Travel Time Stories with Shannon: Real Journeys, Real Stories, Real Healing

Deana and Lizzie, hosts of the award-winning podcast Surviving Toxic Relationships with the Matadoras, return for Part 2 of our powerful conversation about toxic relationships, emotional and financial abuse, healing, and starting over.

In Part 1, they shared their extraordinary story of discovering they had been married to the same man at different times—and how that shared experience ultimately turned them from strangers into best friends with a mission to help others.

Now we're talking about what happens when you decide:

Enough.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How to know when you've stopped working on a marriage and started surviving one
• Why actions matter more than promises
• Trauma bonding and why leaving can feel so difficult
• Starting over after 30 or 40 years of marriage
• Why being single can be a beautiful next chapter
• Financial abuse and preparing yourself before leaving
• Building a safe support system
• How friends and family can support someone in a toxic relationship
• Why leaving may take more than one attempt
• What “gray rock” means and how boundaries can help after separation
• Why healing happens in waves
• Rediscovering confidence, freedom, and identity
• Learning to trust yourself again
• The importance of telling your story

⚠️ CONTENT NOTE: This episode contains discussions of emotional abuse, financial abuse, coercive control, domestic violence, suicide, intimate partner violence, and homicide. Please listen with care.

If you or someone you love is navigating an abusive relationship, consider reaching out to a qualified domestic violence organization or professional in your area for individualized safety planning and support.

Deana & Lizzie:

https://www.youtube.com/@survivingtoxicrelationships12

https://www.survivingtoxicrelationships.org/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678

https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surviving-toxic-relationships-podcast-with-the-matadoras/id1723929912

https://www.traveltimestories.com/

Today, Deana and Lizzie host the award-winning podcast Surviving Toxic Relationships with the Matadoras, where they use what they've experienced to educate, support, and empower others.

Deana and Lizzie have an extraordinary story.

They were married to the same man at different times.

 In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, Deana and Lizzie join Shannon and Ann to talk about their extraordinary story and what they've learned about toxic relationships, manipulation, emotional and financial abuse, and the red flags we often don't recognize until we're already deeply invested. 

Deana spent 27 years in the relationship before finally walking away. Shortly afterward, Lizzie entered his life, believing she'd found a loving partner who wanted to build a life with her and her four sons.

Years later, when Lizzie's marriage began unraveling, something unexpected happened:

She connected with Deana.

Instead of becoming enemies, the two women started comparing their experiences—and suddenly years of confusion began making sense.

But there was another shocking discovery waiting for them: they learned there had been another woman who apparently had no idea about the life he was already living.

We discuss:

• Why toxic relationships often begin with charm rather than obvious abuse
• Love bombing and the slow loss of independence
• Why small lies can be important warning signs
• The difference between healthy conflict and manipulation
• Why patterns matter more than apologies
• Financial abuse and how it can continue even after a relationship ends
• Why asking “Why didn't she just leave?” is the wrong question
• Rebuilding trust in yourself after emotional abuse
• How Deana and Lizzie became friends instead of enemies
• Why education about unhealthy relationships matters

⚠️ CONTENT NOTE: This episode includes discussions of emotional abuse, financial abuse, domestic violence, suicide, and intimate partner violence. Please listen with care.

And don't stop here—Deana and Lizzie's story continues in Part 2.

Deana & Lizzie:

https://www.youtube.com/@survivingtoxicrelationships12

https://www.survivingtoxicrelationships.org/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678

https://the-matadoras.kit.com/survivingtoxicrelationships

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surviving-toxic-relationships-podcast-with-the-matadoras/id1723929912

https://www.traveltimestories.com/

Can love truly survive death? And what happens when the person who helps you find yourself again has been dead for 247 years?

In this episode of Travel Time Stories: The Author Spotlight Series, Shannon and Ann welcome author Sarah Branson to go behind the pages of her deeply moving novel, Life Ends, Love Remains.

At the heart of the story is Clara Donovan, a woman trying to rebuild her life after the collapse of her marriage and writing career. Seeking a fresh start, Clara retreats to her late grandmother's home in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where she encounters Benjamin “Whit” Whitlock, a man who died more than two centuries ago.

What unfolds is an extraordinary story of love, loss, unfinished business, and the connections that transcend time.

But there's another story waiting to be discovered: that of Eliza Hartwell, a woman whose love and place in history have nearly been forgotten.

As Clara works to uncover Eliza's story, she begins rediscovering her own voice—and discovers that sometimes moving forward means confronting what we've left behind.

In this Author Spotlight, we explore:

❤️ The inspiration behind Life Ends, Love Remains and the relationship between Clara and Whit

👻 Writing a love story that crosses the boundary between life and death

📖 Forgotten women, untold stories, and the importance of preserving their voices

💜 Why grief can be a doorway rather than a dead end

✨ The meaning behind the title Life Ends, Love Remains

🌿 Sarah's remarkable journey from nearly 30 years as a midwife to becoming an award-winning novelist

For Shannon, this was more than just another book.

“This book touched my soul and will remain with me for a long time.”

Whether you love literary fiction, ghost stories, unforgettable romances, or conversations about the human experience, this is an Author Spotlight you won't want to miss.

Find Sarah and her book:
📖 Book: Life Ends, Love Remains
🌐 Author Website: https://www.sarahbranson.com/
📱 Follow Sarah: @author_sarah_branson

https://www.traveltimestories.com/

In this episode of Travel Time Stories: The Author Spotlight Series, we sit down with historical crime fiction author H.B. Berlow to go behind the pages of The Time of Judgment—a story that asks some uncomfortable questions about justice, morality, revenge and the past we carry with us.

At the center of the novel is Harold Bergman, a Jewish private investigator and World War II veteran searching for a Nazi war criminal in Kansas in the aftermath of the Nuremberg trials.

But finding him may be the easy part.

Bergman must ultimately confront a much harder question:

Does he follow the laws of man—or the laws of God?

We also step away from the book to talk about H.B.’s own evolution as a writer, how technology is changing the creative world, and an interesting question for anyone who creates:

If you enjoy historical crime fiction, morally complicated characters, questions without easy answers, or simply discovering the person behind the story, this conversation is for you.

Join in the drinking game and take a drink each time H.B. says "retirement"!

📚 Find The Time of Judgment:
https://link.amazon/B07WwajK1

✍️ Follow H.B. Berlow:
Instagram: @rabbi_dude

Facebook: @hb.tikiman

Blog: https://tikiman1962.wordpress.com/

The Tiki Man and the Viking Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tikiman-and-the-viking/id1885398513

https://www.traveltimestories.com/

At 72 years old, Rand Timmerman set out to hike the entire 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail with his younger brother, Ron. But they weren't simply climbing mountains. 

Both brothers were Vietnam combat veterans carrying experiences from the war that had followed them for decades. Rand was also walking a path of recovery from alcoholism, while Ron was grieving the loss of his wife. 

What began as an extraordinary physical challenge became something much deeper—a journey through grief, addiction recovery, brotherhood, faith, aging, and healing. 

In this episode of Travel Time Stories, Shannon and Ann sit down with Rand to talk about what happens when you strip life down to one trail, one backpack, and one step at a time. 

We talk about: 

🥾 Taking on the Appalachian Trail in his 70s 

🇺🇸 The invisible wounds he and his brother carried home from Vietnam 

❤️ Walking beside a brother experiencing profound grief 

🌿 Rand's journey through alcoholism and recovery 

🙏 The spiritual transformation he experienced on the trail 

👬 Brotherhood and the things men don't always say to one another 

🏔️ Why it's never too late to take on something that seems impossible 

📖 His book, A Spiritual Passage, which chronicles the journey through his journal and hundreds of photographs Rand's story reminds us that sometimes the mountain we're climbing isn't really the mountain at all. Sometimes we're walking through everything we've carried with us. And sometimes, somewhere along the trail, we finally discover what we're ready to leave behind. 

🎙️Travel Time Stories Real Journeys. Real Stories. Real Healing. 

  https://www.traveltimestories.com 

If Rand's story speaks to you, share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that there is no age limit on healing, adventure, or beginning another chapter. 

Rand Timmerman: https://www.randtimmerman.com  

#appalachiantrail #hikingtoheal #hiking #hikingadventures #randtimmerman #alcoholrecovery #realstoriesrealjourneys #traveltimestorieswithshannon #podmatch

https://www.traveltimestories.com/

Today we're sitting down with author Sapna Srinivasan to go behind the pages—and this conversation takes us from Mira's fictional journey into Sapna's own.

What happens when the life you've been taught you're supposed to want suddenly falls apart?

In A New Mantra, Mira Sood finds herself starting over after discovering her husband's affair and the end of their arranged marriage.

But rebuilding her life means confronting something even bigger:

Who is she when she stops living according to everyone else's expectations?

We talk about:

🏃‍♀️ Why running became such an important part of Mira's story
❤️ Love after betrayal
🌱 Starting over and finding independence
👪 Family and cultural expectations
🪞 How pieces of an author's own life find their way into fiction

Sapna's Info:

https://tulepublishing.com/authors/sapna-srinivasan/

https://www.facebook.com/authorsapnasrinivasan

https://www.instagram.com/authorsapnasrinivasan/

Her Book: A New Mantra

https://link.amazon/B00iPKy3E

00:25 Introduction to Sapna Srinivasan and her work
00:26 Mira's character and her life before the 'until'
00:47 The significance of cultural expectations in Mira's story
00:56 The moment of discovery and its impact on Mira
00:59 The challenge of rejecting family and cultural norms
01:06 The emotional and social consequences of change
01:28 Sapna's personal journey with running and resilience
01:48 Incorporating personal experiences into Mira’s story
01:53 The importance of relatable and authentic storytelling
02:03 The message of empowerment and self-acceptance
02:05 Where to find Sapna's work and final thoughts

https://www.traveltimestories.com/

 In a world where travel is as easy as a click, Vern Flaig takes us on a breathtaking journey that transcends borders and expectations. Ever dreamed of setting off on a grand adventure? Join Vern as he shares the incredible story behind his memoir, *Maple to Mandalay*, which chronicles his four-year odyssey across Australia and beyond, sparked by a heartbreak and an insatiable curiosity. 

This episode is a must-listen for adventurers, memoir enthusiasts, and anyone craving inspiration to chase their own dreams. This episode isn't just about travel; it's about the journey of life itself. Vern's reflections highlight the importance of embracing change and following your passions, reminding us that the world is full of possibilities waiting to be explored. Don't miss out on this chance to be inspired—perfect for anyone feeling stuck or yearning for adventure. 

 Vern Flaig: 

Book: Maple to Mandalay

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0c7aMSrO 

KOBO

00:25 Introduction to Vern Flaig’s Journey 

02:21 Starting the Trip: Motivation and Early Days 

04:11 Love for Motorcycles and First Experiences 

06:02 Challenges on the Road: Bugs, Terrain, and Encounters 

08:03 Cultural Interactions and Memorable Stories 

11:53 Overcoming Adversity: Injuries and Near Misses 

15:37 Reflections on Travel in the 70s vs Today 

19:34 Lessons from a Life of Adventure 

23:18 Collecting Memories: Rocks, Artifacts, and Souvenirs 

27:05 Advice for Future Travelers 

36:03 Closing Thoughts and Next Adventures 

https://www.traveltimestories.com/

What if civilization didn't collapse because of war, zombies, or nuclear disaster?

What if it collapsed because people simply stopped growing old?

In this fascinating episode of Travel Time Stories, Shannon and Ann sit down with author T.A. Thompson to discuss his dystopian thriller The Mark—a story that explores survival, morality, motherhood, and the frightening consequences of a world where no one expects to live long enough to think about tomorrow.

Together they explore:

•  📖 The inspiration behind The Mark
•  🧬 Why biological catastrophe is more terrifying than monsters 
•  🧠 What dystopian fiction reveals about human nature 
•  ✍️ An unconventional writing process 
•  🌍 Why readers are drawn to stories about the end of the world 
•  📚 What's next for T.A. Thompson 

If you enjoy thought-provoking fiction, moral dilemmas, and stories that stay with you long after the final page, this conversation is for you.

#authors #authorspotlight #bookcommunity #themark #dystopianworld #traveltimestorieswithshannon 

https://www.traveltimestories.com/

Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards returns to Travel Time Stories for a deeper, nontraditional author conversation. Building on his first episode’s challenge to how we think about love, toxic relationships, vulnerability, and emotional healing, he discusses his new novel The Venus Fly Trap 2: Enough Is Never Enough and shares perspectives to help listeners reframe love, identify toxic patterns, and support emotional healing.

If you've ever questioned a relationship, struggled with boundaries, or wondered why letting go can be so difficult, this episode will leave you with plenty to think about. 

Dr. Stephen Edwards: 

Free Consultation: https://vft23.com/coaching-and-counselling/ 

Website: https://vft23.com/ 

Venus Fly Trap Book 1(three free chapters): https://bit.ly/4n1lyvv

Venus Fly Trap Book 2(three free chapters): https://vft23.kit.com/fc06ad02d7 

https://www.traveltimestories.com/

Author Spotlight: Wendy M. Kok (A Grey Resort). 

Shannon Lamkin explores Kok’s writing journey and the real-life experiences behind the novel — intuition, spiritual encounters, and unexplained phenomena. We discuss storytelling choices, how personal history shaped the book, and craft techniques writers can use when weaving intuition into fiction. For listeners of literary fiction, spiritual memoirs, and writers seeking creative insight. Duration: 38 minutes.

Tell me in the comments:
Do you trust your intuition when something just feels right—or wrong—even when you can't explain why?

Information about Wendy and where to find A Grey Resort is below:
https://link.amazon/B0iYKbspf
https://wendymkokauthor.net/

@wendymkokauthor

https://www.traveltimestories.com/