What's coming on season 2 of The B* Word

**Content Warning**

Before you hit play, a quick note for our listeners: This conversation includes our guest's personal experiences as a survivor of sexual assault. While we believe this is an important discussion that deserves to be shared, we understand it may be difficult or triggering for some.

Your well-being matters to us. If this topic feels too heavy for you right now, it's okay to skip this episode or revisit it when you feel ready. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit RAINN.org for help.

Thank you for being here, and please take care of yourself as you listen.

This episode of The B* Word features an inspiring and raw conversation with Janet Bentley, founder of Courageous Survivors, a nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of trauma reclaim their lives and find their voices. Janet shares her journey of surviving childhood abuse, grappling with the impact of unaddressed trauma, and ultimately choosing a path of courage and healing.

Key moments include:

• The Definition of Courage: Janet redefines bravery not as the absence of fear but as the ability to walk through fear. She emphasizes that healing requires daily acts of courage, such as showing up and being vulnerable.
• Therapeutic Breakthroughs: Through trauma therapy, Janet began to dismantle the deep survival strategies that once controlled her, reclaiming her sense of agency and self-worth.
• The Power of Connection: She shares how isolation deepened her depression and how building a support system became a critical part of her recovery.
• Turning Pain into Purpose: Janet transformed her personal trauma into a mission to help others, founding Courageous Survivors to inspire hope and healing among fellow survivors.

Kenda Lawson reflects on the intersection of trauma, bravery, and personal growth, weaving in her own experiences of overcoming social anxiety and the long-lasting impact of past hurt. Both women highlight the importance of community and the power of choosing to live authentically despite fear and pain.

1. 1. Bravery is Action, Not Absence of Fear
      Janet Bentley redefines bravery as the willingness to act despite fear, a vital lesson for trauma survivors navigating recovery.

   2. Therapy as a Catalyst for Healing
      Therapy helped Janet uncover her agency and move from survival to thriving. Seeking professional support can be transformative for mental health and self-worth.

   3. Connection is Healing
      Isolation can worsen trauma, but building meaningful relationships can be life-changing. Janet's journey highlights the importance of human connection for mental wellness.

   4. Turning Trauma into Purpose
      Janet's founding of Courageous Survivors shows how healing often comes from helping others. Turning pain into purpose is a powerful way to reclaim your life.

   5. Healing Requires Patience and Consistency
      Progress in mental health is not linear. Janet reminds us that even small, brave steps lead to significant breakthroughs.
      
      

Episode Summary:

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, Kenda Lawson records her thoughts for The B Word podcast on her 42nd birthday. She shares powerful stories of love, survival, and resilience, recounting her journey from childhood to motherhood and marriage. As Kenda looks back on moments of trauma, near misses, and the challenges she's overcome, she highlights the importance of not just surviving adversity but thriving in its wake. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and finding peace amidst life's storms.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Reflections on Turning 42:

   • Kenda reflects on her birthday and life journey, expressing gratitude for love, business success, and the resilience to maintain optimism despite past trauma.

2. Marriage and Partnership:

   • Kenda talks about her husband Dominic's viral post about the strength of their marriage and how they've navigated challenges together.
   • She emphasizes that their relationship is not defined by hardship but by the love and joy they've built between tough times.

3. Superhero Origin Stories and Personal Growth:

   • Drawing parallels between superhero origin stories and her own life, Kenda discusses how facing tragedies shapes who we become, teaching resilience and strength.

4. Childhood Memories and Near-Death Experience:

   • Kenda recounts a core memory from her childhood where she and her sisters narrowly escaped a car explosion, illustrating the importance of trusting instincts and the fragility of life.

5. Surviving Fires - Literal and Figurative:

   • She recalls another close call involving a house fire started by her mom's abusive partner. This experience helped her discover inner courage and her role as a protector.

6. Loss and Healing Through Motherhood:

   • Kenda shares the deeply emotional story of her second pregnancy with her son Max, who was born prematurely and lived for only six days. She talks about how this experience shaped her as a mother and strengthened her marriage, turning tragedy into a story of love and purpose.

7. The Blessing of Adversity:

   • Kenda emphasizes that while trials test us, they also offer lessons and blessings. She discusses how embracing adversity helps uncover inner strength and leads to personal growth.

8. The Power of Peace Amidst Crisis:

   • Through her life's hardships, Kenda learned that true peace doesn't come from avoiding challenges but from maintaining inner calm during them.

Quotes from the Episode:

• "I'm thankful that my past didn't steal my optimism or close me off from love and joy."
• "Sometimes the greatest blessings come disguised as near misses and close calls."
• "I believe God has a purpose for me, and even though I faltered, I was never alone."
• "Our pain refines us; it does not define us."
• "Peace doesn't come from the absence of trouble, but from the ability to maintain calm within it."

Why You Should Listen:

• Empowering Stories: Kenda's stories are filled with heart, highlighting how she transformed painful experiences into a source of strength and empowerment.
• Authenticity: Kenda opens up about her personal life, sharing honest and raw insights about love, motherhood, marriage, and resilience.
• Inspiration for Hard Times: Listeners struggling with adversity will find hope and healing in Kenda's message that we are not just survivors but thrivers.
• Community and Connection: This episode invites listeners to be part of an ever-growing community that supports one another through shared experiences.

Call to Action:

• If Kenda's journey resonated with you, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The B Word on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
• Stay tuned for the next episode, featuring guest Janet Bentley, where we discuss the theme of bravery and healing after trauma.