POSITIVELY JOY: Healing Hearts After Divorce

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, host Yvette Walker welcomes Allison Bixby, a journaler and professor, to discuss the transformative power of journaling, particularly in the context of faith and personal growth. Allison shares her personal journey with journaling, emphasizing its role in her faith walk and how it has helped her navigate challenging times, including her son's diagnosis with a genetic disorder.

Yvette and Allison discuss various methods and prompts to help listeners get started with journaling, addressing common fears and misconceptions about the practice. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of community in journaling, as Allison introduces her group, the Inky Collective, and her upcoming book, "Journaling as a Spiritual Practice." This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the healing power of writing and the importance of finding joy in the process.

Her website and book, "Journaling as a Spiritual Practice."

The Inky Collective

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, Keri Gwynne shares her personal journey through a difficult second marriage marked by abuse and trauma. She discusses the impact of domestic violence, the importance of faith, and the healing power of journaling. Keri emphasizes the need for support and community for women facing divorce, highlighting the resources available to help them navigate this challenging process. The conversation also touches on the feelings of shame and guilt that often accompany divorce, especially for women of faith, and the importance of creating a safe space for healing and growth.

Starting Point Divorce Advocacy

Keri's book picks

 

 

In this episode of the Positively Joy Podcast, host Yvette Walker welcomes Michelle Pippin, an entrepreneur and business strategist, to discuss the transformative journey of women navigating divorce and entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into the emotional and financial implications of divorce, emphasizing the importance of financial independence for women. Michelle shares her personal story of becoming an entrepreneur out of necessity, highlighting how her experiences shaped her approach to empowering other women in business.

The discussion also touches on the significance of identity shifts post-divorce and how these changes can lead to new opportunities, including entrepreneurship. Michelle emphasizes that entrepreneurship can serve as a vehicle for empowerment, allowing women to reclaim their financial autonomy and redefine their identities. The episode explores practical strategies for women looking to start or grow their businesses, including the importance of focusing on financial stability and the right marketing approaches. Throughout the conversation, both Yvette and Michelle underscore the need for self-reflection and faith in navigating life's challenges, particularly during times of significant change like divorce.

More on Michelle:

Website: www.bmichellepippin.com
Organization: WOMEN WHO WOW eXponential

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, divorce survivor Pamela Good shares her profound journey of overcoming the trauma of mental illness through God's love. She discusses her childhood experiences with a mentally ill mother, her struggles with identity and self-worth, and the pivotal moments that led to her divorce. Pamela emphasizes the importance of healing, forgiveness, and the realization that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God rather than from others. Her book, 'He Never Let Go,' encapsulates her journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Pamela's website

Book: He Never Let Go

The song that Pamela based her book on. Lyrics by Jill Zupanic.

 

In this episode of the Positively Joy Podcast, Yvette Walker and Amy Connell discuss the importance of self-care, particularly nutrition, during times of divorce, grief and transition. They explore practical tips for simplifying meal choices, understanding nutrition, and addressing emotional eating. The conversation emphasizes the need for gentleness and balance in food choices, encouraging listeners to nourish their bodies while navigating difficult times.

Find more about Amy Connell at her Graced Health podcast and at https://www.gracedhealth.com/

 

Bonus replay episode! Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women is launching Jan. 13. To celebrate, we're revisiting a conversation with author Oona Metz from last year. Listen as Oona and I discuss the steps divorced women need to move on after a split.

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, host Yvette Walker reflects on her journey of creating the podcast, the evolution of its focus from general joy to addressing the challenges of divorce, and the importance of faith in finding true joy. She shares personal experiences, insights on mental health, and the significance of community support for women navigating difficult transitions. Yvette emphasizes that joy is not merely happiness but a deeper peace found in God's presence, and she looks forward to continuing to support and uplift her listeners in their healing journeys.

PositivelyJoy.com: The website that started it all!

BeautifullyLoved.shop: Get on the list for the new book, launch date Fall 2026, AND to be an advance reader!

 

In this heartfelt conversation, Yvette Walker and Hadassah Treu discuss the profound impact of loss, particularly in the context of widowhood. Hadassah shares her personal journey of grief after losing her husband unexpectedly, exploring the wilderness of sorrow and the lessons learned through faith. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, the search for meaning in suffering, and the resilience found in shared experiences among women who have faced similar challenges.

The verse in Job Hadassah mentioned on the show: "God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face." (Job 23;16-17) 

Hadassah's book: Draw Near

Keywords: loss, grief, healing, faith, widowhood, relationships, personal growth, writing, community, support

 

In this episode of the Positively Joy Podcast, host Yvette Walker interviews Constance Hastings about her book 'The Trouble with Jesus.' They explore the provocative themes of the book, including the challenges of faith, the role of women in Jesus' ministry, and the importance of understanding doubt and God's presence in times of pain.

Constance shares her personal journey of faith, the lessons learned from her experiences, and offers insights for women navigating transitions in their lives. The conversation emphasizes the significance of faith, the complexities of relationships, and the hope found in Jesus.

Special offer: Get 20% off her book, "The Trouble With Jesus," when you sign up for her blog.

Takeaways:

• Jesus valued women and included them in his ministry.
• Doubt is a natural part of faith and can coexist with belief.
• God does not always act as a 'divine fixer' in our lives.
• The story of the woman caught in adultery illustrates Jesus' compassion.
• Constance's book aims to help women in transition find hope.

#faith, #Jesus, #women, #transition, #doubt, #personaljourney, #spirituality, #relationships, #mentalhealth, #self-worth

 

In this episode of the Positively Joy Podcast, author Elena Huggins shares her journey of transformation and growth after leaving the Russian Orthodox Church and, later,  divorcing her addict husband. Her book, "Untwist Me," describes how God helped her "unstuck" after years of trying to do it on her own. 

Her website

Her book: Untwist Me

In this episode of the Positively Joy Podcast, Dr. Angela Deulen, an expert in brain science, shares her insights on the intersection of faith and science, particularly in the context of trauma, divorce, and emotional healing. She discusses the complexities of the brain and how it processes emotions, the importance of music in healing, and the distinction between grief and depression. Dr. Deulen emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and the role of prayer and meditation in connecting with God and finding peace amidst life's challenges.

Angela Deulen's YouTube channel

Her website

Summary

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, Yvette Walker speaks with Elizabeth Jane about her personal journey through divorce and the tools she developed for self-leadership and emotional healing. They discuss the importance of acknowledging emotions, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care. Elizabeth shares insights from her book, emphasizing the ABCs of emotional well-being, the power of gratitude and forgiveness, and the significance of mindfulness and breath in navigating life's challenges.

Elizabeth Jane's website

Her artwork

In this episode, Leah Chrest shares her profound journey of grief after losing her husband. But wait, can she, a widow, teach those who are divorced the complexities of navigating loss? Absolutely.

Leah emphasizes the significance of self-forgiveness, the power of community support, and the transformative nature of grief. Through her experiences, she encourages listeners to embrace their emotions, seek God in their pain, and recognize the beauty that can emerge from heartache.

Leah's blog, The Contemplative Christian

Find her books here.

In this episode of the Positively Joy Podcast, Yvette Walker speaks with Jessica Kastner about the challenges and healing processes following divorce. They discuss the importance of authenticity in sharing experiences, the role of faith in overcoming shame and guilt, and the significance of finding intimacy with God. Jessica shares her journey through two divorces, the impact on her parenting, and the lessons she aims to impart to her sons. They also touch on the importance of therapy, the power of prayer, and Jessica's upcoming writing projects.

Listen to Jessica's Free Failing podcast

Jessica Kastner books

#divorce #healing #Christian #faith #podcast #shame #guilt #intimacywithGod #therapy #parenting #marriage

 

 

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, Yvette Walker interviews therapist and author Oona Metz about her journey into supporting women through divorce. They discuss the importance of having a model for understanding the stages of divorce grief, which Metz has developed based on her experiences leading support groups. The conversation covers the five stages of divorce grief: heartbreak, the roller coaster of emotions, mending, letting go, and moving on. Metz emphasizes the significance of self-care, transformation, and the healing power of helping others during difficult times. The episode also highlights Metz's upcoming book, 'Unhitched,' which provides insights and practical advice for women navigating divorce.

Oona Metz's book 'Unhitched' offers valuable insights for women. 

#divorce #healing #support groups #grief stages #self-care #transformation #therapy

 

 

Cathy Colver Garland has learned some powerful lessons in her life that can help you. Listen as we explore her relationships, breakups, and healing from divorce and suffering. And what do you do when a man breaks up with you three times? 

Cathy's book, "Revelationship"

Find Cathy on Threads here.

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, Yvette Walker interviews Loren Cribbs, who shares her personal journey through divorce, the challenges she faced, and how she found healing and purpose through her faith and writing. Loren discusses the impact of her divorce on her self-worth and identity, the importance of community support, and her book 'Wings to Rise Above Divorce,' which aims to help others navigate similar experiences. The conversation emphasizes resilience, personal growth, and the power of sharing one's story to inspire and uplift others.

Loren's book: Wings to Rise Above Divorce

Loren's blog: https://www.lorencribbs.com/blog

DivorceCare

Takeaways:

Loren grew up with strong morals and a belief in doing good.

Divorce was a shocking experience for Loren, challenging her beliefs.

Perfectionism can hinder emotional healing after trauma.

Questioning faith is common during difficult times.

Self-worth can diminish significantly after a divorce.

Starting a business can be a path to personal recovery.

Serving others can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

Writing can be a therapeutic outlet during tough times.

Divorce care groups provide essential support and understanding.

Sharing stories of struggle can empower others in similar situations.

It's part two of our conversation with Dana Williams of Redeemed Identity. Do you think you can't find redemption after a breakup? Dana Williams speaks life into Christians who have divorced. She believes your identity in Christ redeems women, no matter the stage of their relationship. Dana has a life of lessons to share this week. 

Her website, Redeemed Identity

Book: "Who Am I After Divorce"

Think you can't find redemption after a breakup? Dana Williams speaks life into Christian single, separated or divorced women. She believes your identity in Christ redeems you, no matter the stage of your relationship.

Dana, a former wife of a pastor, has a life of lessons to share this week, and come back next week for part two of our interview. 

Her website, Redeemed Identity

Her book, "Who Am I After Divorce?"

This week, therapist, coach, and author Liz Bullard returns to unpack the lessons from our latest guests, who shared faith and wisdom around leaving abusive marriages.

Listen, subscribe, and like wherever you listen to podcasts, or subscribe and like our YouTube channel, where you can watch the entire episode.

Miss the episodes we are talking about? Check them out:

Angela Chambers episode

Michelle Ruddell episode

More on coach Liz Bullard:

Connect with Liz Bullard and her coaching for creatives

Learn more about Liz's fantasy and mystery fiction!

Angela Chambers wore a mask to hide the pain of her marriage. When she walked out, she was looking for hope and another chance to find joy after abuse in her marriage. Her book, "Real Life, Real Hope" shares her story.

I just want to tell you that there is hope for anyone out there who feels trapped in an abusive relationship. If you are in the US, go to womenshealth.gov, the U.S. Office on Women's Health, and search for resources by state. If you are outside of the US, please seek help in your city or town. 

Angela's website, Restored Ministries

Find her book here

Michelle Ruddell is a survivor. She escaped a twice-abusive marriage and found healing after the death of her son, finding the love she needed from God. Today she is a speaker, an author and a daughter of the King. Here's Michelle's difficult but important story.

Michelle's book, "Welcome to the Club - I'm Sorry You're Here" is available here.

Learn more about Michelle at michelleruddell.com

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Today's episode is short, but packed with important information. Today I explore some of the lessons I learned during my divorce. I hope they resonate with you. From understanding how to heal to knowing when to put down the burden. Next week we'll have a new guest and I'll tease who that is on social media this week. So if you aren't already following me on Facebook and Instagram at Positively Joy podcast or on YouTube at Yvette Walker, please subscribe, like and share.

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivelyjoypodcast/

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/yvettebwalker/

Relationship expert Melanie Yates and I unpack the wisdom of last week's guest, Amanda Schaefer. Schaefer, as you recall is the gratitude girl and woman at the well with two previous marriages. Yates and I talk about what we learned from the idea that gratitude is the only response to God's grace, and more. 

Melanie Yates’ Website: HappyJoyousAndFree.org (https://www.happyjoyousandfree.org)

Melanie’s Book: Happy, Joyous, and Free (https://amzn.to/4jcoOl8) – Available on Amazon. 

Follow Melanie on Social Media:

• Instagram: @NeuroCoachMelanie (neurocoachmelanie)
• Facebook: Happy Joyous and Free (melanie.m.gilman)
• LinkedIn: Melanie Yates (melanie-yates-dr-coach)
• YouTube: @CoachMelanieYates (@coachmelanieyates)
• TikTok: @HappyJoyousandFreeCoach (happyjoyousandfreecoach)

Get ready for some gratitude today with podcaster and writer Amanda Schaefer. She calls herself "the woman at the well" because of past marriages but she found Jesus in a unique encounter and never looked back. She and I talked during the season of gratitude, Thanksgiving, but like Amanda says, gratitude is the only response to God's grace, no matter what time of year, or whether its in the middle of divorce, grief or loss. It must be intentional. 

Listen to A Cup of Gratitude podcast

Amanda's website and resources