**Content Warning**

Before you hit play, a quick note for our listeners: This conversation includes our guest’s personal experiences as a survivor of sexual assault. While we believe this is an important discussion that deserves to be shared, we understand it may be difficult or triggering for some.

Your well-being matters to us. If this topic feels too heavy for you right now, it’s okay to skip this episode or revisit it when you feel ready. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit RAINN.org for help.

Thank you for being here, and please take care of yourself as you listen.

This episode of The B* Word features an inspiring and raw conversation with Janet Bentley, founder of Courageous Survivors, a nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of trauma reclaim their lives and find their voices. Janet shares her journey of surviving childhood abuse, grappling with the impact of unaddressed trauma, and ultimately choosing a path of courage and healing.

Key moments include:

• The Definition of Courage: Janet redefines bravery not as the absence of fear but as the ability to walk through fear. She emphasizes that healing requires daily acts of courage, such as showing up and being vulnerable.
• Therapeutic Breakthroughs: Through trauma therapy, Janet began to dismantle the deep survival strategies that once controlled her, reclaiming her sense of agency and self-worth.
• The Power of Connection: She shares how isolation deepened her depression and how building a support system became a critical part of her recovery.
• Turning Pain into Purpose: Janet transformed her personal trauma into a mission to help others, founding Courageous Survivors to inspire hope and healing among fellow survivors.

Kenda Lawson reflects on the intersection of trauma, bravery, and personal growth, weaving in her own experiences of overcoming social anxiety and the long-lasting impact of past hurt. Both women highlight the importance of community and the power of choosing to live authentically despite fear and pain.

1. 1. Bravery is Action, Not Absence of Fear Janet Bentley redefines bravery as the willingness to act despite fear, a vital lesson for trauma survivors navigating recovery.

   2. Therapy as a Catalyst for Healing Therapy helped Janet uncover her agency and move from survival to thriving. Seeking professional support can be transformative for mental health and self-worth.

   3. Connection is Healing Isolation can worsen trauma, but building meaningful relationships can be life-changing. Janet's journey highlights the importance of human connection for mental wellness.

   4. Turning Trauma into Purpose Janet's founding of Courageous Survivors shows how healing often comes from helping others. Turning pain into purpose is a powerful way to reclaim your life.

   5. Healing Requires Patience and Consistency Progress in mental health is not linear. Janet reminds us that even small, brave steps lead to significant breakthroughs.

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, Kenda Lawson records her thoughts for The B Word podcast on her 42nd birthday. She shares powerful stories of love, survival, and resilience, recounting her journey from childhood to motherhood and marriage. As Kenda looks back on moments of trauma, near misses, and the challenges she’s overcome, she highlights the importance of not just surviving adversity but thriving in its wake. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and finding peace amidst life’s storms.

1. Reflections on Turning 42:

   • Kenda reflects on her birthday and life journey, expressing gratitude for love, business success, and the resilience to maintain optimism despite past trauma.

2. Marriage and Partnership:

   • Kenda talks about her husband Dominic's viral post about the strength of their marriage and how they’ve navigated challenges together.
   • She emphasizes that their relationship is not defined by hardship but by the love and joy they’ve built between tough times.

3. Superhero Origin Stories and Personal Growth:

   • Drawing parallels between superhero origin stories and her own life, Kenda discusses how facing tragedies shapes who we become, teaching resilience and strength.

4. Childhood Memories and Near-Death Experience:

   • Kenda recounts a core memory from her childhood where she and her sisters narrowly escaped a car explosion, illustrating the importance of trusting instincts and the fragility of life.

5. Surviving Fires - Literal and Figurative:

   • She recalls another close call involving a house fire started by her mom’s abusive partner. This experience helped her discover inner courage and her role as a protector.

6. Loss and Healing Through Motherhood:

   • Kenda shares the deeply emotional story of her second pregnancy with her son Max, who was born prematurely and lived for only six days. She talks about how this experience shaped her as a mother and strengthened her marriage, turning tragedy into a story of love and purpose.

7. The Blessing of Adversity:

   • Kenda emphasizes that while trials test us, they also offer lessons and blessings. She discusses how embracing adversity helps uncover inner strength and leads to personal growth.

8. The Power of Peace Amidst Crisis:

   • Through her life’s hardships, Kenda learned that true peace doesn’t come from avoiding challenges but from maintaining inner calm during them.

• "I’m thankful that my past didn’t steal my optimism or close me off from love and joy."
• "Sometimes the greatest blessings come disguised as near misses and close calls."
• "I believe God has a purpose for me, and even though I faltered, I was never alone."
• "Our pain refines us; it does not define us."
• "Peace doesn’t come from the absence of trouble, but from the ability to maintain calm within it."

• Empowering Stories: Kenda’s stories are filled with heart, highlighting how she transformed painful experiences into a source of strength and empowerment.
• Authenticity: Kenda opens up about her personal life, sharing honest and raw insights about love, motherhood, marriage, and resilience.
• Inspiration for Hard Times: Listeners struggling with adversity will find hope and healing in Kenda’s message that we are not just survivors but thrivers.
• Community and Connection: This episode invites listeners to be part of an ever-growing community that supports one another through shared experiences.

• If Kenda’s journey resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The B Word on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
• Stay tuned for the next episode, featuring guest Janet Bentley, where we discuss the theme of bravery and healing after trauma.

In this heartfelt episode of "The B Word," Kenda opens up about the whirlwind of the past few weeks and the importance of finding balance in a busy life. She candidly shares the personal and professional events that have kept her occupied, emphasizing the need to prioritize what truly matters. Kenda recounts how end-of-year test season, multiple family celebrations, and a significant professional change pushed her into "supermom mode," leaving her feeling burnt out and disconnected from the joys of life.

Reflecting on a past conversation with Christin Webb, Kenda discusses the concept of "taking off the cape"—allowing oneself to step back from constant responsibilities and embrace vulnerability. She highlights the struggle many women face in feeling the need to be everything to everyone, often at the expense of their own well-being.

To recharge, Kenda took a much-needed break, spending quality time with her family on the Mississippi coast. She describes the simple joys of their vacation—feeding dolphins, building a beach tent, and having meaningful conversations with her daughter, Zoe. This time away helped Kendal realize the importance of being present and making room for the important things in life.

Drawing inspiration from her experience, Kenda encourages her listeners to find a "brand of busy" that allows for productivity without sacrificing personal connections and self-care. She emphasizes that taking time for oneself and loved ones is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step for a fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways; 

• Embrace Vulnerability: Kenda Lawson discusses the importance of allowing yourself to be vulnerable and stepping back from constant responsibilities. She emphasizes that taking off the metaphorical cape can lead to personal growth and mental well-being.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Kenda shares her experience of feeling burnt out and the necessity of prioritizing self-care. She highlights that self-care is crucial for maintaining mental health and overall happiness. 

• Quality Family Time: Kenda reflects on the joy and peace she found during a family vacation. She underscores the significance of spending quality time with loved ones and being present in the moment. 

• Avoiding Burnout: Kenda talks about the dangers of multitasking and constantly being busy. She advises finding a balance that allows for productivity without leading to burnout.

• Cherishing Simple Joys: Kenda encourages her listeners to cherish simple joys and moments of relaxation. She shares how taking a break and enjoying life’s little pleasures can rejuvenate the mind and body. 

• Redefining Productivity: Kenda challenges the traditional notion of productivity, advocating for a version that includes time for personal well-being and meaningful connections.

Kenda's message resonates deeply with women who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. She reminds her audience that it’s essential to prioritize joy, creativity, and meaningful interactions. By doing so, we can avoid the regret of missed opportunities and ensure that our busy lives are also rich with purpose and connection.

In this episode, we feature an enlightening conversation with Audrey Willis, a technologist, educator, and 2023 U.S. Obama leader, who shares her inspiring story from facing personal challenges to becoming a beacon of innovation and change in the technology sector.

The discussion kicks off with a personal revelation of why Captain America resonates as a symbol of adherence to rules and protocols, mirroring the structured approach to breaking barriers and achieving success. As Virgos, both Audrey and Kenda share a love for diving into discussions that spark passion, underlining the importance of pursuing interests that ignite one's curiosity and reveal hidden strengths.

Audrey Willis's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, brilliance, and the ability to create pathways where none existed. As the co-founder and program director at Code Crew, she has been pivotal in democratizing access to coding education, likened to "Hogwarts for coding." This narrative is rich with discussions on the nuances of brilliance versus genius, the importance of acknowledging one's achievements, and the delicate balance between shining brightly and nurturing the brilliance in others.

The episode further explores the critical role of education, mentorship, and community support in fostering an environment where young minds can flourish. Willis's background, marked by overcoming adversities such as a difficult childhood and the loss of her mother, emphasizes the significance of perseverance and the impact of supportive figures in shaping one's future.

Kenda and Audrey delve into the societal expectations and stereotypes that often stifle creativity and brilliance, particularly in communities of color. They highlight the necessity of creating spaces where diversity is celebrated, and where young people can see themselves represented in fields traditionally dominated by homogeneous groups.

This podcast episode not only shares Audrey Willis's remarkable journey but also serves as a call to action for listeners to embrace their unique talents and to support systems that recognize and cultivate brilliance in diverse forms. It's a compelling narrative of empowerment, resilience, and the transformative power of believing in one's potential, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in personal development, education, technology, and social change.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, where they can follow, like, subscribe, and rate "The B Word" to join in on conversations that challenge the status quo and inspire listeners to find their own brand of brilliance.

1. Celebration of Individual Brilliance: The episode highlights the journey of embracing one's unique talents and overcoming societal and personal barriers to shine brightly in their respective fields.

2. Audrey Willis's Inspiring Story: As a technologist, educator, and 2023 U.S. Obama leader, Audrey shares her story of resilience and success, from overcoming a challenging childhood to co-founding Code Crew, an innovative coding education initiative likened to "Hogwarts for coding."

3. The Significance of Mentorship and Community: The conversation underlines the importance of supportive mentors and a nurturing community in guiding individuals towards recognizing and cultivating their brilliance.

4. Brilliance vs. Genius: A thought-provoking discussion on the difference between being considered "brilliant" versus a "genius," emphasizing the subjective nature of brilliance and the impact of external recognition on personal acceptance of one’s capabilities.

5. Navigating Societal Expectations: The episode delves into the stereotypes and expectations that often stifle creativity and innovation, especially among marginalized communities, and the importance of creating spaces where diversity of thought and experience is valued.

6. Empowerment through Education: Highlighting the transformative power of education, particularly in technology, the episode discusses how accessible and inclusive education can unlock potential and open doors to new opportunities for underrepresented youth.

7. Legacy and Impact: The narrative explores the concept of leaving a legacy and making an impact not only through personal achievements but also by paving the way for future generations to follow and excel.

8. The Power of Resilience: Audrey’s personal journey serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity, reinforcing the message that one's background does not define their future.

9. Cultivating a Supportive Environment: Insights on how parents and educators can support and nurture the brilliance in children, encouraging curiosity and providing resources to explore their interests, regardless of societal norms.

10. Call to Action for Authenticity and Empowerment: The episode closes with a powerful message encouraging listeners to embrace their uniqueness, pursue their passions fearlessly, and support initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in all spheres of life.

Welcome to the first episode of "The B* Word," a podcast that delves into the stories of resilience, empowerment, and the multifaceted identity of women today. In celebration of International Women's Day, our inaugural episode features an enlightening conversation with Christin Webb, a figure of inspiration known for her journey through adversity to discover her true boldness. Join us as we explore the depths of personal growth and the universal experiences that connect us all.

• Introduction to "The B Word" Podcast*: Discover the mission and vision behind the podcast, dedicated to uncovering the layered experiences of women often labeled with the 'b word.' Learn about the importance of sharing stories to find common ground and support in our journeys.

• Christin Webb's Path to Boldness: Christin shares her poignant journey from experiencing profound loss and grappling with grief to finding strength in her most vulnerable moments. Her story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the courage to be boldly authentic.

• Navigating Grief and Loss: This segment offers deep insights into the process of grieving, highlighting how personal growth and resilience can emerge from the pain of losing a loved one. Christin's experiences shed light on the importance of sitting with our grief and finding paths to healing.

• Embracing Authenticity and Boldness: Learn how Christin has embraced her boldness, overcoming challenges and societal expectations to live authentically. This part of the conversation is a rallying cry for women everywhere to recognize and own their power.

• Practical Tips for Living Boldly: Christin shares actionable advice for anyone looking to embrace their own brand of boldness. From fostering self-love to making courageous life changes, these tips are designed to inspire and empower.

International Women's Day, Women's Empowerment, Personal Growth, Grief and Healing, Self-Discovery, Resilience, Boldness, Authenticity, Empowerment Podcast, Women's Stories, Leadership, Confidence.

Listen to Episode 1 of "The B* Word" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights from incredible women like Christin Webb.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode and your own stories of boldness and resilience. Reach out to us on social media or leave us a review on your podcast platform of choice.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "The B Word," a podcast dedicated to exploring the strength, resilience, and transformation of women through the lens of experiences that begin with the letter B. Hosted by Kenda Lawson, this podcast aims to empower and inspire by sharing stories of courage, survival, and triumph over adversity.

In This Inaugural Episode:

Kenda lays bare her own saga, charting a course from the tempests of her youth, shadowed by her mother's battles with domestic violence, to steering through her personal challenges that echoed her mother's struggles. This premiere episode is not just an introduction but a promise—a promise of a sanctuary for stories of women who have transformed their wounds into wellsprings of honor.

Featured Discourses:

• The Emblematic B: Unpacking the letter B as a beacon in re-scripting narratives that society often paints in shades of shame.
• Kenda’s Odyssey: A voyage of valiance and empowerment, navigating through storms to calm seas.
• The Alchemy of Storytelling: Recognizing and sharing one's journey as a pivotal step in personal and collective transformation.
• Themes Unveiled: Introducing the motifs of boldness, bravery, and beauty—core strands that will weave through the tapestry of this series.

Guest Spotlight:

This episode shines a light solely on Kenda's narrative. However, the horizon promises a confluence of voices—heroines from diverse spheres, savants in psychology and sociology, and beacons of resilience who epitomize the spirit of boldness, bravery, and beauty.

Actionable Insights:

Listeners are invited to see their own reflections in the stories shared, to recognize vulnerability as a strength, and to cultivate a sanctuary within themselves and their communities in moments of adversity. Kenda imparts wisdom on the necessity of self-nurturance, the awareness of one's mental well-being, and the revolutionary act of declaring, "Enough."

This episode is not just a story; it's a call to arms—a call to arms for every woman to recognize her power, to weave her own narrative of resilience, and to find solace in the shared journey of transformation that "The B Word" promises to be. Join us on this journey, as we explore the depths of challenges faced and the pinnacle of achievements earned, all starting with the letter B.