Welcome to Season 7 of the Positively Joy podcast! Today, Tracy Smith shares a deeply personal story about divorce, identity, and what it means to find yourself after life changes strip away familiar roles. In this conversation, she talks through a 26-year relationship, motherhood, military life, and the long process of rebuilding her sense of self. She also discusses her book, "The Purpose of Getting Lost: A Story of Finding Myself," and how travel, writing, and learning to say yes to herself helped her feel found again.

In the episode, Tracy reflects on how she lost and reclaimed identity not only in marriage, but also in career shifts across teaching, higher education, finance, and university health clinics. She shares that travel became both literal and metaphorical for her - getting lost physically in places like Iceland and Barcelona helped her discover parts of herself she had not known.

Tracy explains that her writing now centers on noticing small moments, naming them clearly, and using them to explore bigger questions about autonomy, choice, and self-respect.

Find Tracy's book here

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, host Yvette Walker welcomes entrepreneur Joanna Zhang, who shares her transformative journey following her divorce. Joanna discusses the emotional turmoil she experienced during her marriage and the subsequent awakening that led her to rediscover her identity and self-worth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own patterns, particularly codependency, and how this realization can empower individuals to make necessary changes in their lives.

Joanna's LinkedIn

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, Lisa France shares her powerful journey of faith, healing, and forgiveness through her personal story of overcoming a tumultuous marriage involving spiritual oppression and how she found strength in her relationship with Christ. This episode offers hope and practical insights for those facing similar challenges.

Lisa's book, "Still Standing While on My Knees" can be found at https://www.4916ministry.com and at major booksellers.

In this episode of the Positively Joy Podcast, host Yvette Walker welcomes Katie Halle Lambert, co-host of the podcast 'Untying the Knot' and founder of MomNation, a supportive community for mothers, especially those navigating divorce. Katie shares her personal journey through divorce and the challenges she faced, emphasizing the lack of resources and support available during that time. This experience motivated her to create MomNation, a platform where mothers can connect, share experiences, and find the support they need. The conversation highlights the importance of community and the need for women to prioritize their own well-being amidst the challenges of motherhood and divorce.

The Divorce Community: Powered by MomNation

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, host Yvette Walker welcomes Allison Bixby, a journaler and professor, to discuss the transformative power of journaling, particularly in the context of faith and personal growth. Allison shares her personal journey with journaling, emphasizing its role in her faith walk and how it has helped her navigate challenging times, including her son's diagnosis with a genetic disorder.

Yvette and Allison discuss various methods and prompts to help listeners get started with journaling, addressing common fears and misconceptions about the practice. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of community in journaling, as Allison introduces her group, the Inky Collective, and her upcoming book, "Journaling as a Spiritual Practice." This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the healing power of writing and the importance of finding joy in the process.

Her website and book, "Journaling as a Spiritual Practice."

The Inky Collective

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, Keri Gwynne shares her personal journey through a difficult second marriage marked by abuse and trauma. She discusses the impact of domestic violence, the importance of faith, and the healing power of journaling. Keri emphasizes the need for support and community for women facing divorce, highlighting the resources available to help them navigate this challenging process. The conversation also touches on the feelings of shame and guilt that often accompany divorce, especially for women of faith, and the importance of creating a safe space for healing and growth.

Starting Point Divorce Advocacy

Keri's book picks

In this episode of the Positively Joy Podcast, host Yvette Walker welcomes Michelle Pippin, an entrepreneur and business strategist, to discuss the transformative journey of women navigating divorce and entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into the emotional and financial implications of divorce, emphasizing the importance of financial independence for women. Michelle shares her personal story of becoming an entrepreneur out of necessity, highlighting how her experiences shaped her approach to empowering other women in business.

The discussion also touches on the significance of identity shifts post-divorce and how these changes can lead to new opportunities, including entrepreneurship. Michelle emphasizes that entrepreneurship can serve as a vehicle for empowerment, allowing women to reclaim their financial autonomy and redefine their identities. The episode explores practical strategies for women looking to start or grow their businesses, including the importance of focusing on financial stability and the right marketing approaches. Throughout the conversation, both Yvette and Michelle underscore the need for self-reflection and faith in navigating life's challenges, particularly during times of significant change like divorce.

More on Michelle:

Website: www.bmichellepippin.com Organization: WOMEN WHO WOW eXponential

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, divorce survivor Pamela Good shares her profound journey of overcoming the trauma of mental illness through God's love. She discusses her childhood experiences with a mentally ill mother, her struggles with identity and self-worth, and the pivotal moments that led to her divorce. Pamela emphasizes the importance of healing, forgiveness, and the realization that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God rather than from others. Her book, 'He Never Let Go,' encapsulates her journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Pamela's website

Book: He Never Let Go

The song that Pamela based her book on. Lyrics by Jill Zupanic.