Trigger warning: Domestic abuse and self-harm  Here at Invisible Scars, we love a good comeback story, and today's episode is no exception. This week, Jessalynn sits down with Jenna Schonke, a remarkable woman from her hometown of Prince George. From growing up in chaos to becoming pregnant at 16 and later trapped in a seven-year toxic relationship, Jenna's resilience shines through as she shares how she reclaimed her life. With a passion for mental health advocacy, she is weeks away from becoming a registered psychiatric nurse and serves on the board of directors for the Canadian Mental Health Association BC. She also shares her hopes for the future and her vision to create a sanctuary for women to reconnect with their femininity and find support. Join us as she shares her insights, struggles, and the lessons she's learned along the way.  If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment.  Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! We'd love to hear from you! Send us a voicemail at https://www.speakpipe.com/InvisibleScarsPodcast 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

Today's guest knows better than anyone that happiness is truly an inside job. In this inspiring episode, Jessalynn is chatting with Jaime Morgan, a life coach and motivational speaker who shares her compelling journey of resilience after a life-altering divorce. Jaime opens up about overcoming comparison and victim mentality, embracing her personal growth, the art of forgiveness, and finding joy in helping others through their own transformations. She also gets candid about co-parenting and how to navigate the difficulties that can come with it, plus she offers a sneak peek into her upcoming program designed to help individuals attract love and rebuild after breakups and other exciting projects she's got on the go. Jaime is a true testament to what's possible on the other side of trauma, and we're so grateful for her vulnerability!   Be sure to follow Jaime on Instagram and visit her website here! If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment.  Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! We'd love to hear from you! Send us a voicemail at https://www.speakpipe.com/InvisibleScarsPodcast 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

After following and admiring her work for some time, Jessalynn is thrilled to finally be able to welcome Courtney Thomas, also known as the Bodhi Effect, an intuitive mindfulness coach, to the show! Courtney opens up about her philosophy of "rituals over rules," sharing how dedicating time each morning for movement, writing, and breathwork sets the tone for alignment in her life. She then recounts her journey from a childhood deeply connected to nature and intuition, through personal tragedies and a dissatisfying corporate career, to embracing her spiritual calling after significant life events nudged her towards her true path. This conversation is rich with insights on how embracing intuition can lead to a fulfilling life of unconditional living and personal alignment. Courtney's story and strategies provide powerful inspiration for anyone looking to connect more deeply with their inner wisdom and the courage to follow it.  Be sure to follow Courtney on Instagram and visit her website here! If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment.  Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website!  We'd love to hear from you! Send us a voicemail at https://www.speakpipe.com/InvisibleScarsPodcast 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

Invisible Scars is almost one year old! In this reflective solo episode, Jessalynn marks nearly a year since the podcast's launch, sharing how the journey has profoundly transformed her. From feeling somewhat broken in the first episode to now embracing a future full of potential, she discusses the impact of her guests' stories on her personal growth and the show's direction. Jessalynn gets candid about some of the exciting changes ahead, including new guests, more solo episodes, interactive segments, and a focus on both lightness and deep healing. With immense gratitude, Jessalynn thanks the listeners who have been along for the ride so far, setting the stage for an inspiring new season of growth and resilience.  We'd love to hear from you! Send us a voicemail at https://www.speakpipe.com/InvisibleScarsPodcast If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment.  Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

This week, Jessalynn welcomes Wes Rypien, the older brother of the late Vancouver Canuck and NHL player Rick Rypien, who tragically ended his life in 2011 after a prolonged battle with mental illness. In his first ever podcast appearance, Wes shares not only Rick's story but also his own journey of coping and understanding, aiming to change the conversation around mental health, particularly in the context of sports. Today, Wes advocates for mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of education and support at the youth level in sports to equip young athletes with the necessary tools before they reach professional levels. Wes's story serves as an important reminder of the ongoing need to destigmatize mental health discussions, ensuring that future generations of athletes-and all individuals-can freely express and manage their mental wellbeing. If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment.  Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

Trigger Warning: Suicidal thoughts and behaviourIn this incredibly honest and vulnerable conversation, Jessalynn sits down with Justin Brien, who opens up about his 16-year struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, which brought him to the brink of ending his own life. Justin recounts his journey from a childhood of low self-esteem and a craving for acceptance to his life-altering realization that he needed to recover for his son's sake. Now a life coach, speaker, and author of "Chasing Shadows: Fighting the Monster Within," Justin emphasizes the importance of finding one's "why," asking for help, finding acceptance and forgiveness, and the critical need for men to embrace vulnerability. His transformative story is not just a personal triumph but a guiding light for anyone battling addiction, offering hope and practical insights into the power of recovery.  Be sure to follow Justin on Instagram, visit his website and check out his book here! If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment.  Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

Trigger warning: Child sexual assault, Child GroomingIn this episode, Jessalynn will sit down with one of her closest friends, Susie Sidsworth, who is a trained counselling psychologist and therapist, to discuss Jessalynn's personal story of trauma and healing following her experience of being a survivor of child sexual assault at 9 years old. Growing up in Prince George, BC, Jessalynn was one of eight survivors of the Willow River, BC, Child Pornography case in the 90's involving James Bennet and Crystal Hendricks. In part 1 of today's episode, topics will include Jessalynn's difficult relationship with her family at home, her introduction to her abusers, and her suspicion and discovery of what was really going on behind closed doors. Be sure to listen to part 2, where you'll hear the remainder of Jessalynn's story, including how her abusers were caught, her relationship with her family following the abuse, and her journey into adulthood carrying the weight of this trauma.  Be sure to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcastIf you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment. 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

Emily Budac joins Jessalynn in this heartbreaking and powerful episode to share her story of losing her husband and business partner to a sudden heart attack in 2023. Despite everything she has been through, Emily manages to be both uplifting and hilarious as she opens up about what she calls her "widow era," and describes how she manages parenting (which she gets a gold star for) and running a business after the loss of her husband Vince. Emily explains what practices she integrates daily to keep going (although sometimes doing nothing is necessary), signs she gets from Vince to this day, how she's grown through resilience, and the importance of holding two things simultaneously. Jessalynn and Emily wrap their beautiful conversation by providing advice to anyone going through a deep sense of loss and grief, whether it's a death or divorce. This beacon of hope and all-around inspirational human being will be sure to offer you insights to carry with you moving forward.  Be sure to follow Emily on her personal Instagram and True North Optometry!  If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment.  Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

In this enlightening episode, Jessalynn sits down with Nicole Christie, host of the "Here for Me" podcast, to dive into Nicole's remarkable journey of resilience and transformation. Nicole opens up about her traumatic experience with hand, foot, and mouth disease, to facing a year-long battle with ocular cancer, ending a decade-long relationship with a narcissistic partner, and how she's rewriting her future by finding strength in adversity. Throughout the episode, Nicole shares insights into the characteristics of narcissistic abuse, the importance of therapy, and the role of support from friends and family. Her story not only sheds light on the complexities of navigating toxic relationships but also offers hope and advice to others in similar situations. Nicole's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting oneself, the transformative potential of adversity, and the strength that comes from choosing to heal and grow.  Be sure to follow Nicole on Instagram and listen to her podcast here!  If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment.  Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

Trigger Warning: Violence and suicide  In this profoundly moving episode, Jessalynn welcomes Fallon Farrinacci, an Indigenous creator, speaker, advocate, and trauma survivor whose life story embodies resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Since the age of nine, following the harrowing night when both her parents were murdered in their family home, Fallon's journey has been one of navigating a world that repeatedly failed her and her brothers through a broken system. Despite these trials, including the tragic losses of her brothers to suicide, Fallon shares how she channels her pain into advocacy and support for Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational trauma awareness and the power of resilience. Her daily gratitude practices, community involvement, and fundraising efforts stand as testament to her strength and dedication to making a difference. Fallon's story is not just one of survival but of profound courage and hope, inspiring anyone in the depths of trauma with a reminder that they are not alone.  Be sure to follow and keep up with Fallon on Instagram You deserve to be heard. Call or text the Canadian suicide crisis help line at 9-8-8 or visit 988.ca  If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment.  Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟