Marriage Motherhood & PTSD

In this powerful season finale of Marriage, Motherhood & PTSD, Coach Leah sits down with author, speaker, and community builder Leah JM Dean to talk about one of the most important things women need but often lack: a village.

This episode is all about learning how to find your tribe, heal together, and build the kind of community that supports your growth, faith, and emotional well-being. Together, we explore why so many women feel isolated, how past experiences can affect our ability to connect, and what it really takes to create healthy, life-giving relationships as adults.

Leah shares insights from her work and her book Assemble the Tribe, offering practical wisdom on building trust, setting boundaries, and cultivating meaningful connection — especially for women navigating marriage, motherhood, trauma recovery, military life, or major life transitions.

If you’ve ever felt alone, unsupported, or unsure how to build authentic friendships, this episode will encourage you, challenge you, and remind you that you were never meant to do life alone.

Key Topics Covered

• Why every woman needs a strong support system
• How to find your tribe as an adult
• Healing through community and connection
• Overcoming isolation and loneliness
• Creating healthy boundaries in friendships
• The power of sisterhood and shared experiences
• Building safe, supportive relationships that last

About the Guest: Leah JM Dean

Leah JM Dean is an author, speaker, and leadership strategist passionate about helping women build strong communities and meaningful relationships. She is the author of Assemble the Tribe and the founder of Conduit International Ltd., where she equips women to grow personally, professionally, and relationally.

Connect with Leah JM Dean

Website: www.leahjmdean.com

Instagram: @leahjmdean

Facebook: @leahjmdean

LinkedIn:  @leahjmdean

Book – Be Different: https://geni.us/bedifferent

Assemble the Tribe: https://geni.us/AssembleTheTribe

Assemble the Tribe Bonus Portal: https://www.leahjmdean.com/attbonuses

Be Different Song: https://youtu.be/qTgYkKTgJDg?si=PskHch0_hStFgoam 

The Quiet Life Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.leahjmdean.com/join

In this powerful episode of Marriage, Motherhood & PTSD, Coach Leah sits down with Shalena Broaster — known worldwide as Shalena D.I.V.A., the Purpose Driven Diva — to talk about something every busy woman needs but rarely prioritizes: herself.

This conversation goes far beyond productivity or business strategy. Together, we explore how women can reclaim their peace, rediscover their purpose, and create a life that reflects their God-given gifts — even while juggling marriage, motherhood, and a full plate of responsibilities.

Shalena shares her personal journey of uncovering her natural talents through hardship and necessity, and how self-care became her foundation for success. From early-morning routines to quieting your spirit, gratitude journaling, building daily discipline, and even using tools like ChatGPT as a personal assistant — she breaks down practical steps women can take to stop surviving and finally start thriving.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, undervalued, or stretched too thin, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and strategies you need to put you back at the top of your priority list.

🔥 Key Takeaways

• Why prioritizing yourself is the first step toward true peace and productivity
• How to identify natural gifts, skills, and value already inside you
• The role of self-care: silence, morning routines, rest, gratitude, and spiritual grounding
• How to make space daily for your business, purpose, and personal growth
• Using simple tools (like ChatGPT!) to boost creativity and productivity
• Why women must stop feeling guilty for choosing themselves
• How to build a life that honors your purpose and supports your family

🌟 About Today’s Guest: Shalena D.I.V.A.

Shalena Broaster — widely known as Shalena D.I.V.A., the Purpose Driven Diva — is a powerhouse entrepreneur, author, speaker, and digital educator. She is dedicated to helping women discover their gifts, monetize their expertise, and create lives of purpose and financial freedom. Through her coaching programs, online courses, and transformational teachings, she equips women to rise above limitations and walk boldly in their calling.

🔗 Connect With Shalena D.I.V.A.

YouTube: youtube.com/shalenadiva

Instagram: @shalenadiva

Facebook: @shalenadiva

Gifts, Talents & Entrepreneurship (with First Lady Irene Magee)

In this powerful episode of Marriage, Motherhood & PTSD, Coach Leah sits down with First Lady Irene Magee — pastor, wife, mother, educator, and serial entrepreneur — to talk about discovering your God-given gifts, developing your talents, and stepping boldly into purpose.

Together, they dive deep into why so many women feel called to “more,” the difference between a gift and a talent, how to know when it’s time to monetize your skills, and why so many of us start strong but struggle to finish. Irene shares her journey from the classroom to building multiple businesses, leading a thriving ministry, and empowering an entire community to release what God placed inside of them.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, unsure of your calling, or afraid to take the next step — this episode will activate your faith, ignite your creativity, and remind you that purpose does not expire. Your gifts are still alive. And your next level is still possible.

 Takeaways

• How to identify the gifts and talents God placed in you
• Why self-discovery must come before purpose
• How to tell the difference between a good idea and a God idea
• What causes “serial starters” to struggle with consistency
• When to monetize your gift — and when it’s time to let something go
• The importance of supportive relationships in your purpose journey
• How to balance business, motherhood, marriage, and ministry
• Why creativity, vision, and discipline are essential for entrepreneurs
• How to rediscover passion after burnout or disappointment

About the Guest — First Lady Irene Magee

First Lady Irene Magee is a dynamic pastor, educator, wife, mother, and serial entrepreneur who co-leads Empowerment Ministries Christian Center (EMCC) in Gulfport, Mississippi alongside her husband, Pastor Greg Magee. Known for her wisdom, leadership, and passion for helping others unlock their potential, Irene has launched multiple businesses and created a thriving environment where ministry, creativity, and entrepreneurship collide.

She is a powerful voice for women walking in purpose and an inspiration to anyone ready to release the gifts inside of them.

Connect with Irene Magee

Website: irenemagee.com

Facebook: theempowermentministrieschristiancenter

YouTube: empowermentministrieschristiancenter

Women & Money — Taking Control of Your Financial Future

Coach Leah sits down with Saudi Rodgers, MBA, AFC®, a personal finance manager with 19+ years serving military members and families, to unpack how women—especially wives and moms—can build confidence with money, break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, and protect their households. They cover mindset shifts, practical budgeting, debt payoff strategies, credit building, smart (and safe) steps into investing, and why end-of-life planning is an act of love.

Key Takeaways

• Knowledge beats fear: Money gets easier when you decide to learn. Women often make excellent investors because they research and act with intention.
• Use the 70/20/10 guide: ~70% to living expenses, ≤20% to debt, ≥10% to savings/investing. If you can live on less than 70%, even better.
• Pay yourself first: Treat savings, emergency fund (aim 3–6 months), and retirement as non-negotiable line items. Give every dollar a job.
• Stop the overdraft spiral: Set a personal “zero” (e.g., $250–$1,000) you never go below to avoid fees and stress.
• Credit cards require discipline: Great for travel protection and rewards only if you pay in full monthly. Don’t float everyday expenses on credit.
• Kill debt with the snowball: List all debts, eliminate tiny balances first, then roll payments forward for quick wins and momentum.
• Build/repair credit smartly: Pull reports at annualcreditreport.com, pay on time, clear collections, and consider secured cards/loans to establish positive history.
• Budget, but keep it realistic: Track actual spending (subscriptions, eating out, “small leaks”). Use lists for grocery runs; consider pickup/delivery to stick to the plan.
• Invest safely, not blindly: Verify with SEC.gov/Investor.org; beware “friend tips” and urgency plays. Only invest what you can afford to lose after funding essentials.
• Plan for the unthinkable: Life insurance, a valid will, and clear instructions reduce chaos for your family—true financial self-care.

About the Guest — Saudi Rodgers, MBA, AFC®

Personal Finance Manager & Accredited Financial Counselor®

• 19+ years coaching military members and families in budgeting, debt reduction, credit building, and investing fundamentals
• Bachelor’s in Marketing & Spanish; MBA; AFC® certification

Connect with Saudi

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook/Instagram: search “Saudi Rodgers”

In this soul-stirring episode of Marriage, Motherhood & PTSD, Coach Leah N. Huggins sits down with Jaime Norwood—minister, worship leader, entrepreneur, and creator of Purpose Pushers and Building Yung Entrepreneurs (BYE)—to talk about what it truly means to become a woman of prayer.

Together, they unpack the power of prayer in every season of life—how to stay consistent when you’re overwhelmed, how to hear God’s voice, and how prayer deepens your relationship with Him. Jaime shares practical steps to strengthen your prayer life, find focus in your faith, and push through spiritual fatigue with purpose.

This conversation will remind you that prayer isn’t just communication—it’s connection. Whether you’re praying for your family, your marriage, or your peace of mind, this episode will inspire you to draw closer to God and trust His timing.

• How to build a consistent prayer life when you’re busy or emotionally drained
• Learning to hear and recognize the voice of God
• Overcoming distraction, doubt, and disappointment in prayer
• The importance of faith, vulnerability, and surrender in spiritual growth
• Practical tools for reconnecting with God after a difficult season

Jaime Norwood is a powerhouse minister, entrepreneur, and worship leader known as The Prayer Pusher. She leads the deliverance and intercession ministry at her church and is the founder of Purpose Pushers, LLC and BYE – Building Yung Entrepreneurs, an initiative empowering youth to embrace purpose and entrepreneurship. Jaime is also the creator of The Pray With Purpose Planner and Pray Some More Journal, designed to help women grow in their prayer life and walk with God

• Website: www.jaimebnorwood.com
• Facebook: @JaimeBNorwood
• Instagram: @theprayerpusher
• Shop: Available on her website for prayer journals and planners

Coach Leah sits down with Saundi Rodgers, MBA, AFC®, a personal finance manager with 19+ years serving military members and families, to unpack how women—especially wives and moms—can build confidence with money, break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, and protect their households. They cover mindset shifts, practical budgeting, debt payoff strategies, credit building, smart (and safe) steps into investing, and why end-of-life planning is an act of love.

• Knowledge beats fear: Money gets easier when you decide to learn. Women often make excellent investors because they research and act with intention.
• Use the 70/20/10 guide: ~70% to living expenses, ≤20% to debt, ≥10% to savings/investing. If you can live on less than 70%, even better.
• Pay yourself first: Treat savings, emergency fund (aim 3–6 months), and retirement as non-negotiable line items. Give every dollar a job.
• Stop the overdraft spiral: Set a personal “zero” (e.g., $250–$1,000) you never go below to avoid fees and stress.
• Credit cards require discipline: Great for travel protection and rewards only if you pay in full monthly. Don’t float everyday expenses on credit.
• Kill debt with the snowball: List all debts, eliminate tiny balances first, then roll payments forward for quick wins and momentum.
• Build/repair credit smartly: Pull reports at annualcreditreport.com, pay on time, clear collections, and consider secured cards/loans to establish positive history.
• Budget, but keep it realistic: Track actual spending (subscriptions, eating out, “small leaks”). Use lists for grocery runs; consider pickup/delivery to stick to the plan.
• Invest safely, not blindly: Verify with SEC.gov/Investor.org; beware “friend tips” and urgency plays. Only invest what you can afford to lose after funding essentials.
• Plan for the unthinkable: Life insurance, a valid will, and clear instructions reduce chaos for your family—true financial self-care.

Personal Finance Manager & Accredited Financial Counselor®

• 19+ years coaching military members and families in budgeting, debt reduction, credit building, and investing fundamentals
• Bachelor’s in Marketing & Spanish; MBA; AFC® certification

Connect with Saundi

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook/Instagram: search “Saundi Rodgers”

Website: http://www.jaimebnorwood.com

In this episode of Marriage, Motherhood, and PTSD, Coach Leah tackles one of the biggest struggles women face—unrealistic expectations in marriage and motherhood. From believing your spouse should meet all your needs, to chasing the picture-perfect mom life that social media sells us, these false expectations only set us up for disappointment, resentment, and burnout.

Coach Leah shares practical strategies and biblical truths to help you:

• Recognize where unrealistic expectations come from
• Replace them with grace, truth, and realistic growth goals
• Communicate openly with your spouse about needs and boundaries
• Release the guilt and pressure of “supermom” culture
• Find strength in God, community, and celebrating small victories

Whether you’ve struggled with feeling like you’re not enough as a wife or as a mother, this episode will encourage you to lay down the heavy weight of impossible standards and embrace progress over perfection.

Journal & Reflection Questions:

• What unrealistic expectations am I carrying in my marriage?
• What standards in motherhood are draining me?
• Where have I been too hard on myself?
• What voices do I need to tune out?
• What small victory can I celebrate this week?

Weekly Challenge:

Write down one unrealistic expectation you’ve been carrying and replace it with a truth grounded in grace. Example: Change “I have to be a perfect mom” to “I am a present mom, and that is enough.”

💬 Join the conversation inside The Locker Room with Coach Leah to share your story and encourage other women walking the same journey. https://www.iamcoachleah.com/thelockerroom

So many of us struggle with being our true, authentic selves in a world that constantly tries to put us in boxes. In this episode, Coach Leah is joined by longtime friend, author, speaker, life coach, and host of the On Everything podcast, J. Floyd. Together, they unpack what it really means to live authentically, the power of embracing your God-given uniqueness, and how to overcome self-doubt, people-pleasing, and imposter syndrome.

From childhood trauma to corporate challenges to discovering his calling as a coach, J. shares his powerful journey of leaning into authenticity and allowing God to order his steps. This conversation will encourage you to embrace who you are, trust God’s plan for your life, and walk boldly in your purpose—flaws and all.

Whether you’re battling PTSD’s effects on your identity, struggling with self-awareness, or simply tired of trying to fit in, this episode will remind you that your story isn’t over and God is still writing your poem.

• Why authenticity starts with honesty before God
• How trauma and family dynamics can shape our identity struggles
• The connection between self-awareness, feedback, and growth
• Why imposter syndrome is universal and how to overcome it with faith
• The dangers of people-pleasing and how to get to the root cause
• Practical steps to identify and lean into your strengths daily
• How to walk in authenticity—even when fear and insecurity show up

In this powerful episode of Marriage, Motherhood, and PTSD, Coach Leah is joined by the incredible Julia Green—wife, mother, business owner, founder of the J. Green Institute, and beauty industry mentor. Together, they dive deep into what it truly means to walk in confidence, self-love, and self-worth—especially after seasons of trauma, self-doubt, or comparison.

Julia shares her journey from cosmetology school to running her own salon, mentoring the next generation of beauty professionals, and launching confidence workshops for young girls. She gets real about the challenges of self-esteem, the “noise in the background” that can steal your joy, and the importance of leaning on God for true confidence.

This conversation is for every woman who has ever:

• Struggled with self-doubt or comparison
• Found it hard to embrace her identity outside of her roles as wife, mom, or businesswoman
• Needed encouragement to love herself fully and unapologetically
• Wanted to help the next generation of women rise in confidence

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why confidence can feel “fickle” and how to anchor it in faith
• How childhood experiences shape adult self-esteem—and the role therapy can play in healing
• The signs of low self-esteem (including why some clients won’t even look in the mirror)
• The power of representation, community, and sisterhood in building confidence
• How to shut out the negative noise and keep walking in your God-given purpose
• Why self-love starts with permission—forgiveness, grace, and intentional self-care

Julia also shares wisdom for parents, mentors, and educators on how to build confidence in the next generation, from bullying prevention to creating spaces where girls can be seen, heard, and celebrated.

In this episode of Marriage, Motherhood, and PTSD, Coach Leah takes us deep into the truth about personal growth and marriage—and why it always begins with YOU.

So often, we believe that if our spouse would just change, everything would get better. But the reality is that real transformation in marriage starts when we take accountability for our own actions, habits, and mindset. Leah shares her personal story of realizing that her healing and growth could not depend on her husband, but had to come from within—through faith, accountability, and intentional self-work.

You’ll hear practical strategies to:

• Reconnect with your passions and identity outside of wife and mom roles
• Set healthy boundaries that protect your peace and energy
• Nurture your faith as the foundation of personal and marital growth
• Practice self-reflection and emotional regulation
• Grow individually while staying intentional about growing together as a couple

Leah also reminds us that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When you invest in your personal growth, your spouse, your kids, and your home all benefit from the wholeness and strength you bring.

Journal Prompts from this Episode:

1. What parts of myself have I neglected while serving my spouse and family?
2. What is one personal goal I can set this month that has nothing to do with marriage or kids?
3. How can my personal growth positively impact my relationship?

This Week’s Challenge: Dedicate at least 30 minutes a day just for YOU—whether it’s reading, journaling, walking, praying, or resting. Consistency is key.