Content note: mentions child sexual abuse and domestic violence.
In this raw, first-person chapter of Shattered Not Broken, I trace how early wounds shaped what I learned to tolerate—and how I’m unlearning it all. I share memories of losing my dad, living with an abusive stepfather, not being believed, and how that silence followed me into an abusive first marriage. I talk about setting boundaries with family (you can love someone and still keep them out of your life), raising my kids through the chaos, and the moment I decided I’m not settling anymore. I’m working to tell my story more chronologically, bringing on guests to explain how stress lives in the body and to share creative healing paths. If you’ve ever felt “not enough,” this one reminds you: you’re not what happened to you—you’re who you choose to become.

In this episode of Shattered Not Broken, Dawn McClara shares her journey through childhood trauma, family dynamics, and personal growth. She reflects on her experiences of abuse, estrangement from family, and the importance of setting boundaries. Dawn emphasizes the need for self-reflection, taking responsibility for one's own actions, and the power of healing and empowerment. She encourages listeners to believe in themselves and understand that they can rebuild their lives, even when feeling shattered.

Divorce is supposed to bring closure, but what happens when it doesn’t? In this episode, I share the reality of life after my marriage officially ended—where the emails, accusations, and manipulations didn’t stop just because the papers were signed. From losing retirement funds to being berated over cars, bank accounts, and “gifts” with strings attached, I learned that freedom isn’t handed to you in a decree—you have to claim it.

Even after twenty years together, my ex continued trying to control the narrative, painting me as the problem and refusing accountability. But step by step, I set boundaries, blocked the harassment, and reminded myself of a truth I had forgotten: I can stand on my own. I was doing it before him, and I can do it again.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in post-divorce drama, this story is for you. Healing takes time, but peace is possible—and sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is the freedom to live life on your own terms.

Have you ever felt your stomach drop the moment you see a certain name on your phone or in your inbox? For years, I lived with that sinking feeling, knowing it meant more accusations, more blame, and zero accountability from my ex. I was told I was the problem, that I was the narcissist, that I was gaslighting—but the truth is, I wasn’t. I was being controlled and manipulated. In this episode, I share how gaslighting warped my sense of reality, how I questioned my own sanity, and how I eventually found the courage to take my life back. From removing my name from a joint account to setting firm boundaries, I’ve learned that survival means reclaiming your voice, even when it feels terrifying. Triggers still happen, but they no longer define me. If you’ve ever felt trapped in the cycle of blame, I want you to know—you are not alone, and you are not broken. You can thrive, too.

In this episode, I share the raw truth about how a marriage that looks “fine” from the outside can slowly strip away your identity on the inside. After three marriages and three divorces, I carried the weight of believing I was the problem—the common denominator in each failed relationship. But the truth is, I wasn’t broken. I had just given away too much of myself to keep peace, avoid conflict, and please others. Over time, I shrank into someone I barely recognized, always giving but rarely receiving. My kids saw it too—and after my last divorce, they told me I was finally happier, lighter, and more present. Divorce is never easy, but it can be the doorway back to yourself. In this conversation, I open up about accountability, resilience, and what it means to rebuild not just a life, but a stronger relationship with yourself and your children. This is for anyone who has felt fractured by marriage but is ready to rediscover their strength.

In this episode, I open up about what it means to lose your voice in a relationship with a narcissist—and how I found mine again. For years, I carried blame for things I didn’t do, gave up friendships, and lived in fear of arguments, accusations, and control. From keyloggers on my computer to being told who I could and couldn’t see, my world shrank until I felt like a shell of myself. But surviving that marriage taught me something powerful: it is not OK to silence yourself for the sake of keeping peace, and it is not OK to let someone else define your worth. I share the lessons I learned about boundaries, reclaiming joy, and refusing to model unhealthy love for my children and grandchildren. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt trapped, unheard, or diminished in a relationship—you are not alone, and you are worthy of love, peace, and respect.

This episode will give you a little background as to why and how this Podcast came into being. Please know I am not a therapist, I am just an average person that didn't realize how many other people were experiencing what I was and am. Had I known there were others going through these types of situations it would've been helpful. As a society we don't speak our truth, for fear of being judged. Know that you are not alone and while life may be a little rocky, if you believe enough in yourself and are surrounded by people who genuinely care about you, it gets better.