That's Where I'm At

After navigating seven toxic marriages marked by abuse, divorce, loss, and the challenges of being a prison wife, Jo Ann Fawcett transformed her experiences into a journey of healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. On That's Where I'm At, Jo Ann joins Laura to discuss breaking free from toxic relationships, recognizing narcissistic abuse, and reclaiming her voice and personal power.

An author of three books centered on her journey from toxic relationships to thriving, Jo Ann shares her experiences in her 2024 memoir, The Prince Was Wrong: Leaving the Narcissist Behind, which explores her relationship with her seventh husband and the red flags of narcissistic abuse. After nearly 30 years as an active member of the Mormon Church, she also embraced her interests in UFOs, elementals, magic, and the paranormal. Today, Jo Ann is creating a fulfilling life on her own terms and inspiring others to recognize their strengths, trust themselves, and discover that it's never too late to create a better future.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Podcast introduction and welcome (00:00:34) Laura welcomes listeners to the show, introducing the episode's focus on breaking free from toxic relationships and the importance of sharing healing stories.

Content warning and platform support (00:01:00) Laura issues a trigger warning for sensitive subjects and encourages listeners to subscribe and support the podcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

Introducing Jo Ann Fawcett (00:01:32) Laura introduces her guest, Jo Ann Fawcett, highlighting her extraordinary journey through seven toxic marriages, her transition out of the Mormon Church after nearly 30 years, and her work as an author.

Jo Ann's Leo nature and openness (00:03:00) Jo Ann shares why she has no problem speaking out publicly about her experiences, comparing her past podcast work covering UFOs and the paranormal with her current advocacy.

Writing books from toxic to thriving (00:04:10) Jo Ann discusses her book series focused on moving from toxic environments to thriving, including her 2024 memoir The Prince Was Wrong.

Reflecting on marriage number seven (00:06:20) Jo Ann reflects on why she didn't set out to collect bad marriages, but how her ultimate goal is to help others trapped in bad situations find a way out.

Life as a "prison wife" (00:09:00) Jo Ann and Laura discuss what it means to be a "prison wife" and how she spent decades married to someone incarcerated.

Recognizing the red flags and psychological control (00:12:45) Jo Ann talks about realizing her partner was a narcissist, the constant moving of goalposts, and how he weaponized the concept of the "good wife."

Escaping Utah and breaking the cycle (00:17:30) Jo Ann details how she moved to Oregon, started taking psychic development workshops, and found the courage to cut the energetic cord from unhealthy dynamics.

Confronting financial control and property hurdles (00:23:00) They dive into the financial realities of dealing with a narcissistic partner, maintaining a deteriorating home, and learning to let go of financial leverage for peace of mind.

Escaping high-control religious structures (00:32:00) Jo Ann shares her background growing up in the 1950s and 60s, joining the Mormon Church at age 12, and the awakening that led her to walk away from dogmatic control.

Realizing you are the love of your life (00:41:00) Jo Ann and Laura discuss the deep inner work of healing from codependency, letting go of the search for an external "Prince Charming," and realizing that self-love is paramount.

Using writing as a healing tool (00:52:00) Jo Ann shares her passion for journaling and how writing prompts can help survivors process trauma, identify red flags, and rebuild their lives.

Closing and where to find Jo Ann(01:01:00) Laura thanks Jo Ann, shares her website and upcoming projects, and reminds listeners to leave a 5-star review.

Podcast sign-off (01:03:15) Laura thanks listeners for tuning into another story of hope and healing.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Jo Ann, "My goal is to help people who are stuck and feel like they can't get out of a situation... If I can motivate at least one person to find a good path for them, great."

Jo Ann, "The narcissist works by throwing it back in your face because you're wrong, they are never wrong."

Jo Ann, "I had to accept that I might not [get paid], and then let it go. And that's when it finally happened."

Jo Ann, "You can change your life at any point to make it better for you, so don't stay in harm's way."

Laura, "We don't have to be on the other side to share our story. This show is for the women still in the middle of the mess, but showing up bravely as they heal."

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@thatswhereimatpodcast

COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura

GRAB LAURA'S BOOK: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/book-store

ALL BOOKS BY MY GUESTS: https://www.amazon.com/shop/lauranarcissistawareness/list/27V6DP1K008NA?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d

WEBSITE: https://joannfawcett.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jo.ann.fawcett.author

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jo.a.richards.5

SUBSTACK: https://joannfawcett606153.substack.com

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-ann-fawcett-a7b9b832

"You can reclaim your life at any point by choosing yourself, breaking free from toxic relationships, and creating a future rooted in peace and self-love."

This podcast and its contents may not be used for training or developing AI systems without permission.

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

After rebuilding her life following the sudden end of a 25-year marriage, Elizabeth Jane turned her personal journey into a powerful mission to help others heal, rise, and reconnect with their true worth. On That's Where I'm At, Elizabeth joins Laura to discuss navigating heartbreak, family conflict, dating anxiety, and communication breakdowns with grace and self-respect.

Elizabeth is an emotional wellbeing expert, celebrated artist, keynote speaker, and the author of the bestselling book Free and First: Unlocking Your Ultimate Life. Through her art, writing, and public speaking, she empowers others to navigate emotional challenges, embrace authenticity, and have courageous conversations. She shares heartfelt insights on healing, self-worth, and rebuilding a fulfilling life after major transitions.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Podcast introduction and content warning (00:00:00) Laura introduces the show and issues a content warning for potentially triggering subjects.

Introducing Elizabeth and her work (00:01:32) Laura welcomes Elizabeth Jane, highlighting her background as an emotional well-being expert, artist, keynote speaker, and author.

Elizabeth's background and optimism (00:02:40) Elizabeth discusses growing up as a shy child who always looked on the bright side of life, building what she thought was a secure life with a picket fence and four children.

The sudden end of a 25-year marriage (00:05:00) Elizabeth recounts the shock and initial denial of her long-term marriage ending abruptly after a single conversation, leading to a period of heavy loneliness.

Realizing everyone had moved on (00:08:12) Elizabeth reflects on how her ex-husband and social circle moved on quickly, leaving her to question her life's dedication to her family.

Discovering tools for self-discovery (00:10:30) Elizabeth shares how she began writing tools and tips to help herself get out of bed, which organically grew into her book focused on rediscovering the true self.

Understanding boundaries and the "kiss approach" (00:13:20) Elizabeth and Laura discuss the concept of boundaries—a term unfamiliar to many women in midlife—and the importance of keeping life guidance simple through the "kiss approach" across financial, relationship, and health baskets.

Building "Me Time" and the ABC of Me (00:16:10) Elizabeth introduces her tool, the "ABC of Me," designed to help people navigate trauma and transitions by starting with small, daily moments of joy and self-care.

Moving away from the past and future anxiety (00:23:45) They discuss how getting trapped in past regrets ("spilled milk") or fantasy futures drains energy, and why anchoring into the present moment is vital.

Recognizing how the body holds trauma (00:28:10) Elizabeth and Laura explore how unexpressed pain, anger, and lack of boundaries manifest as physical stress, anxiety, and autoimmune issues.

The power of physical movement and shaking it off (00:32:00) Drawing parallels to how animals shake off fear, they discuss using movement, dancing, mini trampolines, and daily walks to release anxiety from the body.

Transforming the "anger bomb" into empowered conversations (00:36:15) Elizabeth explains how to channel heavy anger and energy into productive communication and self-advocacy rather than letting it fester.

The danger of people-pleasing and self-abandonment (00:41:30) They reflect on the challenges women face when prioritizing everyone else's needs over their own, and why learning to love oneself is essential.

Trying new hobbies and embracing creativity (00:47:00) Elizabeth shares how trying painting and exploring creative outlets helped her step out of her comfort zone and rediscover joy.

Practicing gratitude to attract positivity (00:52:15) They discuss how shifting away from a scarcity mindset and practicing genuine gratitude helps attract better opportunities and supportive people.

Forgiveness as a tool for personal freedom (00:56:40) Elizabeth emphasizes that forgiveness is for your own liberation, allowing you to drop the heavy baggage of the past rather than condoning past actions.

Closing and where to find Elizabeth (01:00:30) Laura thanks Elizabeth, shares her website details, and encourages listeners to support the podcast.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Elizabeth, "Once we can actually have that courage to be authentic with what, how we feel and what we need, will then that person can see us for who we are."

Elizabeth, "It's really... rediscovering me, finding the truth of me outside of being a mom and being a wife."

Elizabeth, "If you're not respecting yourself, you're not loving yourself, well then you could get a lot of disrespect... because your energy attracts it."

Laura, "What is 10 minutes that I could do for me that brings me joy, that could bump me up a bit... just get me out of bed in the morning?"

Elizabeth, "The worst thing we can do is to keep it within us... We need to find place how to feel it and then how to let it move on."

Elizabeth, "Every time you start to stand up, you're not only empowering you and becoming closer to being the leader of your life, you're actually the role model to your children."

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/

COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura

MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/book-store

ALL BOOKS BY MY GUESTS: https://www.amazon.com/shop/lauranarcissistawareness/list/27V6DP1K008NA?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d

WEBSITE: https://elizabethjane.au/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethjane.author/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethjaneauthor/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethjaneauthor

"Once we can actually have that courage to be authentic with what, how we feel and what we need, will then that person can see us for who we are."

This podcast and its contents may not be used for training or developing AI systems without permission.

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

After 29 years of marriage, Mia Hanks began to see the relationship differently when a couples' therapist told her she couldn't help her husband—and he left believing he'd "won" therapy. On That's Where I'm At, Mia shares how she slowly recognized the control and self-doubt beneath the surface, why fear and financial dependence made leaving complicated, and how she ultimately found a way out of the marriage to a covert narcissist.

In 2024, Mia published her award-winning memoir, Bride-Made, which chronicles her journey from being groomed by a narcissist to recognizing the toxic relationship, escaping, and reclaiming her self-worth. She also discusses her husband's threats of self-harm, frightening behavior behind the wheel, and the money she says was hidden during their divorce.

Today, Mia is passionate about raising awareness of narcissistic abuse and helping other survivors find their voices, rebuild their confidence, and begin their own journeys toward healing.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Mia's memoir and its purpose (00:00:00) Mia explains how her memoir portrays the subtle, gradual erosion of identity in a relationship with a narcissist.

Podcast introduction and content warning (00:00:34) Laura introduces the show's focus on sharing stories of abuse and healing; listeners are cautioned about potentially triggering subjects.

Introducing Mia and her memoir (00:01:32) Laura welcomes Mia, describing her 29-year marriage, escape, and award-winning memoir, Bride Maid.

Why Mia chose to share her story (00:02:53) Mia discusses discovering narcissistic abuse and hoping her story helps others recognize they can leave.

Financial control and barriers to leaving (00:04:51) Mia and Laura discuss restricted access to money, legal costs, and financial challenges during divorce.

How abuse undermines confidence (00:09:08) They describe feeling incapable after years of criticism, along with the hope and trauma bond that can keep someone attached.

Mia's gradual realization and couples therapy (00:12:52) Mia recalls recognizing the relationship was unhealthy and a therapist confronting her husband's lack of self-awareness.

Private therapy and validation to leave (00:18:40) Mia secretly consults the therapist, who validates her concerns and encourages her to leave safely.

Finding the opportunity to leave (00:19:54) Mia explains how deteriorating health, adult children, and selling the family home helped her decide to leave.

Separation, divorce, and retaliation (00:22:18) Mia describes moving in with her parents, her husband's changing behavior, and his efforts to leave her financially vulnerable.

Breadcrumbs, guilt, and emotional blackmail (00:28:42) They discuss promises to draw a partner back, guilt about leaving, and threats of self-harm as emotional manipulation.

Threats, safety, and physical intimidation (00:31:12) Mia describes a gun-related threat; they discuss taking threats seriously and recognizing dangerous behaviors.

Erratic driving and unpredictable outbursts (00:34:05) Mia and Laura reflect on reckless driving, intimidation, and how minor incidents can trigger frightening reactions.

Peace after leaving and divorce finances (00:36:50) Mia explains choosing peace over a fair financial settlement; Laura shares lessons about legal representation and hidden assets.

Mia's memoirs and healing journey (00:42:28) Mia describes her first memoir about life with a narcissist and a follow-up about recovery.

Raising awareness and finding support (00:43:18) Mia discusses her books, social media, speaking, and the importance of trauma-informed support.

Closing and where to find Mia (00:46:01) Laura thanks Mia, shares her website and book information, and asks listeners to review and support the podcast.

Podcast sign-off (00:47:15) Laura thanks listeners and invites them to share feedback and return for the next episode.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Mia, "It's not every day [that] there are big dramatic things. It's just the little things, the little chipping away at who you are—and what that looks like from the inside."

Mia, "The door's open. I mean, I can walk out that door any time, but it's all of the mental stuff."

Mia, "I just need to take a mental break. I'm going to go stay with my parents for a while and clear my head. Days turned to weeks, turned to months, and I didn't come back."

Laura, "They have trained us to feel bad for any decisions we're making that would involve us. The first thing I thought when I walked into the bedroom after saying I wanted a divorce was, 'Oh my God, I hope he doesn't get mad at me.'"

Mia, "I walked away from a lot of money. But now I have peace, and you can't put a price tag on peace."

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/

COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura

MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/book-store

ALL BOOKS BY MY GUESTS: https://www.amazon.com/shop/lauranarcissistawareness/list/27V6DP1K008NA?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d

WEBSITE: https://miajhanks.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/npd.andme

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mia.hanks.626386

TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@npdandme

YOUTUBE: XXXX ask her

AMAZON: https://a.co/d/0j8Ussbj

"You may lose parts of yourself in an abusive relationship, but you can reclaim your voice, your worth, and your peace."

This podcast and its contents may not be used for training or developing AI systems without permission.

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

At a San Francisco beach, Melanie Gore thought she was having a panic attack—until the feeling turned into laughter, and she recognized joy she'd never felt before. On That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Melanie, a Certified Hypnotherapist, Women's Confidence Specialist, RTT Practitioner, and Life Coach who helps women overcome anxiety, codependency, narcissistic relationships, limiting beliefs, and ADHD-related emotional challenges.

Melanie shares her own transformation through RTT and how it inspired her to help women rebuild confidence, trust themselves, and create lives they genuinely love. Together, Laura and Melanie explore childhood patterns, codependency, rediscovering your identity, and practical ways to build self-trust through small, everyday changes.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Introduction and content warning (00:00:00) Melanie describes choosing positivity and going with life's changes; Laura introduces the podcast and warns about potentially triggering topics.

Melanie's path to hypnotherapy and personal growth (00:01:31) Melanie explains how codependency, self-help, and therapy led her to train in Rapid Transformational Therapy and help others.

Recognizing codependency and rebuilding self-worth (00:04:29) Melanie discusses childhood patterns, people-pleasing, and learning to accept herself rather than seek others' approval.

Boundaries, identity, and narcissistic relationship patterns (00:13:05) They explore self-love, repeated relationship dynamics, shifting goalposts, and the value of time alone to rediscover identity.

Midlife freedom, confidence, and starting over (00:18:18) Laura and Melanie reflect on reclaiming personal choices, trying new things, and building a life that feels authentic.

Recognizing abuse and deciding what comes next (00:23:06) Melanie shares how she discovered joy and emphasizes readiness, self-trust, and choosing whether to remain in an unhealthy relationship.

Living alone and rediscovering interests (00:29:54) They discuss fear of loneliness, rebuilding friendships and hobbies, and treating discomfort or experimentation as opportunities to grow.

Therapy tools and practical self-support strategies (00:35:09) Melanie describes her RTT process, inner-child work, self-affirmation, journaling, and practicing kinder self-talk.

Changing thought patterns and setting boundaries (00:38:06) Melanie outlines ways to challenge old beliefs, trust intuition, communicate confidently, and avoid absorbing hurtful comments.

Childhood patterns, parenting, and family healing (00:43:18) They discuss changing inherited behaviors, apologizing to adult children, and allowing family members to do their own healing.

Where to find Melanie and episode closing (00:50:01) Laura shares Melanie's website and social links, recommends RTT, thanks her guest, and closes the podcast.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Melanie, "I was trying to fit in in a way that other people would accept me. And when I got to the place of 'I'm okay with who I am, I like who I am, I'm a good person,' then I started to blossom."

Melanie, "You end up with no sense of who you are left. You're just like this empty vessel, and you're trying so hard to understand why you can never get it right."

Melanie, "The biggest shift, I think, is when you get to spend some time on your own and get to decide who you are and who you want to be."

Melanie, "That first third was kind of my parents. The second third was my kids. And now this part is for me. And that's exciting."

Melanie Gore, "You're not a different person. You've just started to find out who you are."

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/

COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura

MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/book-store

JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517

WEBSITE: www.melaniegore.com

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/transformational_hypnosis

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieGoreHypnotherapy

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@MelanieGore-ConfidenceCoach

"Reclaiming yourself begins when you find the courage to name your truth and choose your own path."

This podcast and its contents may not be used for training or developing AI systems without permission.

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Tia Levings, a New York Times bestselling author of A Well-Trained Wife, her memoir of escaping Christian patriarchy, and I Belong to Me: A Survivor's Guide to Recovery and Hope after Religious Trauma. Tia shares her journey of escaping abusive marriages and a high-control religious environment rooted in strict gender roles and fundamentalism.

Tia writes about religious trauma, evangelical patriarchy, and the Trad Wife movement, helping decode the fundamentalist influences that shape news and culture. Her work and insights have been featured in Teen Vogue, Salon, Newsweek, and HuffPost, and she has appeared as a speaker, podcast guest, and on the Amazon docu-series Shiny Happy People.

During the conversation, Tia discusses "author divorce," career sabotage, and the importance of having accurate language to name and understand trauma. She emphasizes that recovery is a gradual process that requires community, boundaries, and self-reclamation. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Tia is a mother of four adult children and continues to support survivors through her writing, speaking, and advocacy.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Podcast Introduction (00:00:30) Host Laura introduces the podcast's mission to share women's stories of healing from toxic relationships and secrets.

Trigger Warning (00:01:19) A brief announcement warns listeners that the episode's content may be triggering and advises them to take care.

Guest Introduction: Tia (00:01:28) Host Laura introduces guest Tia, a New York Times bestselling author and survivor of religious trauma and domestic abuse.

The "Author Divorce" and Career Sabotage (00:02:34) Tia discusses how her success as an author led to her second divorce, a phenomenon she calls "author divorce."

Finding Freedom After Leaving (00:08:20) The host and guest discuss the immense freedom and clarity they felt after leaving their abusive partners and toxic environments.

Tia's Early Life and Religious Indoctrination (00:13:50) Tia describes her childhood, moving from a culturally Christian background to a high-control megachurch and fundamentalist subculture.

Marriage, Abuse, and Escape (00:19:37) Tia recounts her quick marriage, the immediate onset of abuse, and her eventual escape from a church-sanctioned domestic abuse situation.

The Healing Journey and "I Belong to Me" (00:23:38) Tia explains the importance of rebuilding oneself after trauma and the premise of her second book on healing.

Navigating Covert Abuse (00:26:46) The discussion covers the insidious nature of covert psychological abuse and the difficulty in recognizing and unpacking its impact.

Healing with Adult Children (00:29:28) The host and guest share experiences of apologizing to their children for past indoctrination and finding healing in their relationships.

Setting Spiritual Boundaries (00:34:32) Tia explains why she keeps her current spiritual beliefs private, offering a boundary for those deconstructing their faith.

Writing "A Well-Trained Wife" (00:41:45) Tia details the decade-long process of writing her memoir, driven by the rise of Christian nationalism under Trump.

The Power of Naming Abuse (00:44:10) The conversation highlights how having the language to name experiences like narcissistic abuse is a crucial first step toward healing.

Who Should Read "I Belong to Me" (00:50:38) Tia explains that her second book, while titled with "religious trauma," is for anyone healing from high-control or toxic relationships.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Tia, "The minute I walked out, I felt like a dog that somebody opened the gate for, and I started running."

Tia, "Now I am just free. It's so much peace that my creative fountain is overflowing, and I can get my work done."

Tia, "I used to think I suffered from a lot of imposter syndrome, and it turned out, no, I just lived with somebody who continually moved the goalposts."

Tia, "I remembered who I was before they told me who I had to be."

Tia, "Language has been the number one thing, I think, that's helped me more than anything else—just having the accurate names for my experiences."

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/

COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura

MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/book-store

ALL BOOKS BY MY GUESTS: https://www.amazon.com/shop/lauranarcissistawareness/list/27V6DP1K008NA?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d

JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517

WEBSITE: https://tialevings.com

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/tialevingswriter

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TiaLevingsWriter

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theworkingwriterpodcast3510/

"Reclaiming yourself begins when you find the courage to name your truth and choose your own path."

This podcast and its contents may not be used for training or developing AI systems without permission.

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Darlene Lekowski, an Amazon bestselling author, motivational speaker, and business leader who transformed decades of silence into a powerful platform for truth, healing, and advocacy. Darlene shares how she endured sibling sexual trauma and abuse from two brothers between the ages of 7 and 12, carrying the experience in silence for 50 years due to shame and threats.

After finding her voice and revealing the truth in 2021, Darlene faced a civil lawsuit brought against her by one of her brothers and ultimately prevailed in the case in 2024. She shares how therapy, writing, and speaking helped her navigate her healing journey and reclaim her voice. Her memoir, Shattering Silence: A Story of Survival, Justice and the Power of Telling the Truth, became an Amazon Best Seller and #1 New Release in multiple categories and is available in print, ebook, and audiobook narrated in her own voice.

Today, Darlene speaks to corporate, leadership, and survivor audiences, encouraging others to let go of the silence, reclaim their voice, and Live Forward with courage, resilience, and agency.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Podcast Introduction (00:00:39) Host Laura introduces the podcast's mission to break the silence around women's stories and promote healing through sharing.

Content Warning (00:01:28) A brief warning is given to listeners about potentially triggering subjects discussed in the episode.

Introducing Darlene Markowski (00:01:37) The host introduces guest Darlene Markowski, an author and speaker who survived sibling sexual trauma and abuse.

Why Darlene Broke Her Silence (00:03:27) Darlene explains why she kept her abuse a secret for 50 years, citing shame and threats from her brothers.

The Impact of Trauma (00:06:06) Darlene discusses living with undiagnosed C-PTSD and how trauma manifested throughout her life, leading to control and perfectionism.

Survival Strategies as a Child (00:09:06) Darlene shares the strategies she developed as a child to survive, such as becoming a tomboy and being athletic.

The Catalyst for Speaking Out (00:15:25) After her mother's death, a text argument with her brother Don led to Darlene finally revealing the abuse.

First Disclosures of Abuse (00:18:45) Darlene recounts the first times she told anyone about the abuse, including her boyfriend at 17 and friends.

The Prevalence of Sibling Sexual Abuse (00:24:51) Darlene highlights how common sibling sexual abuse is, emphasizing the need for parents to talk to their children.

Telling Her Children (00:27:43) Darlene shares her fear of telling her children about the abuse and their surprisingly understanding and supportive reaction.

Confronting Her Brothers (00:30:47) Darlene describes confronting both of her abusive brothers, one of whom initially confessed before recanting his statement.

The Defamation Lawsuit (00:33:24) Her brother Don sues Darlene for defamation after she reveals the abuse, leading to a two-and-a-half-year legal battle.

The Trial and Verdict (00:36:58) Darlene recounts the six-day trial where a jury unanimously found her truthful, winning both her case and countersuit.

The Healing Journey (00:38:10) Darlene realizes the legal victory didn't heal her, prompting her to write her book and focus on releasing her anger.

Finding the Right Support (00:41:40) The importance of finding trauma-informed therapy, joining survivor groups, and exploring various healing modalities is discussed.

Darlene's Advocacy Work (00:47:36) Darlene talks about her public speaking, where she shares her story with survivors, corporate leaders, and university students.

Where to Find Darlene (00:50:25) Darlene shares her website, DarleneSpeaksUp.com, and social media handles for listeners who want to connect with her.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Darlene, "I had two brothers who sexually abused me from the ages of 7 to 12. I hid it, kept it in a box for 50 years."

Darlene, "I had kept it in a box. I thought I was good, but the box always leaks. Trauma always finds you."

Darlene, "I was so ashamed because I froze. I didn't understand that freezing is a solid, research-founded trauma response. I blamed myself."

Darlene, "In less than an hour, a unanimous jury of 12 decided I was telling the truth, he was lying, and I won both cases."

Darlene, "Don't give up on yourself. Focus on you. So many of us focus on what happened to us or the person that did this to us."

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/

COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura

MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/book-store

JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517

WEBSITE: https://www.darlenespeaksup.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/darlenelekowski/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Darlene-Lekowski/61575781889793/

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-lekowski-0ba1962/

BOOK: "Shattering Silence" Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/0eNNvFjC

"Your truth can become the voice that helps others heal."

This podcast and its contents may not be used for training or developing AI systems without permission.

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Christine, author of The Truth She Showed Me, her personal story of surviving 17 years of coercive control and gaslighting. Christine is also the Director of a Fortune 500 company and holds an MBA, yet behind the success and accomplishments, she endured years of manipulation, isolation, and abuse that were invisible to those around her.

Christine shares her journey from silence to speaking out, describing the early warning signs, escalating control, and trauma bond that kept her trapped. She reflects on the healing process, the importance of naming abuse, and how writing her book helped validate the experiences of others. Together, Laura and Christine emphasize that coercive control doesn't have a look, leaving is complex, healing is possible, and breaking the silence around abuse is essential.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Creating Awareness Through Shared Stories (00:00:00) Christine discusses creating a movement of awareness around coercive control through sharing stories and videos to help people self-diagnose.

Podcast Introduction (00:00:35) Host Laura introduces the "That's Where I'm At" podcast, its purpose, and her personal experience with a narcissist.

Content Warning (00:01:24) A brief content warning is given, advising listeners that the episode may contain potentially triggering subjects.

Guest Introduction: Christine (00:01:33) Laura introduces her guest, Christine, author of "The Truth," who survived a 17-year marriage involving coercive control and gaslighting.

Why Christine Started Speaking Out (00:02:58) Christine explains her journey started with silence and nonverbal therapy, then moved to journaling to validate her experiences for her children.

The Power of Naming Your Pain (00:08:38) The discussion covers how naming the abuse (e.g., gaslighting, DARVO) empowers survivors and helps them begin the healing process.

Planning a Safe Exit (00:09:26) Laura and Christine emphasize the importance of leaving an abusive relationship quietly and strategically, highlighting the increased danger during separation.

Christine's Story: The Beginning (00:10:42) Christine shares how she met her ex-husband at 23, the quick progression of their relationship, and early red flags.

The Start of Isolation (00:12:26) Christine recounts an early incident where her husband demanded she not discuss their marital problems with her parents, beginning her isolation.

Reaching Out for Help (00:15:07) Christine describes a terrifying night when she reached out to her sister-in-law for help, only to be told not to involve her.

Living with a Volatile Temper (00:18:16) Christine details her ex-husband's intense, unpredictable temper, which could be triggered by anything and kept her constantly on edge.

Testing the Waters with Friends (00:21:01) After leaving, Christine began sharing small details with friends and family to gauge their reactions and combat her self-doubt.

A Public Confrontation (00:24:24) Christine recalls a time her ex-husband publicly screamed at her in a bar for not answering her phone, which he hadn't even called.

The Post-Divorce Glow Up (00:28:59) The conversation turns to the physical and emotional transformation survivors experience after leaving an abusive relationship, like having "sad eyes" disappear.

Abusers Playing the Victim (00:31:17) They discuss how abusers refuse to acknowledge their behavior, often twisting the narrative to portray themselves as the victim.

The Final Straw (00:36:52) Christine shares the moment she realized her situation would never change and began planning her exit to regain financial security.

A Sign to Leave (00:40:02) A chance encounter with a woman who read her palm gave Christine the final push she needed to file for divorce.

Why She Wrote the Book (00:46:53) Christine explains she wrote her book to validate her children's experiences and to help other survivors find the words for their pain.

The Narcissist's Self-Awareness (00:50:47) Christine shares a story of her ex asking if he was a narcissist, highlighting how they manipulate and test their partners.

How to Find Christine (00:55:36) Christine shares her social media handle and where to find her book, "The Truth," on Amazon.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Christine, "Because you can't see the bruise, you can't see the broken bone, I wanted to be able to give people the experience that would help them assign words and feel validated."

Christine, "It was just almost a prayer at some point, like if he'd just hit me, if he'd just give me a black eye, nobody's going to question that I can leave."

Christine, "From that moment, for the next 16 years, everything I lived through, I lived through by myself, and I didn't have to."

Christine, "If they can control their anger everywhere except for in front of you, they can control their anger. This is not an anger management problem."

Christine, "I decided because I was worried that someday my children would be trying to figure out if what they lived through was real."

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/

COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura

MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/book-store

JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517

FOLLOW CHRISTINE:

WEBSITE/BOOK: https://a.co/d/0bqLefXb

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thetruthsheshowedme

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584467686272

TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetruthsheshowedme

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@thetruthsheshowedme

"Breaking the silence is the first step toward reclaiming your truth and your life."

This podcast and its contents may not be used for training or developing AI systems without permission.

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Hope Hooton, an author, advocate, podcast host, and public speaker dedicated to protecting children and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Hope shares her devastating experience with domestic violence and coercive control and recounts how the family court system failed to protect her children, Alec and Lydia, ultimately leading to their tragic deaths at the hands of their father in May 2024. Despite unimaginable grief, Hope transformed her pain into advocacy, helping champion the Alec and Lydia Act, which was signed into law in Arizona in June 2026 to strengthen protections for children and domestic violence survivors in family court.

Through her memoir, There's Still Hope: A Journey of Adversity, Tragedy, and Unshakable Faith, and her podcast Voices Against Filicide, Hope raises awareness about coercive control, filicide prevention, and the need for stronger child safety protections. She also shares her message of faith, hope, and resilience through speaking engagements across the country, using her experience to inspire others and help prevent future tragedies.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Defining Filicide (00:00:00) Hope defines filicide, the intentional act of a parent killing their child, and shares statistics on this silent epidemic.

Podcast Introduction (00:01:01) Host Laura introduces the "That's Where I'm At" podcast, its mission, and provides a content warning for listeners.

Guest Introduction: Hope Hooten (00:01:58) Laura introduces her guest, Hope Hooten, an author and advocate, and reads her biography, highlighting her mission for change.

Meeting Her Estranged Husband (00:04:27) Hope shares her background, how she met her estranged husband through a Christian organization, and the first red flags.

Early Red Flags (00:08:37) Hope discusses early red flags in the relationship, including subtle manipulation, coercive control, and his explosive bursts of anger.

Moving to Arizona and Marriage (00:09:50) Hope recounts moving to Arizona for a teaching job, getting married, and the subtle control her husband exerted during wedding planning.

The Birth of Alec (00:18:16) Hope describes her first child, Alec, his personality, his severe allergies, and how the parenting responsibilities were primarily hers.

The Birth of Lydia (00:20:59) Hope talks about the birth of her daughter, Lydia, her personality, and the close bond she shared with her brother, Alec.

Escalation of Abuse (00:21:58) After Lydia's birth, the physical violence began, including being punched in the car in front of the children.

Losing Both Parents (00:24:21) Hope discusses the immense grief of losing both her parents within months and the subsequent increase in financial and emotional abuse.

The Decision to Separate (00:32:33) Hope explains why she decided to separate, realizing she and her children deserved better than a life filled with abuse.

The Suicide Threat (00:39:04) When Hope told her husband she wanted a divorce, he threatened to kill himself in front of their children.

Police Intervention and Separation (00:41:47) Hope calls 911. Police intervene, her husband is taken for evaluation, and she gets an order of protection.

The Psychiatric Break (00:47:43) Her husband has a psychiatric break, tries to enter the home, and leaves disturbing voicemails, violating the protection order.

The Hotel Incident (00:52:35) Her husband calls 911 on himself from a hotel, admitting to suicidal and homicidal ideations, leading to his hospitalization.

The Court's Failure (00:55:16) Despite evidence of abuse and severe mental instability, a judge grants 50/50 unsupervised parenting time, failing to protect the children.

The Day of the Tragedy (01:01:24) Hope recounts the day she discovered her children were absent from school and the subsequent welfare check that revealed the tragedy.

Advocacy and Mission (01:03:54) Hope explains her mission to educate the public on lethality risk markers and the importance of using the term "filicide."

The Alec and Lydia Act (01:06:47) Hope details the creation of the Alec and Lydia Act, a law strengthening protections for children in family court.

Hope's Book and Resources (01:14:02) Hope discusses her memoir, "There's Still Hope," and shares where listeners can find her podcast and social media platforms.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Hope, "I lost my autonomy as a person. I had no sense of who Hope was or what Hope liked."

Hope, "I knew that the kids deserved better. I knew that he deserved better. I knew that I deserved better."

Hope, "I had a gut feeling, and I knew that if I went inside, he would have killed us all."

Hope, "This is why we have two dead children, and we didn't have to have two murdered, dead children."

Hope, "All of these things that failed me will not fail another family."

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/

COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura

MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/book-store

JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517

FOLLOW HOPE:

WEBSITE: linktr.ee/hopeinthepain

BOOK: There's Still Hope https://a.co/d/0ggtCrtt

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_pain

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61570891678957

TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.pain

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Hopeinthepain

"All of these things that failed me will not fail another family."

This podcast and its contents may not be used for training or developing AI systems without permission.

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Stephanie, a publicist, event curator, storyteller, and host of Second Act Sessions. With more than 25 years of experience in brand and celebrity public relations, Stephanie has worked with recognized names including Martha Stewart, John Legend, Giada De Laurentiis, and Kevin Hart, while leading major campaigns, events, and cultural moments across New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

Stephanie also shares her deeply personal journey of surviving 13.5 years in a narcissistically abusive marriage, where emotional abuse gradually eroded her identity and led to isolation, financial dependence, and suicidal thoughts. After her marriage ended, she began rebuilding her life through healing, self-reflection, faith, and storytelling. Today, through Second Act Sessions, her writing, and her work as a speaker, Stephanie helps women navigate midlife, faith, healing, and reinvention—reminding them that an ending can become the beginning of a more honest and intentional life.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Podcast Introduction (00:00:38) Host Laura introduces the podcast's mission to share women's stories of healing from narcissistic abuse and breaking the silence.

Guest Introduction: Stephanie (00:01:35) Laura introduces her guest, Stephanie, a publicist, storyteller, and host of the "Second Act Sessions" podcast.

Stephanie's Story Begins (00:04:12) Stephanie shares her 13.5-year marriage to a narcissist, realizing the abuse only after the divorce through social media posts.

The Nature of Emotional Abuse (00:05:10) Stephanie describes emotional abuse as a slow chipping away of the self, explaining why she stayed in the relationship.

Lacking Self-Esteem (00:07:08) The hosts discuss how a lack of personal self-esteem and a need for external validation made them vulnerable.

Losing Her Career and Identity (00:10:07) Stephanie explains how her ex-husband isolated her by moving them away from her successful career, making her financially dependent.

The Narcissist's Double Standard (00:14:03) The hosts discuss the controlling behaviors, double standards, and constant monitoring that create a suffocating environment in the relationship.

Chaos, Confusion, and Isolation (00:16:51) Laura and Stephanie discuss how narcissists use chaos and confusion to make you feel crazy and isolate you from support.

Reaching a Breaking Point (00:19:18) Stephanie shares how the abuse led to suicidal thoughts and feeling completely broken at the end of her marriage.

A Divine Intervention (00:22:22) Stephanie describes praying to God for help, and two weeks later, her husband asked for a divorce, starting her healing.

Faith and Divorce (00:24:38) Stephanie discusses reconciling her Christian faith with divorce, realizing God doesn't want anyone to stay in an abusive marriage.

Reconnecting with Faith (00:30:09) Stephanie explains how she abandoned her faith during her marriage but reconnected with God, which became her saving grace.

Starting to Share Her Story (00:34:15) Stephanie talks about first opening up to friends, which validated her experience and led to launching her podcast.

The Healing Journey is Not Linear (00:38:17) The hosts discuss that healing takes time, has many layers, and requires giving yourself grace without a specific timeline.

How to Support a Friend (00:46:38) The hosts offer advice on how to support a friend in a narcissistic relationship by listening, validating, and praying.

Writing a Memoir (00:51:41) Stephanie shares her journey of writing a book about her life, from being bullied to navigating midlife after divorce.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

Stephanie, "Emotional abuse is so different because there are no bruises; you can't see it. What I found in my relationship was that it was a slow, gradual chipping away of myself."

Stephanie, "I knew how to love someone else, but the problem I experienced was I didn't know how to love myself."

Stephanie, "You start shrinking yourself in the marriage and almost don't realize it's happening until you get out of it and get some space to realize you are a shell of your former self."

Stephanie, "Slowly, with every twist and turn, I'm getting more. I'm reclaiming myself and coming back to who I'm meant to be, who God wants me to be."

Stephanie, "Be very patient with yourself. There is no timetable. You could be fine and happy one minute and crying the next, and that's okay. That is healing."

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/

COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura

MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/book-store

JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517

WEBSITE: https://secondactsessions.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniefcarmody

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.figuracarmody

X: https://x.com/secondactsesh?s=21&t=HFLPApyOcqY76oUCL7E4nQ

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@stephaniefcarmody

"Be very patient with yourself. There is no timetable. That is healing."

This podcast and its contents may not be used for training or developing AI systems without permission.

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

Contact us for expert podcast production and support.