Breaking the Silence

If you're new around here—welcome! In this episode, Kelli flips the script and asks me the questions, so you can get to know the heart behind Breaking the Silence. From the grief that shaped me, to how I found healing, to why I started this podcast and what drives my work today—we’re pulling back the curtain. This conversation is honest, fun, and full of little pieces of my story that I hope will help you feel less alone in yours.

In this honest, heart-to-heart conversation, Kelli and I open up about something so many of us wrestle with—the urge to run when relationships start to feel too close. We talk about the stories we’ve told ourselves for years… like “I’m too much,” “I’m not worthy,” or “I’'m unloveable.”

From attachment styles to the beliefs that quietly shape how we show up (or shut down), we explore what’s underneath our patterns—and how healing begins when we stop running from ourselves.

If you’ve ever felt like you push people away just when things start to feel safe—or questioned if you’re even worthy of the love you long for—this episode is for you. You’re not alone, and there’s a better way forward. 💛

This week’s episode is a special one—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. I’m not doing this alone anymore. Today, I’m introducing you to someone who’s been behind the scenes in my story for years: my best friend, my safe space, and now… my co-host. Kelli and I have walked through deep grief, big transitions, healing, and lots of laughter—and now we’re bringing our friendship to the mic. We’re sharing the story of how we met, how we’ve held space for each other through life’s hardest seasons, and why we believe healing happens best in community. You’ll laugh, maybe cry, and walk away knowing that you are not alone either.

This one’s real and raw, friend. I sat down with tears in my eyes and a heart wide open, processing my deep desire to be a constant, steady, safe place for the people I love—just like God has been for me. What if we could be that anchor for others in the middle of their chaos… not trying to fix them, but simply being present? In this episode, I explore about what it looks like to love others —steadily, faithfully, and without conditions—even when life gets messy. If you’ve ever wanted to be someone’s calm in the storm, this one’s for you.

Today, I’m sitting with my sweet friend Laura, who’s walking through something no one is ever truly prepared for. Just three months ago, her husband went to heaven after some major life changes. After 28 years of marriage, she never expected to carry the title “widow.” In this honest and tender conversation, Laura shares what it’s been like to lose the love of her life—and how she’s learning to take the next breath, one day at a time. We talk about love, loss, identity, and the grace that shows up in the quietest places. If you’ve ever had to keep living after life turned upside down, this episode is for you. It’s tender, raw, and real—because sometimes, healing begins when we finally break the silence.

"Grief is the price of deep love—but even in the ache, God is near. He’s not asking you to have it all figured out. Just to take the next step, and then the next. You’re not alone in the dark—there’s grace for this part of the journey too."

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

— Isaiah 43:2

You can connect further with Laura on the following platforms:

IG

https://www.instagram.com/voice_unbound?igsh=MWcxNzJidDNjdmJtcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/VoiceUnboundCoaching?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Website

https://voiceunboundcoaching.com

YouTube

https://youtube.com/@lauraardwellnesslifecoaching

TIKTOK

https://www.tiktok.com/@laura.ard1?_t=8nbkhor6pqd&_r=1

Laura has also extended an offer to each of you for a free resource:

Five day journal prompt “Faith and Trauma”. sent to your email each morning Click here https://voiceunboundcoaching.com/homehttps://voiceunboundcoaching.com/home

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Gina Nichols — certified life coach, dynamic speaker, and the visionary founder of Divorce: Redefined. After walking through the heartache of three divorces and raising a beautifully blended family, Gina made a powerful decision: her story wouldn’t end in pain. Instead, she transformed it into purpose. Now, she helps high-achieving women stop letting divorce define them and start creating the life they were always meant to live.

Gina shares her personal journey and introduces us to her B.O.L.D. Framework — the foundation of her transformational work — guiding women to heal, reclaim their identity, and boldly embrace their next chapter. If you’ve ever wondered how to rise from the ashes of a relationship and become more yourself than ever before, this conversation is for you.

If you'd like to connect further with Gina you can go to her website at ginanicholscoaching.com, as well as on Facebook @ Gina Yaklich Nichols & Instagram @ginanicholscoaching.

If you found value in this episode please be sure to like, share, subscribe and leave a review.

What do you do when life shatters around you? When the very people who were supposed to love and protect you are the ones who cause the deepest wounds?

In this powerful episode of Breaking the Silence, I sit down with Dana Hildebrand, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Transformational Faith-Based Life Coach, who knows firsthand what it means to feel abandoned, broken, and lost. After enduring the trauma of sexual abuse and the devastating heartbreak of her husband walking out on her and their newborn, Dana’s pain led her to a breaking point—one that landed her in the hospital.

But her story didn’t end there. Through faith, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of healing, Dana found her way back—stronger, freer, and with a purpose to help others do the same.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your past, if trauma has made you question your worth, or if you’re searching for hope in the middle of your own storm, this episode is for you. You are not alone. Healing is possible. And Dana’s story is living proof that even the most shattered hearts can be made whole again.

Tune in, be encouraged, and take the next step toward your own healing journey. 💜

To connect further with Dana you can find her on Instagram @danahildebrand.

There were days I questioned why—why I had to walk through loss, why the road felt so heavy, why life had to change in ways I never wanted. Maybe you’ve felt that too. But here’s what I know now: God has placed me, and you, exactly where we’re meant to be. Even in the pain, even in the uncertainty, there is purpose. You are a light in someone’s darkness. Your story, your presence, your voice—it matters more than you realize. Someone out there needs the hope you carry, the wisdom you’ve gained, the life you can speak into them. Don’t hold back. Show up. Shine. You have no idea the impact you’re making. Let’s talk about stepping boldly into the calling God has placed on our lives.

Please leave a review, follow and share this with someone that needs to hear this message. Help me to reach others with my story.

After a few months away, I’m back—and I have so much to share. In this episode, I open up some about the hard season I’ve been walking through, the time I took to pray, and the unexpected beauty that has emerged even in the midst of it all. Sometimes, stepping back is exactly what we need to move forward. Join me as I share my heart, life updates, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

As we wrap up 2024, I’m taking a step back from the podcast for the remainder of the year. This break is a time to reflect, recharge, and prepare for what’s to come. I’ll be back in 2025, though I’m not quite sure of the exact date yet. Thank you for being part of this journey, and I can’t wait to connect with you again in the new year. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a season filled with love and joy. See you soon! ❤️