Stories that heal the heart and awaken courage
Brave Hearts Speak Podcast
A podcast helping women reclaim their voices, rise from the shadows of abuse, and step into their power. Hosted by Lucia Severtson—psychotherapist, survivor, and founder of The Brave Women’s Community Center—each episode shares real stories of resilience and healing. Through truth-telling, creativity, and community,
Brave Hearts Speak 🎙️LAUNCHED OCTOBER 15TH, 2025
NEW EPISODES BI-WEEKLY
A podcast and audio library amplifying the voices of survivors.
Brave Hearts Speak was born out of one simple truth: For too long, survivors of abuse have been silenced, dismissed, or told their stories weren’t “that bad.” This space exists to change that.
What You’ll Hear
On the podcast:
- Raw, unfiltered conversations with women bravely sharing their lived experiences of abuse — from the subtle and covert to the most overt and devastating.
- Stories of transformation — how women are turning their pain into purpose, reclaiming their lives, and leading with courage.
- Mini episodes where I (Lucia) share real-life examples of everyday bravery: setting boundaries, saying no, raising standards, and walking away from what no longer serves.
- Insights and reflections from my collaborator, Shea, as we model what it looks like to practice everyday bravery in real time.
On the audio library:
- A growing collection of survivor voices you can listen to anytime.
- A space for women at every stage of the journey — whether they’re still raw and finding words for the first time, or they’re standing tall in their healing and offering wisdom to others.
- Stories meant to validate, to resonate, and to remind you: you are not alone.
Why It Matters
This is not just another podcast. It’s a home.
A place where you will be witnessed — and witnessing itself is a sacred act. Listening deeply, letting yourself be moved, and finding the threads of resonance in someone else’s story helps us all heal.
Because abuse doesn’t just happen in one form, and healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Together, we can rebuild our sense of self, raise our interpersonal standards, and create lives that reflect our worth instead of our wounds.
Add Your Voice, Tell Your Story!
Why Share Your Story?
Each story shared on this platform shines a light on the paths walked by survivors, highlighting their indomitable spirit. By contributing your voice, you build a community of support and understanding, receiving affirmation that your experiences are real and valid. Your journey can inspire others to seek help, assert their boundaries, and embark on their own healing paths.
Participate in Our Community
We invite survivors of all ages to contribute to our ever-growing collection of resilience narratives. Whether you’ve overcome narcissistic abuse, escaped financial control, reclaimed your life after physical harm, or survived emotional manipulation across various relationships—including family, friends, co-workers, and romantic partners—your voice is invaluable.
Confidentiality and Safety
Choose to share your story anonymously or openly. Our trauma-informed team ensures a respectful and sensitive handling of all interviews and stories, prioritizing your comfort and safety.
Healing Through Sharing
Experience the cathartic process of telling your story in a nurturing environment. Reflect on your journey, celebrate your progress, and help others do the same.
Join the Movement
Participate in our regular listening events, both online and in-person, to connect with a community of women who champion each other through shared experiences.
Brave Hearts Speak is here to remind you of who you are and help you discover more of who you are, separated from the labels and toxicity that have been imposed on you by others. Are you ready to lend your voice to the chorus of survivors? To share your story or learn more about participating, please submit this form
After submitting you will be invited to a preliminary story sharing consultation
What Is A Story Sharing Consultation?
A crucial first step for participants interested in contributing their narratives to the Brave Hearts Speak project. This initial 30 minute zoom meeting ensures that every voice is heard with dignity and respect, and it sets the stage for a meaningful contribution to our community. Here’s what we’ll cover during this consultation:
- Introduction to Our Mission: Understand the goals of the Brave Hearts Speak project and how your story can make an impact.
- Exploration of Your Story: A gentle conversation about the aspects of your journey you feel comfortable sharing.
- Confidentiality Assurance: Discussion of how we protect your privacy and handle your story with care.
- Consent and Permissions: Explanation of the consent process, how your story will be used, and your rights to privacy and withdrawal.
- Logistics and Planning: Outline the steps for recording your story, scheduling the full interview, and any follow-up sessions.
- Support and Resources: Information on the support available to you as a contributor, including emotional and technical assistance during the storytelling process.
- Answering Your Questions: An open floor for any questions or concerns you may have to ensure you feel comfortable and informed.
In Partnership With The Voice Library, The Brave Women's Community Center is proud to partner with The Voice Library, a pioneer in digital storytelling and audio preservation. This collaboration enhances our mission, merging our platforms to amplify women's voices across the globe. The Voice Library's innovative audio technology allows you to also add your images, art or pictures to weave into more powerful stories in a format that is both fun, accessible and engaging. Together, our aligned missions foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the myriad of experiences that shape womanhood.
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Free Mini Course: Your Story Matters: Define Abuse, Define Bravery
Explore what abuse and bravery mean through creative expression. Write, move, draw, or record your reflections and join a growing community of brave women defining these truths together.