Listen & Lift

Episode 9: Discernment

In this mini episode, we dive into self-perseverance and the power of discernment in shaping our choices. We explore the question, “If it’s what you choose to do, then why make it miserable?” Through a mindset shift and practical insight, this episode challenges the cycle of stress and negativity and offers tools to help you make intentional decisions and fully embrace the journey you’re on.

Episode 8: What's going on with my journey..

In this episode, I open up about what’s really been happening behind the scenes in my journey—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I talk about the highs, the setbacks, the moments of doubt, and the breakthroughs that are shaping who I’m becoming. Join me for an honest, unfiltered conversation about growth, balance, and navigating life while showing up for yourself every day.

Episode 7: Walking Away from Hell..

In this deeply personal anonymous story, a survivor recounts years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in a relationship that seemed perfect from the outside. She shares how manipulation and isolation slowly took over her life, the moment she realized her life was in danger, and the courageous steps she took to escape. This episode is a raw, unflinching look at survival, healing, and the resilience it takes to reclaim your life. A true testament to resilience, hope, and the courage it takes to walk away from what once felt like home. If anything in today’s story resonates with you, or if you are currently in an abusive situation, you are not alone. You can reach out 24/7 to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1‑800‑799‑SAFE, or text START to 88788. For sexual assault support, contact RAINN at 1‑800‑656‑4673 or visit rainn.org. Help is available, and you deserve safety and support. These resources are also available in the episode description. Additional Resources Available Hotlines & Immediate Help National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) Text: “START” to 88788 Website: thehotline.org [https://www.thehotline.org] Provides 24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and referrals. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) Phone: 1‑800‑656‑4673 Online chat: rainn.org [https://www.rainn.org] Supports survivors of sexual assault with confidential counseling. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) Phone: 988 Chat available via 988lifeline.org [https://988lifeline.org] For anyone feeling suicidal or in crisis. References World Health Organization. (n.d.). Violence against women: Fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women?utm_source=chatgpt.com] World Health Organization+2World Health Organization+2 [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women?utm_source=chatgpt.com] United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2021, November 25). Research – 2020 saw every 11 minutes a woman or girl being killed by someone in her family. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2021/November/unodc-research_-2020-saw-every-11-minutes-a-woman-or-girl-being-killed-by-someone-in-their-family.html [https://www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2021/November/unodc-research_-2020-saw-every-11-minutes-a-woman-or-girl-being-killed-by-someone-in-their-family.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com] UNODC+2UNODC+2 [https://www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2021/November/unodc-research_-2020-saw-every-11-minutes-a-woman-or-girl-being-killed-by-someone-in-their-family.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Carlson, B. E. (2000). Children exposed to intimate partner violence. Journal of Family Violence, 15(4), 391-411. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/26636285 [https://www.jstor.org/stable/26636285?utm_source=chatgpt.com] JSTOR [https://www.jstor.org/stable/26636285?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection & Custody. (n.d.). Co-Occurrence of child abuse and domestic violence exposure. Retrieved from https://www.rcdvcpc.org/co-occurrence-of-child-abuse-and-domestic-violence-exposure.html [https://www.rcdvcpc.org/co-occurrence-of-child-abuse-and-domestic-violence-exposure.html]

Episode 6: Surviving Deployments...

In this episode we share the raw story of a mother navigating life while her partner is deployed. From managing a sick child and personal health struggles to marital challenges and moments of deep despair, she opens up about the overwhelming stress of solo parenting during deployment. But this story is also about hope and resilience. Through intentional self-care, building a supportive community, and finding ways to help her daughter overcome separation anxiety, she demonstrates that even the toughest times are temporary. Whether you’re a parent, military spouse, or someone facing life’s unexpected challenges, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone—and that with support, reflection, and small steps forward, life can improve. To submit an anonymous story, please feel free to contact me through any form of social media or via email at: marycatswilson@gmail.com [marycatswilson@gmail.com]. Thank you!   Resources Available Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net [https://www.postpartum.net] National Parent Helpline: 1-855-427-2736 Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil [https://www.militaryonesource.mil]   References  Karney, B., & Crown, J. (2007). Families Under Stress: An Assessment of Data, Theory, and Research on Marriage and Divorce in the Military. RAND Corporation. RAND Corporation. (2012). The Effects of Deployment on Military Families. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Separation Anxiety in Children. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Alcohol and Stress. Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, Social Support, and the Buffering Hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310–357.

Episode 5: Living with Body Dysmorphia

In this episode, we hear from an anonymous storyteller who opens up about her lifelong battle with body dysmorphia — a struggle that lived silently behind every mirror, every photo, and every compliment she could never believe. She walks us through the moment she realized her relationship with her body wasn’t just “insecurity,” but a constant mental fight that controlled her confidence, relationships, and sense of worth. She shares the thoughts she never said out loud, the pressure to look “perfect,” and how social comparison fed her obsession. We follow her journey from hiding in oversized clothes and avoiding mirrors… to finding a path toward healing, self-acceptance, and real inner strength. This episode isn’t about a before-and-after transformation — it’s about learning to live in your body without apologizing for it.   This episode also marks a new direction for the podcast — a space where real people can share real experiences, completely anonymously. No names. No judgment. No pressure to have the “perfect ending.” Just truth. From grief and mental health struggles to identity shifts, relationships, motherhood, resilience, and growth — these stories are meant to remind listeners that they’re never the only ones going through it. Everyone has a story. Some stories save other people. If you’d like to submit your own anonymous experience or story to be featured on a future episode, reach out anytime — this podcast is your safe place to be honest, unfiltered, and heard.