THE EMPOWERING STORY

Welcome to "The Empowering Story - Podcast," a podcast dedicated to sharing powerful stories of resilience, growth, and empowerment. Join us as we dive into conversations with courageous women who have overcome adversity and reclaimed their voices after experiencing sexual abuse. In each episode, we explore our guests' personal journeys, highlighting their triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. Through candid discussions, we aim to create a safe and supportive space for listeners to find solace, inspiration, and practical strategies for healing and personal growth. From navigating the complexities of healing to reclaiming one's power, this podcast delves into various topics such as self-care, therapy, self-expression, and building a strong support system. Our guests share their stories with vulnerability and authenticity, offering insights and tools that can help listeners on their own healing journeys. "The Empowering Story - Podcast" is a beacon of hope and a reminder that healing is possible. Join us as we shed light on the incredible strength and resilience of women who have transformed their pain into power. Through their stories, we aim to uplift and empower our listeners, reminding them that they are not alone. Tune in to "The Empowering Story - Podcast" and embark on a journey of growth, healing, and empowerment. Together, we can rewrite our narratives and create a future filled with resilience, strength, and joy.

#4/2 When False Accusations Reopen Old Wounds: A Trauma Coach’s Journey 08/21/2025

#4/1 Care vs. Curiosity: Who Deserves Your Story? 08/20/2025

Interview with Annica Vidales Author of 'Paper Thin' Part II 10/30/2024

Interview with Annica Vidales Author of 'Paper Thin' Part II 🌿 Episode Summary: Join us in this heartfelt episode as host Jean Dorff sits down with Annica Vidales, author of the profoundly moving book "Paper Thin." Together, they navigate the intricate process of bringing Annika's story of healing and growth from past abuse into the written word. ✨ Key Highlights: Voice of the Past: Annica opens up about the challenge of preserving her younger self's authentic voice while translating her story from Swedish to English. Artistic Expression: Discover the significance of the book's cover art, created by Annika during an expressive art workshop, symbolizing life's fragility and beauty intertwined with her journey. Healing through Workshops: Annica discusses her "live workshops," which encourage self-expression through art and plans to collaborate with Jean on workshops that blend art and somatic healing. Special Book Launch: A sneak peek into Annika's exciting plans for a book launch combining an expressive art workshop element, offering unique engagement to attendees. Emotional Connection: Experience the profound moment when Annica holds her completed book, a tangible symbol of her resilience and healing journey. The Power of Storytelling: Jean and Annica reflect on how revisiting and sharing one's trauma can be transformative, offering not only personal healing but also hope and empowerment to others. 🔗 Order "Paper Thin": [Click here to order Annica 's book "Paper Thin." 🌎 Engage with Us: Website: Facebook Group: Email: 🔊 Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation filled with emotional depth, artistic insight, and a testament to the strength of sharing one's story. Whether seeking healing, empowerment, or simply a profound story, this episode is a must-listen.** Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to stay updated on new episodes and inspiring stories. Enjoy the episode, and thank you for being part of The Empowering Story community! Annica Vidales's Background:** Annika Fidelis, author and artist, has turned her journey of healing from past traumas into a compelling narrative in "Paper Thin." Her workshops in expressive art embody her belief in the therapeutic power of creativity. Host's Note: Jean Dorff, author and (somatic) healing specialist, is dedicated to helping individuals transform their stories into sources of empowerment and inspiration. His "Empowering Story Method" has been a beacon of hope for many in overcoming their past. /episode/index/show/theeverydaylifelesson/id/33679877

Interview with Annica Vidales Part I 10/23/2024

Interview with Annica Vidales Part I Annica Author of Paperthin - dealing with parental betrayal - Part 1 In this compelling episode of "The Empowering Story," host Jean Dorff sits down with the courageous Annica Vidales, author of "Paper Thin," to delve deep into her harrowing yet inspiring journey of overcoming childhood sexual abuse. From the tender age of five, Annica faced unimaginable trauma at the hands of her father and uncle. Yet her story is not just one of victimhood but of resilience, strength, and ultimate empowerment. Key Highlights: - The Power of Listening: Jean emphasizes the critical role parents play in listening to their children and the devastating effects neglect can have, leading to feelings of shame and guilt. - Brave Disclosure: At just five years old, Annica attempted to tell her father about her abuse. Explore how a different, supportive response could have shaped her childhood differently. - Coping with Trauma: Discover how Annica repressed memories, both good and bad, as a survival mechanism and how flashbacks and physical triggers unexpectedly surfaced during her teenage years, particularly during a game of "truth or dare." - Understanding Trauma Responses: Jean explains the fight, flight and freeze responses to trauma and how physical and sensory triggers can manifest unpredictably. - Boundary Setting and Relationships: Annica's journey highlights the challenges survivors face in setting boundaries and maintaining healthy relationships as a result of their past experiences. - A Path to Healing: Despite significant challenges, Annica began to cope by journaling, and later by writing her book "Paper Thin," a testament to her journey from trauma to empowerment. - Cultural Insights: Jean and Annica discuss cultural norms around family sauna usage and the implications these norms had on Annica's understanding of her abuse. - Community and Support: This podcast aims to create a platform where survivors can find solace, share their stories, and support each other in healing. Tune In: Join Jean and Annica for an emotionally powerful conversation that illuminates the complexities of surviving and thriving after abuse. Experience Annica's raw and unfiltered story and learn how she transformed her pain into strength, offering hope and guidance to others on a similar path. Engage with Us: - Book: "Paper Thin" by Annica Vidales - Podcast Platforms: Available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and more. - Community: Join our Facebook group, a safe space for women seeking healing through storytelling. - Website: Visit and for more resources. - Interact: Send us your questions and comments; your voice matters. This is not just a podcast; it’s a movement. Join us on "The Empowering Story" as we learn, heal, and empower each other through the transformative power of storytelling. Click play to start your journey towards understanding and healing today. /episode/index/show/theeverydaylifelesson/id/33578952

Interview with Elisabeth Henderson, Author of ‘The Courage To Own My Own Truth’ - part I 09/10/2024

Interview with Elisabeth Henderson, Author of ‘The Courage To Own My Own Truth’ - part I Welcome to another powerful episode of The Empowering Story. I’m your host, Jean Dorff, and today; we delve deeply into the compelling and resilient journey of our guest, Elisabeth Henderson. In this third episode of our new format, Elisabeth opens up about a traumatic experience she initially tried to bury, the internal chaos and health issues that followed, and how her courageous path to healing has empowered herself and countless others. Elisabeth bravely shares her story of facing an attempted sexual assault by a trusted figure and the aftermath of suppressing the trauma, leading to severe mental and physical health struggles. We discuss her battle with an eating disorder, the importance of addressing suppressed emotions, and the transformative role of therapy in her healing process. Elizabeth’s reflections underscore the complex interplay between outward success and internal turmoil, ultimately finding solace and strength through structured treatment and embracing her emotions without judgment. She also discusses the profound influence of music in her healing journey, particularly her passion for playing the harp. We explore her foray into classical music, her challenges in this competitive field, and how these experiences shaped her personal and professional life. Elisabeth’s insights are entwined with her broader mission to support and empower others, a mission immortalized in her book, "The Courage to Own My Own Truth," available now on Amazon. Join us as we uncover the layers of Elisabeth’s story, her dedication to sharing her truth, and the lessons we can all learn about resilience, community support, and the transformative power of owning one’s narrative. This episode promises a poignant reminder that our trials can turn into powerful tales of triumph. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation meant to inspire and uplift. Get Elisabeth's book The Courage To Own My Own Truth at: 09:13 Elisabeth's depression addressed with dance and coaching. 10:02 Volunteered in music, then hired for coordination. 13:08 Dedicated musicians from top institutions living music. 17:04 Read the book; story's unique in writing. 21:17 Elisabeth helped classical music celebrity with luggage. 24:22 Elisabeth's size makes self-defense difficult, no shame. 28:13 Attempted rape, bravery, catharsis, sharing personal story. 32:19 Empower individuals to control life, learn, grow. 36:18 I wonder who else they've victimized. 36:49 Mentally and physically exhausted, disconnected from behaviors. 41:47 Trauma's lasting impact: confusion, fear, questioning societal issues. 45:56 Elisabeth's story: Positivity, performance art, classical music competitions. 48:27 How your experience led to publishing insights. 51:15 Healing from abuse takes patience and support. 53:22 Follow Jean's empowering story podcast and community. /episode/index/show/theeverydaylifelesson/id/32996477