrawal. Their relationships are typically superficial, characterized by emotional withholding, gaslighting, and blame-shifting. Covert narcissists struggle with chronic envy and often play the victim to gain sympathy. They lack genuine empathy and have difficulty forming deep connections. In romantic relationships, they may display jealousy and possessiveness and use tactics like stonewalling or guilt-tripping. Their behavior can significantly impact the mental health of those around them, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression in partners and family members. In today's episode of the That's Where I'm At Podcast, Laura Richards welcomes Lauren Wickline, a licensed mental health therapist and podcaster. Lauren shares her personal journey into podcasting and discusses her experiences with covert narcissism. The conversation delves into the traits of covert narcissists, exploring Lauren's own experience of being discarded in public. Lauren reflects on her healing process, addressing whether she's still grieving and if she would have stayed in the relationship had she not been discarded. Lauren sheds more light on the inability of narcissists to be alone, healing from trauma bonds, and practical ways to recover from narcissistic relationships. Throughout the episode, Lauren offers insights on getting back to oneself after such experiences, providing valuable advice for women navigating similar situations. Lauren is a licensed mental health therapist in the state of Virginia. She has been practicing in a variety of settings since 2017 to include public schools, acute inpatient hospitals, and outpatient. She has always been passionate about the performing arts to include, singing, theater, and Irish dance. She is passionate about implementing these experiences to include expressive arts, metaphor, and storytelling in all settings as a form of healing. In April of 2023 Lauren experienced a discard from someone she thought was the love of her life. While she began her spiritual/healing journey, Lauren had some professional as well as personal revelations which has motivated her to tell this story in order to help others. She discovered a concept that was first coined in the 1980s by Dr. Dan Kiley called Peter Pan and Wendy’s Syndrome. While these aren’t official terms and diagnoses in the DSM-V, she couldn’t help but find that these pop culture psychology terms are very relevant in today’s society. She hopes to use her story to help and educate others about the damages caused by emotionally unavailable, narcissistic, people. She also hopes to also share information on ways to move past the “Wendy’s Syndrome” which includes anxious attachment, people pleasing, and codependent tendencies. As a recovering people pleaser herself, Lauren hopes that her podcast, Life After Discard, will help others see their worth and bring to light ways to avoid being caught in a Peter Pan and Wendy Syndrome dynamic in their relationships. Tune in to gain empowering strategies for recognizing covert narcissism, rebuilding self-esteem, and fostering healthier relationships, as well as practical tools for healing and reclaiming your identity after narcissistic abuse. Timestamps [02:22] How Lauren got into podcasting [06:00] Is Lauren still grieving? [08:07] Traits of a covert narcissist [10:53] How Lauren was discarded in public [14:00] How Laura was reverse discarded by her ex-husband [22:04] Would Lauren have stayed if she had not been discarded? [28:30] Narcissists cannot be alone for long [34:39] How to heal from a trauma bond [38:05] Ways to help heal from a narcissistic relationship [43:38] Getting back to yourself Notable Quotes “A narcissist is someone who has a high need for control and a lack of empathy.” “They are attracted to those people pleasers, the people who are givers, but you have to remember that takers will take.” “When you are so manipulated, you allow almost anything.” “When you have that revelation, there is no going back.” “Not everybody is going to like the healed version of you, and not everybody deserves the healed version of you.” RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW LAUREN: WEBSITE: INSTAGRAM: PODCAST: Life After Discard, available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple, and iHeart SURVIVING PETER PAN BLOG: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/34145840

The Narcissist’s Playbook: Chelli's Strategies for Overcoming Narcissistic Patterns 11/13/2024

The Narcissist’s Playbook: Chelli's Strategies for Overcoming Narcissistic Patterns Navigating the treacherous waters of narcissistic relationships can be a particularly daunting and emotionally draining experience for women. Many find themselves trapped in a cycle of manipulation, self-doubt, and emotional turmoil, often sacrificing their own needs and identities to appease their narcissistic partners. However, there is hope for breaking free from these destructive patterns and reclaiming one's self-worth. By understanding the narcissist's playbook, female survivors can arm themselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to heal, grow, and ultimately thrive beyond the shadow of narcissistic abuse. In today's episode of the That's Where I'm At Podcast, Laura Richards is joined by Chelli Pumphrey, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 30 years of clinical experience specializing in trauma and recovery from narcissistic abuse. The discussion explores the complexities of narcissistic relationships, offering valuable insights on recognizing patterns, breaking cycles, and healing from trauma. Chelli delves into various aspects of narcissism, including its origins, common survivor experiences, and effective strategies for overcoming narcissistic patterns. She emphasizes the importance of journaling, understanding attachment styles, and engaging in trauma therapy. Chelli Pumphrey is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 30 years of clinical experience specializing in trauma, adult attachment, and recovery from narcissistic and psychopathic abuse. Chelli is the author of "Insight is 20/20: How To Trust Yourself To Protect Yourself From Narcissistic Abuse & Toxic Relationships" and offers a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach to therapy. As a Certified Narcissistic Abuse Survivor Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Chelli brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help survivors recognize and overcome narcissistic behaviors. Her unique blend of traditional and integrative therapies, including EMDR, psychospiritual growth, Reiki, and ketamine-assisted therapies, provides a comprehensive toolkit for healing and personal growth. Tune in to learn more about effective strategies for recognizing and overcoming narcissistic behaviors, empowering women to establish healthier boundaries, and cultivating fulfilling relationships that honor their authentic selves. Timestamps [02:53] Are we more diagnosing or being more aware of narcissism? [07:58] How Chelli got into being a trauma professional [13:07] How your brain gets trained [17:41] Common things survivors say about narcissists [19:45] The origin of narcissism [24:32] Journaling narcissists’ patterns [27:31] How to break narcissist patterns [33:20] Attachment styles [35:37] Therapy and narcissism [41:48] Things you will benefit from working on yourself [42:56] Chelli’s thoughts on PTSD [45:27] Trauma therapy training Notable Quotes “1% of the United States population is diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder.” “If you think there is an issue, you just need strategy.” “It’s important to talk to a therapist or do other kinds of holistic therapy as well.” “Do not go start dating when you are in the middle of a separation.” “You must work on healing trauma with trauma therapy.” RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW CHELLI: BOOK: C (COMPLEX)-PTSD DEFINITION: DOG WHISTLING DEFINITION: . ATTACHMENT STYLES: NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/33889667

Reclaiming Your Voice: Navigating Narcissistic Relationships with Coach Mireille Nicole 10/30/2024

Reclaiming Your Voice: Navigating Narcissistic Relationships with Coach Mireille Nicole Navigating relationships with narcissistic individuals can be a challenging and often emotionally draining experience. Finding your voice in these situations is crucial for maintaining your sense of self and making decisions that align with your well-being. It's essential to recognize the signs of narcissistic behavior, understand its impact on your mental health, and develop strategies to assert your needs and boundaries. This process of self-discovery and empowerment can be both liberating and daunting, requiring courage, self-reflection, and often professional support. By learning to identify narcissistic traits, cultivating self-awareness, and prioritizing your emotional health, you can begin to make informed decisions about the future of your relationship and reclaim your voice in the process. In today’s episode of the That’s Where I’m At Podcast, Laura Richards, the host, is joined by Mireille Nicole, a certified relationship coach on a mission to empower women in their pursuit of happiness. The discussion delves into the complexities of navigating narcissistic relationships, offering valuable guidance on trusting intuition, setting boundaries, and making crucial decisions about staying or leaving. Mireille shares her personal journey and professional expertise, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, healing, and maintaining a sense of fun in relationships. Mireille has been obsessed with anything romantic — books, movies — all of her life. Divorced [by choice] and remarried [but almost failed], she is now navigating "blended family" life with her soulmate. Having gone through a lot in the love department, she’s on a mission to help other women ditch the struggle and have their Happily Ever After. She holds a certificate in relationship coaching from IAP Career College and is a member of the IAPO International Association of Professional Relationship Coaches. In her spare time, Mireille enjoys mountain biking, date nights and being a mom. Tune in to learn more! Timestamps [03:15] How Mireille became a relationship coach [08:35] Mireille’s pivotal moment in her journey [11:18] The variety of women coming to Mireille for coaching [14:06] Trusting your intuition [15:25] How to handle relationship issues [19:47] Having fun as a woman [21:14] Healing [24:09] Mireille’s thoughts on Should I stay or should I go situation [27:40] The decision to either leave or stay [29:37] The reality about boundaries [33:43] About Mireille’s life now [36:10] Having the tools to recover [38:17] Mireille’s mission Notable Quotes “Awareness is key.” “If your partner is not willing to do couples therapy, you are doomed.” “When you treat your husband like gold, he will act like gold.” “When you pick a partner, you pick a set of problems.” “You can make the decision to leave, obviously, if you are experiencing narcissistic abuse.” “Sometimes we need to focus really on ourselves and what we are doing and really detach from what the man is doing so that we can discover who we are.” “Boundaries are for you to express what you need and what you are going to do if something doesn’t happen.” RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW MIREILLE: WEBSITE: FACEBOOK: YOUTUBE: INSTAGRAM: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/33360142

Rewriting Your Life: Brooke's Secrets to Overcoming Narcissistic Trauma 10/16/2024

Rewriting Your Life: Brooke's Secrets to Overcoming Narcissistic Trauma Rewriting your life after experiencing narcissistic trauma in a marriage is a profound and transformative journey. Narcissistic relationships often leave deep emotional scars that can persist long after the relationship has ended, affecting one's self-esteem, trust, and overall well-being. However, true healing is possible through the powerful process of subconscious reprogramming. By delving into the depths of the subconscious mind, survivors of narcissistic abuse can uncover and rewrite the harmful beliefs and patterns instilled during their toxic marriages. In today’s episode of the That’s Where I’m At Podcast, Laura Richards, the host, is joined by Brooke Kekos, a trauma healing coach and a rapid transformational therapist who specializes in empowering survivors to rewrite their stories. Brooke, a survivor of complex PTSD and narcissistic abuse, shares her transformative experience of accessing her subconscious mind to rewrite her life story. Through her struggles with dissociation, self-doubt, and codependency, Brooke discovered the profound impact of positive self-talk and the power of challenging ingrained thought patterns. Her journey from victim to coach demonstrates that healing from narcissistic trauma is possible and that by carefully examining our thoughts and beliefs, we can break free from the cycle of narcissistic abuse, reclaim our authentic selves, and live a very happy life. Brooke Kekos is a Trauma Healing Coach, Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT), and NLP Practitioner, Brooke specializes in empowering survivors to rewrite their stories. Her personal path, a testament to overcoming indoctrination, abuse, and toxic bonds, ignites her profound insight and unshakeable dedication. A sought-after speaker, author, and fervent advocate against religious abuse and domestic violence, Brooke's voice resonates far beyond the confines of her coaching practice. With Brooke as your ally, embrace a voyage of transformative healing, armed with potent tools, nurturing guidance, and profound revelations. Step into an existence where authenticity thrives, drawing soul-aligned relationships that foster your truest self. Tune in to learn more! Timestamps [03:15] How Brooke got into coaching [07:38] Brooke’s Complex PTSD [12:36] How dissociation looks like in someone’s body [14:34] How it was like for Brooke to write her book [19:02] Does Brooke unpack people when coaching? [20:23] Rewriting our lives [23:03] Brooke returns to her family and church [27:13] Things Brooke talks about in her coaching sessions [28:36] Cutting ties [30:37] How Brooke rewrote her life by accessing her subconscious life [32:14] Talking and thinking positively about ourselves [38:55] Being co-dependent as mothers [44:17] Brooke’s final remarks Notable Quotes “A lot of times, you are always doing that thing you are passionate about.” “You don’t need faith for the whole staircase. It’s just that first step.” “Just be careful what you are thinking about because it might not be your thoughts.” “If you tell yourself the same thing every day, you are going to recreate the same thing over and over.” “What you judge in another is a reflection of what you judge in yourself.” RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW BROOKE: WEBSITE: INSTAGRAM: FACEBOOK: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/33359922

Breaking Generational Curses and Healing Through Vulnerability with Gabi 10/02/2024

Breaking Generational Curses and Healing Through Vulnerability with Gabi In this episode, Laura talks with Gabi, an Authenticity Coach and speaker. She is Certified in NLP, Trauma Hypnosis, and Reiki Attuned. She hosts the Resilient Heart Podcast and is the CEO of her Agency, which has two parts. One part focuses on transformational healing work and healing retreats for women in beautiful locations. Gabi also owns Resilient Voice Media, a Podcast Production Agency. She believes sharing the messy pieces of our lives and how we overcame them creates connection, community, and healing. Her focus is to help the underdog, the one without a million followers on social media, have a powerful message, allowing them to take their small reach and make a BIG impact. She loves podcasting and helping men and women amplify their stories and messages. Today, Gabi shares her journey of healing from past trauma, breaking generational curses, and the power of vulnerability in relationships. She shares her experiences with domestic violence, becoming a single mom, and how she transformed her life. She further discusses the importance of healing, self-discovery, and sharing our stories to help others. Tune in now! Timestamps: [02:40] How Gabi got into podcasting and coaching [05:45] How different parts of the body store various emotional experiences [14:02] Gabi’s experience in an abusive relationship [20:32] The complex emotions survivors of abuse experience when their abusers die [23:17] How Gabi found her way into podcasting [28:00] The inspiration behind Gabi’s podcast "Resilient Heart" [31:04] The power of sharing your story and releasing shame [41:51] The long-term effects of abusive relationships on children [46:52] The importance of journaling and self-reflection [51:07] Importance of honesty in relationships [52:18] How to connect with Gabi Quotes: Too many of us think our stories don't matter. Our voice doesn't matter. Think that what we say or the connections we can build doesn't matter. I remember praying all the time; I just wanted peace. I just want peace. I just want this to stop. I just want this to not be my life. It's really sad because my story is not unique. There are a lot of women who have children in these types of environments, and it's because they're in environments where they're trying to escape, and there's a temporary safety in that place. It's such a beautiful thing to say, 'I'm so sorry.' Sometimes, we don't think what we did was a big deal, and then we hear it from them and what it did for them or how that made them feel. When we can sit down together and have, like, I'm sorry that I hurt your conversation, then it gives them the urgency to be able to have those conversations in their relationships and with children when they have them someday. We don't do anybody any justice when we lie to them and don't share the truth about who somebody was. RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW GABI: TIK TOK: FACEBOOK: INSTAGRAM: LINKEDIN: LINKTREE: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/33002347

From Victim to Coach: Netta's Journey Healing from Narcissistic Abuse 09/18/2024

From Victim to Coach: Netta's Journey Healing from Narcissistic Abuse Narcissistic relationships can be incredibly damaging, leaving survivors feeling confused, drained, and questioning their own worth. These toxic dynamics often involve manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional abuse, making it challenging for victims to recognize the true nature of their situation and find a way out. However, recovery from narcissistic abuse is possible, and it's a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. In today’s episode of the That’s Where I’m At Podcast, Laura Richards, the host, is joined by Netta, a narcissistic abuse recovery coach, helping women rise above narcissist abuse who shares her insights on how she got into the narcissistic abuse recovery coaching, her childhood behaviors, things she did in order to heal and loving yourself enough. Netta also sheds more light on forgiving and nurturing ourselves, red flags to look out for during early dating, putting yourself first in a good way, taking the steps towards healing, what to do when you get the desire to go back, and making the right decision for yourself. Tune in to learn more! Timestamps [02:23] How Netta got into the narcissist coaching [06:48] Netta’s childhood behaviors [09:13] Does Netta talk about how she went from one narcissist to another? [11:51] The things Netta did in order to heal [16:05] Love yourself enough [19:20] How Netta decided to get into coaching [20:20] Is Netta still with her husband? [24:49] Forgiving and nurturing ourselves [29:25] Red flags to look out for during early dating [32:26] Putting yourself first in a good way [36:16] Helping support each other in the family [38:40] Beng disrespected by your kids and husband [45:06] Netta parenting her parents [46:53] Taking the steps towards healing [53:43] What to do when you get the desire to go back [56:51] Making the right decision for yourself Notable Quotes “We have to love ourselves enough to say. If they don’t like me, I still like me, and I am okay with that.” “You can’t be alone with 8 billion people on the planet.” “Those things that scare us often keep us in places longer than we should be there.” “What other people think of you is none of your business.” “It’s hard for us to think about putting ourselves first.” “Taking care of everybody at the expense of yourself in not a good thing.” RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW NETTA: Website 1: Website 2: Instagram: TikTok: Facebook: Lee Hammock Video (Girl thrown into a lake): /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/32889577

Being Loved Shouldn't Hurt: Breaking Free from Toxic Love with Stephanie 09/04/2024

Being Loved Shouldn't Hurt: Breaking Free from Toxic Love with Stephanie In this l episode, Laura speaks with Stephanie McPhail, M.S., an expert in toxic relationship recovery. With a Double Masters Degree in Health and Education, a Bachelor in Psychology, and certifications as a Crisis Counselor and Coach, Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. As a Reiki Practitioner and author of the bestselling "Being Loved Shouldn't Hurt" book and workbook, she specializes in helping professional women rediscover themselves after toxic divorces or breakups. Stephanie, who has been interviewed on FOX and featured in New York Weekly, hosts a weekly cable show, "Kick Unhealthy Relationships to the Curb." She serves on the CORE counsel of Experts for Avaiya University and on the board of a non-profit. Today, she shares the complexities of healing after abusive relationships, discussing red flags, trauma bonding, and the critical importance of self-work. Stephanie shares important insights from both her personal experiences and her professional work, offering guidance on how women can rebuild their lives and find happiness, whether single or in a relationship. Timestamps: [05:04] Recognizing toxic patterns in various relationships [05:25] The importance of communication in relationships [08:53] Benefits of assertive communication in relationships [10:06] Benefits of rebuilding self-esteem after toxic relationships [15:39] Why people stay in unhealthy relationships [21:14] Understanding cognitive dissonance and trauma bonding [23:36] How narcissists can manipulate and control their partners [28:28] Focusing on self-healing rather than obsessing over the abuser [35:56] Building self-esteem and learning to set healthy boundaries [49:06] The importance of getting comfortable being alone Quotes: It's one of those things that we don't even realize how much it's affecting every area of our lives until we start doing the work and we're like I need to do something different here. And you're right. I think as soon as we start working on us, the people that have been taking advantage of those lack of boundaries don't like to stick around. You can either feel uncomfortable now or feel uncomfortable later. And if you feel uncomfortable later, that that tends to mean that we've been feeling uncomfortable for a long time and more bad things have happened. I think as soon as we start working on us, the people that have been taking advantage of those lack of boundaries don't like to stick around. We have to get really careful. 'Cause it can be a really slippery slope. We don't wanna live in researching about narcissism. We don't wanna become experts in narcissism because then you're just giving them more time and space. You can either feel uncomfortable now or feel uncomfortable later. And if you feel uncomfortable later, that tends to mean that we've been feeling uncomfortable for a long time and more bad things have happened. RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW STEPHANIE: Gift/book a call: 15 minute discovery call and free resources: Instagram: / Personal FB: FB Page: Podcast: Website: Book is available on the website or Amazon: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/32889432

One Year of Healing: Celebrating the Anniversary of That’s Where I’m At Podcast 08/29/2024

One Year of Healing: Celebrating the Anniversary of That’s Where I’m At Podcast Join Laura as she celebrates the one-year anniversary of the "That's Where I’m At" Podcast! In this special episode, Laura reflects on the incredible journey she’s been on since launching her show, created out of a deep need to connect with women recovering from narcissistic abuse. From the first episode to becoming a top 5% podcast, Laura shares how her mission to provide a safe space for women to speak their truths has evolved, the power of using her voice, and what's next on the horizon. In this Episode, You’ll Hear About: Laura’s Journey: Discover how Laura turned her pain into purpose by creating a community for women recovering from narcissistic abuse, and why talking openly about these experiences is so vital. Finding Your Voice: Laura discusses her own healing process and how reclaiming her voice has empowered her and her listeners. What’s Next for the Podcast: Learn about Laura’s plans for future episodes, new collaborations, and upcoming projects, including a collaborative book and audiobook versions of her works. The Power of Storytelling: Why it’s essential to tell your story, how it helps in moving forward, and debunking myths like “living in the past” that abusers use to silence survivors. How to Support the Podcast: From leaving reviews to joining her private Facebook group, Laura shares how you can continue to support her mission and connect with a like-minded community. Resources Mentioned: Books by Laura: Explore Laura’s healing resources, including “There is Hope: 52 Keys to Healing After Divorce” and “Married to a ‘Nice’ Guy: Getting Over Narcissistic Abuse.” Amazon Storefront: Find recommended books, journals, and resources curated by Laura to aid in your healing journey. Private Facebook Group: Join “Married to a Nice Guy” for a safe and supportive community. Connect with Laura: Website: Social Media: Follow, like, and share on all major platforms to spread the message of hope and recovery. Leave a Review: Your feedback on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon helps the podcast reach more survivors and build our community. Thank you for your incredible support over the past year! Your downloads, shares, and kind words have made this journey possible. Remember, your voice matters. Keep sharing your story because someone out there needs to hear it. RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/32800437

Unmasking the Jokers: Our Guide to Overcoming Toxic Relationships 08/23/2024

Unmasking the Jokers: Our Guide to Overcoming Toxic Relationships In today's episode, Laura is joined by Monaca Vanderpool, an international podcast host, bestselling author, and highly successful entrepreneur. Monaca shares her journey through personal adversities, including a 13-year toxic relationship, an unexpected health diagnosis, and the challenges of single parenthood. She discusses how these experiences led her to write "Jokers Dressed Up As Kings" and create "The Glitch Mob Podcast" to support others navigating toxic relationships. Monaca highlights the importance of understanding narcissistic traits and behaviors, emphasizing the power of going "no contact" with toxic ex-partners and the effectiveness of "gray rocking" when communication is unavoidable. She also touches on the healing power of journaling and the value of sharing one's story to help others. They both stress the importance of authenticity in storytelling and not letting others' opinions silence them. They further touch on the challenges of co-parenting with a narcissist and offer helpful advice for maintaining boundaries. Join the conversation now! Together, we can break the cycle of toxic relationships and empower each other to reclaim our lives. Your story matters, and your voice deserves to be heard. Join our community of survivors and thrivers today! Timestamps: [01:38] Monaca’s background and her journey [03:04] The importance of putting words to pain in healing [05:44] How strong, independent women can be targets for narcissists [07:34] Link between narcissistic abuse and the manipulation tactics used in cults [14:56] The freedom of and joy of leaving narcissistic relationships [15:36] How narcissists recycle romantic gestures as part of their love-bombing tactics [18:15] The importance of journaling in healing from narcissistic abuse [19:04] The positive impact of one person's courage on another's healing [23:03] Importance of keeping a list of abusive behaviors [27:42] The need to talk about narcissism and its impacts [29:56] How to handle communication with an ex when co-parenting [33:56] The gray rocking technique in managing communication with an ex [41:12] Monaca’s plans for speaking engagements and outreach Quotes: It's beautiful to have a strong, independent woman who has a powerful voice, but unfortunately, that makes us targets. Healing is not linear. Healing is so messy. Be yourself. When I started doing that, I started attracting people who wanted to hear what I had to say. Gray rocking feels good because you have become a better person. You do rise. You rise above it, and you become a better person. And it just feels good. You are not a victim of sharing your story. You're a survivor. Setting the world on fire with your truth. You never know who needs your light, your warmth and rage and courage We all have a story to tell. And you're allowed to tell your story. That doesn't mean you're living in the past. And that's a manipulative word phrase to say to people. That's what toxic people say, to keep people quiet, that you're talking about the past. The beauty of the gray rocking is that they eventually lose interest because they know you won't react to them. So you're protecting your peace. Resources Connect with Laura on: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: BOOK COVER DESIGN ARTIST: Connect with Monaca on: FOLLOW MONACA: JOKERS DRESSED UP AS KINGS: OUR FAMILY WIZARD co-parenting app /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/32672457

Rekindling Dreams After Divorce: A Midlife Journey with Angie Bergen 04/29/2024

Rekindling Dreams After Divorce: A Midlife Journey with Angie Bergen In this episode, I’m joined by Angie Bergen, a passionate Life Coach on a mission. She specializes in reigniting the faded dreams of middle-of-life women, breathing fresh life into their aspirations. She is a Medical Intuitive who taps into the world of energy healing. A self-professed personal development geek, Angie always has her nose in a book, enrolling in courses and soaking in the wisdom of retreats. She firmly believes age is just a number when it comes to learning and growth. She lives in sunny Las Vegas, NV, where she and her miniature Dachshund sidekick, Khloe, enjoy life. When the heat's not scorching, you'll find her happily tending to her yard, creating a cozy oasis of green. Angie's journey is one of inspiring others, nurturing dreams, and embracing the journey of self-discovery. Her magic lies in helping women break free from the mundane and embrace their passions, painting their futures with vibrant hues. Today, Angie shares her personal story of leaving a 24-year marriage to a narcissist and how she rebuilt her life. She discusses the challenges of recognizing red flags, leaving controlling relationships, and dreaming again after such experiences. We also explore the importance of self-worth and self-compassion, therapy, and support systems in making major life changes. Angie also talks about the journals and courses she has created to help other women envision a new future. Tune in now! Timestamps: [02:57] Angie's story of divorce after 24 years of marriage [05:26] Abandoning oneself in marriage and gaslighting [14:51] The shift in options and mindset for women considering divorce today [19:37] The importance of writing down dreams and goals [21:10] How to start dreaming again without self-limitation [23:00] How parents' trauma can impact their children [24:41] Visualizing goals and taking small action steps [39:37] Healing methods like therapy and courses on narcissism [43:00] Patterns in relationships and self-talk during healing [49:50] Creating journals and courses to help women rediscover dreams [59:09] Moving forward and listening to your body's needs in healing [1:02:15] How to connect with Angie on social media Quotes: If it comes to mind, just write it down. You don't have to know the how. You just have to dream. I wanna dream again. I don't know why I'm saying that, but I just haven't dreamt because I had many dreams. Except that he would go, no, you can't really dream that. Whose thoughts are you thinking? Because you can't always believe the thoughts that you have because they could totally be somebody else's. Just because someone says it about us doesn't mean it's true. You deserve to heal. It was not your fault. And you are worthy of love and a life where you are not miserable. Your mess becomes your message. RESOURCES: MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW ANGIE: WEBSITE: The Sociopath Next Door: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/31026678

The Boiling Frog Syndrome: Recognizing and Escaping Toxic Relationships with Coach Rocky 08/07/2024

The Boiling Frog Syndrome: Recognizing and Escaping Toxic Relationships with Coach Rocky In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Rocky Martinez, an empowering Business Coach and Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author and Facilitator. Rocky is a Brand Strategist, Emotional Intelligence and REBT expert, and the Creator of the Color Your Dreams Masterminds. She is the bestselling author of Color Your Dreams, Paid To Do What You Love: A Woman's Guide To Monetizing Your Gifts & Talents And Build A Business You Love In 7 Easy Steps, a contributing author of the Best Sellers "Co-parenting in Harmony, The Art of Putting Your Child's Soul First” and “Co-parenting in Harmony, Creating a Ripple Effect.” In 2019, she was the Creative Director and Columnist of the “Community Magazine Vida Las Vegas.”Today, she shares her experience with narcissistic abuse and how she broke free from the "boiling frog syndrome". Coach Rocky shares her childhood experiences that normalized toxic behaviors and set her up to tolerate an abusive marriage later in life. She discusses the different types of abuse and how the highs and lows of the toxic relationship kept her trauma bonded and addicted to the cycle. Coach Rocky explains how journaling helped her recognize the patterns and reclaim her identity. She also emphasizes the importance of taking small steps to do things for yourself to slowly regain your power. Ready to break free from toxic relationships and reclaim your power? Tune in now! Timestamps: [02:27] Rocky's background and journey into coaching [15:48] How people slowly acclimate to toxic situations [17:46] Factors that contribute to staying in toxic relationships [18:48] Rocky's childhood experiences with toxic family dynamics [30:56] Entering a toxic marriage and not recognizing the abuse [46:00] The subtle and incremental nature of narcissistic abuse in relationships [50:26] The importance of working on yourself [52:50]The boiling frog syndrome and the normalization of abuse [56:05] The importance of outsmarting the narcissist and doing things for yourself [01:03:28] The illogical nature of narcissistic abuse and the childhood patterns that enable it [01:05:10] The importance of feeling heard and the Me Too movement [01:10:48] Steps to break free [01:25:00] Rocky's plan to secretly pack and leave [01:28:00] The importance of having a safety plan when leaving an abusive relationship Quotes: We have to understand that once you have those patterns when you're a child from childhood, those patterns are always there. And you have to be very mindful and work on yourself constantly. When we're in a toxic relationship, we're in a toxic environment, and things happen, and then we tolerate it. We are strong, and we can withstand whatever comes because we're strong women, and this family is glued by the women. Courage means that you still have fear. You're just doing it anyway. Remember who you are, you know. You might be in the mud, you might be all dirty, and your garments might be all dirty, so put on your crown anyway. If you didn't have all that light inside you, they wouldn't want to silence you. But because you do, that's why they pick us. They don't pick a weak person. Nobody wants to be abused. Nobody wants to be mistreated. We just end up being in there. And that's why it's like, it's so strange how we don't realize it." When your spirit is broken, it doesn't matter what you do. You just feel like you're trapped in the same pattern over and over and over. You have to make a decision to be happy. Because when you start making a decision to be happy, you are telling yourself, I'm gonna be happy. Resources MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: BOOKS & JOURNALS: RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: FOLLOW ROCKY: Get the book: Color Your Dreams, Paid To Do What You Love: A Woman's Guide To Monetizing Your Gifts & Talents And Build A Business You Love In 7 Easy Steps DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: /episode/index/show/72818945-8426-4e7f-9820-17f085bf7c41/id/32335857

That's Where I'm At

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