In this powerful episode of A Voice and Beyond, Marisa Lee sits down with Dana S. Diaz, a woman whose story will both break your heart and fill it with hope.
Dana is the author of Gasping for Air, Choking on Shame, and Rising from the Ashes—a memoir trilogy chronicling her survival from generational abuse, emotional neglect, and a 25-year marriage to a narcissistic abuser. But more than survival, Dana’s story is about reclamation—of her voice, her identity, and her life.
We explore:
- What it means to be silenced as a woman—and how to break that silence
- How generational trauma impacts identity and worth
- The inner work of healing from narcissistic abuse
- How Dana reclaimed her voice through writing and speaking
- What true empowerment looks like after survival
- Her message for every woman who feels unheard or unworthy
This conversation is a profound reminder that your voice matters and that even the quietest whispers can become a roar.
Episode Description:
What happens when a woman who’s been silenced her entire life finally finds her voice?
In this deeply moving episode, bestselling author and abuse recovery coach Dana S. Diaz joins A Voice and Beyond to share her journey from trauma to triumph. Drawing from her powerful memoir trilogy—Gasping for Air, Choking on Shame, and Rising from the Ashes—Dana opens up about growing up in a home where she wasn’t wanted, enduring a 25-year marriage to a narcissistic abuser, and how she found her way back to herself.
This is more than a story of survival—it’s a call to every woman who’s ever been told to stay silent. Dana’s message is clear: your voice is your power.
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.