In this raw and deeply personal episode, Jess and Kaeli open up about their healing journeys after surviving abusive relationships. From the little kid dreams that defined “making it” to the complex trauma responses that still show up in healthy relationships today, they share what it’s really like to reclaim your peace, set boundaries, and find love after abuse.
If you’ve ever felt hypervigilant, guilty, or even confused by kindness in a new relationship — you’re not alone. This episode is your reminder that healing is messy but you are not broken. You are becoming.
🔔 Trigger warning: This episode discusses PTSD, trauma responses, and relationship abuse. Please take care of yourself as you listen, and check the resources in the show notes if you need support.
👩👩👧👦 What we talk about:
✨ How childhood dreams of “making it” shape our adult self-worth (ice maker fridges & garage snacks, anyone?)
✨ The insidious hypervigilance that lingers long after leaving
✨ Why quiet, healthy love can feel unsettling at first
✨ How our kids inspire us to do better & model healthier coping
✨ The guilt of staying, the shame of leaving — and why neither define you
✨ Green flags to look for in a new relationship
✨ Why therapy is so important — and why one bad therapist doesn’t mean you should give up
✨ Building a new community after being alienated
✨ Loving yourself through the messy middle
💌 Resources & Support:
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship or healing from one, you deserve help and safety.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or thehotline.org
- Free/low-cost therapy resources: Open Path Collective, BetterHelp
🫶 Let’s connect!
- Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @momafpodcast
- Watch us on YouTube & TikTok: Mom AF Podcast
- Email us: hello.momaf@gmail.com
- Enter our self-care giveaway: 🎉 Comment what kind of AF you are on our Facebook page to enter! Only 3 weeks left!
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