Reclaiming the Heart: Overcoming Trauma and Finding Joy / Lena Fein episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 24, 2026 · 29 MIN

Reclaiming the Heart: Overcoming Trauma and Finding Joy / Lena Fein

from Real Things Living · host Brigitte Cutshall

From a hyper-vigilant engineering career built on survival to a life anchored in pure, unadulterated joy—discover how one woman broke through a lifetime of shame to reclaim her authentic voice.Retired engineer turned author, Lena Fein spent decades outrunning a childhood shaped by relentless maternal criticism and hidden shame. She became a high achiever, a communicator, a marketing pro — all from her head, never her heart. It wasn't until her mother's death at 51 that Lena began a radical journey inward. Now at 68, she's reclaimed her voice, her joy, and her story — and published it in her memoir "Shattering the Mirror." Brigitte Cutshall and Lena dig into generational wounds, the courage it takes to face trauma, and why it's never too late to come home to yourself.Key Takeaways:(1) Healing requires facing the trauma. (2) It is never too late to reclaim yourself.(3) Embody kindness and presence.You can find Lena Fein's book, Shattering the Mirror, on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, and Audible) as well as Book Baby. Visit her website at https://shatteringthemirror.com

From a hyper-vigilant engineering career built on survival to a life anchored in pure, unadulterated joy—discover how one woman broke through a lifetime of shame to reclaim her authentic voice.Retired engineer turned author, Lena Fein spent decades outrunning a childhood shaped by relentless maternal criticism and hidden shame. She became a high achiever, a communicator, a marketing pro — all from her head, never her heart. It wasn't until her mother's death at 51 that Lena began a radical journey inward. Now at 68, she's reclaimed her voice, her joy, and her story — and published it in her memoir "Shattering the Mirror." Brigitte Cutshall and Lena dig into generational wounds, the courage it takes to face trauma, and why it's never too late to come home to yourself.Key Takeaways:(1) Healing requires facing the trauma. (2) It is never too late to reclaim yourself.(3) Embody kindness and presence.You can find Lena Fein's book, Shattering the Mirror, on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, and Audible) as well as Book Baby. Visit her website at https://shatteringthemirror.com

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Reclaiming the Heart: Overcoming Trauma and Finding Joy / Lena Fein

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This episode was published on June 24, 2026.

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From a hyper-vigilant engineering career built on survival to a life anchored in pure, unadulterated joy—discover how one woman broke through a lifetime of shame to reclaim her authentic voice.Retired engineer turned author, Lena Fein spent decades...

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