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In this powerful conversation, Lauren welcomes Stephanie Carmody—PR pro and host of Second Act Sessions—to unpack life on the other side of a painful, 15-year marriage marked by emotional manipulation and narcissistic patterns. Stephanie shares how “love-bombing” masked deeper control, what finally woke her up, and how God met her in the rubble. We talk red flags vs. real love, boundaries without bitterness, healing after divorce, and learning to be joyfully single. Stephanie also shares her exit from New Age spirituality, a fresh surrender to Jesus, and how purpose was born in her second act.

If you’ve felt confused, minimized, or stuck—this episode is a compassionate roadmap toward clarity, courage, and Christ-centered healing.

• 00:00 Welcome & what this episode covers
• 02:32 Stephanie’s backstory: PR career, faith, and early marriage
• 03:30 Cracks in the foundation: work stress, isolation, and control
• 06:16 Awakening & divorce: naming the patterns, choosing safety
• 10:02 Healing & rediscovery: identity in Christ after devastation
• 14:24 Narcissistic abuse 101: love-bombing, gaslighting, trauma bonds
• 17:37 Faith + boundaries: wise support, counseling, community
• 18:28 “Nagging wife” loop: breaking unhealthy relational cycles
• 19:11 True surrender: letting God lead the timeline
• 20:26 Delivered from New Age spirituality: returning to Jesus
• 23:26 Second Act Sessions: purpose and platform from pain
• 27:09 Embracing singleness: contentment, calling, and joy
• 33:53 Ordering life with God first
• 35:41 Final encouragement & prayer

Listener takeaways

• Spot the signs: What love-bombing and gaslighting can look/feel like in real time.
• Boundaries are biblical: Saying “no” can be an act of love and wisdom.
• Healing is layered: Community, counseling, Scripture, and time all matter.
• Singleness is not a setback: How to thrive with God’s presence and purpose.
• Surrender changes the story: Letting Jesus lead can open a second act you never expected.

If you need help

If you’re experiencing emotional or physical abuse and feel unsafe, seek local authorities or a trusted professional immediately. In the U.S., you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

 Lauren:

Website laurenburns.net

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurenburnsredeemed/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/laurenBredeemed/

Redeemed Newsletter: subscribepage.io/eft4YT

Merch  https://www.hiscollectionapparel.com/ 

Disount Descript https://get.descript.com/DescriptRedeemed

Stephanie:

Website https://secondactsessions.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.figuracarmody

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/secondactsessions/

Linktree Podcast https://linktr.ee/secondactsessions

Disclaimer:

The purpose of the Redeemed Podcast is to share the love of Jesus. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on behalf of guest do not necessarily represent the thoughts of the host. This pod