After divorce, letting someone close again can bring up questions you never expected: Can I trust my judgment? Will I feel comfortable in my body? How do I ask for what I need without feeling guilty?In this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce, Coach Deborah welcomes licensed counselor and certified sex therapist Hannah Smith for an honest conversation about rediscovering yourself and rebuilding emotional and physical intimacy after divorce.Hannah shares how her own experience as a neurodivergent person shaped her interest in understanding people and helping clients embrace who they are. Together, we explore how silencing your needs in a marriage can leave you disconnected from your identity, your body, and even your sense of joy.From questioning what makes a “good wife” to recognizing whether you’re dating out of loneliness or self-love, this conversation offers a compassionate starting point for women ready to build relationships that honor their needs.In This Episode, We Discuss:Rediscovering yourself after divorce: Exploring your preferences, interests, and sources of joy when you’ve spent years putting yourself last.Reconnecting with your body: How mindfulness and a sensory practice called sensate focus can help you notice physical sensations without pressure to perform.Understanding discomfort in new relationships: Why familiar survival patterns can follow you into dating—and why discomfort deserves attention without automatically being a red flag.Building body confidence in midlife: Taking small steps toward self-expression, whether that means dancing, wearing bright colors, or trying something you’ve held yourself back from.Releasing old expectations: Separating your own values from the roles and rules other people placed on you.Dating from self-love: Considering whether you want to share a fulfilling life with someone or are seeking a relationship primarily to escape fear and loneliness.Setting healthy boundaries: Understanding the difference between a request, a boundary, and an attempt to control someone else.Recognizing respect: Noticing how a potential partner responds when you express a need or say no.A Thought to Carry With YouHannah invites us to replace “Am I being good enough?” with a more useful question: “Is this choice helping me move toward the life and relationship I want?”One Small Step This WeekChoose one activity that helps you feel more connected to your body. Take a comfortable walk, listen to music you love, or notice the warmth of sunshine on your skin. Give yourself room to discover what feels enjoyable, without making it another task to get right.Connect with Hannah SmithLearn more about Hannah’s counseling and sex therapy services at <a href="https://www.hannahsmithcounseling.com/">hannahsmithcounseling.com</a>.Enjoyed

Intimacy After Divorce: Rebuilding Confidence, Self-Trust, and Healthy Boundaries with Hannah Smith, LPC

If you're parenting after divorce, have you ever wondered:Am I doing enough? Are my kids really okay? Did my divorce damage them?Those questions can create an enormous amount of parenting guilt after divorce—especially when you're trying to manage two households, different parenting styles, changing finances, busy schedules, and your own emotional recovery.In this bonus episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce, Coach Deborah continues the conversation inspired by parenting expert Elisabeth Stitt and shares an important reminder:Your children don't need a perfect parent. They need a present one.In This Bonus EpisodeCoach Deborah explores how parents can stop trying to compensate for divorce and instead focus on what children really need to feel safe, connected, and loved.You'll discover:Why parental guilt can become especially powerful after divorceHow to stop putting pressure on yourself to be the "perfect parent"Why children can adapt to different rules in Mom's and Dad's homesHow to focus on what you can control in your own householdWhy connection before correction can change difficult parenting momentsWhat may be underneath anger, defiance, or acting out after divorceWhy moving between two homes can be stressful even when both homes are lovingHow guilt can cause parents to overcompensateWhy saying "yes" to everything isn't necessarily what your children needHow simple family routines and traditions can create securityWhy children need belonging more than perfectionHow parents can help children build resilience after divorceWhy divorce may change your family without destroying itWhen Parenting Guilt Takes OverDivorce can leave parents feeling responsible for making sure their children never experience another disappointment.You may find yourself spending money you don't have, keeping your children involved in every activity, avoiding boundaries, or saying yes when you really want to say no.But trying to make up for the divorce can leave you physically and emotionally exhausted.Your children don't need you to recreate the life they had before.They need connection, consistency, boundaries, love, laughter, and your presence.Connection Before CorrectionWhen a child starts acting out after divorce, it's easy to focus on the behavior.But what if you asked a different question?Instead of:"Why are you behaving like this?"Try asking:"What might my child be feeling right now?"Children moving between two homes may regularly have to pack, leave one parent, adjust to another household, and then make the transition all over again. Even when both homes are safe and loving, those transitions can be stressful.Sometimes anger isn't just anger.Sometimes the child pushing you away may actually need you to come a little closer.That do

Your Kids Don’t Need a Perfect Parent: Letting Go of Parenting Guilt After Divorce

Divorce changes the family—but it doesn’t have to destroy a child’s sense of safety, belonging, or connection.In this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce, Coach Deborah sits down with parenting expert and coach Elisabeth Stitt of Joyful Parenting Coaching for an important conversation about parenting after divorce, co-parenting, single parenting, and helping children adjust to life between two homes.For divorced and single parents, there can be enormous pressure to get everything right. You may worry about how divorce is affecting your children, whether the other household has completely different rules, or whether you're spending enough quality time together.Elisabeth offers a different perspective: your children don't need a perfect parent. They need a parent who is present, calm, clear, and consistent.In This Episode, You'll Discover:Why children can adapt to different parenting styles in two different homesHow to create consistency and emotional security after divorceWhy parents don't have to compete with their ex's householdHow overscheduling can take away precious family connectionWhy family time becomes especially valuable after divorceHow routines and rituals create a sense of safety and belongingWhat children may really be communicating when they act outWhy connection before correction can change difficult parenting momentsSimple emotional regulation techniques parents can teach their childrenHow divorced parents can stop chasing perfectionWhy children need present parents—not perfect parentsHow to create meaningful family traditions after divorceWhy divorced parents can create three family identities: Mom's home, Dad's home, and the shared family spaceHow children can develop resilience and even thrive after divorceWhen Your Child Acts Out After DivorceAnger, defiance, meltdowns, or pushing a parent away may be about much more than bad behavior.Moving between two homes, adapting to different routines, and processing the emotions surrounding divorce can be stressful for children—even when both parents have created loving homes.Instead of immediately focusing on consequences, Elisabeth encourages parents to ask:What might my child be feeling underneath this behavior?Sometimes slowing down, connecting physically and emotionally, and helping a child regulate their emotions can accomplish far more than immediately trying to correct the behavior.As Elisabeth explains, the relationship is more important than the issue—with safety always being the exception.Two Homes Don't Have to Have the Same RulesOne of the biggest concerns after divorce is consistency.What happens when Mom and Dad have completely different parenting styles?Elisabeth reminds parents that children already learn to function under different expectations every day. They behave differently with d

Parenting After Divorce: How to Create Safety, Connection & Stability for Your Kids with Elisabeth Stitt

What if everyone around you thinks you’re successful, confident, and strong—but inside, you’re still wondering if you’re enough?In this bonus coaching episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah reflects on her conversation with singer, songwriter, and author Machan Taylor and one of the most powerful lessons from Machan’s story: success doesn’t automatically heal the wounds we carry.Machan performed on some of the biggest stages in the world with legendary artists, yet she shared that she could stand in front of hundreds of thousands of people and still experience imposter syndrome and wonder whether she truly belonged.And you don’t have to be standing on a stage to understand that feeling.Sometimes we hide behind our careers, accomplishments, relationships, perfectionism, or simply saying, “I’m fine.”We become so good at surviving and taking care of everyone else that we lose sight of ourselves.In This Bonus Episode:Coach Deborah explores:Why success doesn't always create self-worthHow childhood trauma can affect our adult relationshipsWhy we sometimes repeat unhealthy relationship patternsThe difference between choosing what is healthy and choosing what is familiarHow emotional abuse can slowly change the way you see yourselfWhy high-achieving women can still struggle with imposter syndromeWhat it means to lose yourself in a relationshipHow to stop trying to prove that you're enoughRebuilding your confidence after divorce or emotional abuseFinding your voice and trusting yourself againStarting over and reinventing yourself later in lifeWhy your age does not determine what comes nextAsk Yourself These Three QuestionsWhere in my life am I still trying to prove that I'm enough?What old story about myself am I carrying that may no longer be true?If I truly believed I was already enough, what would I do differently?You don't have to change everything today.Sometimes rebuilding begins by simply recognizing the patterns, beliefs, and old stories that are keeping you stuck.It Is Never Too Late to Start OverWhether you're 40, 50, 60, 70, or beyond, there is no expiration date on becoming the woman you want to be.Your past may explain parts of your story, but it doesn't have to write the ending.You don't have to become the woman you were before everything happened.Maybe you're meant to become someone even stronger, wiser, and more authentic.If you haven't heard Coach Deborah's full conversation with Machan Taylor, be sure to listen to “She Sang with Pink Floyd—but Still Felt She Wasn't Enough.”And remember—you may have been bent by what happened to you, but you get to decide what happens next.Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don

Why Success Doesn’t Make You Feel Good Enough: Healing Self-Worth & Starting Over

What happens when the world sees your success—but never sees the struggles happening behind the scenes?In this powerful episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah sits down with singer, songwriter, author, and educator Machan Taylor, whose extraordinary career has included performing with legendary artists including Pink Floyd, Sting, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, and Aretha Franklin.But behind the applause was a woman struggling to understand where she belonged.Born in Japan to a Japanese mother and American military father, Machan moved to the United States at just four and a half years old. Growing up in New Jersey in the years following World War II, she experienced discrimination and struggled with identity, belonging, and the emotional impact of leaving her extended family and culture behind.Those early experiences were only one layer of what Machan calls her “layer cake of trauma.”She later grew up in a dysfunctional home with an alcoholic father and carried many of those childhood wounds into adulthood—even while building a successful career and performing in front of enormous audiences.Machan shares something particularly powerful: you can appear confident and successful on the outside while questioning your worth on the inside.At the height of her career, she sometimes stood in front of hundreds of thousands of people while battling imposter syndrome and wondering whether she truly belonged.Her personal life eventually brought another painful chapter. Machan opens up about leaving an abusive and controlling marriage, hitting what she describes as rock bottom, and spending years rebuilding her life and rediscovering herself.Today, at 70, Machan's perspective couldn't be more different.Rather than believing her best years are behind her, she's writing, creating, exploring speaking opportunities, working on a possible screenplay, and looking forward to what's next.Her message is simple and powerful:Whatever your goals are, whatever your dreams are—go after them. It doesn't matter what anybody else thinks.In This Episode, You'll Hear About:Moving from Japan to America as a young child and struggling to belongThe lasting effects of childhood trauma and family dysfunctionBuilding an extraordinary music career despite deep insecurityPerforming with Pink Floyd and other legendary artistsExperiencing imposter syndrome even at the height of successHow our childhood experiences can influence our adult relationshipsLeaving an abusive and controlling marriageHitting rock bottom and rebuilding your lifeBreaking unhealthy relationship patternsThe role of forgiveness and acceptance in healingWhy writing her memoir, Naked Out Loud, became part of Machan's healing journeyFinding your voice personally—not just professionallyReinventing yourself and starting over later in lifeWhy turning 70 has left Machan feeling energi

Naked Out Loud: Machan Taylor on Healing Trauma, Finding Her Voice & Starting Over

How to move from financial overwhelm to clarity—one small step at a time.After divorce, money can become one of your biggest sources of fear.Can I afford to live on my own? Should I keep the house? Will I have enough for retirement? What if I don't understand our finances? Am I going to be okay?In this bonus coaching episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce, Coach Deborah continues the conversation inspired by her interview with financial professional Donna Kendrick and explores the emotional side of rebuilding your financial life after divorce.When everything feels urgent, it's easy to believe you need to figure out your entire future right now.You don't.Instead, start with what you know today and identify one action you can take to create greater clarity and control.In this episode, we talk about:Why financial fear after divorce is about more than moneyHow to separate immediate decisions from those that can waitWhy knowledge can begin replacing fear with clarityWhat to consider before deciding to keep the marital homeHow to start understanding your accounts, credit, expenses and financial pictureWhy asking for help doesn't mean you've failedThe power of focusing on your “next best minute”One simple financial challenge you can take this weekYou don't need to rebuild your entire life today.Maybe your next step is checking your credit report. Maybe it's finding your retirement statement, calculating your essential monthly expenses, starting an emergency fund or finally opening that financial document you've been avoiding.Choose one thing.Because rebuilding after divorce happens decision by decision, step by step and sometimes minute by minute.🎧 And if you haven't heard my full conversation with Donna Kendrick, CFP® and CDFA®, listen to that episode for more practical strategies for taking control of your finances during divorce, widowhood and other major life transitions.Remember: You don't have to know exactly what your next chapter looks like before you begin writing it. Start with your next best step.Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186">Apple Podcasts </a>and <a href="https://spotify.com/">Spotify</a> so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit <a href="https://brokentoboldness.com/">BrokenToBoldness.com</a> for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce rec

Money Fear After Divorce: Will I Be Okay Financially?

What happens when the life you planned suddenly disappears—and you're left wondering, “Am I going to be okay?”Whether you're facing divorce, widowhood, or another major life transition, starting over can feel overwhelming. You're grieving the life you thought you would have while simultaneously being asked to make some of the biggest financial decisions of your life.In this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce, Coach Deborah sits down with Donna Jean Kendrick, CFP® and CDFA®, founder of Sephton Financial and author of The Divorce Money Map: Taking Control of Your Finances Before, During, and After Divorce.Donna knows what it means to have life change without warning. At just 40 years old, she unexpectedly lost her husband and found herself raising three children while trying to figure out what came next. At the time, she was earning just $17,000 a year working part-time and suddenly had to face questions about income, credit, savings, raising her children, and her family's financial future.That devastating loss eventually inspired Donna to reinvent her career and become the kind of financial professional she needed during her own darkest season.Today, she helps people navigate the financial realities of divorce, widowhood, remarriage, blended families, and starting over.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why major financial decisions shouldn't all be made in the middle of emotional overwhelmThe difference between immediate, transitional, and long-term financial decisionsWhy Donna recommends building a six-month emergency cash reserveWhat “sudden money” is—and why receiving a divorce settlement, life insurance proceeds, or money from selling a home can lead to emotional spendingWhy checking your credit report is so important before, during, and after divorceHow joint credit card debt can continue affecting your credit after divorceWhy you need to understand exactly what you own and oweHow to begin establishing financial independence if your spouse traditionally handled the moneyWhy keeping the marital home isn't always the best financial decisionThe importance of updating beneficiaries, wills, healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and other financial documents after divorceHow Donna rebuilt her career after becoming a widow at 40Why she created The Divorce Money Map to help people organize their finances before meeting with an attorneyHow setting 30-day, 90-day, one-year, three-year, five-year, and ten-year goals can help you begin moving forwardThe power of resilience, forgiveness, and learning to live the “next best minute”Three Steps You Can Take Right NowIf you're newly separated, divorced, widowed, or simply afraid of your financial future, Donna recommends beginning with three practical steps:1. Start building your cash reserve. Work toward having approximately six months of basic liv

When Life Changes Overnight: Rebuilding Your Life & Finances with Donna  Jean Kendrick

What happens when the life you thought would last forever comes to an end—and you have to figure out who you are all over again?In this special episode of Bent Not Broken: Starting Over After Divorce, Coach Deborah shares a powerful conversation originally featured on the Get Obsessed podcast with Janelle Brown of TLC’s Sister Wives.For years, viewers watched Janelle navigate plural marriage, motherhood, family dynamics, jealousy, public scrutiny, and the challenges of living much of her personal life in front of television cameras. But behind the headlines is a woman who eventually found herself asking a question so many women face after divorce:Who am I now—and what do I want for the rest of my life?Janelle opens up about the realities of plural marriage, learning to recognize her own value, and why understanding that she didn't have to compare herself to other women helped strengthen her self-esteem.She also talks candidly about the breakdown of her marriage, the difficult realization that she was ready to leave, and why starting over can feel frightening—even when you know something in your life needs to change.The conversation takes an especially heartfelt turn as Janelle discusses the loss of her son Garrison, her family's grief, and the importance of having honest conversations about mental health.Today, Janelle is building an entirely different life—one filled with independence, family, coaching, her farm in North Carolina, and the freedom to discover what she wants this next chapter to become.In this episode, you'll hear about:• Life behind the scenes of Sister Wives and plural marriage • How comparison and jealousy can affect self-worth • Learning to separate other people's opinions from your identity • Recognizing when a marriage has changed • Finding the courage to consider leaving and starting over • Grief, mental health, and Garrison's lasting legacy • Rediscovering yourself after decades of marriage and motherhood • Why Janelle isn't rushing to find another relationship • Rebuilding confidence and independence after divorce • Creating a fulfilling second chapter later in life • Why you don't need to have your entire future figured out before taking the first stepOne of the most powerful messages from Janelle's story is that starting over doesn't mean you failed.Sometimes starting over means finally giving yourself permission to ask:What do I want now?After divorce or the end of a long-term relationship, it's easy to feel lost when so much of your identity has been wrapped up in being a wife, mother, caregiver, or the person everyone depends on.But your story isn't finished.You can rebuild your confidence. You can rediscover who you are. You can create new dreams. And you can write a completely different next chapter—eve

Janelle Brown After Sister Wives: Finding Herself & Starting Over After Divorce

What happens when life changes on a dime—and suddenly the future you planned looks nothing like the life you're living?In this personal solo coaching episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah opens up about returning to the workforce at 67 and the unexpected challenges of trying to balance work, podcasting, personal goals, responsibilities, and everything else life brings.If you're starting over after divorce, navigating a midlife transition, returning to work later in life, rebuilding after loss, facing financial changes, or simply feeling overwhelmed trying to do it all, this conversation is for you.Coach Deborah knows firsthand that starting over doesn't always happen once. Sometimes, just when you think you've figured out your next chapter, life hands you another blank page.But a change in circumstances doesn't mean you've failed.It may simply mean it's time to redefine what success looks like in this season of your life.In this episode, Coach Deborah explores why women often put enormous pressure on themselves to keep doing everything—even when their lives and circumstances have changed. She challenges you to stop measuring yourself against the life you thought you would have and instead ask:What does this season of my life need from me?You'll discover how to:• Navigate unexpected life changes without losing yourself • Let go of the pressure to “do it all” • Reevaluate your priorities when life changes • Give yourself permission to put some things down • Recognize the difference between giving up and adjusting • Rebuild confidence when you're starting over • Navigate returning to work later in life • Redefine success during a midlife or later-life transition • Take your next step without having your entire future figured outWhether you're starting over after divorce, rebuilding your life after emotional abuse, returning to the workforce, changing careers after 50 or 60, dealing with an empty nest, experiencing financial uncertainty, or wondering what's next, remember this:You don't have to figure out the entire next chapter today.Sometimes you just need enough courage to turn the page.One decision. One priority. One day at a time.Because whether you're 47, 57, 67, or beyond, it's never too late to start over, rediscover yourself, rebuild your confidence, and write your next chapter.Your story isn't over.You still get to write your next chapter.Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186">Apple Podcasts </a>and <a href="https://spotify.com/">Spotify</a> so more people searching for life after divorce, d

Life Can Change on a Dime: Starting Over When You Thought You Had It Figured Out

What happens when the marriage you thought would last forever ends after 20, 30, or even 40 years?Gray divorce—divorce after 50 or later—can turn your entire world upside down. Beyond the end of the marriage, you may be grieving the future you expected, questioning who you are without your spouse, navigating changing friendships and family relationships, and wondering whether it's really possible to start over at this stage of life.In this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce, Deborah Griffiths sits down with psychotherapist Oona Metz for an important conversation about the unique emotional challenges women face during gray divorce and divorce later in life.Oona brings insight into what happens emotionally when a long-term marriage ends and why healing from divorce isn't simply about "moving on." It's about grieving what was lost while slowly rediscovering who you are and creating a life that belongs to you.In This EpisodeDeborah and Oona discuss:What gray divorce is and why divorce after 50 can feel so differentThe emotional impact of ending a long-term marriageGrieving the marriage—and the future you thought you would haveWhy women can feel lost after divorceRebuilding your identity when you've spent decades as part of a coupleLoneliness after divorce and adjusting to a new social lifeHow friendships and relationships may change after a gray divorceLearning to trust yourself againFinding purpose and confidence in the next chapter of your lifeWhy starting over after divorce at 50, 60, or beyond is absolutely possibleIs It Too Late to Start Over After Divorce?One of the biggest fears surrounding gray divorce is the belief that you've run out of time.You haven't.At 67, Deborah understands the importance of challenging the idea that your best years have to be behind you. Your life may not look the way you once imagined it would, but that doesn't mean it can't become meaningful, joyful, and fulfilling again.Divorce later in life isn't the end of your story.Healing after divorce takes time. Rebuilding your confidence takes time. Rediscovering yourself after years—or decades—of marriage takes time.But there is no expiration date on becoming the woman you want to be.Whether you're contemplating divorce after 50, newly separated, going through a gray divorce, recovering from a long-term marriage, or rebuilding your life years after divorce, this conversation with Oona Metz offers encouragement and perspective for navigating what comes next.You don't have to have your entire future figured out today.Sometimes the next chapter begins by simply asking:Who am I now—and who do I want to become?Listen to this episode and discover why it's never too late to heal, rebuild, rediscover yourself, and start over after divorce.Enjoy

Gray Divorce After 50: How to Heal, Rebuild & Start Over | Oona Metz

Dating after divorce can feel like stepping into an entirely different world. You may be wondering: Am I ready to date again? Can I trust my instincts? How do I recognize red flags? And is it really possible to find healthy love after divorce?In this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce, I’m revisiting my conversation with Kerry Brett about dating, relationships, confidence, and finding love again after your marriage ends.Dating after divorce—especially dating over 40 or dating over 50—isn’t simply about meeting someone new. It can also be about rediscovering who you are after divorce, rebuilding your self-worth, setting healthier boundaries, and getting clear about what you want in your next relationship.Kerry shares insights about approaching dating with greater confidence and intention, recognizing relationship red flags, and refusing to settle simply because you’re afraid of being alone.In This Episode, We Talk About:Dating after divorce and navigating the dating world againRebuilding confidence and self-worth after divorceRecognizing dating and relationship red flagsLearning to trust yourself againWhy knowing what you want matters before entering a new relationshipDating over 40 and dating over 50Creating healthier boundaries in relationshipsLetting go of the fear of starting overFinding love without losing yourself in the processWhy life—and love—after divorce can become an opportunity for a completely new beginningIf your divorce left you feeling lost, rejected, brokenhearted, or unsure of who you are, dating again can bring those insecurities back to the surface. But starting over after divorce doesn't have to mean repeating your past.This chapter can be about making different choices, recognizing your worth, creating healthy relationships, and becoming more intentional about the people you allow into your life.Whether you're newly divorced, single after a long marriage, cautiously considering dating again, or already navigating online dating, this conversation with Kerry Brett offers encouragement for rebuilding your confidence and moving forward.You don't have to rush to find someone new. You can take the time to rediscover yourself, rebuild your confidence, and decide what you truly want your next chapter—and your next relationship—to look like.🎙️ Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce is about what happens after life doesn't go according to plan. Through honest conversations about divorce recovery, emotional healing, rebuilding confidence, relationships, starting over, and finding purpose, we explore how to move beyond simply surviving and begin creating a life that feels like your own again.Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podca

Dating After Divorce: How to Rebuild Confidence, Avoid Red Flags & Find Love Again with Kerry Brett

What happens when the life you thought you were building suddenly changes?In this special re-release of the very first episode of Bent Not Broken, I’m revisiting my conversation with Dr. JC Doornick—a friend, mentor, entrepreneur, health transformation coach, and founder of Make Sense Academy.This episode has always held a special place in my heart because JC took a chance on me when Bent Not Broken was just beginning. He gave me his time, encouragement, wisdom, and support when I was still finding my voice as a podcast host.Today, this conversation has an even deeper meaning.JC is currently facing stage 4 renal cancer, a heartbreaking reminder that life can change in an instant. We make plans, build careers, raise families, and assume there will always be more time. Sometimes life has other plans.I’m sharing this episode again to honor JC, thank him for the role he played in helping me launch this podcast, and give listeners another opportunity to hear a conversation filled with lessons that remain just as relevant today.Rebuilding Your Life After DivorceIn our conversation, JC opens up about his own divorce and the beliefs about marriage he carried from childhood after watching his parents' marriage end.He shares how his determination to never get divorced influenced the person he chose to marry—and how he eventually realized that choosing what felt safe wasn't necessarily the same as choosing the person who was right for him.We talk candidly about growing apart, recognizing when a marriage is no longer working, and the guilt that can come with being the person who ultimately decides the marriage needs to end.For JC, that guilt followed him well beyond the divorce. He describes spending years trying to take care of everyone else while forgetting to take care of himself.Putting Your Children FirstJC also shares an important perspective on co-parenting after divorce.Having experienced his own parents' divorce as a child, he was determined to do things differently with his two sons. That meant keeping communication open, refusing to badmouth their mother, and continually reminding his children that they were loved.Even in what he describes as a relatively amicable divorce, there were still challenges involving resentment, finances, loneliness, and rebuilding a new life.His message is an important one: divorce can be difficult even under the best circumstances, but parents still have choices about how they communicate and how they protect their children from unnecessary conflict.From Guilt and Loneliness to Rebuilding YourselfOne of the most powerful parts of our conversation is JC's honesty about what happened after the divorce.He struggled with guilt, anxiety, loneliness, poor sleep, dating, and feeling as though he had failed. Eventually, he realized he needed to stop trying to control everything

When Life Changes in an Instant: Dr. JC Doornick on Divorce, Identity & Starting Over

What happens when you've spent so many years staying silent that you begin to lose yourself?In this powerful encore episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce, Deborah revisits one of the show's most resonant conversations with author and longtime educator Barb Rebon, whose memoir The Heartbeat of My Silence explores trauma, identity, secrecy, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to finally speak your truth.Barb's story begins long before she found the words to tell it.After experiencing abuse as a teenager, she entered the convent at just 16 years old. Her journey would eventually include motherhood, a 26-year career as an educator, years of keeping important pieces of herself hidden, and ultimately the decision to stop living in silence.This isn't simply a conversation about what happened to Barb.It's a conversation about what can happen to all of us when we silence ourselves for too long.Whether that silence comes from trauma, marriage, divorce, family expectations, fear, shame, people-pleasing, or simply trying to become the person everyone else expects us to be, the result can be the same:We lose touch with our own voice.And sometimes, we lose ourselves along with it.In This Episode, You'll Hear About:How childhood and teenage trauma can shape identity for decadesWhy Barb entered the convent at just 16 years oldThe difference between keeping something private and living in silenceHow fear and expectations can cause us to hide parts of ourselvesWhat happens when you've spent years living according to other people's expectationsBarb's journey toward understanding and accepting herselfWhy telling our stories can be an important part of healingThe courage required to finally speak your truthHow to begin reclaiming your identity after years of feeling lostWhy it is never too late to find your voice and start writing your next chapterAre You Lost—or Have You Just Been Silent for Too Long?One of the most powerful lessons in Barb's story is that losing yourself doesn't always happen all at once.Sometimes it happens quietly.One compromise. One unspoken truth. One swallowed feeling at a time.You become the wife. The mother. The caretaker. The professional. The peacekeeper. The person everyone can depend on.Until one day you realize you aren't sure where you went.That's why this conversation is worth hearing again.Because healing isn't only about moving beyond what happened to you. It's also about rediscovering the person underneath everything you've learned to hide.You are allowed to have a voice.You are allowed to change.You are allowed to tell your story when you're ready.And you are allowed to decide that the next chapter of your life will sound different from the chapters that came before it.About Barb RebonBarb Rebon is an author and retired educat

Lost in Silence: How Finding Your Voice Can Help You Find Yourself Again | Barb Rebon

What happens when you realize the life you’re living isn’t truly yours?In this listener-favorite episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce, I’m bringing back my most downloaded conversation with Chris Cushing, U.S. Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and owner of VA Victory.And I believe there’s a reason this episode connected with so many listeners: authenticity.Chris doesn’t share a perfectly packaged story of divorce and starting over. She shares the truth about what it feels like to lose yourself in marriage, ignore your intuition, struggle with the expectations of who you think you’re supposed to be, and eventually find the courage to reclaim your identity and live authentically.Chris knew from the beginning that something wasn’t right. When her future husband proposed, she cried—not because she was happy, but because a voice inside her was telling her this wasn’t the life she wanted. Yet expectations about marriage, family, and what she was “supposed” to do kept her moving forward.Years later, Chris began confronting a much bigger question:Who am I when I stop living the life everyone else expects me to live?In this honest conversation, Chris opens up about marriage, becoming an instant stepmom, navigating a blended family, coming to understand her sexuality, leaving her marriage, dealing with guilt, trusting herself again, finding love, and ultimately becoming unapologetically herself.We talk about the gut feelings we ignore, the fear of disappointing others, and why starting over after divorce can sometimes mean more than rebuilding your life—it can mean finally discovering who you were meant to be.In This Episode, We Talk About:Losing your identity in marriage and finding yourself againWhy we sometimes ignore our intuition and relationship red flagsThe pressure to follow society’s expectations of marriage and familyChris’s experience of realizing she was gay while marriedLeaving a marriage and choosing to live authenticallyNavigating divorce, guilt, stepfamily relationships, and starting overLearning to trust yourself and your inner voice againThe importance of community and having a safe place when leaving a relationshipRebuilding confidence, peace, and identity after divorceFinding love again after a marriage endsLetting go of the person you thought you were supposed to beCreating a life based on happiness, truth, purpose, and authenticityChris reminds us that life after divorce isn’t about becoming someone new. Sometimes it’s about finally giving yourself permission to become who you really are.If you’ve ever felt lost in your marriage, questioned who you are outside of your relationship, ignored your gut because you were afraid of what would happen if you listened, or wondered how to rebuild your life after divorce, this conversation is for you

Lost Yourself in Marriage? How to Reclaim Your Identity After Divorce | Chris Cushing

What happens when the life you built suddenly falls apart? In this powerful bonus coaching episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah Griffiths shares encouragement and practical mindset shifts for anyone navigating job loss, divorce, emotional abuse recovery, financial hardship, or the fear of starting over. After her conversation with David Nassif, Deborah dives deeper into the emotional reality so many people face when they feel lost, broke, stuck, or uncertain about the future. Whether you’re rebuilding after losing a career, leaving a toxic relationship, or trying to reclaim your confidence after trauma, this episode is a reminder that your story is not over. You’ll learn why recovery and healing begin with small, intentional steps — not perfection — and how rebuilding your life starts by changing the belief that everything falling apart means you have failed. This episode explores:How job loss and divorce can impact identity and self-worthWhy starting over feels terrifying after emotional abuse or traumaThe connection between healing, recovery, and mindsetHow comparison steals joy during difficult seasonsWhy rebuilding your confidence happens one step at a timeThe difference between being broken and rebuildingHow to reclaim your purpose after life falls apart If you’ve been feeling emotionally exhausted, financially overwhelmed, afraid of the future, or stuck in survival mode, this conversation will remind you that healing is possible and recovery can lead to purpose. You are not broken. You are rebuilding. Ready for deeper support in your recovery journey? Learn more about the Living BOLD program through Broken to Boldness. Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186">Apple Podcasts </a> and <a href="https://spotify.com/">Spotify</a> so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit <a href="https://brokentoboldness.com">BrokenToBoldness.com</a> for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions. Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support:Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/brokentoboldness">@BrokenToBoldness</a>Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/brokentoboldness">Broken to Boldness</a>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-griffiths/">Broken to Boldness</a> Take the <a href="https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/69f69

Feeling Broke, Lost, and Stuck? How to Heal and Rebuild After Major Life Changes

What happens when life suddenly falls apart and you feel completely lost? In this powerful bonus coaching episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah reflects on the inspiring conversation with David Nassif — a man who went from being fired at 63 and nearly broke to rebuilding his confidence, reclaiming his future, and creating financial freedom by age 69. This episode is about far more than money. It’s about recovery, resilience, starting over, and learning how to rebuild your life when fear, rejection, job loss, divorce, trauma, or major transitions leave you questioning your worth and purpose. Coach Deborah dives into the emotional side of job loss and life transitions — the shame of feeling lost, the fear of starting over, and the emotional impact when the identity you built your life around suddenly disappears. If you’ve ever felt broken, stuck, financially afraid, or uncertain about your future, this episode will remind you that you can heal, rebuild, and reclaim your life one step at a time. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why fear and rejection often keep people trappedHow to rebuild confidence after job loss or major life changesWhy comparison steals joy, healing, and recoveryThe mindset shift needed to move from survival mode into purposeHow resilience and consistency help you rebuild after life falls apartWhy it is never too late to start over and create a meaningful futureThe connection between emotional healing, financial recovery, and personal freedom Coach Deborah also shares encouragement for listeners navigating divorce recovery, toxic relationships, emotional abuse, financial fear, and other difficult transitions — reminding you that setbacks do not define your future. No matter how lost you feel right now, your story is not over. You are not broken. You are rebuilding. Remember: Sometimes the moment life falls apart is the exact moment you begin to reclaim who you truly are. About David NassifWebsite: <a href="https://onepagewealthcompass.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">One Page Wealth Compass</a>Free Download Offer: <a href="https://onepagewealthcompass.com/free?utm_source=chatgpt.com">One Page Wealth Compass Free Download</a> Interested in deeper support? Learn more about the Living BOLD program and coaching resources through Broken to Boldness. Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186">Apple Podcasts </a> and <a href="https://spotify.com/">Spotify</a> so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find ho

From Fear to Freedom After Job Loss: How to Rebuild Your Life When Everything Falls Apart | David Nassief

What do you do when your life falls apart after divorce? In this powerful bonus coaching episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah Griffiths speaks directly to women who feel lost, emotionally exhausted, financially broke, or overwhelmed by the process of starting over after divorce or emotional abuse. If you’re struggling with divorce recovery, emotional healing, rebuilding confidence, or reclaiming your identity after trauma, this episode will remind you that healing doesn’t happen all at once—it happens one intentional step at a time. Deborah shares honest insight into the emotional impact of divorce, survival mode, emotional abuse recovery, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life when everything feels uncertain. This episode is for the woman who feels like she lost herself trying to survive.And it’s also for the woman ready to heal, recover, reclaim her power, and step into a new purpose. In This Bonus Coaching Episode:How divorce and emotional abuse can leave you feeling lostWhy being financially broke does not mean you are brokenThe emotional reality of starting over after divorceHow survival mode keeps women stuck in emotional painWhy healing begins with honesty and self-awarenessSmall daily steps that help rebuild confidence and clarityHow to reclaim your identity after trauma and heartbreakThe connection between healing, recovery, and purposeWhy your story can become your greatest strength Key Reminder from This Episode:"Just because your life fell apart does not mean your life is over." This Episode Is For You If:You feel emotionally exhausted after divorceYou’re recovering from emotional abuse or toxic relationshipsYou feel lost or disconnected from yourselfYou’re rebuilding financially and emotionallyYou want to heal instead of just surviveYou’re ready to reclaim your confidence, identity, and purpose Ready to Heal & Rebuild?If you’re ready to stop surviving and start rebuilding your life with clarity, confidence, and support, learn more about Deborah’s Living BOLD Program. Book a discovery call: <a href="https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint">https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint</a> Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186">Apple Podcasts </a> and <a href="https://spotify.com/">Spotify</a> so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore mor

Lost, Broke & Starting Over After Divorce: How to Heal, Rebuild & Reclaim Your Life

What happens when life falls apart and you’re left feeling lost, broke, emotionally exhausted, and unsure who you are anymore? In this powerful episode of Bent Not Broken, Deborah Griffiths sits down with leadership strategist, speaker, and author Tina Eliana to discuss healing after trauma, emotional abuse, divorce, and life transitions that force you to start over from scratch. Tina shares how leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about the choices you make during the hardest moments of your life. From childhood wounds and emotional abuse to rebuilding confidence and reclaiming your identity, this conversation is filled with hope, resilience, and practical wisdom for anyone trying to heal and move forward. If you’ve ever felt lost after divorce, financially broke after a major life change, or emotionally stuck in survival mode, this episode will remind you that recovery is possible—and so is purpose. In this episode, we discuss:How emotional abuse and trauma impact self-worthWhat to do when your life falls apartThe courage it takes to start overHow to rebuild confidence one step at a timeWhy healing and recovery begin with small intentional choicesHow to reclaim your voice, identity, and purposeThe hidden leadership strengths many women already possessWhy your past does not define your future Tina also shares the inspiration behind her memoir, Even the Sweetest Jam, a story about turning life’s hardest moments into growth, healing, and purpose. If you are rebuilding after divorce, emotional trauma, or a season that left you feeling broken, this episode will encourage you to heal, reclaim your power, and begin creating a life that aligns with who you truly are. Connect with Tina Eliana at <a href="https://tinaeliana.com">https://tinaeliana.com</a> Ready to Rebuild & Heal?Learn more about Deborah’s Living BOLD program:<a href="https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint">https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint</a> Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186">Apple Podcasts </a> and <a href="https://spotify.com/">Spotify</a> so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit <a href="https://brokentoboldness.com">BrokenToBoldness.com</a> for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions. Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerm

Feeling Lost After Divorce? How to Rebuild Your Confidence, Purpose & Identity | Tina Eliana

Are you truly healing after divorce, emotional abuse, or trauma — or have you simply become skilled at surviving? In this powerful Bent Not Broken bonus coaching episode, Coach Deborah dives deeper into one of the most important breakthroughs in emotional recovery: the difference between survival mode and true healing. Many women navigating divorce recovery, emotional abuse recovery, trauma, burnout, anxiety, or major life transitions believe they are healing simply because they are functioning — going to work, raising children, paying bills, and managing responsibilities. But underneath the surface, they still feel emotionally lost, disconnected, overwhelmed, and stuck. This episode explores how survival habits that once protected you during emotional pain and crisis can eventually keep you trapped from fully healing, rebuilding your confidence, and reclaiming your life with purpose. If you are starting over after divorce, feeling emotionally exhausted, or struggling to move beyond survival mode, this coaching session offers practical guidance to help you begin making intentional shifts toward lasting healing and recovery. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe critical difference between survival mode and healing modeWhy awareness alone does not create emotional transformationHow coping habits like avoidance, people-pleasing, emotional shutdown, and staying busy keep women stuckWhy emotional healing after divorce and trauma requires intentional choicesWhat healthy healing tools look like in real lifeHow to shift from reacting emotionally → to responding intentionallyWhy small daily decisions help rebuild confidence, identity, and emotional stabilityHow healthier self-talk and self-compassion support emotional recoveryWhy healing does not necessarily make life easier — but it helps you become stronger, calmer, and more resilient Coaching Reflection (Try This)Ask yourself: Am I managing my pain… or actually healing it?Then take one step further: What is one small choice I can make today that moves me toward healing? Who This Episode Is ForThis episode is for you if you are:Recovering from divorce, trauma, or emotional abuseStruggling with anxiety, depression, or feeling stuckLiving in survival mode and ready for changeWorking on self-worth, healing, and personal growthReady to reclaim your voice and rebuild your life If this episode resonated with you, it may be time to go deeper. Inside the Living BOLD Coaching Program, you’ll learn how to move from survival mode into a life of clarity, confidence, and purpose—step by step. And if you’re not ready yet, keep listening to Bent Not Broken for honest conversations and coaching that help you rebuild your life from the inside out. Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce wi

Are You Healing or Just Surviving? Recovery After Divorce, Trauma & Emotional Abuse

What if the moments that nearly broke you were actually the beginning of your healing, recovery, and purpose? In this powerful episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah sits down with Caralyn Dryer for an honest and deeply emotional conversation about surviving trauma, rebuilding life after emotional pain, and reclaiming your identity after everything falls apart. Caralyn shares her personal journey through sexual assault, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, emotional trauma, and a suicide attempt — and how she slowly learned to heal, rebuild confidence, and move beyond survival mode. For many women navigating divorce, emotional abuse, trauma recovery, or major life transitions, healing can feel overwhelming and nonlinear. Caralyn explains why emotional recovery is not about becoming a completely different person, but about reclaiming the parts of yourself that were lost through pain, fear, shame, and survival. Through her work in forensic psychology, blogging, and podcasting, Caralyn now helps others navigate emotional healing, mental health recovery, and rebuilding life with greater resilience, honesty, and purpose. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy healing after trauma, divorce, and emotional abuse is not a straight lineThe difference between surviving life and truly beginning to healHow emotional trauma, anxiety, and depression can keep people stuck in survival modeHow to recognize when coping mechanisms are no longer helping you healPractical tools for managing emotional triggers, anxiety, and self-doubtWhy self-talk and self-compassion are essential for rebuilding self-worthHow to reclaim your identity and confidence after trauma or divorceWhy expectation management is an important part of emotional recoveryHow to stop living for other people’s approval and reclaim your voiceThe truth about living well while continuing to navigate mental health struggles Key TakeawaysHealing requires intentional choices, not just awarenessRecovery after trauma and divorce happens one step at a timeYou are not broken — you are rebuilding after emotional pain and survival modeHope grows when you acknowledge your past while reclaiming your strengthStarting over after trauma can become the beginning of a more authentic, purposeful life This conversation is raw, hopeful, and deeply validating for anyone trying to heal after life falls apart emotionally and searching for a path forward with courage, resilience, and hope. Connect with Caralyn DryerFind Caralyn on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/caralyn_dreyer/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/caralyn-dreyer/">LinkedIn</a>Access her blog Darkness to Dialogue and podcast Through the Darkness via her social links  Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths?Don’t forget to rate, rev

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