“Domestic violence isn’t always a black eye. Sometimes it’s financial abuse, manipulation, or control — and that’s just as damaging.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Melissa Franks—a seasoned business strategist, podcast host, and former Fortune 500 COO—to share her courageous journey of living a double life as a high-level executive and a survivor of domestic violence.

Melissa opens up about navigating the hidden abuse behind her successful professional image, the unraveling of her marriage in 2023, and the painful yet empowering process of starting over as a single mom in midlife. She reveals how she went from financial devastation and family court battles to building a seven-figure business that empowers women entrepreneurs.

This episode is a must-listen for midlife women facing reinvention, those impacted by domestic abuse, and every woman who’s ready to find her voice, reclaim her identity, and step into a brave new season. Melissa’s story proves that no matter how successful you look on the outside, it’s never too late to break free, rebuild, and thrive.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

2:11 - The BraveHeart Story of Melissa Franks on domestic violence

6:50 - How to face the public’s scrutiny

9:09 - How Melissa started her advocacy on domestic violence

11:55 - How to start over in midlife

16:11 - How to fast-track success

18:13 - On Call COO

20:32 - Melissa’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

“Success doesn’t protect you from abuse. I know I’m not the only female executive living a double life.” - Melissa Franks

“The more successful women become, the harder it is for them to be vulnerable and ask for help.” - Melissa Franks

“I had to redefine success—not as a perfect marriage or community status, but as safety, freedom, and thriving in midlife.” - Melissa Franks

“So many midlife women are holding it all together on the outside, while silently surviving abuse on the inside.” - Dawn Damon

“If you have to crawl, crawl — but by all means, keep moving forward.” - Dawn Damon

Resources:

🌐Follow Melissa at melissafranks.com

💬Instagram @melissa_franks

▶️YouTube @oncallcoo

🎙️Opt-In Podcast

_____________

💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen

Download the full transcript here.

Are you a midlife woman struggling to stay motivated and keep your promises to yourself? You’re not alone.

In this week’s episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, let me break down why women in midlife often lose motivation—and the proven fixes that reignite passion, purpose, and vision.

Discover how to:

✨ Create a bold vision that fuels your midlife transformation

✨ Connect with your deeper “why” so you stop quitting and start thriving

✨ Build powerful habits and systems that keep you moving forward

✨ Overcome limiting beliefs that sabotage your midlife dreams

✨ Reignite your confidence so you can finish strong and live courageously

If you’ve ever felt stuck, guilty, or frustrated by unmet goals, this episode will inspire you to rise again. Dawn reminds us that motivation doesn’t show up first—it’s born after action. With her practical steps and BraveHearted encouragement, you’ll be ready to embrace midlife as your most powerful season yet.

🌟 Tune in, beautiful BraveHeart, and discover how to turn your midlife into a season of unstoppable motivation, bold action, and lasting transformation.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:13 - The reasons why we lose motivation

2:32 - The TRUTH about motivation

4:28 - What are the causes of the lack of motivation?

5:48 - Tip #1: Create a bold vision

7:36 - Tip #2: Connect with your why

9:48 - Tip #3: Build a clear strategy

12:28 - Tip #4: Establish winning habits

15:43 - Tip #5: Break free from limiting beliefs

18:42 - How to take action

Quotations:

“Motivation rarely shows up — it happens after action.”

“A motivated life is a life fueled by vision.”

“Without a vision, you’ll stall out. Vision is what pulls you forward.”

“If you waited until you felt motivated, you’d probably never get started.”

“A goal without inspiration will never be a goal reached.”

“Winning days compile to a winning life.”

“When opportunity knocks, it is discipline that brings you to the door.”

“Limiting beliefs are like a choke chain on your mind — keeping you from running after your dream.”

“You are stronger than you know, more capable than you believe, and braver than you realize.”

“If you don’t feel determined enough, your goal isn’t compelling enough.”

“Your goals are impotent if they don’t stir passion inside you.”

Resources:

👩🏻‍🏫 The BraveHearted Transformation Course: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/sales-page-2a7215f1-2859-434c-b7d1-c1d3e76985ee

📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s NEW book FOR ONLY $3- [ON SALE] The Making...

“Protecting yourself isn’t selfish — it’s wisdom.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Julie Barth — widow, trauma survivor, mother of six, and author of Notes from a BlackBerry. Julie has faced immense challenges that could have crushed her: caring for a special-needs child, losing her husband to cancer, and surviving the trauma of an emotionally and financially abusive second marriage.

Instead, Julie chose resilience. Today, she’s the CEO and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women-led households find resources, security, and stability in times of crisis.

In this moving conversation, Julie shares how to:

• Recognize subtle red flags of emotional and financial abuse
• Protect yourself without guilt or shame
• Live resiliently when life continuously throws curveballs
• Find peace after loss and hardship
• Turn personal pain into advocacy and purpose

Her story is raw, inspiring, and full of hope—reminding women everywhere that even in the darkest moments, you can rise strong and create a future filled with peace and purpose.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

1:55 - The Braveheart Story of Julie Barth on choosing her faith over fear

9:05 - How to grieve and be a mom at the same time

14:21 - What are the red flags women shouldn’t ignore?

21:45 - Julie’s inspiration to write her first book

24:40 - How Colin James Barth Outreach was founded

26:21- Julie’s #1 for midlife women

Quotations:

“You’re not guaranteed two minutes from now, much less a year from now. Life is meant to be lived.”

“Peace is more important than happiness — because without peace, you can’t even find happiness.”

“Don’t ignore your instincts. Don’t excuse red flags. If you’re constantly living in confusion, there’s a reason.”

“You only have one life to live. Whether you’re the hero or the villain doesn’t matter—if you’re not happy, you need to get out.”

“When you feel powerful, you come to the table with a different perspective than when you feel helpless.”

Resources:

🌐Follow Julie at www.juliebarthauthor.com

📚Get a copy of Julie’s book - Notes From A BlackBerry: https://www.amazon.com/Notes-BlackBerry-Julie-Barth/dp/B0CY675VSC

🎗Find out more about Colin James Barth Outreach: https://www.juliebarthauthor.com/cjb-outreach

🎨Learn more about Hope4 Tayt: www.juliebarthauthor.com/hope4tayt

_____________

💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com

💞 Website:...

“There’s always a purpose for the suffering. It’s not the end of your story.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I sit down with Lara Silverman — Christian author, lawyer, jazz singer, actress, and the inspiring voice behind Singing Through the Fire: A Memoir of Finding Surprising Joy in Life’s Darkest Trials.

Lara shares her remarkable journey from achieving her dream career as a federal prosecutor to being struck by a rare neurological illness that left her bedridden for years. Through unimaginable loss—including the passing of her husband Matthew—Lara vulnerably reveals how faith, resilience, and God’s promises sustained her in the darkest seasons.

With wisdom and warmth, Lara and Dawn unpack what it means to hold grief and joy together, discover purpose in pain, and find unshakable hope in eternity. This conversation will empower midlife women to embrace courage, strengthen their faith, and choose joy even in the fire.

Whether you’re walking through suffering, wrestling with unanswered prayers, or seeking renewed vision for your life, Lara’s story will inspire you to live brave, bold, and resilient.

✨ Don’t miss this testimony of faith, perseverance, and joy in adversity.

Quotations:

“Somehow God wants us to have joy because our sufferings are creating eternal glory. It’s a mystery, but it’s right there in the New Testament.” – Lara Silverman

“We can savor what’s good while also grieving what’s lost.” – Lara Silverman

“The irony of me giving people joy in my grief was something only the Lord could do.” – Lara Silverman

“Honestly, the answer is — it’s the only thing that sustains me: the hope that God will make all of this right in eternity.” – Lara Silverman

“Two things can be true at the same time: sorrow and joy. You can cry it out and still find relief when you give it to God.” – Lara Silverman

“God always writes the best stories — even the ones we would never have chosen for ourselves.” – Lara Silverman

“We may have to wait for redemption in eternity, but this life is just a blip compared to forever.” – Lara Silverman

Resources:

📚Get a copy of Lara’s book: Singing Through Fire: A Memoir of Finding Surprising Joy in Life's Darkest Trials

_____________

💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen

Download the full transcript here.

“Pornography does not have to win. We serve a God of hope.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I sit down with author and speaker Jody Allen to discuss her new book Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography. Jody vulnerably shares her journey of betrayal, healing, and ultimately discovering hope beyond heartbreak.

Together, Dawn and Jody uncover the reality of pornography addiction in marriages, the shame it creates for both husbands and wives, and the spiritual and emotional toll it can take on a woman’s identity, confidence, and self-worth. Jody offers practical tools such as using the Feelings Wheel, praying Scripture, setting healthy boundaries, and finding strength in worship to move from pain to healing.

This conversation is a reminder that divorce is not a death sentence and that even when life doesn’t turn out as you prayed, God’s love and freedom remain available. Whether you’re navigating betrayal trauma, longing for healing, or simply seeking encouragement in midlife, this episode will inspire you to walk in courage, release shame, and embrace a brave, empowered life.

Quotations:

“Divorce is not a death sentence. God loves divorced women, too.” - Jody Allen

“When we walk out of pain with Jesus, we can take treasures with us — new perspectives, friendships, or even a fresh start.” - Jody Allen

“If we hide and stay in the darkness, we remain bound. But when we step into the light, freedom begins.” - Dawn Damon

“Sometimes the advice women need isn’t just to pray more or be patient. Sometimes it’s to draw a boundary and protect your peace.” - Dawn Damon

“God doesn’t author trauma, but He will use what we walk through to refine us and make us better.” - Dawn Damon

Resources:

📞 Connect with Jody at jodyallenwrites.com, Facebook, and Instagram

📚Get a copy of Jody’s book: Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography

Sign up for my email list, and the first 15 will receive the first four chapters of my book: https://www.jodyallenwrites.com/fourfreechapters

_____________

🎁 FREE GIFT: The 7-Day Identity Challenge for Midlife Women of Faith: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/offers/rMw4gih9/checkout

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen

Download the full transcript

What if just five simple daily habits could unlock your best midlife and set you up to flourish in every area of life?

In this week’s episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, let me reveal five transformational habits that will empower you to live with courage, confidence, and purpose. This is not the season to slow down or “let the old lady in”—it’s the season to lean into growth, joy, and intentional living.

You’ll discover how to:

✨ How to build a purposeful morning routine through prayer, gratitude, journaling, and goal-setting.

✨ How to energize your mind and spirit with simple daily movement.

✨ How to expand your life through reading, learning, and lifelong growth.

✨ How to shift your focus from problems to possibilities and ignite unshakable faith.

✨How to surround yourself with people who inspire you to rise higher.

These aren’t just good ideas—they’re powerful practices that create lasting transformation. With consistency, small daily choices become the foundation of a flourishing, joy-filled life.

This is a must-listen for every midlife woman ready to reignite her purpose, build unstoppable confidence, and thrive like never before.

Quotations:

“This is not our season to wind down — it’s our time to lean into the most significant season of our life.”

“Repetition shapes our identity — the more we say it, believe it, and do it, the more we become what we desire.”

“Your future self will thank you for the habits you practice today.”

“Don’t try to do this life alone; surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you.”

Resources:

👩🏻‍🏫 The BraveHearted Transformation Course: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/sales-page-2a7215f1-2859-434c-b7d1-c1d3e76985ee

📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s NEW book FOR ONLY $3- [ON SALE] The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife: https://themakingofabraveheartedwoman.com/book-bhw

🗓️ Get a copy of The BraveHearted Planner: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/offers/bHky3uoX/checkout

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen

Download the full transcript

Are you starting your mornings with negativity — or activating your day with confidence, clarity, and purpose?

In this week's episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, Dawn Damon shares 7 powerful morning affirmations for midlife women inspired by Myron Golden. These aren’t just positive thoughts — they are daily activations designed to help you thrive in midlife, embrace transformation, and walk boldly in your identity.

Discover how the first few moments of your morning can shape your entire day, and learn affirmations that will help you:

• Walk in your midlife purpose and divine assignment
• Speak life, attract favor, and step into abundance
• Strengthen your mindset, health, and confidence
• Rise above midlife crisis, fear, and negative self-talk
• Align your spirit with empowerment, vision, and spiritual growth

Whether you’re navigating a midlife reinvention, seeking wellness and lifestyle breakthroughs, or exploring new career opportunities in midlife, these affirmations will equip you to live bravely, flourish with confidence, and lead your life with peace and power.

Remember, these aren’t just affirmations — they’re activations for midlife transformation and courageous living. Listen now.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:06 - The power of daily affirmations

1:48 - 1. I walk in my purpose.

2:21- 2. I walk in authority.

3:00 - 3. I speak life.

3:28 - 4. I attract favor.

4:01 - 5. I am strong and healthy.

4:35 - 6. No weapon formed against me will prosper.

5:04 - 7. I walk in divine love.

5:42 - How to take action

Quotations:

"Every morning when you wake up, you have just a few seconds to decide what kind of day you're going to have."

"We're going to change what we're thinking, feeling, and experiencing by programming our mind for victory."

"Opposition is simply confirmation that I'm on the right path."

Resources:

📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s NEW book FOR ONLY $3- [ON SALE] The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife: https://themakingofabraveheartedwoman.com/book-bhw

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen

Download the full transcript

Have you ever felt like God was asking you to jump into the unknown?

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I sit down with my inspiring guest, Peg Arnold — speaker, author, and “drama queen for Jesus” — to talk about navigating major life transitions, especially in midlife.

Peg shares her deeply personal story of leaving behind a lifetime of familiarity to follow God's unexpected call. Her honesty, wisdom, and faith will speak straight to your heart.

So, if you're feeling stuck, fearful, or unsure about your next chapter, this conversation is for you. You’ll discover how to anchor your faith when everything feels uncertain, how to stop fighting change, and how God is always preparing something greater — even when you can’t see it yet.

Remember, midlife doesn’t mean it’s too late. It means it's time to be brave.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

2:21 - The Braveheart Story of Peg Arnold

5:12 - How to trust God in times of life transitions

6:45 - How to deal with fear of the unknown

14:44 - The 4Rs of midlife reinvention

24:42 - Peg’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

"Sometimes God says, 'Do you trust Me? Jump.' And we can’t see the bottom." – Peg Arnold

"When we don’t share our struggle, it becomes bigger and darker. But light enters when we speak it out." – Peg Arnold

"Midlife isn’t the end — it’s an invitation to be repurposed by God." – Peg Arnold

"If it’s not well, it’s not finished. God does all things well." – Dawn Damon

Resources:

📞 Connect with Peg: pegarnold.org/

📚Get a copy of Peg’s book: Devotions for the Distracted Heart

_____________

📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s NEW book FOR ONLY $3- [ON SALE] The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife: themakingofabraveheartedwoman.com/book-bhw

🎁 Get a copy of Dawn’s FREE resources for midlife women: braveheartedwoman.com/resources

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen

Download the full transcript here.