When Jodi Polanski witnessed the heartbreaking aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis, she saw houses left behind, pets who are family members in their own right, abandoned amidst the turmoil. Her response was to establish Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, a sanctuary for these animals that respects and maintains the bond they share with their human families. Our latest episode features Jodi's inspiring story, detailing how her organization became a lifeline for people and families facing personal crises, particularly at the intersection of domestic violence and pet ownership. Through her efforts, partnerships with shelters like the Sojourner Center have flourished, highlighting the undeniable need for pet safety in domestic violence support services and setting a precedent for animal shelters nationwide.

Navigating the stormy waters of housing uncertainty can be overwhelming, and when pets are part of your family, the stakes are even higher. We discuss the profound connections between pets and their owners, sharing poignant tales of those who have traversed this path, and the measures taken to keep furry family members by their side. With a focus on overcoming barriers to pet-friendly housing and providing resources for those grappling with pet deposits, we shed light on both the joys and difficulties of pet ownership during times of instability. Our conversation underscores the essential role of temporary care programs in preserving the cherished bond between pets and their humans.

We wrap up with a tribute to the generosity of the community that supports these vital programs. Fostering, especially for large dogs who often face greater challenges in finding homes due to housing policies, emerges as a fantastic service that brings so much joy to the foster parents. Whether you're able to open your home to adopt, foster, or contribute financially, every bit helps in ensuring these pets receive love and care as they await reunion with their families. We end up our conversation by reflecting on the healing power of pets, sharing how they can light up even the darkest corners of our lives, and invite listeners to engage with opportunities that support these precious animal-human relationships.

Jodi Polanski's bio

Jodi founded Lost Our Home Pet Rescue 15 years ago during the foreclosure crisis.

At a time when even large businesses were closing, she built and grew a grassroots non-profit that today has served over 34,000 pets.

Her innovative 90-day Temporary Care Program was one of the first in the nation and is still one of the largest.

Jodi partners with and has helped build pet programs at domestic violence shelters, one of which is a nationwide model.

Jodi and Lost Our Home are industry leaders in providing help for people and pets in crises such as housing loss, domestic violence, homelessness, and hospitalization.

Connect with Lost Our Home Pet Rescue

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lostourhome

Website: https://www.lostourhome.org/

Location:

Lost Our Home Pet Rescue
2323 S Hardy Drive
Tempe, AZ 85282
Tel +1 (602) 445-7387
help@lostourhome.org

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Stepping away from a twenty-year-long career in corporate America to a life of adventure and personal fulfillment isn't a story you hear every day. Yet, this is the bold path Sara from Emboldened Adventures has taken, bravely sharing her journey with us. She recounts the tipping point that compelled her to put her well-being above all else, an inspiring decision sparked by a disheartening interaction that many of us have faced in our own careers. Through this narrative, we witness the incredible transformation of a seasoned professional into a passionate explorer and storyteller, redefining what it means to live a life that truly resonates with one's heart.

Sara's tale recounts her own revelation during a serene vacation, where the hush of nature spoke louder than the hustle of Wall Street, urging a profound shift in her career trajectory amidst the pandemic's uncertainty. We both reflect on the powerful lessons learned from nature's embrace and shamanic healing — how they can ignite courage and lead to significant life changes. It's a discussion that traverses the globe, from Moroccan sands to Amazonian jungles, culminating in the bold decisions that follow when one recognizes the chains of the "golden handcuffs" and the courage required to break free.

In this heart-to-heart conversation, we also explore the pivotal role of community and connections. Sara highlights how venturing out of her comfort zone and into new circles has been instrumental in her growth as a public speaker and advocate for personal transformation. Her gratitude towards the supportive tribe she's discovered serves as a powerful reminder of the endless possibilities that await when we open ourselves to new experiences and perspectives. Sara's journey is a universal call to action for anyone seeking to embark on a path of self-discovery and fulfillment.

Sara Roccisano's introduction and bio

Sara is the founder of the award-winning travel inspiration site, Embolden Adventures. She is a world-traveling, spiritually transforming, International Public Speaker, Travel Storyteller, and Author. She has embarked on adventures worldwide, from the depths of the oceans to the heights of the mountains and the mysterious megalithic and beyond.

Sara built a 20+ year career in renewable energy/energy infrastructure investments working on Wall Street and beyond.

Over the last 15 years, Sara has been undergoing a broad, spiritual awakening; a seeking of sorts. She has been learning, enhancing, understanding, and growing her gifts by tapping into the divine and the wild, trusting her heart rather than her engineering brain.

In 2022, she surrendered and walked away from her career and the life she knew in New York City.

In 2024, Sara will release her first travel adventure memoir. It is an exciting, mystical, psychedelic travel adventure memoir based on her Five Week Adventure around the world in 2020 – 5 weeks, 4 itineraries, 3 countries, 2 continents, 1 epic adventure!

See how it is all interconnected and delve into Sara’s unexpected spiritual discoveries. The journey takes you, the reader, from Morocco to the Amazon Rainforest to Southern Peru and Bolivia.

Sara then returns home to NYC on the heels of coronavirus transforming her city all the while, she was transformed from this adventure.

Connect with Sara Roccisano

Get a sneak peek at her book coming out soon: www.EmboldenAdventures.com/book

Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmboldenAdventures/

Explore her travel website: https://EmboldenAdventures.com 

Follow her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emboldenadventures

Do you care about getting featured on Real Talk Real Women Breaking The Silence Around Abuse, alongside Sara?

Apply here: https://apply.realtalk-realwomen.com

Join me, Gemma Serenity Gorokhoff, in a compelling conversation with Carla Vaughn, the founder of Speaking to Elevate, as we peel back the layers of emotional and financial abuse.

Listen in as she shares her personal battle with emotional abuse, particularly during a vulnerable time following a severe accident that left her financially dependent on an emotionally unavailable life partner.

During this episode, we shed light on the invisible scars of emotional abuse, comparing it to hidden disabilities, and stress the power of self-love and recognizing one's worth beyond the damage endured. Carla and I discuss how emotional trauma often lingers far longer than physical injuries, highlighting the crucial need for healing and self-affirmation to cultivate a life filled with self-love, joy and financial security and prosperity.

Navigating the turbulent waters of abuse is a challenging journey, and finding a safe harbor is possible. Tune in to our heartfelt exchange as Carla reveals a transformative coping mechanism — a mental protective coat to guard against an abuser's hurtful words. We also delve into the impact of our own experiences on our children and the pivotal moment that spurred Carla to leave an abusive marriage for the well-being of my young children. This episode underscores the empowerment in choosing to overcome victimhood, rising as a 'superhero' for our children and ourselves.

Finally, listen to our inspiring discussion on the journey from surviving to transforming abuse, where we underscore the bold courage required to step away from a harmful relationship and into the unknown. Discover how self-transformation and resourcefulness are vital in breaking free from the cycle of abuse, and how this shift can crucially affect one's survival and the future of one's children.

Moreover, we explore the importance of financial wellness, not just in economic terms, but as a vital source of empowerment and affirmation. 

Carla Vaughn's introduction in her own words

We all have a story. What's yours? As a seasoned entrepreneur I have encountered many trials and tribulations and it has resulted in me wanting to share me stories and expertise.

With multiple degrees and many clients, over the years this has lead me to hone in my skills and seek to be the best Accountant, Business & Tax Consultant, and nonprofit leader that I know how to be, I express these financial nuggets and words of wisdom through Speaking To Elevate.

I have been a speaker for the National Association of Tax Professions in July 2023, spoken on emotional intelligence with the Boost Thru Summit, speaker for the Exquisite 262 Speakers Global group, addressed 100s of in person conferences, engaged audiences with Keller Williams Real Estate group and Women's Council of Realtors.

By speaking about financial wellness for more than 20 years I am hoping to uplift and share the knowledge of reducing stress, increasing your time, and helping you make more money. I create financial empowerment through elevating audiences with financial educational topics that are relevant to successfully operating a small business.

I firmly believe that to be successful you have to develop competent and compliant business strategies around your financial wellbeing.

Connect with Carla

company name: Speaking To Elevate

email address: 1speakingtoelevate@gmail.com

website: www.SpeakingToElevate.com schedule a free consultation or sign up for a Boss Up Class.

Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014756796773

Do you care about getting featured on Real Talk Real Women Breaking The Silence Around Abuse alongside Carla Vaughn and many other guest speakers?

Apply here: https://apply.realtalk-realwomen.com

Nikki M. Barrett Saved from Hell to Become Triumphant Radiant Pure Love

Unlock the resilience within as we welcome the indomitable Nikki M. Barrett, an intuitive life designer and inspirational speaker, to share her transformative odyssey from despair to empowerment. Her heart-wrenching journey through familial alienation, teenage pregnancies, domestic violence, an eating disorder, the loss of her husband, and confrontations with her own mortality has crystallized into a powerful narrative. Discover her enlightening insights in "More Than a Mile," as she unveils the profound impact of spiritual reconnection and how it catalyzed her path to reclaiming her identity and embracing a life brimming with joy.

Journey with us as we weave through the tapestries of healing and self-acceptance, reflecting on our personal battles with adversities such as eating disorders and abuse. We confront the stark reality that true healing is not a destination, but an ongoing journey marked by self-discovery and growth. Through candid discussions about body image and the liberating choice to accept ourselves as we are, we invite listeners to find solidarity and hope in our shared experiences. Our dialogue underscores the importance of resilience and the deep connections we forge, illustrating that they are the true bedrock of our ability to guide others towards a life of dignity, grace, and self-love.

The episode culminates in an electrifying exploration of our innate potential to affect change and inspire those around us. Just as a Christmas tree bursts into a spectacle of light, so too can we illuminate the lives of others with our unique gifts. With heartfelt gratitude, we reflect on the privilege to motivate and be motivated by the beautiful souls we encounter. Nikki's calling to uplift mature women who've braved life's storms stands as a testament to the power of shedding our burdens and stepping into our truest selves. Embrace this transformative journey with Nikki and I, and let it be the beacon that guides you to view your own path in a brilliant, new light.

Co-author of the RISING AFTER ABUSE anthology, Nikki's story is found in chapter #23

Buy the anthology in Kindle, Paperback, or Hardcover formats on Amazon: https://a.co/d/eb4KH7g

Nikki M. Barrett's bio

I am a simple woman, wiser beyond my years, humbled by a deeper understanding of the Divine Source so many call God and the ultimate grace that comes with that knowing. My wisdom cannot be found on the inside of prestigious institutions, but from a path of trials and tribulations, both at the hand of my own choices and from the choices of others. Yet, it is through this path, I have discovered who I am, and most importantly, who I am not.

The pain has been released and recycled and I am now the creator of the greatest love story ever told…mine! I am radiant love in the purest form. I have replaced the lies with truth and my journey today is to help other souls do the same.

Connect with Nikki M. Barrett

On her website: https://nikkimbarrett.com 

order Nikki's book "More Than A Mile, the Nikki Barrett Story" directly on her website

by email: iamnikkibarrett@gmail.com 

on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkibarrettntp

on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkimbarrett

Nikki Barrett's LifeVantage favorite products you can buy for yourself too.
Take it! Love it! Share it!

https://nikkibarrett.lifevantage.com/us-en/shop/healthy-glow-essentials-stack

Connect with Gemma Serenity Gorokhoff, the host of Real Talk Real Women Breaking the Silence Around Abuse https://gemmaserenity.com 

Do you care about getting featured on this podcast?

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Support the podcast and its mission; become a sponsor or a supporter.

Learn more here: https://sponsors.realtalk-realwomen.com

Source webpage with picture, format, and more links:

https://www.realtalk-realwomen.com/e/more-than-a-mile-nikki-m-barrett/ 

Struggling with the echoes of a turbulent past, Karen Krupp walked alongside me as we traversed the terrain of her harrowing journey from the shadows of abuse into the light of self-worth. Sharing the stark realities of early childhood molestation and the hunger for connection it bred, Karen's tale is a mosaic of pain, hope, and eventual triumph. Her candid revelations capture the essence of a spirit fought for and won, a transformation culminating in the affirmation "I am enough," a mantra she now wears as armor. Through her narrative, the episode unfurls the critical steps she took amidst nature's solace and spirituality's embrace, charting a course that healed her.

As Karen's voice lent gravity to our conversation, we navigated the precarious waters of relationship boundaries, especially in the wake of manipulation's scars. The episode becomes a masterclass in the art of self-preservation, examining the razor-thin line between nurturing self-care and the necessary retreat from a partner's narcissistic dance. With Karen's insights and my own reflections, we probe into the emotional toolkit essential for such journeys—discerning the boundary between healthy self-assertion and the withdrawal that can hint at narcissism's own shadow. This episode transcends mere storytelling; it is a beacon to anyone yearning to reconstruct their fortress of dignity and respect amidst the ruins of past afflictions.

Karen's introduction in her own words

 

The journey to healing is as unique as our own fingerprints, and today, we're joined by Lois Wagner, a beacon of resilience and hope from South Africa. With a laugh that resonates with triumph, Lois shares her profound transformation from a survivor of a vicious attack to a guiding light for those lost in the shadows of their traumas. As she unfolds her story, we're reminded of the incredible strength we all possess and the liberating power of forgiveness. Her candid conversation about her book "Walking Without Skin" and the life-affirming SMILE acronym not only uplifts but provides practical steps towards reclaiming one's life from the clutches of past pain.

Amidst our heartfelt discourse, Lois emphasizes the necessity to untangle our emotions from the events that once ensnared them, offering a chance to reshape our reactions and release ourselves from the bonds of yesteryears. Her insight into the mind-body connection and the significance of addressing our deepest emotional wounds before they manifest physically is both enlightening and empowering. This episode is a call to those yearning to break free and heal, to reach out as Lois did, and begin a journey that promises strength, freedom, and a smile that once seemed impossible to find.

Lois Wagner's introduction

Lois Wagner helps people move from victim to survivor to thriver and beyond to freedom and peace after facing a life or business challenge or adversity. She does this by building their resilience and grit, developing a growth mindset, energizing their mojo, and forgiving self and others using her signature (and sometimes humorous) PLLFAM method via one-on-one or group coaching and keynote presentations.

SMILE with Lois

S – Speaking and Storytelling (author and TEDx speaker)

M – Mentoring

I – Inspiring

L – Learning facilitator - individual and group interactions and immersion workshops

E – Empowering using coaching and consulting (Certified Conversational Intelligence® C-IQ Coach)

Her work is based on her personal major adversities and life experiences. Lois lost a business and went bankrupt, she was attacked, raped, and left for dead, she was forced into retirement, and experienced many other challenges. She has forgiven herself and others.

Lois is a South African businesswoman with extensive local and international speaking, human resource, training, business management, project management, marketing, consulting, and leadership coaching experience.

Fly Free with Lois – Your Friend for Forgiveness

You can move from victim to survivor to thriver to freedom after experiencing any life or business challenge, adversity or change. Watch this short video you can Find Your Feet After Failure.

PLLFAM

Pick yourself up (Resilience)

Laugh at your misadventure

Learn from the mistake or experience (Growth mindset)

Forgive yourself and others

Act - Take Action (Grit)

Move on to greater opportunities (Freedom)

Do you prefer to watch short videos?

Watch this short PLLFM video titled "Finding Your Feet After Failure."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63HI_pfZjBg&t=134s

Watch Lois' TEDx talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAhUtzbsuW0&list=PLMxWbhJkY0CH4wuFytGxxU6SUTsK2_JXz

Connect with Lois Wagner

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lois.wagner1/

On her Website: https://www.loiswagnercoaching.com

By Email: lois@loiswagnercoaching.com

^{Here are a few keywords to help you find this episode faster: Healing, Trauma, Resilience, Hope, Transformation, Survivor, Attack, Forgiveness, SMILE, Emotional Wounds, Mind-Body Connection, Inner Work, Laughter, Lightness, Human Spirit, Freedom, Empowerment, Activism, Mentor, Coach}

Do you care about getting featured on Real Talk Real Women Breaking The Silence Around Abuse, like Lois Wagner?

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Transform Your Life by Healing from Domestic Violence and Abuse with Christina Jones Hypnotherapy

In this enlightening episode, Christina reveals how she overcame a lifetime of abuse and trauma to become a beacon of hope for others. Through her own journey of self-discovery with hypnotherapy, she learned to break the cycle of violence that plagued her life and find true strength.

Listen to her share the vital role of subconscious beliefs in our behaviors and how she now helps women heal from their traumatic pasts. Her story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of seeking help and self-awareness.

What you’ll learn

• Discover the transformative power of hypnotherapy for healing.
• Explore how childhood trauma shapes adult relationships.
• Understand the subconscious mind's role in repeating harmful cycles.

Timestamped overview

• Christina introduces her background and experiences (00:00:00)
• Cycles of abuse in Christina's family (00:01:05)
• Impact of her father's passing on her life (00:04:22)
• Discovery of hypnotherapy as a healing path alternative (00:06:23)
• Christina's journey of self-discovery through RTT (00:09:02)
• Christina's newly accepted public identity as a psychic medium (00:12:32)
• Using Christina's spiritual abilities in missing person cases (00:14:15)

Co-author of the RISING AFTER ABUSE anthology, Christina's story is found in chapter #7

Christina Jones Hypnosis' bio

Due to decades of depression and PTSD I spent years on medications and in therapy hoping that one day something would change, but it wasn't until I found Hypnotherapy, spiritual expansion, and energy healing that I was able to truly overcome it all. Now, I use my experiences and expertise to help countless women not only overcome similar obstacles but also create their own empires allowing them to finally stop surviving and start thriving. I am a licensed Clinical Rapid Transformational Hypnotherapist, Reiki Practitioner, & Medium.

Connect with Christina

Website: https://stinathemedium.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinajsnl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinajnl/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cjhypnosis

Connect with Gemma Serenity Gorokhoff, the host of Real Talk Real Women Breaking the Silence Around Abuse https://gemmaserenity.com 

Do you care about getting featured on this podcast?

Apply here: https://apply.realtalk-realwomen.com 

Support the podcast and its mission; become a sponsor or a supporter.

Learn more here: https://sponsors.realtalk-realwomen.com

Source webpage with picture, format, and more links:

https://www.realtalk-realwomen.com/e/transcending-trauma-christina-jones-hypnosis/

As I listened to Marcie Macari's voice, her strength and conviction moved me. Her journey, steeped in the challenges of overcoming abuse and religious trauma, unfolds in our latest episode, offering not just her story, but a beacon of hope for anyone facing their darkest moments. Marcie, a transformational life coach and inspirational speaker, courageously opens up about her tumultuous childhood filled with violence, the shackles of addiction within her family, and the crippling silence imposed on her by a church community. Her past, rife with exploitation and psychological scars, paves the way for a powerful discourse on resilience and the unyielding human spirit.

The tale takes a dramatic turn as Marcie describes the intersection of faith and identity, where the internal battle of a missionary's sexual identity meets the harsh judgments of religious dogma. The haunting account of a forced exorcism and the struggle to maintain authenticity in an unforgiving environment is both disheartening and enlightening. Marcie's experience of finding solace in the words of a gay pastor and the desperate measures taken to protect her baby highlight the profound struggles that led to an unshakable quest for authenticity and inner peace. Through her narrative, we grapple with the complexities of belief and the necessity to forge our own paths in the pursuit of truth.

In the final chapter of Marcie's odyssey, we touch upon the critical importance of community support and the role of creativity in healing from trauma. Marcie sheds light on the gravity of domestic violence and the essential conversations surrounding support for the LGBTQ+ community. Her story is a testament to the enduring fight for individuality and personal attraction, challenging us to honor the inherent worth of every person. As we wrap up our discussion, Marcie leaves us inspired, with her eloquence painting a vivid picture of a world where respect and acceptance are not just ideals, but a reality for all if we allow it to be.

Marcie Macari's bio

Marcie Macari is a published author, Culinary Instructor to adults with developmental disabilities, and Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner.

Her resilience resume includes:

• surviving every kind of abuse,
• nearly every natural disaster,
• a health condition that left her bedridden overnight and stole more than 10 years of her life,
• and being abandoned by a Christian ministry in Africa when she came out as a Lesbian.

With the ministry refusing to fly her home or renew her work visa, Marcie started making, selling, or trading handmade greeting cards for food to feed her and her 14 month old daughter.

When she was 24 and woke up suddenly very ill, she went to every type of doctor and specialist she could find. No one seemed to be able to help, so she studied to be Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner, (ROHP) graduated the 3-year program in a year with First Class Honors and worked to heal herself using food and nutrition as medicine.

She has been helping people heal themselves ever since, and coaching people to harness their resilience to overcome the challenges they face…to bounce, not break! Marcie is the author of “She Births: A Modern Woman’s Guidebook for an Ancient Rite of Passage” and has been published in several magazines including: “VIVA”, “Compleat Mother”, and “Island Child”. Her stories and writings have appeared in: “Bearing Witness” by Dr. Lisa Doran and Lisa Caron, as well as in several blogs.

She is currently a "re-emerging" speaker with over 10,000 stage performances to her name and hundreds of workshops, presentations, and speeches under her pre-digital era belt.

Marcie speaks on topics of importance to women, entrepreneurs, the LGBTQ community, welcoming religious groups and marginalized youth, all with a focus on RESILIENCE. When she isn’t speaking, working on her next book, or teaching, you can probably find her cuddled up with her Cornish Rex Cosmo and a cup of herbal tea.

Connect with Marcie

The most direct way to connect with Marcie is by email and phone at

marciemacari@gmail.com

+1 (716) 777-0973

Do you care about getting featured and published on Real Talk Real Women like Marcie? 

Apply here: https://apply.gemmaserenity.com