From Broken To Brave Podcast

Consistency in personal growth practices can be a powerful tool for healing, transforming relationships, and rebuilding our lives. By committing to daily habits and creating a 'scaffolding' for personal development, we lay the foundation for lasting change and a more fulfilling life. This process, while challenging, can lead to deep personal transformation and a renewed sense of purpose. In this episode, Heather Ranjo shares her journey of building consistency in her growth practices. She discusses the valuable lessons learned about the importance of daily meditation, journaling, therapy, and physical activity. Heather explains how this commitment to consistency allowed her to heal past traumas, improve her relationships, and become a better parent. She openly shares her struggles with maintaining consistency and its transformative impact on her life when she perseveres. She emphasizes the importance of starting small, giving yourself grace, and remembering that you're doing this work for your future self. Tune in to learn how building consistency in personal growth practices might transform your life and relationships! Timestamps: [01:39] Recognizing the need to stop using trauma as an excuse for their actions [04:04] Heather's struggle with being fully honest in therapy [08:53] Strong emotions and blending families in a new relationship [13:51] Importance of scaffolding and consistency [15:59] Tips for implementing consistency and starting small [18:12] Elements of scaffolding  [25:48] Importance of consistency and self-improvement [28:36] Importance of healing for the sake of children [30:55] Importance of perseverance in maintaining healthy habits and self-improvement [35:04] Tips for implementing systems and staying consistent Quotes: My job is to end the trauma. My job is to break the generational curses that had no control, that I had no control over. I still have a hard time doing all the things and showing up. But what I can also tell you is that had I not started being consistent in building the scaffolding, I wouldn't have had the frame of mind or the right attitude to be proud of, to be present, and to check myself when I need to do better. You made a contract with yourself. You made a promise to yourself to show up even when it's hard. You made a promise to future you. That future you is gonna thank you for because you're sick and tired of living the life you're living. Once your body knows that it has the green light to rest, you're exhausted. So, it's hard to keep pushing during those times. I got tired of using my trauma and weaponizing it with the people around me, it was not their problem. It was mine. I don't know how else to say it other than that way, but I was weaponizing my grief. I was weaponizing my trauma and using it as a crutch and an excuse not to change my bad behavior. Resources: Connect with Heather Ranjo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frombrokentobravepodcast/ Follow the onApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-broken-to-brave-podcast/id1614102331 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ArU1nIGSD1YSPfL5yJH1g?si=qmKvF6CWShSg3JSr3Du0zw&nd=1&dlsi=7a1b893ef7254721

Isolation periods can be a powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and reassessing priorities in our hyperconnected world. By stepping away from the constant noise of social media and reducing access to our lives, we create space for deep introspection and authentic relationships. This process, while challenging, can lead to deep personal transformation and a renewed sense of purpose. In this episode, Heather Ranjo shares her experience of taking an extended break from social media and isolating herself to focus on personal growth. She discusses the valuable lessons learned about boundaries, authenticity, and being present in relationships and experiences. Heather explains how this period allowed her to heal, grow, and build a more fulfilling life. She also challenges listeners to consider their social media habits and the potential benefits of a digital detox.  Tune in to gain insights into how an isolation period might transform your life and relationships! Timestamps: [00:45] Importance of isolation in one's life [01:46] Heather's reasons for taking a social media break [04:08] Heather's decision to reduce social media presence and engagement [07:13] Lessons learned about relationships and reciprocation [09:10] Insights gained during the social media hiatus [13:14] New experiences and hobbies discovered [15:25] Importance of therapy and personal growth [17:28] Learning to be consistent and give oneself grace [18:25] Heathers challenge to listeners  Quotes: Sometimes, it requires your isolation to come back and relate to people from a healthier place. If people take your isolation personally, then they're the problem. I am no longer going to pour from an empty cup. I am no longer going to make an effort in relationships that do not put an effort back to me. Can we stop acting like social media is not a drug? Can we stop doing that in 2024? Give yourself grace and love yourself when you miss the mark and do better tomorrow. That's it. That's all anybody could ever ask of you. Resources: Connect with Heather Ranjo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frombrokentobravepodcast/ Follow the podcast onApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-broken-to-brave-podcast/id1614102331 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ArU1nIGSD1YSPfL5yJH1g?si=qmKvF6CWShSg3JSr3Du0zw&nd=1&dlsi=7a1b893ef7254721

In this powerful season premiere, Heather Ranjo returns after a long hiatus to kick off Season Three of "From Broken and Brave Podcast." She shares a personal letter to her 2022 self, reflecting on the profound changes and growth she's experienced over the past two years. Heather discusses personal transformation, healing, and the bravery required to face life's challenges. She opens up about unexpected changes in her life, including finding new love, redefining relationships, and owning her mistakes. Through her story, Heather encourages listeners to confront their struggles, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and consistent personal growth. Are you ready to embark on your journey of transformation? Listen to this episode, reflect on your path, and take the first step towards becoming the best version of yourself. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this powerful message with someone who might need to hear it.  Your story of growth and bravery starts now! Timestamps: [00:02] Introduction to the podcast [00:45] The "letter to 2022 me" concept [05:18] The ongoing nature of healing and personal growth [07:46] Heather's reflection on positive changes and breakthroughs [10:12] Heather's gratitude for the new life and relationship [11:35] The loss of relationships and circle changes [14:18] Grief in relationships and personal growth [16:00] Accepting and processing the changes in relationships [17:05] Benefits of consistently doing the work required for personal growth Quotes: Life as I knew it in 2022 is nothing like the life I am living now. And I am so grateful, so thankful, and so blessed for it. Be afraid and do it anyway. Be brave even when you're terrified. Be authentic even when it feels lonely. Be honest, even when it hurts. Do the work even when you're exhausted. When you wanna quit, find that strength you save and battle your demons. You're your own worst enemy. Keep fighting, keep pushing. Life is better than you could ever think possible. Hey, God, it's me again. I'm not mad anymore. Thank you for this beautiful life. I know that I would not have gotten through this past year without losing certain people. I also wouldn't be able to go forward without the people who stuck by my side when I hit rock bottom and loved me anyway. If you're walking through your mess, hang tight to those people in your life who support you and love you through your mistakes. The ones who can give you tough love from a good place. But I also want you to recognize that not everybody is going to like the version of you that's growing and healing and transforming into the person you've always been meant to be. Resources: Connect with Heather Ranjo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frombrokentobravepodcast/ Follow the podcast onApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-broken-to-brave-podcast/id1614102331 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ArU1nIGSD1YSPfL5yJH1g?si=qmKvF6CWShSg3JSr3Du0zw&nd=1&dlsi=7a1b893ef7254721  

Losing a baby is an unimaginable and deeply devastating experience for couples, leaving them in profound grief and emotional turmoil. Navigating this painful journey requires immense support, understanding, and compassion. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by grieving couples, providing a safe space for expression, and offering guidance on coping strategies, it is possible to offer a lifeline of hope and healing, enabling couples to navigate the complex emotions and find solace amidst the overwhelming grief of losing a precious child.   In this episode, I am joined by Julianne Curtis, a Birth and Bereavement doula serving Northern Colorado and the creator of Be Still, an award-winning short film that is about a family grieving the loss of a child. Julianne shares how people can help couples navigate the grief of losing a baby. She explains how she honors the families and babies that she helps, how people can understand grief, and the different ways couples can use to navigate grief. She also advises non grievers on how they can walk through the loss of someone that they love. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!   Timestamps [01:47] Julianne Curtis's background information [04:26] What does a bereavement doula do? And how is Julianne helping women in their journey to becoming mothers? [10:00] Ways to get through our grief [13:03] How Julianne honors the babies and families she helps [15:48] Be Still, the short film that Julianne created [21:04] How people can understand grief [23:07] Julianne's plans to expand the Bereavement doula education [25:08] Ways to address the loss of a baby [31:04] How Julianne supports dads in grief [38:00] Relationships coming to an end [41:02] Advice for the non-grievers to walk through the loss of someone that they love [44:02] The book: It's Ok That You're Not Ok [48:23] What Julianne would tell her younger self   Notable quotes: “When we lose our loved ones, that pain never goes away.” “The only way we can get through our grief is by feeling it and sitting on it.” “If everybody understood grief, then our culture wouldn't be so uncomfortable with it.” Episode resources: The book: It's Ok That You're Not Ok Connect with Julianne Curtis: Website: https://juliannecurtis.com/ Be Still: https://bestillshortfilm.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliannecurtiscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliannecurtisdoula/ Connect with Heather Speakman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frombrokentobravepodcast/  

Addiction can be a very difficult time for an addict and those around them. This is one woman's story of addiction. The mix of emotions like a storm in her heart. In the middle of all the chaos, love becomes a strong force that affects her deeply, like a powerful drug flowing through her veins. It makes her happy and excited but also creates a strong desire for more. Love becomes like cocaine to her, an addictive potion that she can't resist, even though it keeps her trapped. It's a rollercoaster of emotions where she tries to understand how love can be her escape and the thing that keeps her stuck, always caught in its mixture of happiness and sadness.   In this episode, I share a piece about a cocaine-addicted woman trying so hard to overcome the challenge and how the addiction affects her kids and the people that love her. I also share how that piece relates to my current state of undergoing a divorce, how we can make our divorce less painful for our kids, and the importance of being mindful of the judgment you put on other people while they are walking through the hardest things of their lives. Tune in to learn more about this!   Timestamps [01:50] The idea of an anonymous guest [02:54] The definition of addiction [03:27] How addiction affects the people who love us [05:58] The challenges of being an addicted mother [06:55] The support that addicts need [13:20] The real story behind the piece that I wrote [14:19] The book: A Love Letter to Whiskey [14:38] The divorce from my husband [16:28] How can we make our divorce less painful for our kids? [18:12] The hardest things about a divorce [22:52] Healing from your traumas [23:21] The importance of being mindful of the judgment you put on others [24:18] Being real about the grief that comes with divorce [30:47] The relationship that I have with my father [32:31] Some food for thoughts [33:23] Stopping the cycle of trauma in your generation   Notable quotes: “Every addiction is different. However, the story behind it is always the same. It does not make it easy for the people who love us.” “Love sometimes isn't enough. Whoever said that love is all you need does not have an addiction to break.” “Where there is deep love, there is also deep grief.” “Real growth comes when you are sick of your shit and say enough is enough.” Episode Resources: The book: A Love Letter To Whiskey  Connect with Heather Speakman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frombrokentobravepodcast/

Sitting in silence is a powerful practice that allows us to connect with our inner selves and learn valuable lessons without the influence of external distractions or the input of others. It is a time of introspection and reflection where we can be fully present with ourselves and explore our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. By tuning out the noise of the world around us, we can tap into our intuition and gain insights that may be obscured by the opinions of our family and friends. In this way, silence can become a valuable teacher, guiding us towards greater self-awareness, clarity, and personal growth.   In this episode, I share the benefits of working alone in silence without the help of friends and family. I talk about the times that we have to work alone, the things that can be learned in silence, the power of journaling and the benefits of feeling our feelings. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!   Timestamps [01:30] The times that we have to work alone [02:05] There is something to be learned from the silence [03:25] Learning to work on things by yourself [04:10] The power of journaling [07:17] Feeling your feelings Notable quotes: “It is a good thing to work alone. Lean into that because there is something to be discovered in the silence.” “There is infinite power in putting your pen to paper and getting it out of your system.” “When we address our feelings and feel them, they don't leak into other people.” Connect with Heather Speakman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frombrokentobravepodcast/  

Reading books can be an excellent way for moms and wives to get smarter and improve their knowledge in various areas. Reading can help to expand one's vocabulary, improve critical thinking skills, and enhance problem-solving abilities. It can also provide an opportunity to learn new things and gain insight into different perspectives. Additionally, reading books can be a great way to unwind and reduce stress, which can benefit both moms and wives who often face multiple responsibilities and challenges daily. By making reading a habit, moms, and wives can improve their intellectual abilities and enhance their overall well-being, leading to a more fulfilling life.   In this episode, I am joined by Shirley, a mother of three boys who has been married for over eleven years. Shirley shares her love for reading books and how it has impacted her life as a wife and a mom. She shares some tips to find time and read while having kids in the house, how you can prioritize yourself in the chaos of life, and the journey to building a stronger marriage. Tune in to learn more!   Timestamps [01:28] Shirley's background information [03:31] Getting smarter by reading books [07:25] Finding the time to read while having kids in the house [11:04] Prioritizing yourself in the chaos of life [14:08] How Shirley connects with Danny and makes her marriage a priority [18:55] The journey to building a stronger marriage [22:18] Vulnerability in men [24:23] How women can put themselves first. [26:24] What message Shirley would like to leave her children with for their future relationships.  [28:28] What would Shirley say to her younger self? [31:18] Rapid fire questions on books   Notable quotes: “Too much help can make you not step up in ways that you should have as both a mother and a spouse.” “Vulnerability is sexy. Men need to be vulnerable in marriages.” Connect with Heather Speakman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frombrokentobravepodcast/

In this episode, Heather talks about restricting access to those non-VIPs in her life or who put only a little amount of effort, as well as how to grant access to others and at what cost. Considering that we occasionally grant access to those who do not deserve it, this episode is also a reminder that "Not everyone deserves access to your life." Cut off access to you from those who don't deserve it to free up the space and energy inside of your thoughts—PROTECT YOUR PEACE.   Questions on this episode: What is Mystery Guest all about? Why am I giving premium access to everyone on the internet? If I'm allowing anyone and everyone access to me, what is left for me?   Key Points: Podcast updates that Heather is excited to tell you about! Hard and tough stories will always be on this podcast, but still, we're bringing the FUN this season. Started thinking about who I will allow into my space and who makes time for me. It's not "I'm thinking about her, I should call her."–and they never pick up the phone. It's actually picking up the phone, and doing it. Reciprocation in relationships does matter. YOU NEVER KNOW. One small act of checking on me, MATTERED. Just because it's not posted on social media, doesn't mean it is happening. Breaking down the past. Weaponizing our vulnerability. Learning the hard way who I trust and withhold from. Everyone in our circle is different, and it's okay. The feeling of being left out and not valued Be more selective about what to post on social media.   Quotables: "Don't give them the privilege of knowing everything about you." "If it doesn't serve us, they damn sure don't deserve us• "Privacy is Protection."

Despite everything that has occurred, Heather continues to find meaning in her suffering, and this has carried through to the present day.   After Maddie's passing, she will take us along on her mental health journey. Join in on this continued conversation of Heather recovering from her traumas and mental health challenges with greater power and clarity than ever after seeking expert assistance alongside uncovering her secret to perseverance and never giving up.   Questions on this episode: What did you learn out of Maddie's case? How do you think moms should handle guilt?   Key Points: Expressing her feelings to the autopsy results–huge recovery piece for Heather. Confirmation she gets from the autopsy result. Knowing Maddie's quality of life. Heather's mental health struggle. Working through traumas, postpartum depression, and anxiety.  Identifying and working through your triggers.  Pieces that still need to be unfold EMDR Therapy Finding the right therapist.  Heather and Erik: How we are in real life How to handle grief and guilt within yourself and other Heart Moms.  The impact Maddie has made. Quotables: “I have lived through so much trauma. And I don't say that for anybody to feel sorry for me. I tell you that because I want you guys to know that no matter how hard life kicks you in your ass or in your gut, you can get up again. And I promise you that no matter how hard you think it is, you need to keep trying.”

Heather's world turned upside down when she found out that her youngest baby girl would be born with a congenital heart defect and Heterotaxy. Heather and her husband came to the conclusion that they had to do everything in their power to provide Madi with the greatest care.   Heart Mom Heather Speakman tells us her Heart Baby story in this episode. Heather has had to deal with the most difficult scenarios when it comes to being a Heart Mom as she fights her daughter's battle with heterotaxy and hypoplastic left heart syndrome.   Follow her as she takes us on a journey filled with love, gratitude, and support through the highs and lows of her experience with a Heart Baby–and shares the purpose that her angel brought to her.   Discussed on this episode: What is Hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Heterotaxy? What is ECMO? What does Heather do now? What advice could Heather give to those who experience the same situation as hers?   Key Points: Getting to know Heather Speakman. Maddie as a heart baby Madi's diagnosis Preparing for the worst Finding support with other heart moms and care team The highest and lowest part of being a heart mom. Why did Maddie need to undergo ECMO Series of ups and down Maddue encountered Conversations of Maddie's progress Giving gratitude to medical workers who handled Maddie. The purpose of Maddie was given to Heather. Telling Maddie's story and being a heart baby. Heather as Maddie's voice. Heather's advocacy and awareness towards CHD.   Quotables: "Remind that in every pain even if it sucky, hard, and ugly there's also a purpose in it."   "There is nothing wrong or shameful in accepting help."

  Sometimes life can be a little too much. It's a sign that something needs to change if you discover that the days fly by and you don't even feel like you have time to breathe.   Just like when we used to work, we wanted to accomplish more in less time, thus we were unaware of how crucial it is to take a break.   In this episode, Heather talks about knowing your own worth by taking or giving yourself a break from everything to flourish and the importance of respecting time.   Key Points; Nobody can take care of yourself, better than you. Taking a short break - Broken to brave Schedule "You Time" Are you busy just to stay busy? or          Are you being busy because you genuinely need to be. What happens when your plate is full? Stuck with being busy. It's okay to cry if you want to. Do anything that helps clear your mind. Journaling Walking away from things you love. Learning to say "No" Being not a part of the organization anymore. Respecting your OWN time Understanding your worth Understanding what you are capable of. Setting boundaries We can never be done with healing but we go to the season of growth. Living for yourself. Quotables:   "Nothing wrong from walking away or closing a chapter."   "How can you ask them to respect your time, if they can't respect their own."

A natural reaction to loss is grief. When a loved one passes away, there is no right or wrong way to handle it. Grieving is a difficult process- and it's different for everyone. Not only must one learn to deal with loss, but also with change, and that takes time.   After losing her child in 2016, Christina set out on a quest to accomplish more than simply endure grief. In this episode, she also shares her experience about the loss of her daughter and how she copes by changing her mindset in finding gratitude after loss.   Key Points; Christina Stiverson' quick bio. Addie/Adelaide Marie's Story (Christina's Daughter) Learning about Addie's case (Hepatoblastoma) Hardest realization on Cristina's journey after losing a child. Investing in research.  Timeline of grief. Desperate to find answers to my grief Things that help Cristina get through it. "People hold on to pain until they find something they value more" "I can't Imagine anything worse than losing a child" Empowered by grief "The highest tribute to the dead is not Grief but Gratitude." Some of Cristina's ways to reconnect to Addie's memory and find ways to reframe. Help other mothers that are stuck on their grief. Helping other people to heal. How listening to other people helps you. Christina's advice for somebody who is struggling with their grief. What Christina would tell to her younger version of herself. Connect with Christina here: https://www.graduategrief.com/

When you've never had a decent father figure in your own life, how do you learn to be a good dad? or, Can you still be a good dad if you never had one?    Tune in as on this episode, CJ Epps answers and shares his experience of growing up with an abusive stepfather, how he overcame the situation of pain that he endured as a result of abuse to become a great father himself and be the stepfather he never had.   Key Points; CJ's Brief Introduction What made CJ interested in Web Development. Being a daddy figure. CJ being the father he never had. His experience growing up with an abusive stepfather. Impact Try to empower them Too much destructive criticism "You're stronger than you think you are." Aim for progress. Don't repeat the same mistakes What you become in your tough process. CJ's most impactful thing he learned about being raised by a strong woman? What CJ's want to tell their mom knowing what they went through/letting her know that you wish you had then? Focus on the present Favorite non-physical quality about his fiancé Future Goals Be more organize Good to have someone to check in.

What to do when we feel that there is no light at the end of the tunnel? Or you feel hopeless? It's typical to feel as though there is no hope and that nothing will ever improve after suffering a traumatic loss, an upsetting life transition, or from chronic depression. Hopelessness is a state of despondency or the absence of belief that life can be better than it is. At its worst, suicidal thoughts may result from these sensations, which frequently cause a lack of engagement in or interest in life. Living in a bleak situation makes life extremely difficult. No matter how horrible things may appear, there are some things you can do to improve your life when you feel helpless. In this episode, Laura shares ways to cope with stress and gives advice for people who are struggling, how becoming a mom changed her and why breaking generational curses is so important. Key Points; Brief introduction how they've met. Laura's Introduction about herself. Why Laura wanted to be an Exercise Physiologist. Laura's suggestions for somebody who's really struggling and somebody who just may not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Perception as supermoms. How important it is for Laura to be the example for her daughters. Breaking generational curses. Crying is okay. Ways to manage stress. How tone changes everything. Laura's guilty pleasure. Laura's advice for her girls. It's okay to be honest about how much things suck. What works for your family? Gender roles. What would Laura tell to the younger version of herself. Reciprocating friendships Connect with Laura here: https://instagram.com/_laurmcd Train with Laura: www.LauraMcDonaldFit.com

Heather interviews fellow loss mom Raquel DeLeon and she shares how she was able to continue her pursuit for higher education after her son Dominic passed. She finds inspiration for blazing a trail for her rainbow baby Elia and reminds us that breaking generational curses isn't easy.   Connect with Heather: https://www.facebook.com/hspeakman http://www.frombrokentobrave.com/   This podcast is edited and produced by: Resilient Heart Media. 

Heather sits down with her cousin Airik Ranjo and they talk about mental health, Airik's fitness journey and the challenges of going to college away from home. They talk about their beloved Lola (grandmother) and reminisce about what it was like growing up with her.  Heather shares the full circle moment as she watched Airik take care of Lola before she passed away in August of 2021.  Airik's tik tok @airikranjo IG: @airik.xe  Connect with Heather Here:  https://www.facebook.com/hspeakman https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/ This episode was produced and edited by: Resilient Voice Media 

In this episode Heather sits down fellow heart mom Lauren Herman. Lauren shares her son Levi's battle with congenital heart disease and all the challenges he faced. She was dedicated to making each day in the hospital count and celebrating the small wins. Lauren reminds us that the small wins are still something to be proud of. We can still find joy in the middle of the storm.   Levi passed away on August 2, 2021 after charging the storm of CHD and that's when Lauren's fight started. She started a non profit in Levi's honor. You can learn more about the non profit here:  Levi's Legacy   Instagram: https://instagram.com/thelevilegacy?igshid=NWRhNmQxMjQ= Connect with Heather: https://www.facebook.com/hspeakman https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/  

In this episode Heather double dog dares you to wear the damn bikini! We all have imperfections and things we don't like about our bodies but what if we wore the bikini anyway? What if we spoke life into ourselves in a way it feeds our souls? What if we showed our children what it's like to be confident even though we're a work in progress? We have little eyes watching us and wether we like it or not they're learning from us. Sometimes it's not always positive and that's exactly why we have to do better! I don't want my kids thinking they can talk down to themselves as a defense mechanism. The game changes when you start loving yourself. I believe you have that power in you. Little by little you will start to notice that you are capable of so much more. It all starts by doing one brave thing at a time. C️onnect with Heather: https://www.facebook.com/hspeakman https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/ https://www.instagram.com/frombrokentobravepodcast/ This podcast is produced and edited by Resilient Voice Media 

This is a clip from Heather's solo episode titled: No Regrets.  Heather gives you insight on letting people go. You can only do so much. This clip is short but powerful.  Listen to the orginal episode here: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/23502827 Connect with Heather here: https://www.facebook.com/hspeakman visit her website at: www.speakman6pack.com   This clip was produced and edited by: Resilient Voice Media 

This is a clip from the ever so inspiring episode with Cherie Urban. In this clip Cherie talks about what she learned going to marriage counseling by herself and tells us how she met her husband!  The original episode is titled: Overcoming Abuse and Finding Love Again. Listen to it here: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/23361143    

Heather and Gabi sit down to talk about the positives and negatives of MLM's and direct sales. Gabi shares her experience in direct sales and how she learned how to be successful without being a Spammy Pammy in the DM's. There is a better way to build connections and still work towards your goals. You don't have to give in to "hustler harder" culture to get the life you want. Building authentic connections takes time but and there is no legit get rich quick way to building an empire. Wouldn't you rather do it in a way that you're proud of? I promise friends, the "Hey girl hey" messages and harassing your friends is NOT the way.    Connect with Heather here: https://www.facebook.com/hspeakman https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/   Connect with Gabi here: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.anaya.5 https://www.instagram.com/gabi.garland/    

In this solo episode Heather talks about learning how to live life with no regrets. Nearly five years ago, Heather lost her youngest daughter Madi due to a heart defect and heterotaxy syndrome. This was one of the hardest ways Heather had to learn to live in love instead of the wishes and wants of the past. We all wish we could have chose a different path looking at the past. The unfortunate truth is, it wouldn't have changed the outcome. Heather shares the hardest parts of letting Madi go and the most significant regrets she had to work through.    Heather also talks about the relationships with her friends and family. The relationships that have come and gone and how they can evolve over time. We don't waste time on people. We may not realize it at the time but they all provide value to our lives. Even if that value is wrapped up in heartbreak, there is still something we can learn from every relationship around us. We don't have to regret the time we've spent with someone. We can be thankful for the lessons they've taught us even if they're hard to see in the moment. 

Heather sits down with Cherie Urban as she shares how she found love again after an abusive marriage. Cherie reminds us that you have to love yourself before you can really love someone else. How important is it to enjoy the season of being single, taking trips, spending time with girlfriends and new adventures. She shares how she met her husband Marco and becoming a step mom. Coparenting realness, the good, the bad, the ugly!   Cherie's IG @urbancherry102420  

On Part 2 of Donny's episode Heather's husband Erik joins in on the conversation. They take us back to Afghanistan, weeks before they finish their deployment and a loss that they hold very close to their hearts. Forever in flight, CW2 Christopher Thibodeau you are not forgotten. KIA 5/26/11 

Heather talks with long time friend Donny Flores about Army life, battling a family history of Alzheimer's and Dementia and what it was like to transition out of military life and retiring. How he created a successful woodworking business from the ground up so he never had to answer to someone above him. He gives advice for the fellow soldier walking through PTSD, suicide and mental health. His message of making each day count is one that will resonate with everyone. follow him on IG here: @veteranwoodworks    Connect with Heather on social here:  https://www.facebook.com/hspeakman https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/  

In this episode Heather talks to Stef about her life changing decisions that brought bravery to the forefront of her daily actions.  From heartache to rediscovery Stef talks about what she went through starting at just 13 years old.  She is uplifting, caring, loving and also very brave. We could all learn a thing or two from Stef's journey From Broken to Brave. 

This is a clip from the episode, The Journey of Infertility and Raising Rainbow Babies.  Jess starts her story and wishes she could go back and tell her younger self to "calm down, everything will work out."   

This is a clip from the episode The Power of Paying it Forward Part 1.  "Nothing changes if you stay silent." Aaron is always dropping his words of wisdom and this is no exception. 

This is a clip from the episode, Heather and Erik Tell All.  This is where it all started with their relationship. From the banana bread to being girlfriend and boyfriend, this is definitely a fan favorite story. 

Erik and I are coming up on our 17th wedding anniversary so I thought it was fitting to sit down with my beloved and give you the raw, uncut marriage story nobody tells. I'm a firm believer in telling your story right in the middle of the mess and that's what we do. We share the birth of our love story, meeting in high school, getting pregnant young, married at 19 and Erik joining the military. We talk about what marriage counseling is like, separation talks and what NOT to do in marriage. We're not experts by any means but hopefully you can learn from our mistakes. This episode isn't just for married couples, this episode is for anyone who wants to better all of their relationships. Keep fighting friends, better days are on the horizon. You're in the middle of the mess? That's okay! The important part is that you learn and grow from it.   Connect with Heather on social here: https://www.facebook.com/hspeakman https://www.instagram.com/frombrokentobravepodcast/ http://frombrokentobrave.com/   Edited by: Amanda Sullivan of the Resilient Heart Agency 

In this episode Melissa shares her son Landon's journey. Landon was born with a genetic disorder called  Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and the most fatal type of EB that cut his life short. Melissa encourages parents to utilize the resources the hospital has to lessen the burden of a prolonged hospital stay. She talks about the advice she would give to other parents and the everyday signs she gets from Landon in heaven.  Connect with Heather on Social here:  https://www.facebook.com/hspeakman https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/ http://frombrokentobrave.com/  

Dr. Siva shares how he came to the United States from India and became a pediatric dentist. He explains how he couldn't afford med school and student loans weren't available to him. He shares his daughter medical scare and being on the other end of the patient experience. Dr. Siva shares how he made a difference in a patient's care and the way he creates a positive work environment.  Dr. Siva's website: https://www.perfectteethforkids.com/our-doctors   Connect with Heather on social: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=heather%20speakman   https://www.instagram.com/frombrokentobravepodcast/  

Jess shares her journey as a mom of boys and how she navigated infertility. She shares what it was like having multiple miscarriages, having rainbow babies and being a boy mom. Jess also shares how her marriage was affected and what helped her and her husband get through loss.    Connect with Heather Here:  https://www.facebook.com/hspeakman   https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/   Edited by Amanda Sullivan of the Resilient Heart Agency. 

Rebekah shares her adoption journey and raising her kids to honor their culture. Rebekah is passionate about adovacy because she is raising two children with congetial heart defects. She talks about little ways she started teaching her children to be self sufficient.    Connect with Rebekah here:  www.heart4adovacy.com    Connect with Heather Here:  https://www.facebook.com/hspeakman   https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/   Edited by Amanda Sullivan of The Resilient Heart Agency. 

Alex shares his story of becoming a heart dad to his youngest daughter Indiana and being your child's best advocate. He talks about trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for his heart healthy daughter Quinn and making sure she knows she is loved just as much as her sister. Alex shares about the disc golf community that rallied around their family and the many ways they advocate for CHD. How men need support just like women and what it's like advocating for CHD in an environment that is predominately female.   Connect with Heather Here:  https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=heather%20speakman https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/   Edited by Amanda Sullivan of the Resilient Heart Agency   

In this episode Heather talks about a spinal fluid leak that took months to diagnose and treat. As soon as she was cleared to exercise she started CrossFit. She would later become a certified coach and compete in the CrossFit games. Heather's faith carried her through multiple setbacks. Her message of positivity is infectious and her spirit is unbreakable.    Connect with Heather Here:  https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=heather%20speakman https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/   Edited by Amanda Sullivan of the Resilient Heart Agency 

This episode continues as Aaron and Heather go more in depth about careers, mental health and general life advice! Aaron and Heather talk about how they met by accident at a gas station 4 years ago. The power of social media and paying it forward in Madi's memory changed the course of their lives. Aaron talks about his career in the film industry and philanthropic work.    Connect with Heather Here:  https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=heather%20speakman https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/   Edited by Amanda Sullivan of the Resilient Heart Agency. 

Aaron and Heather talk about how they met by accident at a gas station 4 years ago. The power of social media and paying it forward in Madi's memory changed the course of their lives. Aaron talks about his career in the film industry and philanthropic work.    Connect with Heather Here:  https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=heather%20speakman https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/   Edited by Amanda Sullivan of the Resilient Heart Agency

Welcome to the From Broken to Brave Podcast!  In this episode, Heather talks about what inspired the podcast and why she interviews the guests she does.    Remember to give 5 stars on apple and share, share, share!    Connect with Heather here:  https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=heather%20speakman https://www.instagram.com/speakman6pack/ https://www.instagram.com/frombrokentobravepodcast/