Watch Us Thrive

Lisa D. is the Founder of Ella-Go, a mission to empower and uplift women. Her journey began with feelings of unhappiness, being overweight, and lacking a voice.
At 40, Lisa turned to running as a tool for empowerment, leading to significant weight loss and a healthier diet. However, the hardest part was learning self-love amidst numerous setbacks.
Despite these challenges, she built confidence and became the strong woman she is today.
As a former mental health therapist turned certified running and life coach, Lisa combines psychological insights with practical running expertise to guide women on their path to self-discovery and empowerment.
Through coaching programs, workshops, and podcasts, she provides resources and support to help women thrive. Ella-Go is dedicated to empowering women through fitness, health, and beyond, inspiring them to embrace their unique abilities and realize their limitless potential.
This week, Lisa opens up about how movement and self-love helped her heal and regain her sense of self. She talks about losing herself in a toxic marriage and the moment she realized it was time to put her well-being first.
Lisa highlights that healing is an ongoing process and shares how gratitude and positive affirmations have been key for her. She also encourages listeners to surround themselves with uplifting people and seek support from therapists or life coaches.
Her main message? It’s never too late to make a change and start living your best life.
Looking for support on your healing journey from toxic relationships? Purchase my workbook, BREAKING FREE.
Book your free coaching call with me!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide!
Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
Future— Access to personal training is more accessible & affordable than ever. Visit Future today to try out your first month for only $19!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Mary Love is a molecular biologist, an advocate for abuse survivors, keynote speaker, writer, and spiritual frontrunner.
She founded Spiritual Atlas, a wellness & advocacy-based company. Through her business, she offers meditation workshops, yoga classes, readings & promotes wellness through bridging meditation with scientific principles of energy and vibration. 
Mary is also an author of 2 books—Borrowed Wings: A Memoir on Building Resilience, and a poetry essay collection on the Human Experience, that will be published by December 2024. She also co-authored Torchbearer Chronicles, where multiple authors share stories on how they light the way for others through experience & triumphs.
When Mary is not in the laboratory, she works closely with the State of New Jersey's Department of Children & Families to help youth and spread awareness on building resilience and policy.
Follow Mary on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter.
This week's episode is about overcoming life's obstacles & changing your mindset. Mary boldly shares her journey of healing & resiliency.
Mary grew up in a traumatic environment, experiencing many forms of abuse. She eventually entered the foster care system and faced challenges along the way. However, Mary found solace in yoga + meditation, which became transformative tools in her healing journey. She also discovered her ability as a medium, connecting with the metaphysical world.
Mary emphasizes the importance of research, experimentation & self-reflection in the healing process. She encourages you to embrace your story & build resilience.
No matter what you go through in life, good, bad & ugly—YOU have the opportunity to no longer be a victim of your circumstances. Let this episode empower you to take back YOUR power & rewrite your life story.
Looking for support on your healing journey from toxic relationships? Purchase my workbook, BREAKING FREE.
Book your free coaching call with me!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide!
Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
Neuro— Gum & mints to energize, calm + focus whenever you need it. Visit Neuro to get 30% off your order!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Shawnti Refuge, the CEO of Shawnti Refuge Journals, is a Certified Mental Health Coach, Advocate, Speaker & Author.
She guides individuals in releasing, healing & living their best lives through guided journaling. Shawnti believes in shedding emotional baggage by addressing its root causes and facilitating natural healing. Inspired by her own life experiences, she’s created a series of self-care guided journals.
She has also penned a memoir entitled, “Quiet As Kept”, based on her personal mental wellness journey and co-authored a book entitled “Voices of Wellness: A Mental Health Anthology”, a powerful collection of stories that shatter the silence and stigma surrounding mental health.
You can follow Shawnti on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & YouTube.
This week, Shawnti talks about her healing journey and how guided journaling was a game-changer for her. Growing up in a single-parent home, dealing with domestic abuse, becoming a teen mom, and facing severe anxiety and depression shaped her experience.
She shares how journaling helped her work through her emotional struggles, highlighting the need for accountability and honesty. She also points out the importance of having a supportive community and encourages everyone to start their own healing journey and take their mental health seriously.
Looking for support on your healing journey from toxic relationships? Purchase my new workbook, BREAKING FREE, here.
Book your free coaching call with me here!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide!
Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
Purple Garden™— Get palm readings, oracle guidance & more with trusted providers in the psychic advisor space. Receive $10 of your 1st deposit matched by using my promo code.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.
Erica Zendejas is a single mom of 2 who works in the veterinary profession. Recently, she started a podcast, Oquela Podcast, with her sister, Nicole.
Through that journey, Erica has met so many amazing people, one of them being the host of Watch Us Thrive. She received so much positive feedback from that episode that she felt inspired to share her story and advocate for those who have faced similar challenges of being a survivor of domestic abuse.
In this week’s episode, Erica, a domestic violence survivor still co-parenting with her abuser, bravely shares her story. She opens up about the challenges of setting boundaries and highlights the importance of speaking up and raising awareness.
Erica talks about her ongoing healing journey and the lessons she’s learned about trusting your gut, seeking support, and putting your own happiness first. She also reminds us how powerful it is to be true to yourself and embrace who you are.
*Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know that help is available. Call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support.
Looking for support on your healing journey from toxic relationships? Purchase my new workbook, BREAKING FREE, here.
Book your free coaching call with me here!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide!
Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
STRIP Makeup— STRIP is a company focused on creating better options for makeup removal. Visit STRIP makeup today for an exclusive discount on any bundle!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Caleb Harris is an author, blogger, filmmaker, poet, speaker and life and recovery coach. He is also the founder of Choosing Your Freedom a faith-based recovery coaching business.
Having conquered his own battles, Caleb envisioned a sanctuary where men could break free from the chains of addiction and discover their God-given purpose.
Through faith-based recovery coaching, Choosing Your Freedom endeavors to be a beacon of hope, inspiring men to find redemption, embrace their spiritual journey, and live a life in alignment with God's plan.
This week, Caleb shares his powerful journey of overcoming trauma and addiction. He highlights the crucial role faith and spirituality play in healing, while also challenging common misconceptions about addiction and trauma.
Caleb sheds light on the difficulties men, especially within the Black community, face when it comes to opening up and seeking help. He advocates for a redefinition of masculinity, urging men to reject societal pressures around sex and relationships.
Join us for an inspiring conversation where Caleb shares his thoughts on how faith and spirituality can be powerful tools for healing. 
Whether you're on your own healing journey or supporting someone who is, Caleb's insights will leave you feeling uplifted and empowered. Listen to the full episode now and discover how faith and spirituality can be the anchor you need in your healing journey.
Looking for support on your healing journey from toxic relationships? Purchase my new workbook, BREAKING FREE, here.
Book your free coaching call with me here!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide!
Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
Future— Future connects you with world-class personal trainers at home, at the gym…anywhere! Access to personal training is more accessible & affordable than ever. Visit Future today to try out your first month for only $19!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised
Nancy Crespo-Richardson is a bicultural, bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about decolonizing therapy and the healing journey. She stays engaged with the latest healing practices for the community, ensuring she practices what she preaches.
Nancy takes a holistic approach that blends ancestral practices with strategies from western methodologies, creating a personalized experience for each client. She loves working with BIPOC and underserved communities, helping them heal and find freedom by reconnecting with their roots, exploring their identities, and discovering their voices to live authentically.
This week, Nancy opens up about her own experience with domestic violence and how it inspired her to become a mental health professional. She talks about the misconceptions and stigmas around domestic violence, the importance of offering non-judgmental support, and the need for healthy relationships and communication. Nancy also shares holistic healing methods, including self-care practices, movement, and self-nurturing.
We also discuss the healing process after abusive relationships, stressing the importance of self-care, processing trauma, and understanding the patterns of abuse. We highlight the need for support systems and resources for survivors, offering advice on navigating the challenges of the healing journey.
*Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know that help is available. Call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support.
Looking for support on your healing journey from toxic relationships? Purchase my new workbook, BREAKING FREE, here.
Book your free coaching call with me here!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide!
Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
Neuro— Gum & mints to energize, calm + focus whenever you need it. Boost your energy when you want, focus your mind when you need. Visit Neuro to get 30% off your order!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised*
Justine De Peralta is a Certified Financial Educator & Money Coach, specializing in helping BIPOC women & domestic violence survivors develop the confidence & financial literacy skills needed to navigate difficult money situations.
Her commitment to supporting those in need started in 2007. She served at a local courthouse, helping people dealing with divorce, child custody & eviction. She realized that financial challenges and domestic violence emerge as the foremost factors for divorce.
After her own experience being in an abusive marriage, she knows firsthand what it's like to navigate difficult money situations & hitting financial rock bottom.
However, she's been able to bounce back STRONGER, SMARTER, HEALTHIER & WEALTHIER! Today, she's teaching women and domestic violence survivors how to do the same!
This week, Justine shares her personal journey of leaving a toxic marriage and rebuilding her life. She discuss the financial aspect of abusive relationships and the importance of reclaiming financial independence. She emphasizes the need for survivors to prioritize their financial well-being and offers tips on how to start the process of rebuilding after leaving.
If you want to learn how to financially recover during & after an abusive relationship, how to build your own financial safety net and how to reclaim your financial autonomy and confidence, this episode is a must listen!
*Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know that help is available. Call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support.
Looking for support on your healing journey from toxic relationships? Purchase my new workbook, BREAKING FREE, here.
Book your free coaching call with me here!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide!
Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
Purple Garden™— Get palm readings, oracle guidance & more with trusted providers in the psychic advisor space. Receive $10 of your 1st deposit matched by using my promo code.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Carla Santamaria is a Honduran immigrant who more than doubled her salary in 10 months by job hopping from higher ed to healthcare to tech. She is now a career coach on a mission to help first gen women of color job hop to six figures while protecting their peace and actually enjoying their salary and their lives outside of work.
Since 2021, she’s helped her clients collectively increase their salaries by more than ½ a million dollars. She's also the host of The First Gen Coach Podcast, where first generation professionals learn to advance their career, unlearn limiting beliefs, and build wealth.
Carla, who was raised in the Mormon Church, disaffiliated from the religion in 2018, after years of religious abuse, gaslighting, and eventual stalking and sexual harassment from a fellow congregant.
In this week's episode, Carla talks about the strict religious upbringing she experienced while living as a Mormon and the pressure to conform to certain standards. She also discusses the topic of religious abuse, specifically within the context of Mormonism. She shares her personal experience of dealing with gaslighting, stalking, and sexual harassment from a fellow congregant in the Mormon church.
Carla shares the lack of support and intervention from church leaders when she reported the abuse. She talks about her experience of leaving the Mormon church and the challenges she faced in speaking out against the harassment & abuse she experienced.
She talks about the importance of trusting yourself, seeking outside help and using your voice to take back your power. Her story is a reminder to prioritize your own well-being and not be afraid to make changes in your life, even if it means leaving toxic environments you grew up in.
Looking for support on your healing journey from toxic relationships? Purchase my new workbook, BREAKING FREE, here.
Book your free coaching call with me here!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide! Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
STRIP Makeup— STRIP is a company focused on creating better options for makeup removal. Visit STRIP makeup today for an exclusive discount on any bundle!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Mia J. Hanks is a survivor of narcissistic abuse. She was married to a covert narcissist for 29 years, and has taken her experiences and put them into a memoir titled Bride-Made.
Her book talks about her journey from being groomed by a narcissist, slowly realizing she was in a toxic relationship, and eventually escaped to reclaim her self worth.
Throughout her book, you'll learn how narcissistic behavior wears down the self esteem, self value, and identity of its victims. She hopes that her story can enlighten others and encourage awareness, and can help other victims of narcissistic abuse find their voices and be heard. You can follow Mia on TikTok.
This week, Mia shares her experience of being in a marriage with a covert narcissist. She talks about the challenges of being in a relationship with a narcissist, and the difficult process she experienced when divorcing her narcissistic ex-husband.
Mia talks about the importance of understanding how different forms of abuse, like financial abuse, often happens in narcissistic relationships and the barriers it creates for victims trying to leave.
We also discuss the dynamics of narcissistic abuse in relationships, why victims often stay in abusive relationships, the normalization of abuse, and the slow process of recognizing the truth.
We talk about the healing and recovery process, the importance of finding support, and the power of sharing your story. Mia also shares tips for those in the beginning stages of healing.
If you’re currently in a narcissistic relationship, this conversation with empower you and other victims of narcissistic abuse on how to break free. 
Looking for support on your healing journey from toxic relationships? Purchase my new workbook, BREAKING FREE, here.
Book your free coaching call with me here!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide! Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
STRIP Makeup— STRIP is a company focused on creating better options for makeup removal. Visit STRIP makeup today for an exclusive discount on any bundle!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

*Trigger warning: This episode discusses acts of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.*
Seth Gehle is a multifaceted individual whose journey embodies resilience, determination, and triumph. An accomplished ultra marathon runner, BJJ athlete, and avid weight lifter, Seth's dedication to physical excellence is matched only by his unwavering commitment to personal growth.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Seth has earned national recognition in the construction industry, garnering prestigious awards from esteemed organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders and the Home Builders Institute. As a US Army Combat Veteran hailing from a single-parent household, Seth's upbringing was marked by adversity and hardship. Yet, he emerged from these challenges with an indomitable spirit and an unyielding resolve to overcome.
As a survivor, Seth now speaks and inspires audiences on harnessing their own inner strength to overcome any challenge in life. You can follow Seth on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & TikTok.
It's rare when I come across a man who is willing to publicly talk about their past traumas. I appreciate when I come across guests like Seth who bravely share their testimony of the ugly things they've been through and are out here making a difference.
This week, Seth shares his story of overcoming trauma & abuse in this powerful episode. From a young age, he experienced violence, abuse & neglect in his home. He opens up about his father's violent act against his mother, his experiences with molestation, and the years of abuse he endured at the hands of a predator.
Seth's resilience and determination to heal are evident as he shares how he eventually reported his abuser and put an end to the cycle of abuse. He discusses the importance of speaking out and using your pain to inspire and help others.
We also discuss his forthcoming book coming out in Fall 2024, 'Strength Beyond the Shadows,' which aims to empower readers to overcome their own trauma and find strength in their suffering. Seth is the epitome of someone who has turned his pain into power and empowering others, especially men, to do the same.
*If you've experienced sexual abuse, help is available. RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Call 800.656.HOPE for free, 24/7 confidential support.
Looking for support on your healing journey from toxic relationships? Purchase my new workbook, BREAKING FREE, here.
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide! Book your free coaching call with me here!
Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
Neuro— Gum & mints to energize, calm + focus whenever you need it. Boost your energy when you want, focus your mind when you need. Visit Neuro to get 30% off your order!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.