“Recovery is a process, but addiction is a process too.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Sherry Hoppen, author, speaker, and founder of She Surrenders and Selah House Recovery. Sherry shares her remarkable journey from secret addiction to lasting recovery — and how total surrender to God became the turning point that changed everything.

Once living a double life as a woman of faith hiding her alcohol addiction, Sherry opens up about the moment she fell to her knees and prayed, “God, I’ll do it your way.” Her story reveals the pain of hiding, the power of surrender, and the miracle of restoration — especially in her marriage and faith.

Sherry also talks about her award-winning book, “Sober Cycle: Pedaling Through Recovery One Day at a Time,” and how a grueling cross-country bike ride became a symbol of hope and transformation. Today, she leads other women to freedom through She Surrenders Ministries and the newly established Selah House Recovery — a faith-based inpatient center for women in Michigan.

This conversation is raw, redemptive, and deeply inspiring — a must-listen for midlife women seeking freedom, faith renewal, and brave transformation.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

1:52 - The BraveHeart Story of Sherry Hoppen on alcohol addiction

7:01 - Common signs of addiction

9:55 - Sherry’s inside battle on faith and guilt

11:56 - The “sober cycle” story

14:29 - How to overcome addiction

16:57 - Selah House Recovery

19:23 - How to connect with Sherry

Quotations:

“The moment I said, ‘God, I’ll do it Your way,’ everything began to change.” - Sherry Hoppen

“If you think you’re stronger than addiction, you’re playing Russian roulette with your life.” - Sherry Hoppen

“You have no reason to drink alone. If you’re drinking alone, stop.” - Sherry Hoppen

“You are not alone. There’s a community of women walking this same journey.” - Sherry Hoppen

“You’re not as bad as you think you are — and with God, all things are possible.” - Sherry Hoppen

“Once you truly surrender, your life will change in ways you never thought possible.” - Sherry Hoppen

Resources:

🌐 Follow Sherry on shesurrenders.com

🏠 Check out Sherry’s Selah House Recovery

📚 Get a copy of Sherry’s books at Amazon

📲 Connect with Sherry on shesurrenderssherry on Facebook and Instagram

_____________

💌 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:...

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you choose to see it.”

In this week’s episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, let me invite midlife women to examine the “lenses” through which they view life. Using my vivid rose-colored glasses analogy, this is a reminder for you that our outlook determines our peace, joy, and spiritual strength.

With honesty and warmth, she shares biblical truths, personal stories of resilience, and two life-changing principles: your attitude is your power, and your inner story determines your outcome.

This heartfelt message challenges every woman to replace negativity with faith, choose gratitude over grumbling, and see life through God’s victorious perspective.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

2:00 - Rose-colored lens VS dark-pair sunglasses

3:54 - The power of choice

5:50 - How to reframe negativity

8:49 - 2 truth for joy and peace

13:37 - How to take action

Quotations:

“Your joy and peace follow the decision to believe you are an overcomer.”

“Every negative thought is an invitation to tell yourself a better story.”

“When you change your perspective, you change your peace.”

“The story you tell yourself shapes the woman you become.”

“Even in midlife, you can rewrite your narrative and step into joy.”

Resources:

👩🏻‍🏫 Subscribe to The BraveHearted Transformation Course

📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s NEW book: The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife

📞 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.

“You’re not too late, and you’re not too old — your midlife is your moment to rise.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Deborah Weed, a creative visionary and founder of The Self-Worth Initiative. Together, they dive into a transformative story of resilience, self-discovery, and rediscovering purpose in midlife.

After years as a high-powered branding executive, Deborah’s life took a drastic turn when a medical misdiagnosis left her bedridden for three years. But what could have been her breaking point became her breakthrough. Through faith, creativity, and courage, Deborah found her way back — not just to health, but to her authentic self-worth.

Deborah shares how understanding the difference between self-esteem and self-worth changed everything, and how she now helps midlife women reclaim their power through storytelling, creativity, and heart-centered living. From her award-winning book If Only to her upcoming musical Paisley’s Fashion Forest, Deborah reminds us that it’s never too late to rise, reinvent, and live with purpose.

If you’ve ever felt out of alignment, lost your voice, or wondered whether your best years are behind you — this inspiring conversation will reignite your confidence and remind you that your second act can be your best act.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

2:03 - The BraveHeart Story of Deborah Weed from corporate success to 3 years bedridden

6:42 - The penny that saved her life

9:22 - Self-esteem VS self-worth

10:59 - How creativity transformed Deborah’s life

13:36 - The story behind her creative works

20:00 - Deborah’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

“Self-esteem is what you do; self-worth is who you are.” – Deborah Weed

“When you can’t do anything, that’s when you discover your true worth.” – Deborah Weed

“Creativity is the bridge between pain and purpose.” – Deborah Weed

“Failure means you tried and planted a seed. Regret means you never even let it grow.” – Deborah Weed

“God is the water — just step out of the way and watch what blooms.” – Deborah Weed

“Your second act can be your best act yet.” – Dawn Damon

Resources:

🌐 Follow Deborah at paisleysfashionforest.com

📚 Get a copy of Deborah's books at Amazon

📲 Connect with Deborah on Instagram @deborah.weed

_____________

👩🏻‍🏫 The BraveHearted Transformation Course

💌 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:...

“You can go through everything — pain, loss, failure — and still create a life you love.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with award-winning Soul Business Success Coach Erica Carrico, author of Awaken Your Purpose: 28 Days to Discover Your Life Purpose, Identify Your Dream Business, and Take Your First Steps to a Prosperous Life. Erica shares her powerful story of transformation—from corporate burnout and cancer diagnosis to living a purpose-driven life that aligns with her soul.

Together, Dawn and Erica dive deep into what it means for midlife women to reconnect with their dreams, rediscover their identity, and find the courage to start over—no matter their age. They talk about faith, purpose, and brave reinvention, and how aligning with your “spiritual why” helps you overcome fear, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt.

This episode is a heart-to-heart reminder that it’s never too late to bloom. Whether you’re ready to launch a new chapter, start a business, or simply awaken your confidence again, this conversation will empower you to take bold, purpose-filled steps toward your best season yet.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

1:59 - “It's never too late to bloom!”

5:03 - The BraveHeart Story of Erica Carrico from burnout to breakthrough

6:48 - The 28-day path to awaken your purpose

8:09 - Erica’s inspiration to write her book

11:54 - How to overcome fear and imposter syndrome

13:47 - Balancing purpose, business, and family

15:37 - You Can’t Do It All in One Season

15:51 - Choosing your path in life

21:31 - Erica’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

“It’s never too late to start over. It’s never too late to reconnect to yourself and live in alignment with your purpose.” - Erica Carrico

“Sometimes we have to do things even while feeling afraid.” - Dawn Damon

“Your purpose is the medicine you’re here to share with the world.” - Erica Carrico

“When you have a deep spiritual ‘why,’ you won’t quit when things get hard.” - Erica Carrico

“Fear can sit in the backseat, but it doesn’t get to drive.” - Erica Carrico

“My business fits into my life. It doesn’t force me to live a life I don’t want.” - Erica Carrico

“It’s our responsibility to step into what God placed inside of us, because someone out there needs what we have.” - Erica Carrico

“Everything starts with vision — if I can see more, I can have more.” - Dawn Damon

“What God put inside you has to be expressed—your creativity fills the earth.” - Dawn Damon

Resources:

🌐 Follow Erica on ericacarrico.com

📚 Get a copy of Erica’s book: Awaken Your Purpose: 28 Days To Discover Your Life Purpose, Identify Your Dream Business, and Take Your First Steps To a Prosperous Life

_____________

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

📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s book: The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn:

“Every woman’s story holds scars, mercy, and mission — our past pain becomes part of our purpose.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Karen Sjoblom, an award-winning author and editor, to explore the beauty and purpose hidden within life’s hardest transitions. Karen — author of Gone For Good: Lessons from a Midlife Exodus — shares her powerful story of faith, grief, and renewal as she navigates the “desert seasons” of midlife.

Together, discover how seasons of loss, change, and letting go can become sacred spaces for spiritual growth and personal transformation. Karen opens up about her healing journey from childhood trauma, faith struggles, and identity shifts, revealing how God’s redemptive love turns pain into purpose.

Through honest conversation and wisdom rooted in faith, this episode invites women in midlife to reflect on their own “exodus” moments — those times of transition that lead to greater wholeness, deeper confidence, and renewed vision for the future.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or uncertain about what’s next, this episode will remind you that your desert won’t last forever. With courage, faith, and grace, you can walk into the next chapter of your life — stronger, freer, and full of hope.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• How to navigate the “desert seasons” of midlife with faith and grace
• The healing power of grief, forgiveness, and self-reflection
• Discovering your spiritual gifts and God’s purpose in your pain
• How story work and personal redemption can transform your outlook and mission
• Encouragement for women stepping into the second half of life with courage and confidence

Listen and subscribe for more empowering episodes that help midlife women grow in confidence, purpose, faith, and identity.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

2:04 - The BraveHeart Story of Karen Sjoblom

4:12 - Gone For Good: Lessons from a Midlife Exodus

7:17 - Finding her faith through Jesus' crash course

9:03 - How to bring good out of the bad things

11:41 - What does the word ‘Exodus’ mean?

14:44 - How to break through in life

16:35 - Grief is not forever

20:42 - Let’s talk about family, boundaries, and healing relationships

24:47 - Karen’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

“Midlife is a crossroads. We can’t go back, but we get to choose how we move forward.” - Karen Sjoblom

“Every storm runs out of rain, and every desert runs out of sand. We don’t stay there forever.” - Karen Sjoblom

“Grief is the thing that heals all the other things — if we’re willing to enter it.” - Karen Sjoblom

“God can bring good out of bad things — it just takes time to see how He redeems it.” - Karen Sjoblom

“When we revisit our grief, it’s not as sharp. It’s another layer of healing peeled away.” - Karen Sjoblom

“The healing we receive becomes the hope we give.” - Karen Sjoblom

“Letting go doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt — it means you trust God with what’s gone for good.” - Karen Sjoblom

“Keep left-foot, right-footing it — you’ll make it through your exodus stronger and more whole.” - Karen Sjoblom

Resources:

🌐Follow Karen on karensjoblom.com

📚Get a copy of Karen’s book: Gone For Good: Lessons from a Midlife Exodus

_____________

💌 Email your

“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:...