That's Where I'm At: Daily Summaries Delivered

EP 106: Divorce Doesn't Have to Be a Lonely Journey: Angie Weber on Co-Parenting and Finding the Right Support

Going through a divorce or separation can feel completely isolating, often bringing up heavy emotions like guilt, shame, and overwhelm. On this episode of That's Where I'm At, Laura sits down with Angie Weber, co-founder and director of the Divorce Support Collective, to discuss how to build a reliable support system, navigate high-tension co-parenting, and move from surviving to thriving after divorce. Angie shares how her background as a parent coach and creator of the C.A.L.M. Approach to Co-Parenting© led her to help co-parents build better communication, connection, and calm while navigating the challenges of separation. She also explains how she co-founded the Divorce Support Collective, a professional membership community built on the belief that families have better outcomes when the professionals supporting them work together rather than in silos. Through the Collective, Angie also provides people going through divorce with information, education, and support through its website and podcast, Divorce Discussions. Together, Laura and Angie explore the essential legal, financial, and emotional aspects of divorce, highlighting why having a coordinated team of professionals—not just a lawyer—can make all the difference in creating a healthier path forward for families. Key Topics & Timestamps Podcast introduction and welcome Laura welcomes listeners, emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence around difficult life transitions, and shares the mission of the show. Introducing Angie Weber Laura introduces her guest, Angie Weber, co-founder and director of the Divorce Support Collective, highlighting her background in parent coaching and the "Calm Approach" to co-parenting. Angie's origin story and the creation of her practice Angie shares how personal trauma and holistic healing in 2020 inspired her to focus on parenting education and founding the Parent Tool Box. Working with the first co-parenting client Angie discusses her initial experience coaching a parent navigating a custody agreement update and managing high-conflict co-parenting dynamics. Expanding into divorce support and the three pillars Angie breaks down the three foundational areas of divorce: Legal, Financial, and Emotional, emphasizing that the emotional side comprises roughly 80% of the process. The "C.A.L.M." Approach to Co-Parenting Angie details her signature framework: C: Compassionate Communication A: Awareness and Accountability L: Learning Emotional Regulation M: Mindfully Modeling Using professional networks and directories Angie explains how the Divorce Support Collective directory helps individuals find specialized professionals (CDFAs, divorce coaches, mediators) rather than relying solely on high-cost attorneys. The power of community and breaking the stigma of shame Laura and Angie discuss releasing shame, avoiding unhealthy comparison traps, and finding safe spaces to heal. The Elephant Metaphor: Finding your "village" Angie shares the inspiring analogy of mother elephants protecting their vulnerable newborn in a circle, reminding listeners that we cannot—and should not—heal alone. Closing thoughts and where to find the Divorce Support Collective Angie and Laura wrap up with words of encouragement for anyone currently feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the divorce process. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Angie, "If we're being honest, everyone kind of keeps moving on with their life. And then you're still standing there like, 'Wait a minute, I'm still here. I feel like I can't move forward... now I feel alone and isolated.'" Angie, "When we lose the tolerance for vulnerability, joy becomes forboding. If we're constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, we are going to miss out on the beautiful things that are happening around us in that moment." Angie, "It's not necessarily the divorce that has an effect on the children; it's conflict

EP 105: "You Can Change Your Life at Any Point": Jo Ann Fawcett on Breaking Free from Toxic Relationships

After navigating seven toxic marriages marked by abuse, divorce, loss, and the challenges of being a prison wife, Jo Ann Fawcett transformed her experiences into a journey of healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. On That's Where I'm At, Jo Ann joins Laura to discuss breaking free from toxic relationships, recognizing narcissistic abuse, and reclaiming her voice and personal power. An author of three books centered on her journey from toxic relationships to thriving, Jo Ann shares her experiences in her 2024 memoir, The Prince Was Wrong: Leaving the Narcissist Behind, which explores her relationship with her seventh husband and the red flags of narcissistic abuse. After nearly 30 years as an active member of the Mormon Church, she also embraced her interests in UFOs, elementals, magic, and the paranormal. Today, Jo Ann is creating a fulfilling life on her own terms and inspiring others to recognize their strengths, trust themselves, and discover that it's never too late to create a better future. Key Topics & Timestamps Podcast introduction and welcome Laura welcomes listeners to the show, introducing the episode's focus on breaking free from toxic relationships and the importance of sharing healing stories. Content warning and platform support Laura issues a trigger warning for sensitive subjects and encourages listeners to subscribe and support the podcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Introducing Jo Ann Fawcett Laura introduces her guest, Jo Ann Fawcett, highlighting her extraordinary journey through seven toxic marriages, her transition out of the Mormon Church after nearly 30 years, and her work as an author. Jo Ann's Leo nature and openness Jo Ann shares why she has no problem speaking out publicly about her experiences, comparing her past podcast work covering UFOs and the paranormal with her current advocacy. Writing books from toxic to thriving Jo Ann discusses her book series focused on moving from toxic environments to thriving, including her 2024 memoir The Prince Was Wrong. Reflecting on marriage number seven Jo Ann reflects on why she didn't set out to collect bad marriages, but how her ultimate goal is to help others trapped in bad situations find a way out. Life as a "prison wife" Jo Ann and Laura discuss what it means to be a "prison wife" and how she spent decades married to someone incarcerated. Recognizing the red flags and psychological control Jo Ann talks about realizing her partner was a narcissist, the constant moving of goalposts, and how he weaponized the concept of the "good wife." Escaping Utah and breaking the cycle Jo Ann details how she moved to Oregon, started taking psychic development workshops, and found the courage to cut the energetic cord from unhealthy dynamics. Confronting financial control and property hurdles They dive into the financial realities of dealing with a narcissistic partner, maintaining a deteriorating home, and learning to let go of financial leverage for peace of mind. Escaping high-control religious structures Jo Ann shares her background growing up in the 1950s and 60s, joining the Mormon Church at age 12, and the awakening that led her to walk away from dogmatic control. Realizing you are the love of your life Jo Ann and Laura discuss the deep inner work of healing from codependency, letting go of the search for an external "Prince Charming," and realizing that self-love is paramount. Using writing as a healing tool Jo Ann shares her passion for journaling and how writing prompts can help survivors process trauma, identify red flags, and rebuild thei

EP 104: Healing, Authenticity, and Redefining Life After Major Transitions with Elizabeth Jane

After rebuilding her life following the sudden end of a 25-year marriage, Elizabeth Jane turned her personal journey into a powerful mission to help others heal, rise, and reconnect with their true worth. On That's Where I'm At, Elizabeth joins Laura to discuss navigating heartbreak, family conflict, dating anxiety, and communication breakdowns with grace and self-respect. Elizabeth is an emotional wellbeing expert, celebrated artist, keynote speaker, and the author of the bestselling book Free and First: Unlocking Your Ultimate Life. Through her art, writing, and public speaking, she empowers others to navigate emotional challenges, embrace authenticity, and have courageous conversations. She shares heartfelt insights on healing, self-worth, and rebuilding a fulfilling life after major transitions. Key Topics & Timestamps Podcast introduction and content warning Laura introduces the show and issues a content warning for potentially triggering subjects. Introducing Elizabeth and her work Laura welcomes Elizabeth Jane, highlighting her background as an emotional well-being expert, artist, keynote speaker, and author. Elizabeth's background and optimism Elizabeth discusses growing up as a shy child who always looked on the bright side of life, building what she thought was a secure life with a picket fence and four children. The sudden end of a 25-year marriage Elizabeth recounts the shock and initial denial of her long-term marriage ending abruptly after a single conversation, leading to a period of heavy loneliness. Realizing everyone had moved on Elizabeth reflects on how her ex-husband and social circle moved on quickly, leaving her to question her life's dedication to her family. Discovering tools for self-discovery Elizabeth shares how she began writing tools and tips to help herself get out of bed, which organically grew into her book focused on rediscovering the true self. Understanding boundaries and the "kiss approach" Elizabeth and Laura discuss the concept of boundaries—a term unfamiliar to many women in midlife—and the importance of keeping life guidance simple through the "kiss approach" across financial, relationship, and health baskets. Building "Me Time" and the ABC of Me Elizabeth introduces her tool, the "ABC of Me," designed to help people navigate trauma and transitions by starting with small, daily moments of joy and self-care. Moving away from the past and future anxiety They discuss how getting trapped in past regrets ("spilled milk") or fantasy futures drains energy, and why anchoring into the present moment is vital. Recognizing how the body holds trauma Elizabeth and Laura explore how unexpressed pain, anger, and lack of boundaries manifest as physical stress, anxiety, and autoimmune issues. The power of physical movement and shaking it off Drawing parallels to how animals shake off fear, they discuss using movement, dancing, mini trampolines, and daily walks to release anxiety from the body. Transforming the "anger bomb" into empowered conversations Elizabeth explains how to channel heavy anger and energy into productive communication and self-advocacy rather than letting it fester. The danger of people-pleasing and self-abandonment They reflect on the challenges women face when prioritizing everyone else's needs over their own, and why learning to love oneself is essential. Trying new hobbies and embracing creativity Elizabeth shares how trying painting and exploring creative outlets helped her step out of her comfort zone and rediscover joy. Practicing gratitude to attract positiv

EP 103: How a Marriage Slowly Chips Away at Who You Are — Mia Hanks on Narcissistic Abuse

After 29 years of marriage, Mia Hanks began to see the relationship differently when a couples' therapist told her she couldn't help her husband—and he left believing he'd "won" therapy. On That's Where I'm At, Mia shares how she slowly recognized the control and self-doubt beneath the surface, why fear and financial dependence made leaving complicated, and how she ultimately found a way out of the marriage to a covert narcissist. In 2024, Mia published her award-winning memoir, Bride-Made, which chronicles her journey from being groomed by a narcissist to recognizing the toxic relationship, escaping, and reclaiming her self-worth. She also discusses her husband's threats of self-harm, frightening behavior behind the wheel, and the money she says was hidden during their divorce. Today, Mia is passionate about raising awareness of narcissistic abuse and helping other survivors find their voices, rebuild their confidence, and begin their own journeys toward healing. Key Topics & Timestamps Mia's memoir and its purpose Mia explains how her memoir portrays the subtle, gradual erosion of identity in a relationship with a narcissist. Podcast introduction and content warning Laura introduces the show's focus on sharing stories of abuse and healing; listeners are cautioned about potentially triggering subjects. Introducing Mia and her memoir Laura welcomes Mia, describing her 29-year marriage, escape, and award-winning memoir, Bride Maid. Why Mia chose to share her story Mia discusses discovering narcissistic abuse and hoping her story helps others recognize they can leave. Financial control and barriers to leaving Mia and Laura discuss restricted access to money, legal costs, and financial challenges during divorce. How abuse undermines confidence They describe feeling incapable after years of criticism, along with the hope and trauma bond that can keep someone attached. Mia's gradual realization and couples therapy Mia recalls recognizing the relationship was unhealthy and a therapist confronting her husband's lack of self-awareness. Private therapy and validation to leave Mia secretly consults the therapist, who validates her concerns and encourages her to leave safely. Finding the opportunity to leave Mia explains how deteriorating health, adult children, and selling the family home helped her decide to leave. Separation, divorce, and retaliation Mia describes moving in with her parents, her husband's changing behavior, and his efforts to leave her financially vulnerable. Breadcrumbs, guilt, and emotional blackmail They discuss promises to draw a partner back, guilt about leaving, and threats of self-harm as emotional manipulation. Threats, safety, and physical intimidation Mia describes a gun-related threat; they discuss taking threats seriously and recognizing dangerous behaviors. Erratic driving and unpredictable outbursts Mia and Laura reflect on reckless driving, intimidation, and how minor incidents can trigger frightening reactions. Peace after leaving and divorce finances Mia explains choosing peace over a fair financial settlement; Laura shares lessons about legal representation and hidden assets. Mia's memoirs and healing journey Mia describes her first memoir about life with a narcissist and a follow-up about recovery. Raising awareness and finding support Mia discusses her books, soci

EP 102: "You Can't Make Sense of Insanity": Beth Wilson on Trusting Your Gut After Narcissistic Abuse

EP 101: From People-Pleasing to Self-Trust with Melanie Gore

At a San Francisco beach, Melanie Gore thought she was having a panic attack—until the feeling turned into laughter, and she recognized joy she'd never felt before. On That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Melanie, a Certified Hypnotherapist, Women's Confidence Specialist, RTT Practitioner, and Life Coach who helps women overcome anxiety, codependency, narcissistic relationships, limiting beliefs, and ADHD-related emotional challenges. Melanie shares her own transformation through RTT and how it inspired her to help women rebuild confidence, trust themselves, and create lives they genuinely love. Together, Laura and Melanie explore childhood patterns, codependency, rediscovering your identity, and practical ways to build self-trust through small, everyday changes. Key Topics & Timestamps Introduction and content warning Melanie describes choosing positivity and going with life's changes; Laura introduces the podcast and warns about potentially triggering topics. Melanie's path to hypnotherapy and personal growth Melanie explains how codependency, self-help, and therapy led her to train in Rapid Transformational Therapy and help others. Recognizing codependency and rebuilding self-worth Melanie discusses childhood patterns, people-pleasing, and learning to accept herself rather than seek others' approval. Boundaries, identity, and narcissistic relationship patterns They explore self-love, repeated relationship dynamics, shifting goalposts, and the value of time alone to rediscover identity. Midlife freedom, confidence, and starting over Laura and Melanie reflect on reclaiming personal choices, trying new things, and building a life that feels authentic. Recognizing abuse and deciding what comes next Melanie shares how she discovered joy and emphasizes readiness, self-trust, and choosing whether to remain in an unhealthy relationship. Living alone and rediscovering interests They discuss fear of loneliness, rebuilding friendships and hobbies, and treating discomfort or experimentation as opportunities to grow. Therapy tools and practical self-support strategies Melanie describes her RTT process, inner-child work, self-affirmation, journaling, and practicing kinder self-talk. Changing thought patterns and setting boundaries Melanie outlines ways to challenge old beliefs, trust intuition, communicate confidently, and avoid absorbing hurtful comments. Childhood patterns, parenting, and family healing They discuss changing inherited behaviors, apologizing to adult children, and allowing family members to do their own healing. Where to find Melanie and episode closing Laura shares Melanie's website and social links, recommends RTT, thanks her guest, and closes the podcast. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Melanie, "I was trying to fit in in a way that other people would accept me. And when I got to the place of 'I'm okay with who I am, I like who I am, I'm a good person,' then I started to blossom." Melanie, "You end up with no sense of who you are left. You're just like this empty vessel, and you're trying so hard to understand why you can never get it right." Melanie, "The biggest shift, I think, is when you get to spend some time on your own and get to decide who you are and who you want to be." Melanie, "That first third was kind of my parents. The second third was my kids. And now this part is for me. And that's exciting." Melanie Gore, <span style= "font-weig

EP 100: Escaping High-Control Religion and Abusive Marriages: Tia Levings' Journey of Recovery, Writing, and Hope

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Tia Levings, a New York Times bestselling author of A Well-Trained Wife, her memoir of escaping Christian patriarchy, and I Belong to Me: A Survivor's Guide to Recovery and Hope after Religious Trauma. Tia shares her journey of escaping abusive marriages and a high-control religious environment rooted in strict gender roles and fundamentalism. Tia writes about religious trauma, evangelical patriarchy, and the Trad Wife movement, helping decode the fundamentalist influences that shape news and culture. Her work and insights have been featured in Teen Vogue, Salon, Newsweek, and HuffPost, and she has appeared as a speaker, podcast guest, and on the Amazon docu-series Shiny Happy People. During the conversation, Tia discusses "author divorce," career sabotage, and the importance of having accurate language to name and understand trauma. She emphasizes that recovery is a gradual process that requires community, boundaries, and self-reclamation. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Tia is a mother of four adult children and continues to support survivors through her writing, speaking, and advocacy. Key Topics & Timestamps Podcast Introduction Host Laura introduces the podcast's mission to share women's stories of healing from toxic relationships and secrets. Trigger Warning A brief announcement warns listeners that the episode's content may be triggering and advises them to take care. Guest Introduction: Tia Host Laura introduces guest Tia, a New York Times bestselling author and survivor of religious trauma and domestic abuse. The "Author Divorce" and Career Sabotage Tia discusses how her success as an author led to her second divorce, a phenomenon she calls "author divorce." Finding Freedom After Leaving The host and guest discuss the immense freedom and clarity they felt after leaving their abusive partners and toxic environments. Tia's Early Life and Religious Indoctrination Tia describes her childhood, moving from a culturally Christian background to a high-control megachurch and fundamentalist subculture. Marriage, Abuse, and Escape Tia recounts her quick marriage, the immediate onset of abuse, and her eventual escape from a church-sanctioned domestic abuse situation. The Healing Journey and "I Belong to Me" Tia explains the importance of rebuilding oneself after trauma and the premise of her second book on healing. Navigating Covert Abuse The discussion covers the insidious nature of covert psychological abuse and the difficulty in recognizing and unpacking its impact. Healing with Adult Children The host and guest share experiences of apologizing to their children for past indoctrination and finding healing in their relationships. Setting Spiritual Boundaries Tia explains why she keeps her current spiritual beliefs private, offering a boundary for those deconstructing their faith. Writing "A Well-Trained Wife" Tia details the decade-long process of writing her memoir, driven by the rise of Christian nationalism under Trump. The Power of Naming Abuse The conversation highlights how having the language to name experiences like narcissistic abuse is a crucial first step toward healing. Who Should Read "I Belong to Me" <

EP 99: Shattering Silence: Darlene Lekowski's Journey from Pain to Purpose and Advocacy

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Darlene Lekowski, an Amazon bestselling author, motivational speaker, and business leader who transformed decades of silence into a powerful platform for truth, healing, and advocacy. Darlene shares how she endured sibling sexual trauma and abuse from two brothers between the ages of 7 and 12, carrying the experience in silence for 50 years due to shame and threats. After finding her voice and revealing the truth in 2021, Darlene faced a civil lawsuit brought against her by one of her brothers and ultimately prevailed in the case in 2024. She shares how therapy, writing, and speaking helped her navigate her healing journey and reclaim her voice. Her memoir, Shattering Silence: A Story of Survival, Justice and the Power of Telling the Truth, became an Amazon Best Seller and #1 New Release in multiple categories and is available in print, ebook, and audiobook narrated in her own voice. Today, Darlene speaks to corporate, leadership, and survivor audiences, encouraging others to let go of the silence, reclaim their voice, and Live Forward with courage, resilience, and agency. Key Topics & Timestamps Podcast Introduction Host Laura introduces the podcast's mission to break the silence around women's stories and promote healing through sharing. Content Warning A brief warning is given to listeners about potentially triggering subjects discussed in the episode. Introducing Darlene Markowski The host introduces guest Darlene Markowski, an author and speaker who survived sibling sexual trauma and abuse. Why Darlene Broke Her Silence Darlene explains why she kept her abuse a secret for 50 years, citing shame and threats from her brothers. The Impact of Trauma Darlene discusses living with undiagnosed C-PTSD and how trauma manifested throughout her life, leading to control and perfectionism. Survival Strategies as a Child Darlene shares the strategies she developed as a child to survive, such as becoming a tomboy and being athletic. The Catalyst for Speaking Out After her mother's death, a text argument with her brother Don led to Darlene finally revealing the abuse. First Disclosures of Abuse Darlene recounts the first times she told anyone about the abuse, including her boyfriend at 17 and friends. The Prevalence of Sibling Sexual Abuse Darlene highlights how common sibling sexual abuse is, emphasizing the need for parents to talk to their children. Telling Her Children Darlene shares her fear of telling her children about the abuse and their surprisingly understanding and supportive reaction. Confronting Her Brothers Darlene describes confronting both of her abusive brothers, one of whom initially confessed before recanting his statement. The Defamation Lawsuit Her brother Don sues Darlene for defamation after she reveals the abuse, leading to a two-and-a-half-year legal battle. The Trial and Verdict Darlene recounts the six-day trial where a jury unanimously found her truthful, winning both her case and countersuit. The Healing Journey Darlene realizes the legal victory didn't heal her, prompting her to write her book and focus on releasing her anger. Finding the Right Support The importance of finding trauma-informed therapy, joining survivor groups, and exploring various healing modalities is discussed. Darlene's Advocacy Work Dar