Host note: I incorrectly state that coercive control is only criminalised in Queensland, Australia. As of the time of recording (March 2026), it is also criminalised in New South Wales and South Australia.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, coercive control, and suicidal ideation. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering.

What if the most dangerous form of abuse wasn’t physical, and you didn’t even realise it was happening?

In today’s episode, Marina Garbuio joins us. Marina is the founder of Motivating Marketing, a marketing strategist, and university lecturer who helps service-based businesses turn expertise into clear, practical marketing that actually works.

For 16 years, Marina lived in a relationship where her self-worth was slowly eroded through constant criticism, manipulation, intimidation, and psychological abuse. She believed it was simply the 'ups and downs of marriage' until one night changed everything.

That moment shattered the illusion she had been living under and finally gave language to what she had been experiencing for years.

Marina shares how she left that long-term abusive relationship whilst pregnant, navigated the legal system, and slowly reclaimed her independence, identity, and voice.

In this episode, we chat about:

• What coercive control actually looks like (and why it’s so hard to recognise)
• The moment Marina realised she was experiencing domestic violence
• Leaving an abusive relationship while pregnant and starting over
• How manipulation, gaslighting, and control showed up in her marriage
• Navigating custody battles, court systems, and post-separation control
• The impact of coercive control on children and family dynamics
• The role of boundaries, balance, and emotional regulation in healing

This conversation sheds light on coercive control, a form of abuse that is still widely misunderstood, and explores how it can show up not just in romantic relationships, but within families, friendships, and workplaces.

Marina’s story reminds us that investing in your own healing can completely shift your mindset, moving from survival mode into a place of balance, purpose, and empowerment.

Connect with Marina:

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

Website: https://www.motivatingmarketing.com.au/

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

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

If you are a DV violence survivor or facing a similar situation, I'm here for you. You can connect with me on Instagram ⁠⁠@lifeafterileftpodcast⁠

If you need urgent support, reach out to one of these incredible services:

1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service

Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)

Text: 0458 737 732

Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au

Safe Steps – Family violence response centre (Victoria)

Phone: 1800 015 188 (24/7)

Website: https://safesteps.org.au

Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention

Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)

Text: 0477 13 11 14

Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue – Mental health support for anxiety and depression

Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)

Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.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.

How many times would you repeat the same relationship pattern before you finally choose yourself?

This week, I’m joined by Linda Kaye, a relationship coach who turned the pain of four divorces into a powerful pathway for healing, boundaries, and self-worth.

Linda now helps men and women break old patterns, rebuild confidence, and create relationships and lives that feel healthy, honest, and aligned.

In this conversation, Linda shares her journey of repeatedly finding herself in toxic, abusive, and unfulfilling relationships, and the moment everything finally shifted.

From being abandoned at 17 and living in survival mode for decades to experiencing a life-changing breakthrough in a breathwork session, Linda shares what it takes to break the cycle and choose yourself.

In this episode, we chat about:

• How Linda went through four marriages and divorces, and the patterns she didn’t see at the time
• What love bombing really looks like and why it’s so easy to fall for
• The cycle of toxic relationships and why we keep repeating it
• The breathwork session that changed everything
• Learning to set boundaries and stop people-pleasing
• Rebuilding self-worth and discovering who you are on your own
• The power of spending time alone and taking yourself on solo dates
• How Linda created a healthy, safe relationship after doing the work

Linda’s story is proof that no matter how many times you’ve repeated the same patterns, and no matter how long you’ve felt stuck, you can break the cycle, choose yourself, and create a life and love that actually feels safe.

Connect with Linda:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindakaye.official/

Website: https://lindakaye.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.

Sometimes life asks you to make a decision that feels both terrifying and completely right at the same time.

Trigger warning: This episode mentions domestic violence. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing what happened after I spoke at an International Women’s Day event in Melbourne and the realisation that followed.

Standing on that stage, sharing my story of domestic violence and survival, something shifted in me. For the first time in a long time, I felt completely aligned with the work I was doing and the impact I wanted to have.

And it made me realise something hard.

I’ve spent the last five years helping build other people’s dreams through my work as an online business manager. Work I’m proud of. Work I’m good at.

But something inside me is asking for more.

So I made a decision that honestly scares me.

I’m stepping away from the business I built so I can figure out what comes next.

In this episode, I talk about trusting intuition, following the pull toward purpose, and allowing yourself to change direction even when you don’t have the answers yet.

Because sometimes the bravest thing you can do is start again.

In this episode, I chat about:

• Speaking at an International Women’s Day event and sharing my domestic violence story
• Why domestic violence impacts all of us, even if we’ve never experienced it directly
• Why creating spaces for women to share their voices matters so deeply to me and this mission at Life After I Left
• The moment I realised I wanted more from my life and work
• The Instagram announcement about my business that blew up
• Trusting intuition when the next step isn’t clear and following something unknown
• Choosing purpose and impact over playing it safe

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for being part of this community. There is so much more to come, and I’m grateful you’re here for the journey.

Links:

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

Watch my International Women's Day Talk: https://youtu.be/k_wod7L-YAE

Watch my business announcement on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVz4dL0kYYC/

Leishman Finance Services: https://www.leishmans.com.au/

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.

Could the thing that helps you find yourself again be as simple as putting pen to paper?

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of self-harm, bulimia, suicide, and substance abuse. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering.

In today’s episode, we're joined by Jenna Little, a romance author, publishing mentor, and visionary behind The Daring Empire, a creative ecosystem devoted to story expression and legacy.

She is also the founder of The Daring Press, a cinematic publishing house helping authors bring powerful stories to life through strategy, energetics, and high-touch support.

Jenna shares her journey of growing up feeling lost, struggling with self-harm, bulimia, and substance use as a teenager, and the intense pressure to fit in.

After years of numbing pain through alcohol and unhealthy coping mechanisms, a simple journal gifted by her mum became the turning point that changed everything.

Writing became Jenna’s lifeline. What began as a private space to process her emotions evolved into storytelling, creativity, and eventually a career as an author with 18 published books.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Growing up feeling lost and the pressure to fit in during the teenage years
• Using alcohol and people-pleasing as armour, and masking feelings of not belonging
• Experiences with self-harm, bulimia, and substance use
• How journaling became a lifeline, helping Jenna process her emotions and reconnect with herself
• Discovering a love for storytelling and writing her first book
• Turning creativity into a career and writing 18 books
• Letting go of alcohol and learning to show up confidently as herself
• The importance of becoming your own best friend

Jenna’s journey shows that even in our darkest moments, there's always a way forward, and sometimes it begins with something as simple as telling your story.

Her story reminds us that even behind the masks people wear, it’s possible to come home to yourself. Writing and creative expression offer permission to exist fully and affirm that no one is broken, alone, or too far gone.

Connect with Jenna:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennallittle

Website: www.thedaringbookshop.com

Publishing house: https://www.instagram.com/thedaringpress/

The Authoress Mastermind: www.thedaringpress.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 learning to live alongside anxiety, instead of fighting it, is what truly sets you free?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Natalie Rozen, an entrepreneur, psychotherapist, and coach helping people create meaningful change in their lives.

With over a decade of experience supporting clients through trauma and emotional challenges, she combines practical therapy tools with embodiment and nervous system work to foster lasting transformation.

She’s also the founder of Soul-Food Graze, creating beautiful grazing experiences that bring people together, and shares her insights online to inspire growth, courage, and authenticity.

Natalie shares her powerful story of growing up with chronic anxiety and agoraphobia, feeling trapped inside her own home, and the pivotal moment at 16 when she decided her life had to change. Through mentorship, therapy, embodiment work, and a complete reframe of her relationship with fear, she learned how to live alongside anxiety.

Her journey from isolation to self-liberation shows that when you make a decision to change, the right people, tools, and opportunities appear.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Growing up with childhood anxiety and developing agoraphobia
• Learning to live alongside anxiety instead of trying to ‘cure’ it
• Making space for difficult emotions, rather than self-sabotaging or ignoring them
• The impact of mentors on your life trajectory
• The nervous breakdown at 16 that sparked the transformation
• Using acting, performance, and creativity to build confidence
• Building community through food, events, and women supporting women

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that healing isn’t about removing the difficult parts of yourself, it’s about embracing and integrating them. Anxiety doesn’t have to be your enemy, it can guide you, teach you, and even spark transformation.

Connect with Natalie:

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

Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalierozencoaching/

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.

TW: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering.

Turning 40 can bring up a lot. Reflection, fear, grief, pride, and everything in between.

And sometimes, it asks us to really look at the life we’ve lived so far.

It’s just me here today, reflecting on the last four decades of my life: the relationships I stayed in, the patterns I repeated, and the moments that quietly changed everything.

I share how turning 30 once felt terrifying but became one of the best years of my life, how moving to Australia changed my path in ways I never expected, and how years of unhealthy relationships shaped but did not define who I am today.

This episode is about self-compassion, breaking patterns, learning to sit with yourself, and understanding that healing isn’t linear and it doesn’t have an age limit.

If you’re approaching a milestone birthday, leaving a relationship, questioning old beliefs, or standing at the edge of a life change, this is for you.

In this episode, I chat about:

• Turning 40 and reflecting on who you’ve been and who you’re becoming
• How milestone ages can trigger fear, grief, societal pressure, and deep self-reflection
• Breaking cycles of unhealthy relationships and generational trauma
• Learning self-compassion after years of survival mode
• Choosing to build a life that feels safe, aligned, and true to you
• The power of storytelling, community, and sharing your voice

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for holding space; for me and for each other.

And here’s to the next 40!

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.

TW: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss, grief, and mental health. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering.

How do you take unimaginable loss and transform it into purpose, advocacy, and lasting change?

This week, I’m joined by Jacqui Maloney, a speaking and communications coach who loves nothing more than helping people tell their story in a way that is heard and remembered.

She works with founders, entrepreneurs, and businesses to uncover their unique story and guide them in sharing it effectively.

Jacqui was actually our very first podcast guest and, today, she’s back to share a different story.

After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, she faced profound grief, relationship challenges, and societal misunderstanding.

Jacqui chose to transform her pain into meaningful action, not only for herself, but for women across Western Australia. Through her work, she’s building support systems, resources, and safe spaces for parents navigating one of life’s most difficult experiences.

In this episode, we explore:

• Jacqui’s personal journey through pregnancy loss and grief
• How her loss affected her relationships, mental health, and professional life
• The moment she realised so many other women had similar experiences when she spoke out on social media
• The Rose Garden in Western Australia and her role as Chair of the Committee
• The creation and vision of the Macaru Foundation
• How she is building spaces, training programs, and resources to support grieving parents
• Practical advice for anyone experiencing loss or supporting someone through it

If you’ve ever faced loss, felt isolated, or wondered how to turn trauma into action, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing, hope, and meaningful change are possible, even after the darkest experiences.

Connect with Jacqui:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-maloney/

Makuru Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/makurufoundation/

Website: www.jacquimaloney.com

KEMH Memorial Rose Garden

Support and resources for pregnancy loss and miscarriage:

Pink Elephants: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/

Miscarriage Australia: https://miscarriageaustralia.com.au/

Red Nose Australia: https://www.bearsofhope.org.au/

Bears of Hope: https://www.bearsofhope.org.au/

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.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering.

What does rebuilding look like when leaving was only the first step?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Adrienne Donnelly, founder of Organised by Adrienne, co-founder of the Newcastle Virtual Assistants Network, owner of Seed Virtual Assistants, and President of Gen Collective.

For the first time publicly, Adrienne shares her story of leaving a domestic violence relationship in her early twenties, and how that moment became the catalyst for a life dedicated to community, connection, and supporting women.

Adrienne speaks candidly about the isolation that often comes with abusive relationships, the quiet clarity of the day she left for good, and the long process of rebuilding confidence, identity, and safety.

Today, Adrienne is known for creating spaces where women feel supported, connected, and less isolated, particularly in small businesses and virtual work.

In this episode, we chat about:

• What it’s like to leave a violent relationship more than once before leaving for good
• The role isolation plays in abusive relationships, and why community is often the missing piece
• Rebuilding friendships, confidence, and identity after leaving
• How trauma can change your body, voice, posture, and sense of self
• The importance of family and support networks when leaving
• Finding and creating the right communities, especially for women in business
• Navigating social anxiety, networking overwhelm, and protecting your energy
• Why real-life connection matters so deeply in a digital world

Adrienne’s story is a reminder that leaving is only the beginning. Healing takes time, support, and space to rebuild confidence, identity, and safety.

If you’ve left an abusive relationship, felt alone in the aftermath, or are searching for connection and community as part of your healing, this episode is for you.

Connect with Adrienne:

Website: www.organisedbyadrienne.com.au

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

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

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

If you are a DV violence survivor or facing a similar situation, I'm here for you. You can connect with me on Instagram ⁠⁠@lifeafterileftpodcast⁠

If you need urgent support, reach out to one of these incredible services:

1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service

Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)

Text: 0458 737 732

Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au

Safe Steps – Family violence response centre (Victoria)

Phone: 1800 015 188 (24/7)

Website: https://safesteps.org.au

Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention

Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)

Text: 0477 13 11 14

Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue – Mental health support for anxiety and depression

Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)

Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au

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 work, travel, and self-care really co-exist without burning out?

This week, I’m joined by Emma Lovell, Bleisure Coach, speaker, and author, who helps people harmonise business, travel, and self-care in what she calls the ‘bleisure lifestyle’.

She shows how a life designed with purpose, joy, and freedom is possible, even while running a thriving business and traveling the world.

Before the books, global audiences, and retreats, Emma experienced a life-changing moment at 22 that set her on a path to building a business around travel, self-care, and purpose.

In this conversation, she openly shares the clarity, grief, and growth that shaped her approach to life, business, and the bleisure lifestyle.

In this episode, we chat about:

• The life-changing skiing accident that became a turning point for rest, reflection, and goal-setting
• Starting a business from zero while recovering from a broken back, and the lessons learned about taking the first step
• How grief, loss, and tragedy shaped her approach to entrepreneurship, self-care, and life design
• The evolution from PR and social media to coaching, personal branding, and bleisure coaching
• Understanding the bleisure lifestyle and how to harmonise work, travel, and self-care without burning out
• How to identify whether you are taking meaningful steps toward your goals or procrastinating
• Lessons from running retreats, traveling with family, and integrating creativity, leisure, and business

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating grief, burnout, or the challenge of designing a life they truly love.

Emma’s story is a reminder that clarity and growth often come in unexpected ways, and that starting, even imperfectly, is the first step toward a life full of purpose and freedom.

Connect with Emma:

Website: www.emmalovell.au

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalovell.au/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalovelly/

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

Podcast: https://emmalovell.au/podcast/

Our live event is back!

Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Grab your ticket now:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279

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.

This week, I’m joined by Jemma Haythorne, body image coach and host of the Finding Freedom podcast. Jemma helps women ditch body shame, rebuild a healthy relationship with food, and embrace their bodies with compassion, confidence, and self-love.

Before she was helping women heal their relationship with food, Jemma experienced the very struggles so many of her clients face like confusing diet rules, obsessive weight cycles, and the impossible beauty standards pushed by social media and society.

In this conversation, Jemma shares her personal journey through body dissatisfaction, diet culture traps, and self-sabotage, and how she found freedom and empowerment through mindset work, coaching, and self-awareness.

She also opens up about her mission to teach children healthy body image from an early age, because the earlier we start, the bigger the impact.

In this episode, we chat about:

• What diet culture actually is and how it impacts body image and self-esteem
• How diet culture and body obsession shaped her relationship with food from a young age
• The vicious cycle of strict dieting, binge eating, and disordered eating patterns
• The role of parents, partners, and family in shaping children’s body beliefs
• Why starting conversations about body acceptance in primary schools can create lifelong confidence
• Jemma’s thoughts on popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, and why diet culture is so prevalent
• How stripping back to nutrition basics, like protein and regular meals, can transform energy and rebuild an intuitive relationship with food

This episode is a must-listen for anyone tired of diet culture, struggling with food or body confidence, or for parents wanting to raise children who feel safe, confident, and empowered in their bodies.

Connect with Jemma:

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

Website: https://www.inspirewellnessau.com.au/

Podcast: https://www.inspirewellnessau.com.au/podcast

Our live event is back!

Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your ticket now:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279

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.