Broken Beautiful Me - Stories of Hope, Gratitude & Resilience

In this raw, honest, and deeply courageous episode, we explore addiction, generational trauma, shame, recovery, and what it truly means to reclaim your life without abandoning the complexity of your story. In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Jennifer Chase — life coach, addict in recovery, childhood sexual abuse survivor, daughter of an alcoholic, and mother of a recovering addict. Jennifer's work is rooted in lived experience and a profound understanding of how unprocessed pain moves through family systems across generations. She helps individuals, families, and loved ones impacted by addiction move out of survival mode and into grounded self-leadership. Jennifer's story begins before she ever took a substance. Raised in a home where addiction ran four generations deep on both sides of her family, she watched her parents and grandparents struggle and swore it would never be her. Then, at 29, she was diagnosed with a hemorrhaging brain tumor and given twelve hours to live. The surgery left her with chronic pain — and a prescription for opiates that would change the course of everything. What followed was fifteen years of addiction, a marriage held together by enabling and silence, and the devastating discovery that she had inadvertently become her own son's drug dealer. It took losing almost everything — and finally speaking her truth out loud in a treatment facility — for Jennifer to understand that substance was never the problem. It was the solution to the problem. Today, eight and a half years sober, she is one of the most important voices in this conversation. In this episode, Jennifer shares: 🧬 How addiction ran four generations deep on both sides of her family — and why she thought she'd be the one to break it 💊 The brain tumor diagnosis at 29 that introduced her to opiates and began a fifteen year journey into addiction 😶 Why she carried her childhood sexual abuse in silence for decades — and the moment she finally said it out loud 👦 The heartbreaking discovery that she had inadvertently become her son's drug dealer — and what that night felt like 💃 The waltz and the tango — her powerful metaphor for how families unknowingly contribute to the addiction dynamic 🔗 Why substance is never the problem — it is the solution to the problem 🧱 What boundaries actually are — and why you must only set ones you can hold 100% of the time 👨‍👩‍👧 What families and loved ones of addicts need to hear about enabling, shame, and finding their people 🧶 The real work of recovery — untangling the generational knots that made substance feel necessary in the first place ✨ Why shame thrives in silence — and what happens the moment you speak your truth out loud Jennifer also reflects on the narratives she had to let go of, the long road of rebuilding trust with her family, and why connection — not willpower — is the true cure. Her message is clear: addiction is not a life sentence. It is a detour that, with intentional redirection, can lead you to your truest self. A fierce, compassionate, and unflinching conversation about addiction, family systems, generational trauma, and the daily courage it takes to choose recovery. Follow Jennifer Chase 🌐 Website: www.riseaddictionllc.com 📱 Instagram & Facebook: Rise Addiction Life Coaching About Your Host Kelly Buckley is a trauma life coach, speaker, and the heart behind Broken Beautiful Me — a podcast dedicated to stories of hope, gratitude, and resilience. 🌐 https://www.kellybuckley.com

In this deeply moving episode, we explore grief, radical acceptance, the courage to rebuild identity, and what it truly means to find purpose on the path you never planned. In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Laura Bratton — author, speaker, coach, and founder of UB Global. Diagnosed with a progressive eye disease at just nine years old, Laura spent her teenage years navigating the devastating emotional reality of losing her sight entirely — going from legally blind to completely blind between ninth and twelfth grade, with no timeline, no formal diagnosis, and no roadmap. What looked like the end of the life she had imagined became, over time, the foundation for an extraordinary one. Laura went on to graduate from Arizona State University with a BA in Psychology, and became the first blind student to receive a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. She is the author of Harnessing Courage and dedicates her life to coaching and speaking for people navigating grief, loss, and radical life change. Her message is not about overcoming blindness. It is about the universal human experience of rebuilding yourself from pieces — and discovering that those pieces hold more strength than you ever knew. In this episode, Laura shares: 🪟 What it was like to lose her sight gradually as a teenager with no timeline and no answers 💔 Why the hardest part wasn't learning new skills — it was believing she was still worthy 🧠 The three steps she used to rebuild confidence and that she now teaches others 🤝 Why receiving support isn't weakness — and why she specifically uses the word trust 😡 The difference between validating sadness and validating anger — and why anger is the harder one 📖 How writing Harnessing Courage was simultaneously healing and deeply painful 🙏 Why gratitude is her anchor — and what real, grounded gratitude actually looks like 🐕 The profound grief of losing her guide dogs — and how they were literally her eyes ✨ The moment she chose courage — sitting alone on a bed in San Francisco, 18 years old, 3,000 miles from home 🌱 Why purpose is rarely found on the path you planned — but on the one you're forced to walk Kelly also shares beautifully personal reflections on her own grief journey — including the day she was grateful simply for making it to the mailbox without breaking down. Her message is clear: you are worthy even in all the pieces. A tender, honest, and quietly powerful conversation about loss, identity, courage, and the daily choice to keep going. 🎁 Free Resource from Laura — Harnessing Courage Available at: https://laurabratton.com Follow Laura Bratton 🌐 Website: https://laurabratton.com 📚 Book: Harnessing Courage — available at laurabratton.com 🎤 Speaking & Coaching: https://laurabratton.com About Your Host Kelly Buckley is a trauma life coach, speaker, and the heart behind Broken Beautiful Me — a podcast dedicated to stories of hope, gratitude, and resilience. 🌐 https://www.kellybuckley.com

In this profound and eye-opening episode, we explore the neuroscience of stress and trauma, what it really means to heal, and why your nervous system holds the key to everything. In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Stanley Georgetown University professor, US Army veteran, international bestselling author, and creator of the groundbreaking resilience training program Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training (MMFT). Her book Widen the Window: Training Your Brain and Body to Thrive During Stress and Recovery from Trauma has become an essential guide for anyone navigating the lasting effects of stress, trauma, and burnout. Liz's path to this work was deeply personal. After serving as a US Army Intelligence officer through multiple deployments including a harrowing experience in Bosnia where she stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated. She found herself in her late twenties battling PTSD, depression, chronic health conditions, and eventually losing her eyesight. What looked like a breakdown was, in truth, a body that had finally run out of road. Out of that experience came decades of research, a science-backed resilience training program tested with thousands of soldiers and Marines, and a mission to help everyday people understand what is actually happening in their minds and bodies and what to do about it. In this episode, Liz shares: 🧠 Why trauma is never in the event — it's in how your mind and body meet it 🪟 What the "window of tolerance" is and why widening it changes everything 😮‍💨 The hidden danger of breathwork for trauma survivors and what to do instead 📓 How to use journaling the right way to support nervous system discharge ⏱️ Why a wave of emotion is neurobiologically never longer than 90 seconds 💀 The real cost of "suck it up and drive on" in high performance environments 🫀 How grief and PTSD overlap and why the bereaved community deserves this science 🔁 Why the survival brain not the thinking brain is the key to healing 🌍 How systemic trauma, racism and inequality are narrowing our collective window 💡 What gives Liz hope about where humanity is headed Kelly also shares her own deeply personal experience of loss and what it felt like to hit a moment where she had no plan B — a moment of raw honesty that anchors this entire conversation in the human experience. A conversation that is equal parts science and soul and one that could genuinely change the way you understand yourself. 🎁 Free Gift from Liz: 5-Minute Survival Brain Exercise Join her mailing list at: https://elizabeth-stanley.com Follow Elizabeth Stanley 🌐 Website: https://elizabeth-stanley.com 📚 Book: Widen the Window — available everywhere books are sold 🎓 MMFT Online Course (8 weeks, lifetime access): https://elizabeth-stanley.com 🆓 Free access for teachers, medical workers, first responders & military: https://elizabeth-stanley.com About Your Host Kelly Buckley is a trauma life coach, speaker, and the heart behind Broken Beautiful Me — a podcast dedicated to stories of hope, gratitude, and resilience. 🌐 https://www.kellybuckley.com

In this expansive and soul-stirring episode, we explore feminine awakening, generational healing, the trance of unworthiness, and what it truly means to come home to yourself. In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Monica Rodgers, widely known as the Revelation Woman, a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, Sacred Feminine Rites of Passage Practitioner, Medicine Woman, Truth-Teller, Soul-Diver, Light-worker, Alchemist, and the visionary founder of The Revelation Project. Monica's work centers on feminine embodiment, personal awakening, and the radical unlearning of societal conditioning that has kept women small, silent, and disconnected from their deepest truth. Monica's story begins in an uber-Catholic household, her mother a former nun, where the unspoken rules of the "pretty, pleasing, polite, and performative" feminine were absorbed long before she had words for them. She followed the prescribed path, becoming a serial entrepreneur, landing in the New York Times Magazine, appearing on the Today Show, climbing every rung of the ladder she'd been told to climb. And then she reached the top and realized she was standing on a garbage heap. What followed was a complete unraveling, a divorce, the loss of her business, a health crisis, and nine months in bed. What looked like breakdown was, in fact, the beginning of something profound: her own revelation project, her descent into the heroine's journey, and the slow, sacred reclamation of her true self. In this episode, Monica shares: 🔥 How a rigidly religious upbringing planted the seeds of her "trance of unworthiness" 💥 The moment she realized she'd climbed to the top of the wrong ladder 🌑 What a dark night of the soul really looks like — and why it can be the greatest gift of your life 🧭 The difference between the hero's journey and the heroine's journey 🪞 The "four P's" — pretty, pleasing, polite, and performative — and how they keep women trapped 🌿 The journey of Unbecoming: shedding who you were told to be to remember who you truly are 🩸 The wounded maiden archetype and how generational patterns live in our bodies 👯 The sisterhood wound and what genuine women's circles can heal 😡 Why rage isn't a problem to manage but a righteous fire that leads to radiance 🧬 Breaking generational agreements — for seven generations forward and back 🕊️ The Sophia Century and the Bahá'í prophecy of the bird of humanity 🧠 Why women are literally wired to be oracles Her message is clear: becoming is the journey home to yourself. It's about shedding the roles and stories that never belonged to you, so you can remember who you truly are. This episode is a powerful reminder that your awakening isn't a moment. It's a movement. And it begins within. A soul-expanding conversation about feminine awakening, ancestral healing, sisterhood, and the radical courage it takes to live your own revelation. 🎁 Free Gift from Monica — The Women's Bill of Rights Download it at: https://jointherevelation.com Follow Monica Rodgers 🌐 Website: https://jointherevelation.com/about 🎙️ The Revelation Project Podcast: 180+ episodes at jointherevelation.com 📞 Book a Free Chemistry Call: https://jointherevelation.com About Your Host Kelly Buckley is a trauma life coach, speaker, and the heart behind Broken Beautiful Me — a podcast dedicated to stories of hope, gratitude, and resilience. 🌐 https://www.kellybuckley.com

In this deeply moving episode, we explore trauma, healing, resilience, and the courage it takes to reclaim your voice after years of silence. In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Andrea Leeb, a writer and advocate living in Venice Beach, California, and author of Such a Pretty Picture: A Memoir. Andrea's work has appeared in literary journals including Litro Magazine, Potomac Review, Text Power Telling, and HerStry, and she serves on the Advisory Board for the UCLA Rape Treatment Center and Stuart House, supporting survivors of sexual assault. Andrea's story begins with a painful truth. As a young child, she endured years of sexual abuse perpetrated by her father. Like many survivors, she carried the weight of secrecy and confusion for decades, trying to move forward while burying the past. On the outside, Andrea built a successful life — working as both a registered nurse and an attorney and earning degrees from Georgetown University, Cardozo School of Law, and the Bennington Writing Seminars. But trauma has a way of resurfacing when it remains unspoken. Years later, during the Me Too movement, Andrea realized something powerful: when survivors share their stories, it gives others permission to speak. That realization inspired her to write Such a Pretty Picture, a memoir that explores the complexity of trauma, the long journey toward healing, and the courage it takes to break the silence. In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Andrea shares how confronting the past can be painful — but also freeing. In this episode, Andrea shares: • 💔 The impact of childhood sexual abuse and the silence that often surrounds it • ✨ How the Me Too movement helped inspire her to share her story • 🧠 The long-term emotional effects of trauma • 🤝 Why asking for help can be one of the strongest acts of resilience • 🌱 The reality that healing is rarely linear • 💬 The importance of believing survivors and creating space for truth • 📖 How writing a memoir became part of her healing process • 🤍 Turning personal pain into advocacy and support for others Andrea also reflects on the emotional complexity of family relationships, the difficulty of confronting painful truths, and the power of storytelling to help others feel less alone. Her message is clear: healing begins when silence ends. This episode is a powerful reminder that speaking your truth can transform pain into connection, understanding, and purpose. A courageous and compassionate conversation about trauma, healing, advocacy, and reclaiming your voice.   Follow Andrea Leeb   Website: https://andrealeebauthor.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrealeeb Book – Such a Pretty Picture: A Memoir https://www.amazon.com/Such-Pretty-Picture-Memoir-Andrea-Leeb/dp/1647425840

In this powerful and inspiring episode, we explore fear, resilience, motherhood, illness, and the radical courage it takes to start saying yes to life even when uncertainty feels overwhelming. In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Asha Mevlana, a two-time breast cancer survivor, professional violinist with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, motivational speaker, and author of To Hell With No: Adventures in Finally Saying Yes. Asha's life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 24 years old. Faced with the fragility of life far earlier than expected, she made a decision that would reshape everything: she created a "fear list" — a list of the things that scared her most — and began saying yes to them one by one. Skydiving. Silent meditation retreats. Touring the world as a professional musician. Building a life filled with experiences instead of limitations. But life had another challenge waiting. Twenty-five years later, while raising her young son, Asha faced breast cancer again. This time the stakes felt different. The question was no longer simply how to live bravely — but how to redefine strength while being a mother, navigating fear, and learning how to stay present for the life unfolding right in front of her. In this deeply moving conversation, Asha shares how resilience is not about pretending to be fearless, but about allowing courage and vulnerability to coexist. In this episode, Asha shares: • 🎻 How a breast cancer diagnosis at 24 became the catalyst for a life of bold choices • ✨ The "fear list" practice that pushed her to say yes to the unknown • 🧠 Why fear often disguises the very experiences that lead to growth • 💔 Facing cancer again decades later — this time as a mother • 🤍 How motherhood changed her relationship with courage and vulnerability • 🌍 Life as a touring violinist with Trans-Siberian Orchestra • 🌱 Why resilience isn't about toughness, but about presence • 🔥 How saying yes to life can transform even the darkest chapters into purpose Asha also reflects on how surviving cancer twice reshaped her priorities and her perspective on success, reminding us that the most meaningful moments in life are rarely the ones we plan. Her story is not just about survival. It is about choosing possibility, even when fear whispers louder. This episode is a powerful reminder that courage does not mean the absence of fear — it means refusing to let fear decide the limits of your life. A heartfelt and inspiring conversation about illness, resilience, motherhood, creativity, and the extraordinary power of saying yes to life. ⸻ Follow Asha Mevlana Website: https://www.ashamevlana.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashamevlana Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashamevlana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashamevlana Book – To Hell With No: Adventures in Finally Saying Yes https://www.amazon.com/Hell-With-No-Adventures-Finally/dp/1647424984

In this deeply courageous and honest episode, we explore sibling loss, unspoken grief, epic choices, and the life-altering decision to move from chaos to intention. In this powerful conversation, Kelly sits down with Zander Sprague, bestselling author, licensed professional clinical counselor, TV host, and acclaimed motivational speaker. Zander's life changed forever on December 9th, 1996 — the day his 30-year-old sister, Lucy, died unexpectedly. At just 28 years old, Zander found himself navigating a kind of grief that often goes unseen. While parents are supported in the loss of a child, sibling grief is frequently overlooked, minimized, or misunderstood. Not one person asked him how he was doing. And in that silence, he began to question whether his loss even mattered. It did. Through years of personal healing and professional work, Zander transformed his pain into purpose. Today, he helps others understand that broken moments are not the end of the story — they are the foundation upon which strength, clarity, and intentional living are built. In this deeply moving episode, Zander shares: • 🤍 Why sibling grief is real, significant, and often invisible • 💔 What it feels like when no one asks how you are doing • 🧠 Why siblings often do not grieve openly in front of parents • 📖 The inspiration behind his books Making Lemonade and Why Don't They Cry? • 🔄 How grief reshapes identity at a young age • 🎯 What it means to make "epic choices" that create an epic life • 🌊 Why pain can either harden you or transform you — and how to choose • 🕊️ The courage it takes to reclaim your narrative after devastating loss Zander also speaks about the broader nature of grief — not just the loss of a loved one, but the grief of life changes, transitions, and chapters ending before we are ready. He reminds us that grief is not weakness. It is love with nowhere to go. This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and filled with practical wisdom for anyone who has experienced loss and wondered how to move forward without leaving part of themselves behind. A compassionate and powerful episode about sibling loss, resilience, intentional living, and the epic courage it takes to choose your life again.     Follow Zander Sprague   Website: https://zandersprague.com   Books: Making Lemonade: Choosing a Positive Pathway After Losing Your Sibling https://www.amazon.com/Making-Lemonade-Choosing-Positive-Pathway/dp/0989017701   Why Don't They Cry? Understanding Your Living Child's Grief https://www.amazon.com/Why-Dont-They-Cry-Understanding/dp/0989017728   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zandersprague Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zandersprague LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zandersprague  

In this deeply reflective and powerful episode, Kelly sits down with psychologist, grief expert, and author Dr. Mekel Harris for a conversation about loss, leadership, faith, parenting, and the quiet courage it takes to keep your heart open after it has been shattered. Dr. Harris never expected grief to become her life's work. But after losing her mother to stage four pancreatic cancer in just 30 days, and later losing her father during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself face to face with the raw reality of loss — personally and professionally. What she discovered was not just heartbreak, but transformation. Today, Dr. Harris is a licensed psychologist and CEO of Harris Psychological Services, LLC. She is also co-founder of Bloomwell Partners, a consulting firm equipping organizations to lead with grief-informed care. Through private practice, global speaking engagements, and corporate training, she helps individuals and leaders navigate grief not as a weakness — but as part of our shared humanity. In this intimate conversation, Dr. Harris shares: • 🤍 Why grief is not a problem to solve but a companion to learn • 🌊 What it means to truly "companion" someone in their pain • 🧠 How children experience grief differently at each developmental stage • 🏢 Why workplaces must move beyond three days of compassionate leave • 🌍 The hidden grief of divorce, layoffs, identity shifts, and life transitions • 🕊️ The profound impact of losing both parents — including during COVID isolation • 🙏 How faith transformed her grief from knowing about God to knowing God • 🌿 Why gratitude and grief can coexist — even when it feels impossible • 💛 The power of self-compassion in a culture obsessed with productivity • 🐢 Why leaders must learn to move from "lion mode" to "turtle mode" — reflection before reaction One of the most moving moments in this episode comes when Dr. Harris describes lying on a hotel floor after her mother's death — reaching for her phone to call someone, anyone — and realizing no one answered. In that silence, she experienced something she can only describe as an overwhelming presence. That moment changed everything. This episode is about more than grief. It is about courage. It is about staying open. It is about allowing pain to become a teacher instead of something to outrun. A profound and compassionate conversation about grief, faith, leadership, parenting, resilience, and the wisdom that comes from keeping your heart open. ⸻ About Dr. Mekel Harris Mekel Harris, Ph.D., NCSP, PMH-C, CAGCS received a B.A. in Psychology from Baylor University, M.A. in Psychology from Houston Baptist University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical/School Psychology from University of Houston. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and two-year post-doctoral fellowship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Harris has served in higher education, community-based and hospital-based mental health programs. She currently works in private practice as a licensed psychologist and CEO of Harris Psychological Services, LLC, offering mental health support across the lifespan. She is also co-founder of Bloomwell Partners, LLC, a consulting firm that equips organizations to provide grief-informed leadership and care in the workplace. Dr. Harris has presented at over 30 domestic and international conferences and has been interviewed globally on topics including grief, trauma, leadership, and community mental health. ⸻ Follow Dr. Mekel Harris Website: https://www.harrispsychologicalservices.com/ Bloomwell Partners: https://www.growwithbloomwell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmekel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMekel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekel-harris-phd-ncsp-pmh-c-cagcs-629138104/ Book – Relaxing Into the Pain: My Journey Into Grief and Beyond (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2QXGZ8V

In this deeply honest and empowering episode, we explore identity, trauma, finding belonging in the wild, and the courage it takes to redefine what a "full life" looks like after the world tells you it's not possible. In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Antoinette Lee Toscano, an outdoor industry influencer, writer, speaker, and founder of the American Adventure Sports Club nonprofit. Antoinette is a former IT executive turned adventure sports advocate, whose journey from traumatic injury and anxiety to radical freedom in the outdoors shows us that healing doesn't always look like rest — sometimes it looks like waking up in the middle of a river, choosing life again and again. After a devastating rappelling accident left her with a traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, PTSD, and nearly immobile, Antoinette didn't just survive — she reimagined what life could mean. Instead of waiting for a "normal" she decided to create a New Normal Big Life — a life filled with rivers, snow, wilderness, and a community for people who felt priced out, rejected, or unseen in outdoor spaces.   In this heartfelt and expansive conversation, Antoinette and Kelly explore how the outdoors became more than adventure — it became a path to freedom, identity, community, and deep human belonging. In this episode, Antoinette shares: • 🌲 How a life-threatening injury became the catalyst for intentional living • 🌀 Why creating a "new normal" wasn't about escape, but reclamation • 🧗‍♀️ The power of the outdoors to heal nervous systems and transform self-belief • 💪 How she built community, accessible adventure, and broke barriers in outdoor recreation • 📖 Why storytelling and writing helped her reclaim agency over her own narrative • 🛶 The importance of inclusivity — for people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and people who've been priced out of outdoor spaces • 🌊 What water, rivers, and moving wilderness taught her about resilience and joy • 🤍 How freedom becomes your compass when suffering is no longer the central story Antoinette also reflects on how helping others create their own Big Life through her nonprofit, her writing, and her outdoor media has become the heart of her purpose — not because she fixed her pain, but because she leaned into it and let it expand her empathy, courage, and leadership. This is a grounded, courageous, and deeply human episode about redefining normal, living with intention, and building a life that feels truly alive. ⸻ Follow Antoinette Lee Toscano Website & Blog – New Normal Big Life - https://nnbl.blog/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/antoinetteleetoscano/   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/antoinettelee.toscano WhitewaterTV / AdventureTV - https://xotv.me/channels/359-whitewatertv   Paddling Magazine Contributor Page - https://paddlingmag.com/author/antoinette-lee-toscano/   Diversify Whitewater (Co-Founded Project) - https://diversifywhitewater.org/ American Adventure Sports Club (Nonprofit) - https://nnbl.blog/american-adventure-sports-club/   Book Feature – Women and Water (Antoinette's story contributor) Available wherever books are sold (search "Women and Water She Explores")  

In this deeply intimate and soul-opening episode, we explore grief, self-trust, journaling, and the quiet courage it takes to return to yourself after unimaginable loss. In this profoundly moving conversation, Kelly sits down with Marie Cruz, a coach, speaker, and retreat facilitator whose life has been shaped by resilience, reinvention, and radical self-honesty. Marie's story is not one of bypassing pain, but of learning how to sit with it, listen to it, and allow it to transform her from the inside out. Raised in poverty in rural Louisiana, Marie became a young single mother and later built a successful corporate career. But her life shifted forever after the sudden loss of her mother, followed by the devastating loss of her son just two years later. What followed was not a search for answers outside herself, but a return inward. Through years of journaling, spiritual inquiry, and deep emotional work, Marie developed what would become her signature process, The Nautilus Way, a guided journaling and self-inquiry method that helps women uncover truth, heal trauma, and reconnect with their essence. In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Marie and Kelly speak openly about grief that rearranges everything, the loneliness of loss, and the power of creating spaces where women no longer have to protect others from their pain. In this episode, Marie shares: • 🌿 How grief reshapes identity and simplifies what truly matters • 💔 Why losing a child changes the nervous system, the soul, and the way we see the world • 📖 How journaling became a sacred portal for healing and self-connection • 🌀 The four stages of her journaling process: reveal, review, rewrite, and rewire • 🤍 Why women struggle to love themselves and how self-abandonment is learned early • ✨ How intuition and inner guidance emerge when we stop silencing ourselves • 🕊️ Why healing is layered and why we never "arrive" at the end • 🌊 The power of women-only spaces, especially for bereaved mothers, to exhale fully Marie also speaks candidly about her women's retreats, her work with grieving mothers, and why holding space without fixing is often the most powerful form of healing. She reflects on the courage it takes to trust inner wisdom, to stop editing ourselves, and to choose self-love even when it feels unfamiliar. This is not a conversation about getting over grief. It is about learning how to live alongside it with grace, truth, and presence. A compassionate, grounding, and deeply human episode about loss, journaling, intuition, and the beauty that can emerge when we honor the cracks instead of hiding them.   Follow Marie Cruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marieeurecrews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariecrewsempowers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowermentandgriefguide Book – Even When She Rose (Amazon): https://a.co/d/dayGabK

In this powerful and reflective episode, we explore loss, achievement, identity, and the courage it takes to stop measuring life from the outside in. In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Alan Lazaros, CEO and co-founder of Next Level University, a globally ranked Top 100 podcast with over 2,300 episodes listened to in more than 180 countries. Alan's story begins with profound loss. His father died when Alan was just two years old. Years later, his stepfather left, taking with him an entire extended family and financial stability. What followed was a childhood shaped by abandonment, pressure, and an unspoken belief that achievement could replace safety. Driven to prove his worth, Alan became a high achiever. He excelled academically, rose quickly in corporate America, and achieved financial success at a young age. From the outside, his life looked like the definition of success. Inside, something was missing. A near-fatal car accident at age 26 became a turning point. It forced Alan to confront a question many avoid: If this were the end, would I be proud of the life I lived? That moment cracked open a deeper journey, one focused not on external validation, but on meaning, alignment, and internal fulfillment. In this deeply honest conversation, Alan shares how achievement without purpose can become another form of avoidance, and how personal growth, self-awareness, and meaning must come before lasting success. In this episode, Alan shares: • 🌱 How early loss shaped his drive, ambition, and fear of abandonment • 💔 Why achievement can become a survival strategy rather than a source of fulfillment • 🧠 The difference between external success and internal alignment • 🔄 The Four Buckets of Life and why most people get stuck in the wrong one • ⚖️ How to balance health, wealth, love, and purpose without burning out • 🧩 Why inaccurate self-perception keeps people stuck, even when they work hard • 🎯 The "glass and rubber balls" metaphor for focus, boundaries, and leadership • ✨ Why meaning, not status, is the true driver of long-term fulfillment Alan also speaks candidly about coaching, humility, and the uncomfortable truth that growth requires seeing ourselves clearly. He challenges listeners to rethink what they chase, why they chase it, and whether their success actually reflects who they are. This episode is a reminder that healing doesn't always look like slowing down. Sometimes it looks like realigning. Letting go of who you thought you had to be. And choosing a life built from meaning, not expectation. A grounded, insightful, and deeply human conversation about loss, ambition, self-awareness, and the courage it takes to build a life that feels true. ⸻ Follow Alan Lazaros Website: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com Podcast – Next Level University: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-university/id1227858278 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanlazarosllc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc

Welcome to Season Four of Broken Beautiful Me. In this deeply grounding and compassionate episode, we explore healing not through willpower or escape, but through presence, surrender, and learning to feel safe inside your own body. In this intimate conversation, Kelly sits down with Hans Andreas Weygoldt, a transformational coach and breathwork facilitator whose journey from addiction to emotional freedom reshaped not only his life, but his understanding of what true healing requires. After spending eight years caught in opioid addiction, Hans learned that what he was really trying to numb were unexpressed emotions, unresolved trauma, and a nervous system stuck in survival mode. His healing began not with force or discipline, but with surrender, curiosity, and breath. Through his work today, Hans helps high-performing leaders and individuals uncover the hidden emotional patterns beneath stress, success, and self-sabotage. His approach blends neuroscience, breathwork, and consciousness-based coaching to support emotional regulation, presence, and authentic leadership. In this thoughtful and heart-centered episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Hans and Kelly explore how healing unfolds when we stop running from discomfort and learn how to stay. In this episode, Hans shares: • 🌿 How suppressed emotions live in the nervous system, not the mind • 🧠 Why success and achievement can become a form of emotional avoidance • 💔 How generational trauma quietly shapes our relationship with anger, grief, and vulnerability • 🌬️ Why breathwork creates safety for emotional release without substances • 🤍 How shame begins to dissolve when it is witnessed without judgment • 🔁 Why healing is not about fixing yourself, but learning to trust your inner experience • ✨ How gratitude can transform guilt, regret, and pain into purpose • 🕊️ Simple breath practices that can be used anytime to return to calm and presence Hans also reflects on the importance of community, sharing, and connection in the healing process. He explains why healing is not meant to be done alone and how safe spaces allow the nervous system to finally let go of what it has been holding for years. This is a gentle, powerful conversation about addiction, emotional liberation, breath, and the courage it takes to feel deeply in a world that often teaches us to shut down. A compassionate, grounding, and deeply human episode about healing the nervous system, breaking generational cycles, and discovering peace through presence. ⸻ Follow Hans Andreas Weygoldt LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-andreas-weygoldt-151777356/ Website https://pneumorphosis.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hans.andreas.weygoldt Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hansandreasweygoldt

What if the bravest thing you ever do isn't surviving what happened to you… but choosing to stop hiding it? Welcome to Season Four of Broken Beautiful Me. We begin this new season with a deeply honest and compassionate conversation about grief, trauma, therapy, and the courage it takes to live openly after years of silence. In this profoundly moving episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Linda Feig Knipe, a retired high school counselor and first-time author who spent decades helping others through trauma while quietly carrying her own. After the death of her husband, Linda found herself at a crossroads that would change the way she lived, healed, and told the truth about her life. Linda's story is one of resilience shaped over a lifetime. In her twenties, she survived sexual assault and lived for years with unprocessed trauma, shame, and PTSD. Later, while training to become a counselor, she was unexpectedly triggered and forced to confront what she had spent years burying. Therapy became not only a place of healing, but a turning point that transformed how she understood herself, her work, and her relationships. Writing her book Braving Therapy later in life required Linda to face a new fear — the fear of being fully seen. For the first time, she chose honesty over protection, openness over silence, and courage over comfort. In this intimate and thoughtful conversation, Linda shares: • 🌿 How grief became a gateway to personal transformation • 💔 The long-term impact of trauma and why silence can become toxic • 🧠 What therapy really feels like from the inside — and why it's so hard to begin • 🕊️ How shame shapes our inner lives and keeps us disconnected • 💬 Why healing doesn't mean going back to who you were, but becoming someone new • 🤍 The power of sharing our stories and learning we are not meant to do life alone • 🔍 Why human connection matters more than ever in an increasingly digital world Linda also discusses her book Braving Therapy, written as a companion for anyone who has ever wondered whether therapy might help but felt afraid to take the first step. Her message is clear: healing takes courage, honesty, and support — and no one has to do it alone. A compassionate, grounding, and deeply human conversation about grief, trauma, therapy, and the freedom that comes from finally telling the truth. ⸻ Follow Linda Feig Knipe Website: https://lfeigknipe.com/ Book – Braving Therapy (Amazon): https://a.co/d/4f8FwWF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l._feig_knipe FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/L-Feig-Knipe-100086436326648/

What if the moment that changes your entire life isn't a single event… but a series of wake-up calls your soul keeps sending until you finally pay attention? In this profoundly moving episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Simon Lüthi, a former high-performing corporate executive who nearly died multiple times before discovering the spiritual path that would transform his entire existence. Today he is known as The Rocket Shaman — a healer, energy medicine practitioner, and end-of-life doula whose work blends ancient wisdom with modern suffering. Simon's story begins long before adulthood: three near-death experiences as a child and teen, followed by years of pushing himself through perfectionism, pressure, and the relentless grind of corporate life. But everything began to unravel when he developed a mysterious autoimmune illness so severe he could barely get out of bed. Doctors couldn't explain it. Treatments failed. And then came cancer. These crises didn't break him — they opened him. Through shamanic training, energy medicine, ancestral healing, and an intense spiritual awakening, Simon discovered a deeper truth about illness, trauma, consciousness, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. His experiences guiding people through the final hours of life — and witnessing what happens in the moments just after — reshaped his understanding of love, death, and the continuation of the soul. In this intimate conversation, Simon shares: • ✨ The near-death experiences that marked him long before he understood them • 🔥 How chronic illness and cancer became the catalysts for his spiritual awakening • 🌿 The moment energy medicine finally shifted what modern medicine couldn't • 💫 Why he believes with absolute certainty that life continues after death • 🕊️ The signs and messages he's witnessed from loved ones who have crossed over • 🌀 How trauma can live in the body across generations — and even past lives • 🌙 What it means to guide someone through their final transition with peace and dignity • 💛 Why self-talk, intention, and inner authority are essential to true healing Simon also discusses his book, Becoming the Rocket Shaman, and how we can all begin reclaiming our power, our intuition, and the healing potential that lives inside us. A powerful, healing, deeply spiritual exploration of illness, awakening, and the invisible threads connecting us to something much bigger than ourselves.   Follow Simon Lüthi Website: https://www.therocketshaman.com Book – Becoming the Rocket Shaman (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FFPBNKSM Book – Becoming the Rocket Shaman (Barnes & Noble): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-the-rocket-shaman-simon-luthi/1148299305

What if the moment that changes your entire life arrives as a glowing ball of light in your bedroom doorway when you are only sixteen years old? In this deeply reflective episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Carmen Turner-Schott, MSW, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker, Christian astrologer, teacher, and bestselling author who has spent nearly three decades helping trauma survivors find meaning, resilience, and healing. Carmen's story begins in the Ozarks of Missouri, where she grew up feeling different from everyone around her. As a child she sensed things she couldn't explain, dreamt vividly, and carried emotions that didn't belong only to her. But everything shifted the summer before her senior year when she witnessed a glowing yellow orb of light in her bedroom doorway. Frozen in fear, unable to speak, she watched it move through her home as her mother tried to rationalize what neither of them could truly name. That moment became the spiritual turning point of Carmen's life. In the years that followed, Carmen experienced profound loss and intuitive awakenings that led her toward psychology, trauma work, and eventually the study of astrology as a tool for self-understanding. She began reading charts by hand, long before computers, discovering that each chart reflects a person's emotional makeup, strengths, wounds, and the energy they carry through the world. Today, Carmen is a professor of social work and a sought-after astrologer whose work bridges spirituality, psychology, and healing. In this conversation, she shares: • 🌟 How growing up empathic shaped her sense of identity and belonging • 🕯️ The night she encountered the glowing orb that opened her spiritual path • 🔮 Why astrology is less about prediction and more about understanding your inner landscape • 💫 The difference between your sun, moon, and rising signs, and why the moon sign reveals your emotional truth • 🧡 How each astrological sign heals differently, and what that means for self-care • 🌙 Why trauma shows up in specific parts of the birth chart, and how that knowledge helps survivors rebuild • 🌏 How ancient symbolism, psychology, and spirituality all converge through astrology Carmen also talks about her newest book, Your Astrological Energy, and how understanding your chart can help you cultivate compassion for yourself, deepen your relationships, and navigate your life with clarity and confidence. A warm, illuminating exploration of intuition, identity, healing, and the mysterious ways we are guided toward who we are meant to become. Follow Carmen Turner-Schott Website: https://www.carmenturnerschott.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenturnershottauthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deepsouldiversastrologywithcarmen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carmenturnershott 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Broken Beautiful Me for stories of hope, resilience, and healing.

What if the truth you discover decades later changes everything you thought you knew about your life, your loss, and your identity? In this moving episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Lisa Sugarman, an author, crisis counselor, and three-time survivor of suicide loss who has transformed profound grief into purpose, community, and healing. Lisa's story begins in childhood with the loss of her cousin at nine years old and the sudden death of her father just a year later. For 35 years she believed he died of a heart attack. In her mid forties, she learned the truth that he died by suicide, forcing her to grieve him all over again and reshaping her understanding of her past, her pain, and herself. Today, Lisa is a passionate mental health advocate, a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, a storyteller with NAMI, and the founder of The HelpHUB, one of the most comprehensive free mental health resource platforms available. She also facilitates Safe Place, a virtual support group for suicide loss survivors, and cohosts The Survivors Podcast.   In this conversation, Lisa shares: • 💔 What it is like to lose a parent twice, and how hidden truths create both wound and wisdom • 🌙 The three years she quietly cried herself to sleep while holding her life together on the outside • 🧭 How a single podcast appearance became the catalyst that changed the direction of her life • 🤝 The power of sharing our stories to break stigma, build connection, and create community • 🪢 Why grief never ends, and how it becomes the tether that keeps us connected to those we love • 🧩 How The HelpHUB is helping people find crisis support, tools, and treatment when they need it most A tender and courageous exploration of grief, truth, connection, and the healing that begins when we finally speak the stories we've held inside.   📘 Lisa is the author of Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (2026), How to Raise Perfectly Imperfect Kids and Be OK With It, Untying Parent Anxiety, and LIFE: It Is What It Is. Follow Lisa Sugarman: Website: https://www.thehelphub.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa_sugarman The Survivors Podcast: https://www.thehelphub.co/podcast The HelpHUB: https://www.thehelphub.co 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Broken Beautiful Me for stories of hope, resilience, and healing.

What if the key to healing is not just in the body but in the soul? In this powerful episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Dr. Carolyn Larkin Taylor, a neurologist who has dedicated more than three decades to understanding the connection between the brain, emotion, and spirit. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Hahnemann Medical College, Dr. Taylor completed her neurology residency at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned the Humaneness in Medicine Award and was recognized as one of Philadelphia's Top Docs for Women. She recently published Whispers of the Mind: A Neurologist's Memoir, a deeply moving collection of personal and professional essays that explore how we face illness, addiction, trauma, and the search for meaning.   In this conversation, Dr. Taylor shares: • 🧠 How resilience and gratitude can rewire the brain for healing • 💊 Why addiction is a neurological disease, not a moral failure • ✍️ The power of writing and reflection to process grief • 💔 Lessons from patients who taught her the meaning of courage • 🌿 How compassion and forgiveness transform both patient and healer   A heartfelt exploration of what it means to be human, fragile, resilient, and beautifully connected.   📘 Whispers of the Mind is available now wherever books are sold. Follow Dr. Carolyn Larkin Taylor: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566811690823 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyn.larkin.taylor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynlarkintaylor-author Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/carolynlarkintaylor/   🎧 Listen to more episodes of Broken Beautiful Me for stories of hope, resilience, and healing.

In this profound episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Dr. Robert Macauley — one of only a few hundred physicians in the United States to specialize in pediatric palliative care. Robert's memoir, Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor's Soul, is the first book to share the stories of children receiving palliative care — showing that this field is far more about how you live than how you die. Through the courage of these children and their parents, Robert found healing for deep wounds from his own past — and a new understanding of love, faith, and grace in the face of suffering. As both a physician and an Episcopal priest, Robert explores how a loving God could allow children to suffer — and what these young lives teach us about compassion, connection, and what truly matters. Together, Kelly and Robert talk about: • 🩵 The powerful lessons sick children taught him about living fully • 💭 The spiritual questions that shaped his journey as both doctor and priest • 🕊 How grief, faith, and storytelling intertwine to heal the soul • ❤️ Why remembering is one of the most sacred acts of love • 📖 The message behind his memoir: that meaning can be found even in loss If you've ever wrestled with grief, faith, or finding hope in hardship, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. ⸻ 📘 Order Dr. Robert Macauley's Book: ➡️ Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor's Soul (Also available through local bookstores, Amazon, and Powell's) 🌐 Connect with Dr. Robert Macauley: Website: https://becauseiknewyou.com Instagram: @DrBobMacauley Facebook: DrBobMacauley ⸻ ✨ Subscribe to Broken Beautiful Me for more soul-deep conversations about resilience, faith, and the beauty found in our most broken moments.

What happens when a nine-year-old girl leaves communist Poland for the "land of freedom"… and instead walks straight into 13 years of silence, fear, and abuse? This week on Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Christine Sadry — award-winning author, former UN peacekeeper, and survivor of unimaginable childhood trauma. At just nine, Christine was promised a new life in America. Instead, she arrived alone at JFK Airport… and no one came to meet her. The next morning, every belonging she had was gone. What followed were years of cruelty and isolation that could have broken anyone. But Christine didn't break. She rose. From being abandoned as a child to serving the United Nations across war-torn countries — even being blessed by Pope John Paul II — her life is a testament to the power of forgiveness, faith, and the human spirit. In this deeply moving episode, Christine shares: • 💔 How she found courage in the middle of trauma • 🕊️ Why forgiveness set her free from the past • 🌍 The unexpected path that led her to global peacekeeping • 🙏 What it really means to never give up on yourself If you've ever felt trapped by your past, Christine's story will remind you — healing is possible, and hope is never lost. ⸻ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Broken Beautiful Me Podcast 📘 13 Years Lost by Christine Sadry — Available on Amazon 🌿 Follow Kelly Buckley on Instagram @kellybuckleyofficial

What happens when a woman in her late forties makes a promise to her dying mother… and ends up changing the entire trajectory of her life? This week on Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Margie Zable Fisher — co-author (along with her late mother) of The Cabernet Club, published on January 31, 2025. Margie's story is one of reinvention, resilience, and love. Before becoming a full-time writer after 50, she ran a successful P.R. agency for 20 years, with her work appearing in The New York Times, AARP, Fortune, Next Avenue, and more. She's a wife, mother, Cabernet lover, spelling-bee enthusiast, and first-time triathlete after 50 — proving it's never too late to rewrite your story.   In this deeply moving conversation, Margie opens up about: 🌿 Turning fear into fuel — how she transformed the prospect of turning 50 into a year-long "Margie Project" of trying new things, from motorcycle riding to zip-lining. 🏃 How one 5K race led to triathlons and a completely new relationship with herself. 💔 Fulfilling a promise — finishing and publishing the manuscript her mother spent 20 years writing, just as she had vowed before her mom passed away. ✍️ Teaching herself fiction writing from scratch, while navigating raw grief. 🧠 How grief became a gift, shaping a legacy and unlocking unexpected creativity. 📚 The journey of bringing The Cabernet Club to publication and what came next.   Margie's story is proof that midlife is not the end of the book — it's the start of a whole new chapter.   🎧 Listen now to hear a story about love, loss, courage, and the powerful ripple effects of keeping a promise. 🔗 Connect with Margie 👉 Website & Bonus Chapter: margiezfisher.com    👉 The Cabernet Club — available now wherever books are sold.   🎥 Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/T6njqOGGYzs  

What if addiction isn't something to fix… but a portal to awakening? This week on Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly Buckley sits down with Greg Vorst and Michael Nolan — co-founders of Embodied Recovery, a pioneering treatment centre in Silicon Valley helping people transform addiction and mental health struggles into soul growth and empowered living. Greg and Michael are doing recovery differently. Their Empowered Living Teachings weave together psychology, ancient wisdom, and embodied practices. Drawing from therapy, 12-Step recovery, and Sundo — Korean Taoist breathwork, they guide clients back to their inner wisdom, creating spaces where spiritual transformation and nervous system regulation go hand in hand. Their personal stories are raw, honest, and deeply human. Both men walked their own recovery paths — spanning spiritual communities, 12-Step rooms, and years of personal work — before creating a treatment model rooted in integrity, embodiment, and community. In this powerful conversation, they open up about: • 🌿 Reframing addiction from a "problem to fix" to a spiritual doorway to awakening • 💨 How bottom-up healing and daily breathwork unlock transformation where talk therapy alone can't • 🧱 Working with denial and resistance through love, trust, and gentle truth-telling • 🎶 Rediscovering the "Melody of Love" — and how to return to it when life pulls you away • 🤝 Why every team member at Embodied Recovery works their own recovery program — and why it matters for clients • 🌀 How their new nonprofit Melos will offer graduates a community of spiritual practice, sober dance, and breathwork long after treatment ends This is an episode about coming home to yourself, breaking through the noise, and remembering that the gold has always been inside you. ✨ ⸻ 📌 Links & Resources • 🌐 Kelly's Website: https://www.kellybuckley.com • 📚 Kelly's Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com (search "Kelly Buckley") • 🧠 Embodied Recovery: https://www.embodiedrecovery.org • 🎶 Melos Nonprofit: https://www.melosrecovery.org (opening planned for 2026) ⸻ 🎧 If Greg and Michael's story resonates with you, share this episode with someone who's ready to stop fixing… and start awakening.

What happens when the woman who seems to "have it all" admits she's still terrified to be seen? This week on Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Angie Hawkins — The Inner Glow Coach and author who helps high-achieving, spiritual women stop chasing love and approval… and start radiating fierce confidence from within. Angie's story is both breathtaking and brutally honest. She's bungee-jumped in New Zealand, skydived, run 16 marathons, and even leapt out of a helicopter Navy SEAL-style. She packed up her life in Chicago and moved to Hawaii alone — all in the pursuit of purpose and joy. But behind the fearless exterior was a deep fear of truly being seen. In this powerful conversation, Angie opens up about: • 🌿 Her journey from emotional rock bottom to rediscovering her inner light • 🪂 How bungee jumping became a metaphor for courage and transformation • 📱 The "Instagram vs Reality" exercise that cracks open vulnerability in her workshops • 🌞 What it means to shine from the inside and how it ripples into every area of life • 💬 Why facing our deepest fears is the key to real freedom This is an episode about masks, courage, and the quiet revolution that happens when women stop seeking external validation and start trusting themselves. ⸻ 📌 Links & Resources • 🌐 Angie's Website & Coaching: https://runningandslippers.com • 📚 Running in Slippers — Angie's Memoir: Available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook on Amazon (search "Running in Slippers Angie Hawkins") • 🗓️ Book a Free Coaching Call with Angie: https://runningandslippers.com → Free Call section ⸻ 🎧 If Angie's story resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded: the glow is already inside you.

Hey Friends, welcome back to Broken Beautiful Me 💜 This week's conversation is raw, brave, and soul-shifting. I sit down with Katie Baker—writer, advocate, and childhood abuse survivor—who has transformed her pain into profound purpose. 👉 From years of battling addiction, shame, and silence… 👉 To sitting in sacred ayahuasca ceremonies around the world… 👉 To writing her memoir When the Universe Holds Your Hair Back… Katie shares how she reclaimed her voice, her body, and her spirit. Her story is not just about surviving trauma—it's about reclaiming agency, finding community, and daring to live fully. ⸻ 🔖 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Katie's son says "Mom, it's your turn to heal" 02:00 – Facing childhood trauma & breaking silence 09:00 – First experiences with psychedelics & ayahuasca 16:00 – Inside a sacred ceremony: intention, process & release 25:00 – Turning pain into advocacy and writing her memoir 32:00 – Healing family relationships across generations 46:00 – What society misunderstands about survivors 54:00 – Learning self-care and finding balance 01:01:00 – Katie's legacy of hope for future survivors ⸻ In this episode, we talk about: • 🌱 The turning point when her son said: "Mom, it's your turn to heal." • 🍃 How therapeutic psychedelics opened a path to transformation. • 💔 What society still misunderstands about abuse and survivors. • 💡 Why telling our stories breaks cycles of shame and secrecy. • 🌍 How Katie is now helping others heal through writing, advocacy, and spiritual practice. Katie's honesty reminds us: every scar tells a story—and every story has the power to heal. 📖 Connect with Katie Baker Website: peaceandfirehealing.com Book: When the Universe Holds Your Hair Back (available on Amazon, Audible, Spotify) 💜 If this episode moved you, please subscribe, review, and share with someone who needs to hear that healing is possible. Together, we shine brighter.

In this deeply moving episode, we welcome Dr. Beverly Thorn — psychologist, author, dementia caregiver, and certified end-of-life doula. Dr. Thorn spent decades as a clinical psychology professor at Ohio State and the University of Alabama, publishing hundreds of articles and books on chronic illness. But when her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, her professional expertise collided with personal reality. She became a full-time caregiver and, later, an end-of-life doula, documenting her journey in her powerful book: Before I Lose My Own Mind: Navigating Life as a Dementia Caregiver This episode dives into: • The hidden emotional toll of dementia caregiving and why so many feel alone. • Why caregivers must care for themselves — not just for their loved ones, but because they matter too. • Practical tools like journaling, meditation, and support groups to reduce stress. • Why it's vital to plan for end-of-life care and set clear boundaries as a caregiver. • The surprising role of music, movement, and memory in dementia care. ⸻ ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Dementia caregiving: the hidden struggle 02:30 – Dr. Beverly Thorn's journey from psychologist to caregiver 05:00 – Writing Before I Lose My Own Mind 10:00 – Loneliness, stigma & the emotional cost of dementia 20:00 – Why caregivers neglect their own health 28:00 – Planning for end-of-life & honoring wishes 37:00 – Journaling, meditation & coping with grief 43:00 – Support systems, respite care & "the club" 50:00 – Research, resilience & final advice for caregivers 55:00 – How to connect with Dr. Thorn ⸻ 🔗 Links & Resources • 🌐 Dr. Beverly Thorn's website: www.drbeverlythorn.com • 📖 Before I Lose My Own Mind: Navigating Life as a Dementia Caregiver – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Ask your local bookstore • 🎧 Free relaxation & meditation audio guides: www.drbeverlythorn.com • 📚 Alzheimer's Association statistics & caregiver resources: www.alz.org • 🌐 Host's website: www.kellybuckley.com ⸻ 📌 Key Topics • Dementia caregiving myths & truths • Why caregivers often neglect their own health • Coping with grief before, during & after loss • Building a reliable care team • Finding resilience in brokenness

Welcome to another episode of Broken Beautiful Me with host Kelly Buckley. Today's guest, Ranae Van Roekel, shares her extraordinary story of trauma, incarceration, and transformation. After childhood abuse and decades of silence, Ranae found herself serving a 51-month federal prison sentence. But instead of letting prison define her, she chose healing — and now she helps others through her platform Connecting to Cope.   ✨ In this episode, you'll hear: • The trauma Ranae carried for decades and how silence shaped her choices • Why prison became the start of her healing • The life-changing moment when she chose recovery over despair • How she now helps others through Connecting to Cope • Insights into the U.S. criminal justice system and the First Step Act 💬 Share this episode with someone who needs hope, resilience, and the reminder: you are not the worst thing you've done.   👉 Connect with Ranae: • Website:  www.connectingtocope.com 🌐 • Instagram: @connectingtocope 📸 • Facebook: Connecting to Cope 👍   👉 Connect with Kelly: • Website: Kelly Buckley 🌐 • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustOneLittleThing/ 📘 • Instagram: @kellysbuckley 🌸 • YouTube: Broken Beautiful Me ▶️   🎧 Subscribe for more stories of hope and resilience!

In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley sits down with John Beyer, author of Live a Little Better: One Man's Journey of Survival, Sobriety and Success.   🌟 John's story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation:   • Born to addicted parents and raised in chaos & poverty    • Hit rock bottom before finding sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous 🍃   • Sober since March 31, 1986    • Built Men on the Move, one of Long Island's largest independent moving companies    • Faced his son Gregory's autism diagnosis head-on and became a passionate advocate    • Helped found & support autism organisations: David Center, Autism Speaks (Long Island Chapter), Spectrum Designs, The Nicholas Center    • Writes and records music — leaving a legacy for his children & grandchildren   This powerful conversation will inspire you to see that even through brokenness, healing is possible.   👉 If you've faced addiction, family struggles, or unexpected challenges, John's story will remind you: you can live a little better.   ⸻   Resources & Links Mentioned (Verified):   📘 Live a Little Better (memoir by John Beyer) → Simon & Schuster | Amazon | Barnes & Noble   🚚 Men on the Move → menonthemove.com   👕 Spectrum Designs (employing adults with autism) → spectrumdesigns.org   🤝 The Nicholas Center → tncnewyork.org   🎵 John Beyer Music → johnbyermusic.com   ⸻   Connect with Kelly Buckley:   🌐 kellybuckley.com   🎙️ Podcast: Broken Beautiful Me (available everywhere)   ⸻   Timestamps:   00:00 – Kelly's welcome & introduction    00:28 – John Beyer's early life & memoir background    07:36 – First AA meeting & beginning of sobriety    10:56 – Daughter's push to write his book    17:42 – Gregory's autism diagnosis & resilience    27:02 – Advocacy, Men on the Move & Spectrum Designs    35:15 – Music, family legacy & songwriting    45:11 – Closing & where to find John's work     

What happens when a Navy Commander becomes one of the world's most trusted spiritual mediums? In this deeply moving conversation, host Kelly Buckley welcomes Suzanne Giesemann — spiritual teacher, medium, and author named on Watkins' list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People. Together they discuss grief, signs from spirit, practical tools to connect with loved ones, and Suzanne's journey from military leadership to becoming a guide for millions seeking comfort and healing. ✨ Topics in this episode: • Signs from loved ones after death • How "The Sip of the Divine" can open you to spirit in just 3 minutes • The Awakened Way: Living from love and interconnectedness • The story of Wolfe's Message documentary • Finding meaning through grief and discovering wholeness at the soul level 📚 Learn more about Suzanne's books, classes, and events: SuzanneGiesemann.com 💜 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Broken Beautiful Me.

How do you survive unimaginable loss — and even find healing through it? In this emotional and inspiring episode of the Broken Beautiful Me Podcast, host Kelly Buckley talks with John DeDakis — award-winning novelist, writing coach, and former CNN journalist — about turning pain into purpose. John opens up about losing his sister and his son, and how writing became his lifeline. Together, Kelly and John dive deep into: ✨ Writing as a path to healing and self-discovery ✨ How men and women grieve differently in relationships ✨ Why gratitude and resilience matter in grief ✨ The power of storytelling to transform pain into hope ✨ Lessons from John's career in journalism and fiction writing This conversation is raw, real, and filled with wisdom for anyone who has faced loss — or wants to better understand the healing journey. 👉 Learn more about John DeDakis & his books: https://johndedakis.com 👉 Explore Kelly Buckley's work & books: https://kelleybuckley.com 💬 What's helped YOU heal in your grief journey — writing, art, music, community? Share in the comments so we can support each other. 📌 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to join us for more healing conversations.

In this powerful episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley sits down with Malisa Hepner — a social worker, author, and host of the Emotionally Unavailable podcast — to explore her raw, unfiltered story of surviving extreme childhood trauma, battling shame, and reclaiming her life through radical self-love and authenticity. Malisa's journey began in the chaos of neglect, foster care, and the devastating loss of both parents. She shares how years of perfectionism and emotional unavailability led her to a breaking point — and the turning point that inspired her to choose life, leave a secure job, and start a podcast and private practice dedicated to helping others heal.   This episode dives deep into: Overcoming childhood trauma and the lasting impact of the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score The truth about shame archetypes and how they shape our relationships Shifting from perfectionism to authentic, messy humanity Why gratitude and presence are essential for surviving life's "dark nights" Practical tools for ending the cycle of overthinking and reconnecting with your true self How Malisa's affordable workbooks are helping people worldwide heal from shame and emotional disconnection Malisa's story is proof that even in our most broken moments, we have the power to rewrite our narrative. Whether you're struggling with your past, battling self-criticism, or learning to love yourself for the first time, this conversation offers hope, practical wisdom, and a reminder that you are already enough.   Resources & Links: Malisa Hepner's Website & Workbooks: empoweredwithmelissahepner.org Follow Malisa on Instagram: @melissa.hoeppner Listen to the Emotionally Unavailable Podcast Connect with Kelly Buckley: kellybuckley.com  

In this heart-opening episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley sits down with Alyssa Scarano, licensed counselor and founder of Collective Therapy and Wellness, for a deeply compassionate conversation about grief, trauma, childhood wounds, parenting after loss, and the transformative power of therapy.   Alyssa shares her holistic approach to therapy—one that integrates mental, physical, and spiritual healing. She emphasizes the importance of moving away from clinical diagnoses as identity markers and toward whole-person healing that fosters self-compassion, emotional safety, and authentic connection.   From supporting bereaved parents and guiding clients through anxiety attacks, to trauma-informed parenting and the value of presence, Alyssa provides insights and strategies that resonate with anyone navigating loss or emotional pain.   In This Episode, We Cover:   • The vision behind Collective Therapy and Wellness   • How holistic therapy integrates mind, body, and spirit   • Breaking generational patterns through self-awareness   • Creating emotional safety in virtual therapy spaces   • Supporting bereaved parents and children through trauma   • How grief manifests emotionally and physically   • The role of anxiety, control, and vulnerability in trauma recovery   • Practical grounding tools for anxiety and grief attacks   • Why gratitude can be a lifeline in grief   • Navigating parenthood when you're grieving   • The power of saying "I don't have it all figured out" as a parent   • The future of therapy and the importance of relational healing   • Why "You Matter"—a message everyone needs to hear     🌟 Powerful Quotes   "Our emotions work like hunger—they are cues. And when we treat them with judgment, we invalidate their message." – Alyssa Scarano   "Gratitude doesn't erase grief. But it can anchor us to the present moment." – Kelly Buckley   "You matter. Your feelings are valid. You don't have to have it all figured out." – Alyssa Scarano     🔗 Connect with Alyssa Scarano & Collective Therapy   🌐 Website: www.collective-therapy.com   📸 Instagram: @livecollectivewellness   🗺️ Serving clients in: Florida, New Jersey, New York, Missouri, and Texas   📅 Offers: Therapy, coaching, group sessions, workshops & affordable community options     🙏 About Broken Beautiful Me   Broken Beautiful Me shares powerful stories of hope, resilience, and healing. Hosted by Kelly Buckley, each episode explores how people rise through life's hardest moments and find meaning in their brokenness.   Subscribe for more conversations that matter. 💛

In this unforgettable episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Barry Adkins, a father who turned unimaginable loss into a mission to save lives. After losing his 18-year-old son Kevin to alcohol poisoning on the day he moved out on his own, Barry faced a defining choice: become a victim or use his pain to help others. He chose the latter. What followed was an epic 1,400-mile journey on foot, carrying Kevin's ashes from Arizona to Montana. Along the way, Barry stopped at schools, churches, and treatment centers to share his son's story, raise awareness about the dangers of binge drinking, and challenge people to make better choices. Barry's story is about grief, yes—but also about forgiveness, courage, and the quiet strength it takes to turn pain into purpose. What You'll Hear in This Episode: • The devastating moment Barry learned Kevin had died from alcohol poisoning • The powerful spiritual message Barry received in the days after Kevin's death • How Barry walked 1,400 miles to honor his son—with his ashes in his backpack • What it was like speaking to over 150,000 students about Kevin's story • The impact of his talks, including a student who saved a life after hearing Barry speak • The 3 core takeaways Barry leaves with every audience: • The power of decision-making • How adversity defines your life • The deep, personal work of forgiveness • Barry's reflections on faith, fatherhood, grief, and growth—20 years later   🔗 Connect with Barry Adkins & Kevin's Last Walk: 🌐 Website: https://kevinslastwalk.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinslastwalk 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-adkins-89384b29/   For Grieving Parents or Anyone Facing Loss: Barry shares that forgiveness—especially of yourself—is the first step. Whether your path forward is small or epic, what matters is making something very good come from something so painful. Listen to This If You're Interested In: • Real stories about grief and resilience • Binge drinking awareness and prevention • Parenting through loss • Faith after tragedy • Turning pain into purpose • Youth education and school speaking   📲 Subscribe & Share: If Barry's story moved you, please share this episode. You never know who might need to hear it.   📣 Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms.   Learn more at https://kellybuckley.com

In this deeply moving episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley welcomes Michelle Bishop—Master Certified Life Coach and author of Choose You First—for a heartfelt conversation about healing, resilience, and self-love. Michelle shares her powerful journey from a childhood of abuse and trauma to reclaiming her voice and building a life rooted in purpose and peace. She opens up about the tragic loss of her husband, her near-death experience with COVID-19, and the profound spiritual awakening that led to her signature Silent Warrior Technique. This episode is a raw and real exploration of what it means to choose yourself first, even in the aftermath of grief, adversity, and societal expectations. Michelle's words are a lifeline to anyone seeking hope, clarity, and transformation. Whether you're navigating loss, rebuilding after hardship, or simply craving deeper self-connection—this episode will move you.   🔹 What You'll Learn: The impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships Breaking the cycle of abuse How to live with radical self-worth The Silent Warrior Technique for managing anxiety Why self-love is not selfish—it's essential   📘 Grab Michelle's Book: Choose You First on Amazon 🌐 Learn More: https://bishoplife.com 📲 Follow Michelle on Instagram: @MichelleBishopLife 📩 Sign up for her newsletter, blogs, and events: https://bishoplife.com   ✨ Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations about hope, healing, and resilience.   #ChooseYouFirst #MichelleBishop #BrokenBeautifulMe #TraumaHealing #LifeCoach #WomenEmpowerment #PodcastForWomen #Resilience #SelfLove #GriefHealing #SilentWarriorTechnique

In this deeply moving episode of Broken Beautiful Me: Stories of Hope, Gratitude & Resilience, host Kelly sits down with Cathy Studer, a survivor of long-term childhood abuse turned passionate mental health and child abuse prevention advocate. Cathy shares how her painful past became a powerful catalyst for change—not only in her own life but in the lives of others. In this episode, we explore: • Cathy's transformation from silence to storytelling • The six healing attributes that changed her life and now help children build emotional strength • The inspiration behind her memoir Broken to Beautifully Whole • Her children's book series The Adventures of Gus and Pasha and its impact in schools • The emotional and psychological weight of forgiveness, and why it took her 30 years to get there • Her work with law enforcement, educators, and advocates to prevent child abuse and promote healing This episode is a must-listen for anyone impacted by trauma, grief, or emotional hardship—and for those who work with children and communities in need of hope and healing. If you've ever felt broken, this conversation will remind you that you can become beautifully whole.   📚 Books by Cathy Studer: • Broken to Beautifully Whole • The Adventures of Gus and Pasha (children's series, 6 books)   🔗 Connect with Cathy Studer: Website: https://www.cathystuder.com Email: [email protected] Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07V21HCM9   ❤️ Subscribe for more real-life stories of healing, growth, and resilience. 👍 Like | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Hit the bell to never miss an episode #cathyStuder #BrokenBeautifulMe #TraumaHealing #ChildAbusePrevention #MentalHealthAdvocate #ForgivenessJourney #ResilienceBuilding #SelfCompassion #GratitudePractice #HealingBooks #SurvivorStories #EmotionalWellness #PodcastInterviews #Inspiration #HopeAfterTrauma

In this powerful episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly sits down with Jennifer Kauffman — Emmy Award-winning producer, best-selling author, and survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon Tragedy. Jennifer shares her deeply moving story of transforming unthinkable trauma into triumph through her Rise and Thrive movement. With vulnerability and wisdom, she opens up about her journey through PTSD, rage, forgiveness, and healing — revealing how she turned pain into purpose, and fear into love. From holistic healing practices like drumming, sound therapy, and breathwork, to producing life-changing documentaries and running the very marathon that nearly took her life, Jennifer embodies what it means to rise from the ashes. Whether you're navigating grief, seeking purpose, or ready to heal old wounds, this episode offers actionable hope and heart-opening conversation that will stay with you long after it ends.   Topics include: Surviving the Boston Marathon Tragedy The journey from victim to thriver Forgiveness and post-traumatic growth The healing power of sound, drumming, and gratitude Jennifer's Rise and Thrive Movement Why your story matters — and how to start healing   🔗 Resources & Mentions in This Episode Website: https://www.jenniferkauffman.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kauffman   🎥 Featured Projects by Jennifer Kauffman Documentary: A New Leash on Life Emmy-winning film on veterans and service dogs (Canines for Warriors): https://www.caninesforwarriors.org Documentary: Freedom Isn't Free – The Folds of Honor Story https://foldsofhonor.org Film Project: Dream Big – Rudy Ruettiger Broadway Show Info: https://www.rudyruettiger.com Movie: Rudy (1993) – The inspirational film about Rudy Ruettiger: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108002/   💛 If this episode moves you, please like, share, and subscribe. Let's keep spreading stories of hope, healing, and transformation.

In this powerful and deeply healing episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley sits down with grief specialist, author, and spiritual healer Paula Roscoe—a mother who turned unimaginable tragedy into a life of purpose and hope. After losing her infant son Jack and later discovering his body had been used without her consent, Paula was thrust into a journey of deep trauma and transformation. Rather than letting grief define her, she chose to channel her pain into healing—for herself and others.   In this episode, Paula shares: • Her raw story of child loss and survival • The trauma of institutional betrayal • How writing, spirituality, and angelic guidance helped her heal • Her work as a grief guide for bereaved mothers • Practical tools for navigating grief, emotional wounds, and spiritual reconnection This is an episode for anyone who's felt broken by loss—and is searching for a way to rise again. Paula reminds us that we can survive grief and come back to life. Paula is the author of Survive Grief and Come Back to Life: Memoir of a Survivor and the creator of online grief healing programs designed to help women rebuild after loss.   🎧 Topics Covered: • Surviving the death of a child • Grief as a sacred transformation • Why we must talk openly about death • Using writing and creative expression as healing • Reconnecting with your soul and spiritual support • Helping couples navigate grief together • The role of angels and energy in recovery   💡 About Our Guest: Paula Roscoe Paula is a grief therapist, author, and spiritual intuitive who helps women move from pain to purpose. She blends her lived experience with gentle, soul-based healing to guide others through their darkest moments.   🌐 Website: pjroscoe.co.uk 📘 Book: Survive Grief and Come Back to Life 📺 YouTube: Paula Roscoe Grief Guru 📲 Facebook: Paula Roscoe – Grief Support & Healing

In this empowering episode, Kelly sits down with Nicole Van Valen—author of The Joyful Leader, mental health strategist, and founder of Keen Insights—to talk about the urgent need for joy, authenticity, and emotional intelligence in leadership and work culture. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare, behavioral health, and corporate leadership, Nicole shares her journey from toxic workplaces to creating a business that helps organizations build inclusive, mentally healthy cultures through training, strategy, and mindset coaching. They dive deep into: • How to build resilience when you're burning out • What joyful leadership looks like in action • Tools for stress management and daily mental well-being • Nicole's weekly Joyful Meditation (Mondays at 7:30am ET) • The difference between managing stress and actually thriving at work • Why grief education and psychological safety belong in the workplace • The role of gratitude and small sensory rituals (like breathing, tea, and flowers) in emotional reset • How leaders can support employees without overstepping boundaries Nicole also shares insights from her book, The Joyful Leader—praised as "a textbook that reads like a novel." It's a blueprint for creating workplace cultures that don't just prevent burnout, but actively promote joy and purpose. Guest Links: • 🌐 Website: https://keaneinsights.com • 📘 Book Info: https://keaneinsights.com/book • 📧 Contact Nicole: [email protected] • 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: @NicoleVanValen Free Resource: Want to start your week with clarity? Join Nicole's Joyful Meditation every Monday at 7:30am ET. Sign up via Keen Insights. ⸻ If you're looking for a fresh and heart-centered take on leadership, mental health, and burnout recovery, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe, rate, and share to support conversations that matter. 🔔 New episodes weekly — hit the bell for updates.

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley welcomes renowned hospice physician and bestselling author Dr. Karen Wyatt for a deeply moving conversation on death, dying, grief, and healing. Dr. Wyatt—author of Seven Lessons for Living from the Dying and host of the End of Life University podcast—shares intimate stories from her career as a hospice doctor, including how her father's suicide shattered her worldview and eventually led her to a life of spiritual healing and purpose. Together, Kelly and Dr. Wyatt explore the transformative lessons that come from end-of-life experiences: the redemptive power of love, the courage to forgive, and the small moments that matter most. Whether you're walking through grief, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking meaning through life's darkest moments, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and tools to help you embrace the beauty within the brokenness.   Topics covered include: Grieving the loss of a loved one (including to suicide) Healing through hospice care The spiritual growth that comes with facing death How to forgive others and yourself End-of-life clarity and the importance of storytelling Gratitude and grace in times of suffering   "You're not alone. Let grief reshape you—and let love and gratitude carry you forward."   Guest: Dr. Karen Wyatt Bestselling Author: Seven Lessons for Living from the Dying, The Tao of Death, The Journey from Ego to Soul Podcast Host: End of Life University Website: eoluniversity.com   Connect with Host Kelly Buckley: Website: kellybuckley.com Books available on Amazon Watch full episodes on YouTube: Broken Beautiful Me   Highlights from this Episode:   00:03:00 — Dr. Wyatt shares how her father's suicide shattered her—and eventually led her to hospice work 00:07:00 — The unexpected healing that comes from caring for the dying 00:09:00 — The small moments that give life meaning—and why love is always the final answer 00:13:00 — Finding peace at the end of life through forgiveness and reconciliation 00:22:00 — How families find clarity and healing through end-of-life conversations 00:31:00 — Gratitude as a daily, soul-shifting practice—even in grief 00:38:00 — The power of stories, legacy, and saying their names 00:46:00 — Signs from beyond: butterflies, baseball, and spiritual symbols of connection 00:50:00 — Final wisdom: letting grief change you, not define you   #griefpodcast #healingafterloss #hospicecarestories #endoflifeexperiences #spiritualgrowththroughgrief #KarenWyattPodcast #BrokenBeautifulMePodcast #forgivenessanddeath #dyingwithdignity #gratitudeingrief #signsfromlovedones #storytellingandhealing #KellyBuckley

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Broken Beautiful Me, the podcast that explores stories of resilience, gratitude, and transformation. In this episode, host Kelly Buckley welcomes Robyn Engelson, an energy solution expert, autoimmune specialist, and author of 'Exhausted to Energized.' Robyn shares her journey of overcoming thyroid autoimmune disease and hypothyroidism, transforming her own life through daily habits and mindset shifts. Discover how small, actionable steps like gratitude journaling, affirmations, and making your bed can lead to an energized and thriving life. Robyn also discusses the importance of self-compassion and how she helps clients navigate through trauma, chronic illness, and significant grief. Tune in to learn how to reclaim your best self and live a life full of joy and purpose. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help spread the message of hope and resilience. 📌 Connect with Robyn Engelson: 🌎 Website: https://robynengelson.com 📷 Instagram: @robynengelson 💼 LinkedIn: @robynengelson 🎥 YouTube:  @RobynEngelson ​ 📕 Book by Admiral William H. McRaven: Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World 

Healing Through Resilience: Ami Lynne Carroll's Journey - Broken Beautiful Me Podcast In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley welcomes the inspirational Ami Lynne Carroll. Ami Lynne, a respected spiritual transformation and trauma coach, guides us through her transformative journey from struggle to healing. With over 16 years of experience, Ami Lynne shares compelling insights from her Life Charter Program and her book 'Conversations of Consequence.' They discuss the power of resilience, the role of gratitude, and the importance of community support in overcoming life's challenges. Tune in to discover how embracing your struggles can lead to empowerment, strength, and discovering beauty in brokenness. 📌 Connect with Ami Lynne Carroll:  🌎 Website: https://amilynnecarroll.com 📷 Instagram: @amilynnecarroll 💼 LinkedIn: @amilynnecarroll

Finding Strength in Brokenness: A Journey with Yoga and Self-Love Featuring Tommie Burch.   In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley welcomes Tommie Burch, a mompreneur, yoga teacher, Pilates instructor, and children's book author.   Tommie shares her journey from discovering yoga during a challenging time in college to becoming a passionate advocate for self-love, positive self-talk, and empowering women through yoga and movement. The conversation delves into her experiences with body image issues, the transformative power of breath work, and the importance of teaching self-worth to children.    Tommie also discusses the creation of her children's book "Being Me is Special," which integrates yoga poses with elements of gratitude. Listen in to hear insightful discussions on mental, physical, and emotional healing, and how parents can foster self-esteem and resilience in their children and themselves.   Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3U6vlqSxfK8    📌 Connect with Tommie Burch: 🌎 Website: https://balancebytommie.com  📚 Book: Amazon 📷 Instagram: @balancebytommie

In this episode of 'Broken Beautiful Me,' host Kelly Buckley welcomes Nadija Bajrami, a multi-award-winning, trauma-focused hypnotherapist, mind coach, Reiki Master, certified grief educator, and end-of-life doula.  Nadia shares her transformative journey from a neuroscience and finance sales background to a career dedicated to helping others heal from trauma and grief. They discuss the nuances of trauma hypnotherapy, including the subconscious mind's role in reprogramming traumatic narratives, and the importance of addressing inner child wounds.  Nadia also explores the profound impact of grief education and the necessity of creating safe spaces for people to express and process their grief. They touch on the misconceptions surrounding the stages of grief and emphasize the value of gratitude in navigating life's challenges.  This heartfelt conversation aims to inspire and educate listeners on finding strength and purpose amidst life's hardships. Join us for a powerful conversation about finding beauty in brokenness and strength in struggle. 📌 Connect with Nadija Bajrami: 🌎 Website: https://www.nbhypnotherapy-mindcoaching.com 🎥 YouTube:  @nadijabajrami4563   📷 Instagram: @nadija.bajrami 💼 LinkedIn: @nadija-bajrami-strategic-hypnotherapist-mind-coach/

Unveiling Strength Through Brokenness: Pauline Victoria's Journey   In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, hosted by Kelly Buckley, we delve into the inspiring journey of Pauline Victoria, an inspirational thought leader born without limbs.   Pauline shares her compelling birth story and the crucial role her parents played in nurturing resilience and courage from a young age. Founder of One Leg Up Productions and host of the Small Victories podcast, Pauline discusses her unique perspective on life's challenges and the transformative power of owning one's gifts.   She introduces her Vista formula—Vision, Identity, Strategy, Thanksgiving, and Actualize—designed to help entrepreneurs and thought leaders step into their greatness. Pauline also emphasizes the importance of gratitude, forgiveness, and creative expression in navigating life's obstacles and serving a greater purpose.   Join us for a powerful conversation about finding beauty in brokenness and strength in struggle.   📌 Connect with Pauline Victoria: 🌎 Website: onelegupproductions.com 🎥 YouTube: @PaulineVictoriaAughe 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/onelegupproductions 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paulinevictoria

What does it take to rise from hardship and turn pain into purpose? In this episode of Broken, Beautiful, Me, I sit down with Sherry Winn, a two-time Olympian, national championship-winning coach, and leadership mentor, to talk about resilience, mindset, and the power of rewriting our own stories. Sherry shares her deeply personal journey, from overcoming family trauma and depression to becoming an elite athlete and a sought-after leadership expert. We explore: 🏆 How adversity shapes us—even when we don't realize it 🏆 The connection between emotional healing and physical well-being 🏆 How changing your thoughts can change your life 🏆 Practical habits for resilience, self-love, and moving forward Sherry's story is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, we have the ability to rebuild, reframe, and rise. 📌 Connect with Sherry Winn: 🌎 Website: www.thewinningleadershipcompany.com 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/TheWinningLeadershipCompany 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/sherrywinncoach 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sherrywinn

Season 2 of Broken, Beautiful, Me launches today—on St. Patrick's Day! 🍀 What better day to explore the unseen connections between past and present? In this episode, Kelly Buckley sits down with Bernadette Thompson, an intuitive ancestral healer and spiritual coach, to discuss how understanding our ancestors can help us heal from grief and trauma. Bernadette shares her personal journey through loss, the spiritual awakening that deepened her connection to her ancestors, and the ways generational trauma—and resilience—are passed down. Together, we explore: ✨ How our ancestors influence our emotional and spiritual lives ✨ The science behind generational trauma ✨ Signs from loved ones and how to recognize them ✨ The power of surrendering to the unknown Whether you're grieving, searching for deeper meaning, or simply curious about the stories carried through generations, this conversation will leave you feeling supported, connected, and never alone. 🎧 Listen now! Connect with Bernadette: 🌍 Website: TellMeOurStory.com 📘 Facebook: Tell Me Our Story 📷 Instagram: @TellMeOurStoryancestralhealing 💼 LinkedIn: Bernadette O'Brien Thompson #BrokenBeautifulMe #Podcast #Healing #Grief #AncestralHealing #SpiritualAwakening #GenerationalHealing #StPatricksDay

The Healing Power of Kindness   We are joined by Nathan Caldwell, bestselling author of Empowering Kindness. With over 20 years of experience as a cybersecurity expert and leader, Nathan has held roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Vice President of IT Security. Alongside his technical expertise, Nathan is a passionate advocate for kindness and well-being in the workplace, emphasizing empathy and compassion in leadership. In this episode, Nathan shares his unique journey from cybersecurity leader to kindness advocate and author. He reveals how bringing empathy and compassion into professional environments can enhance team dynamics, productivity, and overall well-being. We dive into: Nathan's transition from a high-stakes cybersecurity career to becoming an advocate for kindness and compassion in the workplace. The role of empathy in leadership and its impact on team culture and performance. Practical strategies for fostering kindness, resilience, and well-being within any organization. Insights on building trust, promoting mental health, and creating supportive work environments. If you're seeking actionable advice on integrating kindness into leadership and workplace culture, this episode is a must-listen! Connect with Nathan Caldwell: Website: EmpoweringKindness.com LinkedIn: Nathan Caldwell on LinkedIn Tune in to learn: How to lead with empathy and cultivate a kinder, more resilient workplace. Strategies for balancing technical expertise with compassionate leadership. Inspiration from a seasoned cybersecurity leader who champions kindness as a path to success.     ------------------   Follow the Host, Kelly Buckley: Stay connected with Kelly Buckley and join her journey of healing, resilience, and gratitude. Follow her on social media for more inspiring content, updates on future episodes, and insights on living a life full of hope and purpose. Website: kellybuckley.com Facebook: Kelly Buckley on Facebook Instagram: @KellyBuckleyOfficial LinkedIn: Kelly Buckley on LinkedIn Twitter: @KellyBuckley YouTube: Kelly Buckley on YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, share it with your friends and family, and leave a review. Your support helps spread the message of hope, resilience, and gratitude to more listeners around the world. 

Finding Purpose and Momentum with Patrick Mork, Bestselling Author & Former Google CMO   We are joined by Patrick Mork, a bestselling author and former CMO of Google. With an impressive career as a 3X Silicon Valley CMO, Patrick has led marketing strategies for top tech companies and now dedicates his life to helping others discover their true potential and purpose. In this episode, Patrick shares his journey from Silicon Valley executive to purpose-driven author and speaker. He reveals how embracing your inner potential can drive success, fulfillment, and momentum, both personally and professionally. We dive into: Patrick's transition from Google CMO to author and speaker focused on purpose. How to align your career with personal meaning and values. Practical steps for finding purpose, building confidence, and unlocking your potential. Insights on leadership, resilience, and making bold career moves. If you're looking for actionable advice on living with purpose and achieving meaningful success, this episode is a must-listen! Connect with Patrick Mork: Website: PatrickMork.com LinkedIn: Patrick Mork on LinkedIn Tune in to learn: How to align your passion and profession for greater fulfillment. Leadership strategies to drive personal and professional momentum. Purpose-driven tips from a seasoned Silicon Valley leader.   ------------------   Follow the Host, Kelly Buckley: Stay connected with Kelly Buckley and join her journey of healing, resilience, and gratitude. Follow her on social media for more inspiring content, updates on future episodes, and insights on living a life full of hope and purpose. Website: kellybuckley.com Facebook: Kelly Buckley on Facebook Instagram: @KellyBuckleyOfficial LinkedIn: Kelly Buckley on LinkedIn Twitter: @KellyBuckley YouTube: Kelly Buckley on YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, share it with your friends and family, and leave a review. Your support helps spread the message of hope, resilience, and gratitude to more listeners around the world. 

The Japanese Practice of Kintsugi With Lori Tsugawa, 2X TEDx Speaker, Author, & Japanese Business Strategist   In this captivating episode, we connect with Lori Tsugawa Whaley, a 2X TEDx speaker, author, and expert Japanese business strategist, to explore the ancient Japanese art of kintsugi—the practice of mending broken pottery with gold. As the third descendant of a Japanese warrior, Lori seamlessly weaves this powerful metaphor of healing broken pieces into her business coaching practice, offering profound insights into resilience and personal growth. Lori shares how kintsugi represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength found in repairing what's broken—both in life and in business. She dives into how embracing adversity can lead to growth, teaching us that it's not about hiding the cracks but highlighting them, turning pain and hardship into something valuable. Throughout the conversation, Lori reflects on her personal journey, shaped by Japanese warrior principles, and offers practical advice for navigating life's challenges with grace, strength, and resilience. In this episode, we discuss: The Japanese art of kintsugi and its symbolism of embracing imperfections to grow stronger. How Lori's cultural heritage and warrior lineage influence her approach to overcoming adversity. Practical tools and strategies for turning personal and professional challenges into opportunities for growth. Ways to integrate the principles of kintsugi into business and leadership practices. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to find strength in adversity, whether you're navigating personal challenges or seeking new ways to build resilience and leadership in your professional life. Connect with Lori Tsugawa Whaley: LinkedIn: Lori Tsugawa Whaley Website: LoriWhaley.com Lori's wisdom offers practical techniques to apply the principles of kintsugi—both in your personal life and professional endeavors. If you're ready to embrace your own broken pieces and grow stronger from them, this episode will provide the inspiration and guidance you need.   ------------------   Follow the Host, Kelly Buckley: Stay connected with Kelly Buckley and join her journey of healing, resilience, and gratitude. Follow her on social media for more inspiring content, updates on future episodes, and insights on living a life full of hope and purpose. Website: kellybuckley.com Facebook: Kelly Buckley on Facebook Instagram: @KellyBuckleyOfficial LinkedIn: Kelly Buckley on LinkedIn Twitter: @KellyBuckley YouTube: Kelly Buckley on YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, share it with your friends and family, and leave a review. Your support helps spread the message of hope, resilience, and gratitude to more listeners around the world. 

Resilience After Loss: Morgan Motsinger's Journey of Healing Through Child Loss In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Morgan Motsinger, a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast PS We All Expire. Morgan experienced the unimaginable loss of her daughter two years ago due to a genetic illness, an event that profoundly shaped her path and deepened her commitment to resilience and healing. Morgan shares her deeply personal journey of navigating life after child loss, emphasizing how she found strength amidst grief and discovered a renewed sense of purpose. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, growth, and finding hope even in the darkest moments. Join us as Morgan Motsinger explores: Her personal story of loss and the initial challenges of navigating grief. Practical steps for building resilience after experiencing profound loss. How she uses her platform and podcast to inspire others facing similar hardships. Insights on the role of vulnerability, community, and personal growth in the healing process. Connect with Morgan Motsinger: LinkedIn: Morgan Motsinger Website: MorganMotsinger.com Morgan's story offers powerful lessons on healing, resilience, and embracing life after profound loss. Tune in to learn how to transform adversity into growth, whether you're facing grief or seeking ways to build resilience in challenging times. This episode is filled with hope, inspiration, and real strategies to support your healing journey.   ------------------   Follow the Host, Kelly Buckley: Stay connected with Kelly Buckley and join her journey of healing, resilience, and gratitude. Follow her on social media for more inspiring content, updates on future episodes, and insights on living a life full of hope and purpose. Website: kellybuckley.com Facebook: Kelly Buckley on Facebook Instagram: @KellyBuckleyOfficial LinkedIn: Kelly Buckley on LinkedIn Twitter: @KellyBuckley YouTube: Kelly Buckley on YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, share it with your friends and family, and leave a review. Your support helps spread the message of hope, resilience, and gratitude to more listeners around the world. 

Gratitude: The Foundation of Confidence In this empowering episode, we welcome Tara LaFon Gooch, an international TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and creator of the GRASP Method™. Tara has dedicated her career to building confidence through gratitude, helping people unlock their potential by transforming their mindset and embracing authentic leadership. Tara shares her journey from fear to fearless, explaining how gratitude not only fueled her personal growth but also became the core foundation of her confidence-building methodology. She dives into the strategies she uses to cultivate gratitude daily and how this practice can be the key to thriving in both personal and professional life. Join us as Tara LaFon Gooch explores: Gratitude as a catalyst for confidence and personal transformation. The GRASP Method™: A practical approach to building unshakable self-belief. How to overcome self-doubt by shifting to a gratitude-based mindset. Real-life stories and insights from Tara's journey as an international speaker and author. Connect with Tara LaFon Gooch: LinkedIn All Links Tara's journey is a testament to the transformative power of gratitude and its role in cultivating lasting confidence. Tune in for actionable strategies and inspiring stories that will motivate you to harness gratitude and lead a more confident, fulfilling life. Whether you're aiming to excel in your career, relationships, or personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable insights!   ------------------   Follow the Host, Kelly Buckley: Stay connected with Kelly Buckley and join her journey of healing, resilience, and gratitude. Follow her on social media for more inspiring content, updates on future episodes, and insights on living a life full of hope and purpose. Website: kellybuckley.com Facebook: Kelly Buckley on Facebook Instagram: @KellyBuckleyOfficial LinkedIn: Kelly Buckley on LinkedIn Twitter: @KellyBuckley YouTube: Kelly Buckley on YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, share it with your friends and family, and leave a review. Your support helps spread the message of hope, resilience, and gratitude to more listeners around the world. 

The Outlier Edge: Scott MacGregor on Building Relationships and Resilience   In this dynamic episode, we sit down with Scott MacGregor, Founder of The Outlier Project and Publisher & Editor-In-Chief of Outlier Magazine. With a background of incredible achievements, Scott is a four-time author of the celebrated Standing O! series and a record-breaking eight-time winner of the American Business Award for Innovation. Scott brings his wealth of experience in leadership and innovation to discuss the powerful intersection of relationships and resilience. As a leader who has consistently pushed the boundaries of business and personal growth, Scott shares practical insights on how to cultivate an "Outlier Edge" in life and work. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections and a resilient mindset in achieving both personal and professional success. Join us as Scott MacGregor explores: The Outlier Edge: How to stand out and excel by building deep, meaningful relationships. Resilience in Action: Lessons from an award-winning leader on bouncing back stronger from setbacks. The Role of Innovation: Insights on staying ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Standing O! Series: What inspired Scott to author four books celebrating stories of gratitude and excellence. The Power of Community: Why Scott founded The Outlier Project and how it helps individuals unleash their potential. Connect with Scott MacGregor: LinkedIn: Scott MacGregor Website: The Outlier Project Scott MacGregor's journey is a testament to the power of building relationships and embracing resilience. Tune in for inspiration on how to become an outlier in your own life and discover actionable strategies to elevate your career, network, and mindset. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or anyone seeking to make an impact, this episode is packed with insights to fuel your growth!   ------------------   Follow the Host, Kelly Buckley: Stay connected with Kelly Buckley and join her journey of healing, resilience, and gratitude. Follow her on social media for more inspiring content, updates on future episodes, and insights on living a life full of hope and purpose. Website: kellybuckley.com Facebook: Kelly Buckley on Facebook Instagram: @KellyBuckleyOfficial LinkedIn: Kelly Buckley on LinkedIn Twitter: @KellyBuckley YouTube: Kelly Buckley on YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, share it with your friends and family, and leave a review. Your support helps spread the message of hope, resilience, and gratitude to more listeners around the world.