What would you do if your child told you, "You're not the mum I remember"?

Content warning: This conversation is confronting, emotional and, at times, difficult to hear. We discuss child sexual abuse, online exploitation, grooming, and the challenges families face when navigating these issues.

Today I'm joined by Kristi McVee. Kristi is a former Detective Senior Constable, specialist child interviewer, and straight-talking child abuse prevention educator who doesn't sugar-coat the truth.

During her decade in the West Australian Police Force, Kristi investigated child sexual abuse, interviewed vulnerable children, managed child sex offenders, and witnessed the devastating cost of silence, shame, and systems that fail.

But after years of witnessing the impact of abuse, navigating broken systems, and carrying the emotional weight of the work, Kristi reached a point where something had to change.

When her daughter told her, "You're not the mum I remember," Kristi made the difficult decision to leave policing and begin the long journey of recovering from PTSD.

Since leaving the police in 2020, Kristi has become a sought-after keynote speaker, bestselling author of Operation KidSafe, and a leading voice in protective parenting education. Today, she helps parents, caregivers, and communities better understand the realities of child abuse and how to keep children safe, both online and offline.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Kristi's journey from young mum to detective and specialist child interviewer
• The emotional toll of investigating child sexual abuse and living with PTSD
• Why broken systems and a lack of support can impact frontline workers
• The warning signs of child grooming and predatory behaviour
• The growing risks children face online through social media, AI, sextortion, and image-based abuse
• How parents can better protect children in a rapidly changing digital world
• Why delaying access to social media can benefit children's development
• The importance of having honest, age-appropriate conversations about safety with children

While the topics in this episode can be confronting, Kristi shares practical knowledge, hard-earned insights, and the conversations every parent, caregiver, and trusted adult needs to be having. Because protecting children starts with understanding the risks, recognising the warning signs, and being willing to have the conversations that many of us never had growing up.

Connect with Kristi:

Instagram: @kristimcvee

Facebook: @kristimcvee

TikTok: @tiktokcop81

YouTube: @kristimcvee81

Website:

https://www.kristimcvee.com

Podcast:

https://www.kristimcvee.com/podcast

Resources & Courses:

https://www.kristimcvee.com

Support the show:

Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on

Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's).

And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most.

❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

What if the thing you didn’t get was actually redirecting you toward something even more aligned?

In today’s solo episode, I’m reflecting on something I genuinely didn’t expect to feel grateful for: not being selected for a recent TEDx opportunity.

For years, standing on a TEDx stage felt like the pinnacle. The dream. The thing that would finally prove I’d “made it” as a speaker.

But after attending a TEDx event shortly after receiving the rejection, I realised something surprising: The talk I had pitched wasn’t actually the message I wanted to share with the world.

This episode is an honest reflection on validation, ambition, fear, failure, identity, and the pressure to chase goals simply because we think we should.

I also share why I believe failure is one of the most important parts of growth, and how this experience helped me reconnect with what truly matters: the Life After I Left community, storytelling, vulnerability, and creating spaces where women feel seen, heard, and empowered.

In this episode, I chat about:

• Reflecting on our recent sold-out Life After I Left live event in Melbourne
• Why I felt relief (not devastation) after not being chosen for TEDx
• The pressure of external validation and tying success to big milestones
• How rejection can reveal what you actually want
• The difference between chasing a dream and chasing alignment
• Why failure and “nos” are often part of finding your real path
• Building Life After I Left into a movement, including live events, a future anthology, and a national tour
• The fear-driven business I’m currently creating and why fear can become fuel for transformation
• Letting go of the idea that success is one specific stage, title, or achievement

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the closed doors are protecting you from stepping into something that isn’t fully aligned yet. And that your worth, voice, and impact do not depend on someone else choosing you.

Sometimes the real work is choosing yourself first.

Connect with Cat:

Join my mailing list to be the first to know about the future of Life After I Left - and to get involved! https://catlouisedunn.myflodesk.com/mailing-list

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

Big thanks to Simone Vanden-Driesen, our Headliner Sponsor for our live Life After I Left event on 28 May: https://www.leishmans.com.au/

How do you rebuild your life when you’ve been conditioned to believe you can’t survive on your own?

Today I’m joined by Sally Jayne Eastland. Sally moved to Spain with her husband of almost 20 years in 2020, believing they were starting a new chapter together. But while living in the mountains of Almería, she began experiencing what she describes as divine signs and synchronicities that forced her to realise there was something seriously wrong within her marriage.

After confiding in a trusted friend who specialised in domestic abuse, Sally was told she had been experiencing long-term psychological and narcissistic abuse. In her mid-50s, in a foreign country where she barely spoke the language, Sally made the life-changing decision to leave with no job, no home, and no clear plan for what came next.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Recognising the signs of narcissistic abuse and coercive control
• The role intuition, spirituality, and synchronicities played in Sally’s decision to leave
• Starting over after abuse with no income, home, or support system
• The fear of leaving abusive relationships and being conditioned to believe you can’t survive on your own
• Life as an expat in Spain and finding community in unexpected places
• Spiritual healing, Reiki, sound therapy, and returning to your authentic self
• Why healing often involves reconnecting with the inner child
• Learning to trust yourself, your instincts, and your own path again

This episode is a reminder that it is never too late to leave, rebuild, and create a life that feels safe, aligned, and true to who you are. Sally’s story speaks to the courage it takes to start over and the possibility that exists on the other side of survival.

Connect with Sally:

Sally’s book - Silent Abuse: A Spiritual Journey to Freedom. It is available in most countries on Amazon. https://mybook.to/rDBs

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-eastland-65034b28/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallyj0101/

Support the show:

Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on

Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's).

And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most.

❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

Note: There are brief mentions of domestic violence and suicide. Please take care when listening or skip this episode if this feels triggering.

What happens when you stop abandoning yourself and start trusting what you already know?

Today I’m joined by Danikah Rose. Danikah is a lifelong psychic and light language channel with over 17 years of experience in business management, sales, and marketing, bringing together strategy and intuition in a grounded, practical way.

She works with women worldwide, supporting them to grow and scale their businesses through what she describes as energetic alignment and business intuition. She is also a mother of five.

But Danikah’s story is about far more than business.

In this conversation, she shares her journey through motherhood, toxic relationships, identity loss, and radical self-honesty, and the turning point that led her to rebuild her life and business.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Moving from survival mode into self-trust and clarity
• Danikah’s thoughts on “misalignment” and why she believes you're always on your divine path
• How her psychic abilities have shown up throughout her life, including a moment in her early 20s where she uncovered internal theft in a business she worked for
• Why intuition is often suppressed
• How Danikah reads the energetic blueprint of a business to guide messaging, pricing, offers, and strategic direction by blending intuition with practical strategy
• Fear, motivation, and what drives real change
• Why "quiet" is often the gateway to clarity

If you’re in a season of questioning, rebuilding, or learning to trust yourself again, this episode is a reminder that clarity doesn’t usually come from more noise, but from learning to listen inward.

Connect with Danikah:

Links: https://www.danikahrosecreative.com/link-in-bio 

Website: www.danikahrosecreative.com

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

Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/strategyandsoulbusinessgroup

YouTube: Strategy and Soul PODCAST - Introduction - YouTube  

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strategyandsoul 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/strategy-and-soul-with-danikah-rose-creative/id1669405584 

Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014

Support the show:

Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on

Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's).

And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most.

❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

One year ago, I launched the Life After I Left podcast.

A space for women to share the stories they had spent years hiding.

A space to break the silence.

And now?

53 episodes, 39 guests, listeners in 45 countries, 6 live events, and a community that continues to grow in ways I never imagined.

It’s just me here today, reflecting on the first year of the podcast, the journey that led me here, and the powerful impact storytelling can have when women feel safe enough to share their truth.

I talk about why I created Life After I Left after surviving domestic violence relationships, how storytelling helped save my own life, and why I believe sharing our experiences can create connection, healing, and change.

I also share some podcast and event milestones, reflect on the stories that have deeply impacted others, and give a glimpse of what’s coming next, including an international event, a national tour, a book anthology, and building a brand new business to help women move through fear and change their lives.

In this episode, I chat about:

• Celebrating one year of the Life After I Left podcast
• The impact of sharing vulnerable, real-life stories, and how safe spaces can change lives
• Podcast and event milestones from the past year
• The top episodes and themes listeners connected with most
• Using fear as a catalyst for growth and transformation
• The future of Life After I Left, including an overseas event, a book anthology, a national tour, and more!

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for holding space for these stories.

Thank you for sharing episodes, attending events, sending messages, and helping this community grow.

And remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

Episodes mentioned:

40: Adrienne Donnelly on Life After... Rebuilding my Identity

47: Marina Garbuio on Life After... Coercive Control

15: Sophie Spencer on Life After... Being Safe in My Own body

23: Irene Jones on Life After... Loss

29: Annelise McCarthy on Life After... Finding her Voice

Connect with Cat:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catlouisedunn/

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

Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014

Support the show:

Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on

Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's).

And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most.

❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

What if starting over at 57 was the beginning of something bigger than you imagined?

In today’s episode, Brenda Keane joins us. Brenda is an author, an SBS TV star (well, she was in one episode of a series), an entrepreneur, and, at 64, her life journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

After facing many personal challenges, Brenda chose to start over at 57, stepping into a completely unfamiliar industry to build her own activewear brand from scratch. With a “never give up” mindset and a lot of resilience, she’s created not just a business, but a powerful movement helping women feel confident, seen, and supported in their bodies.

Her passion for empowerment has led to a vibrant community of curvy women who now look and feel incredible in their activewear.

In this conversation, Brenda shares the story behind the brand, alongside the personal experiences that shaped her. From navigating weight stigma and building a business later in life, to opening up about her past and how it’s led her to give back to others.

We also explore the reality of body image in today’s world, the pressure women face at every size, and what it truly means to feel comfortable, confident, and at home in your body.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Brenda’s journey from a health wake-up call to building an inclusive activewear brand
• Starting a business later in life (and why it’s never too late)
• The lack of representation in the fitness and fashion industries
• Body image struggles (from both ends of the spectrum)
• The reality of building a product-based business from scratch
• Brenda’s experience with domestic violence and how she gives back to charities
• Why your body is the least interesting thing about you

This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to shrink yourself to belong - in business, fitness, or life.

There's also a VERY exciting announcement at the end of this episode with plans for the next phase of Life After I Left...

Connect with Brenda:

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

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

Website: https://bekeanehealthyandfit.com.au/

Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014

Support the show:

Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on

Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's).

And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most.

❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

What if talking about death could actually help you live more fully?

In today’s episode, Catherine Ashton joins us. Catherine is the founder of Critical Info, a certified social enterprise helping Australians improve death literacy and plan for the end of life with confidence.

After surviving a major car accident in 2019 and losing a close friend in 2023, Catherine launched the Critical Info Platform, a secure, grief-informed planning tool now used by aged care providers and communities nationwide.

She is also the creator of the national guide, My Loved One Died. What Do I Do Now? and host of the Don’t Be Caught Dead Podcast. A passionate advocate and award-winning social entrepreneur, Catherine is on a mission to ensure no one is left unprepared for death.

Catherine shares her story of trauma, chronic pain, career reinvention, and how some of life’s hardest moments led her to meaningful work that is now helping others prepare for the inevitable with more clarity, confidence, and care.

We dive into why death planning doesn’t have to be scary, how avoiding these conversations creates more stress later, and the simple ways we can start putting practical plans in place now, for ourselves and the people we love.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Catherine’s life-changing car accident and the path that followed
• How grief and unexpected loss inspired the creation of Critical Info
• Why death planning is really about support, clarity, and reducing stress
• What to do when someone dies and why many people feel unprepared
• The importance of wills, paperwork, and practical backup plans
• How to start conversations about death with family and loved ones
• Why business owners also need continuity plans in place
• Living more intentionally when you remember life is not forever

If talking about death feels uncomfortable, this episode is a gentle reminder that planning ahead isn’t about fear, and we can approach it with curiosity. It’s about care, connection, and making life easier for the people who matter most.

Connect with Catherine:

Website: https://criticalinfo.com.au/ 

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info

Try Critical Info Free for 10 Days: https://criticalinfo.com.au/critical-info-platform/

Podcast: https://criticalinfo.com.au/podcast/

Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014

Support the show:

Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on

Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's).

And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most.

❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

What if the answers you’ve been searching for have been within you all along?

In today’s episode, Debbie Zita joins us. Debbie is a TEDx speaker, the Business Body Guide, international bestselling author, and creator of the Six Selves Model of Self-Inquiry. With over 25 years of experience in human behaviour, personal development, and business, she supports purpose-driven women to build aligned, profitable businesses rooted in identity leadership and embodied success.

Debbie shares her story of trauma, grief, and transformation. From experiencing abuse, loss, and life-altering challenges to discovering the power of inner work, spiritual healing, and creating a business grounded in self-trust, purpose, and personal leadership.

We dive into what it really means to go within (beyond the buzzwords), and how developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and spiritual connection can completely change the way you live, lead, and grow a sustainable business.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Debbie’s journey through trauma, grief, and personal transformation
• What going within actually means (and how to start in a practical way)
• The connection between inner work, intuition, and self-trust
• How to know if a coach, therapist, or mentor is right for you
• The role of identity, self-worth, and pricing in business
• Building an aligned, purpose-driven business from the inside out
• Meditation, mindfulness, and simple ways to reconnect with yourself

If you’ve been looking for clarity, direction, or a deeper connection to yourself, this episode is your reminder to slow down, tune in, and trust what’s already there.

Connect with Debbie:

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

Website: https://debbiezita.com/

Programs and offers:

https://program.debbiezita.com/the-ultimate-activation-release-and-reclaim

https://program.debbiezita.com/business-build-mastermind

https://program.debbiezita.com/the-reclamation

https://program.debbiezita.com/the-six-selve-immersive

Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014

Support the show:

Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on

Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's).

And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most.

❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

Can you really rebuild a business after hitting zero revenue?

This week, I’m joined by Evelyn Lopez Delon, co-founder of Sales Command and creator of Speak Studio AI, who helps coaches, consultants, and founders grow their business without losing themselves in the process.

You might recognise Evelyn’s name because, yes, she’s been here before. But this conversation is a whole new chapter.

Since her last appearance, Evelyn has transitioned from running a coaching business to rebuilding from zero revenue alongside her husband, stepping into AI, becoming an international speaker, and launching a new podcast.

In this episode, she shares the raw, behind-the-scenes reality of what it actually takes to rebuild, pivot, and scale a business without sacrificing your life, your family, or yourself.

We also dive into the power of personal brand, how visibility opens doors you didn’t even know existed, and why now is one of the most powerful times to create something of your own.

In this episode, we chat about:

• What really happened when Evelyn’s business went from consistent income to zero revenue in three months

• The lessons behind rebuilding a business from scratch and creating sustainable lead generation systems
• How AI is changing the way we build and scale businesses (and how to actually use it without overwhelm)
• The role of personal brand in creating opportunities, from speaking gigs to global connections
• Evelyn’s journey to becoming an international speaker and how visibility led to that moment
• Building a business with your partner and navigating the real challenges of working and parenting together
• Why scaling without sacrifice is possible (and what it actually looks like in real life)
• How Evelyn turned her framework into an AI-powered content system for personal brands
• Why now is the best time to start a business using AI and build something on your terms

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a pivot, rebuilding after a setback, or learning to grow a business without burning out.

Connect with Evelyn:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evlopez/

Website: https://salescommand.ai/

Evelyn Linktree: https://linktr.ee/EvelynLopezDelon

Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014

Support the show:

Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on

Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's).

And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most.

❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

There’s a side to divorce and family law that no one prepares you for.

In today’s episode, Dani Zetzer joins us. Dani is a Melbourne-based principal family lawyer, founder of Respect Legal, and host of Diary of a Divorce Lawyer. With over a decade in family law, she’s known for cutting through fear, jargon, and misinformation to bring clarity to conversations most people avoid.

Dani supports individuals navigating separation, power dynamics, and rebuilding life after relationship breakdown, with a strong focus on empowering women through the process.

We dive deep into the realities of family law in Australia, the emotional and psychological impact of coercive control, and what women actually need to know before leaving a relationship.

In this episode, we chat about:

• How Dani became a divorce lawyer after her own childhood experience of family breakdown
• The truth about the family law system and why it can feel disempowering
• What coercive control and narcissistic abuse really look like in relationships
• Why getting legal advice before leaving a relationship is crucial
• How to safely plan your exit from an abusive or unhealthy relationship
• The emotional and financial realities of separation and divorce
• Navigating court systems, custody, and legal processes in Australia
• The impact of divorce and conflict on children

This conversation shines a light on the intersection of domestic violence, coercive control, and family law, while also offering practical insight into how individuals can approach separation with more clarity, support, and confidence.

Connect with Dani:

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.zetzer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-zetzer/

Website: https://danizetzer.com.au/

Diary of a Divorce Lawyer Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NUoVIZh15FSWEcqIY8ItQ

Respect Legal: https://respectlegal.com.au/

Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014

Support the show:

Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on

Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's).

And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most.

❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.