Today isn’t a “lesson” episode… or a “deep dive” into a single topic. It’s more of a heart-to-heart. You and me, sitting down together for a chat.

Because this is the final episode of Season One.

And I just want to say thank you. Truly. Whether you’ve been listening since Episode One or you’re here for the first time today, I’m grateful for you.

I know your time is precious. I know life is busy. And the fact that you’ve chosen to spend even a few minutes with me means more than you can imagine.

Looking Back on Season One

When I think back on where we started, it’s honestly hard to believe how much ground we’ve covered together. We’ve talked about breaking free from toxic family patterns, about the courage it takes to walk away from harmful relationships—even when people around you don’t understand.

We’ve dug into what it really means to heal—not just put a bandage on the wound and move on, but to sit with the discomfort, to do the messy inner work, to face our stories with honesty and compassion.

And yes, there have been some heavy moments. I’ve shared parts of my own story—times I’ve wrestled with pain, with loss, with my own cycles I desperately wanted to break. But we’ve also celebrated the wins, the breakthroughs, and the moments of deep self-recognition.

Because healing isn’t just about what you’re letting go of—it’s about what you’re building.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to todays episode! I would love to hear from you and to receive your questions and feedback.

I would value and appreciate support of my show. This will help me continue to help you - subscribe today for as little as $3.00 per month here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364681/support

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Until the next time - warmly yours,
Renata

In this episode, I want to share with you what overthinking has looked like in my own life, why it shows up, and most importantly, how I’ve started breaking free from it. My hope is that by the end of our time together, you’ll not only recognize your own patterns of overthinking, but also feel empowered to take steps toward loosening its grip on your life.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to todays episode! I would love to hear from you and to receive your questions and feedback.

I would value and appreciate support of my show. This will help me continue to help you - subscribe today for as little as $3.00 per month here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364681/support

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Until the next time - warmly yours,
Renata

🧠 Why We Miss the Signs: Unlearning What We've Been Taught

Most of us didn’t grow up learning the signs of emotional or psychological abuse. In fact, many of us normalized the abnormal, especially if we were raised in environments where manipulation, control, or neglect were masked as discipline or “tough love.”

We were told:

● “They just have a temper.”

● “They’re only hard on you because they care.”

● “At least they don’t hit you.”

So when we enter adulthood and encounter a partner who isolates us… or a friend who constantly criticizes us behind a smile… or a parent who uses guilt to control us… we freeze. We rationalize. We question our perception.

Because if no one’s yelling, hitting, or threatening… is it even abuse?

The answer? Yes. It is.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to todays episode! I would love to hear from you and to receive your questions and feedback.

I would value and appreciate support of my show. This will help me continue to help you - subscribe today for as little as $3.00 per month here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364681/support

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Until the next time - warmly yours,
Renata

For many trauma survivors, oversharing isn’t carelessness—it’s a defense mechanism. When you’ve experienced a life where your voice was silenced, your truth denied, or your needs invalidated, you might learn to try to "earn" safety and connection by laying it all out there—fast.

You might recognize this thought: “If I tell you everything upfront, maybe I’ll finally be seen, understood, or accepted.”

What begins as a desperate attempt for authentic connection can quickly turn into a pattern of giving too much, too soon—to people who may not have earned that level of access to you.

That’s not vulnerability. That’s unfiltered survival mode.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to todays episode! I would love to hear from you and to receive your questions and feedback.

I would value and appreciate support of my show. This will help me continue to help you - subscribe today for as little as $3.00 per month here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364681/support

You can reach me here:
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Until the next time - warmly yours,
Renata

Today, we’re unpacking something that gets mislabeled as strength but often masks something much deeper: hyper-independence.

You know that voice in your head that says, “I don’t need anyone. I’ve got this. I can do it all myself”? That might feel empowering at first glance—but if you look closely, it might be rooted in a wound, not wisdom.

Today’s episode is about taking a closer, compassionate look at that voice, and understanding what it’s protecting—and what it’s preventing.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to todays episode! I would love to hear from you and to receive your questions and feedback.

I would value and appreciate support of my show. This will help me continue to help you - subscribe today for as little as $3.00 per month here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364681/support

You can reach me here:
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Until the next time - warmly yours,
Renata

Today, we’re going beyond the introduction to “lack of accountability” and taking a deep, healing dive into how the absence of accountability in relationships can shape your reality—and how to reclaim your truth, your peace, and your power when that apology never comes.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to todays episode! I would love to hear from you and to receive your questions and feedback.

I would value and appreciate support of my show. This will help me continue to help you - subscribe today for as little as $3.00 per month here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364681/support

You can reach me here:
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Until the next time - warmly yours,
Renata

North York Women's Shelter is a 40-bed emergency shelter supporting families from across the GTA who have experienced gender-based violence. Not only do they provide a safe place to stay, their families also have access to a culturally relevant food program serving three meals a day, transitional housing support to assist with the transition out of shelter to safe, stable accommodation, and wraparound supports tailored to every family's needs via the Anne Marie D'Amico Community Collective.

Joining us today we have Jhoanel Lucero Ruiz, the Manager of Programs and Services, and Rachel Morrison, the Manager of Fund Development at North York Women's Shelter.

North York Women's Shelter Website: https://nyws.ca/

If you are in Ontario, you can call the Assaulted Women's Hotline on 866-863-0511. They can help with crisis counselling, safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals, including to a shelter if needed.

Crisis lines and services in your province or territory:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html#a2

Support the show

Thank you for listening to todays episode! I would love to hear from you and to receive your questions and feedback.

I would value and appreciate support of my show. This will help me continue to help you - subscribe today for as little as $3.00 per month here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364681/support

You can reach me here:
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Until the next time - warmly yours,
Renata

Today we have a very special guest on the Cycle Breaker and Change Maker Podcast, our guest is Ellen Campbell. Ellen is the CEO & Founder of the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness (Abuse Hurts).

Ellen is a childhood abuse survivor who used her recovery to create hope for others. Ellen also held the first National Conference for Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse and through Abuse Hurts also began designing programs for children. Abuse Hurts is a national, charitable organization that has served Canadians since 1993. The Centre’s mandate is to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of abuse through education and public awareness.

Please listen to this episode with care and compassion as some of the contents may be triggering for those who have endured abuse.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to todays episode! I would love to hear from you and to receive your questions and feedback.

I would value and appreciate support of my show. This will help me continue to help you - subscribe today for as little as $3.00 per month here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364681/support

You can reach me here:
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Until the next time - warmly yours,
Renata