Tragically Beautiful

Welcome to episode 044 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this celebratory episode, Kathy reflects on two years of powerful conversations, shared healing, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. This isn't just a look back—it's a roadmap forward for anyone ready to move from surviving to thriving, topped off with a powerful montage of tragically beautiful definitions colle...

In this episode, Kathy has an impactful conversation with therapist, speaker, and survivor, Kira Wackett where they delve into the complex emotions surrounding shame, particularly for abuse survivors. They explore the origins of shame, its impact on self-worth, and the journey towards healing and radical acceptance. Kira shares her personal experiences and professional insights, emphasizing the im...

Welcome to episode 042 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this solo episode, Kathy opens up about what it really looks like to heal from trauma—especially when life keeps getting in the way. She shares the lessons she wishes she’d known earlier in her journey and explores the messy reality of balancing work, shifting relationships, and the deep connection between our physical and emotional w...

Welcome to episode 041 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this solo episode, Kathy explores the unique and not-often-talked-about experience of moving out of your first safe space after an abusive relationship. Uncover the range of emotions that one might feel when leaving this space and practical tips for making the entire process easier and even exciting!   Follow Kathy: kathy@kathywisniew...

Welcome to episode 040 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this episode, Kathy sits down with Michelle Steiner, a writer and paraeducator, who shares her journey of healing through writing. Michelle discusses how writing became a therapeutic outlet for her, especially in dealing with her learning disability and personal experiences. The conversation explores the importance of community suppor...

Welcome to episode 039 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast. In this encouraging episode, Kathy talks with abuse survivor and author, Stephanie Essary, to uncover her amazing story of childhood abuse turned amazingly, beautiful life. Through heartfelt conversation, they explore: breaking generational trauma, finding love through adversity and so much more! Follow Stephanie: Website: www.stephaniees...

Welcome to episode 038 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this episode, I sit down with Jillian Scott, master life and weight loss coach and founder of the Body You Crave method. Having experienced her own abusive relationships, Jillian noticed a powerful connection—people with disordered eating often have at least one toxic relationship in their life. Together, we dive into the striking par...

Welcome to episode 037 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this end-of-year episode, Kathy reflects on the year while thinking ahead to the future, offering words of encouragement to listeners during this busy holiday season. This episode offers a message of understanding and hope for abuse survivors, reminding you that every step you make toward healing is important, valuable and to be celeb...

Welcome to episode 036 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this inspiring episode, Kathy sits down with coach and artist Arash Majlessi to delve into his remarkable journey of overcoming cancer and the profound lessons it brought. Together, they uncover how even life’s most challenging moments can become catalysts for self-discovery, growth, and healing. Through heartfelt storytelling, they e...

Welcome to episode 035 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast! In this episode, speaker, trainer, coach and founder of Shine Transformation Consulting Services, Esther Hephzibah, shares her journey of breaking free from toxic relationships and finding her true identity and purpose. Growing up in a religious and patriarchal environment in Nigeria, Esther experienced a toxic and cultic marriage that le...

Welcome to episode 034 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast! In this powerful episode, musician, health advocate and podcast host, Lisa Roers shares her story of overcoming childhood abuse and finding healing through faith and therapy. She discusses the challenges she faced, including her parents' divorce, her mother's disability, and the sexual abuse she endure, emphasizing the importance of not c...

Welcome to episode 033 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this conversation, Kathy invites SASSI Coach Christine, an abuse survivor and advocate, to share her story and her mission to help women escape abusive relationships. Despite facing numerous challenges and even surviving increased domestic violence, Christine remains determined to help others by emphasizing the importance of hope, pro...

Welcome to episode 032 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  Listen in on my conversation with Phoebe Camilletti, speaker, coach, writer, and artist, about the role of creativity in the healing process after abuse. We discuss how creativity is a way of being and how it can help in constructing a new identity and life after abuse and emphasize the importance of thinking critically and reflecting on...

Welcome to episode 031 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this episode, Dr. Christiane Schroeter and I explore the concept of holistic healing and the European approach to healing, which focuses on addressing the root cause of issues rather than just treating symptoms. We will also learn about the concept of petite practices, which are small, manageable self-care routines that can be incorpo...

Welcome to episode 030 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Ashley Sohl, a doctoral scholar at the California Institute of Integral Studies, to explore the deep connections between trauma, addiction, and recovery. Ashley shares insights from her research and experiences, delving into the spiritual and transpersonal dimensions of how these aspects...

Welcome to episode 029 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this episode of I speak with fellow health coach, Melissa Rolfs who specializes in helping people find freedom from emotional eating, as we explore the connection between emotional eating and unresolved trauma. We dive into how emotional eating often masks deeper issues and discuss how asking the right questions can help uncover what...

Welcome to episode 028 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast! In this powerful episode, I sit down with Erika, a brave domestic violence survivor, to share her inspiring journey of healing and transformation. Erika opens up about the challenges she faced and the incredible resilience that guided her towards a life filled with beauty and hope. Tune in to hear her story and discover the positive chang...

Welcome to episode 021 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast! In this powerful episode, we sit down with Heather Baker, an emotional healing and relationship coach, to delve into her inspiring journey from surviving abuse to empowering other women in similar situations. Heather opens up about her personal experiences, the pivotal moments that led her to become a coach, and the effective strategies s...

Welcome to episode 026 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this episode we’re talking to life and relationship coach, Dr. Ray Doktor, about the mechanism of trauma, the different experiences that can bring our past trauma to the forefront and some helpful suggestions for healing.   Websites, articles and resources mentioned in today’s episode: Book: Traumatic Stress by Bessel van der Kolk Boo...

Welcome to episode 025 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this episode we’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of the show.  Join me and my best friend, Jamie, as we take a trip down memory lane to talk about the things I’ve learned, the growth I’ve experienced and my goals for the future of the podcast.  It’s time to celebrate and you are cordially invited! Resources mentioned on the pod...

Welcome to episode 024 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  Join me and my guest, Spencer Jones, known as the prince of positivity.  He is the CEO of Jonesin' for and the host of 2 podcasts, Daily Energize and the Jonesin’ for Show.  His mission is to ignite people’s lights so they can chase their passions, help others and live their life to the max. If you need a pick-me-up and contagious po...

Welcome to episode 023 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  In this episode we’re delving into the profound journey of healing from abuse as we explore the pivotal role of self-love. From navigating trauma to embracing empowerment, we unravel the intricate layers of self-discovery and resilience. Join us as we illuminate the path to healing and self-compassion, offering insights and guidance for...

Welcome to episode 022 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  Join us in this episode as we delve into the practical aspects of preparing for divorce, especially for survivors of abuse. Our guest, a former divorce attorney turned divorce coach, shares invaluable insights and strategies to empower survivors as they navigate the challenging terrain of the divorce process, ensuring they emerge from it...

Welcome to episode 021 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast! Join me in an insightful discussion with functional nutritionist, Michelle Brown, as we delve into the intricate world of trauma. Discover the profound impact of trauma on our bodies and nervous system, unravel the complexities of the trauma response, and gain valuable insights into regulating your own nervous system. Tune in for a journe...

Welcome to episode 020 of the Tragically Beautiful podcast.  What does holistic psychology have to do with healing from an abusive relationship?  In this episode, Vicky, a holistic psychologist, joins me to talk about it.  And it all starts with asking yourself one very simple question. Key takeaways: You have the power to change and even save your life Your thoughts and way of thinking are the ve...