Episode 24: Sisterhood Through Survival: How Deana Lynn & Lizzie Jane Turned Pain Into Purpose

Trigger Warning: Abuse

In this powerful double-feature episode, we sit down with Deana Lynn and Lizzie Jane, hosts of the Surviving Toxic Relationships podcast. These two remarkable women share a deeply personal and transformative story. One rooted in emotional abuse, narcissistic manipulation, healing, and ultimately, empowerment.

Deana describes herself as energetic, extroverted, empathetic, and motivated, while Lizzie identifies as resilient, compassionate, empowering, and wise. Their connection was forged through an incredibly painful chapter: both women were married to the same man, a partner whose narcissistic behaviors and abusive patterns left lasting trauma. Instead of being divided by their past, they found unity, validation, and sisterhood, turning their pain into purpose.

In this episode, they discuss the shocking moment of realization, the guilt and internal conflict Deana faced, and the validation Lizzie experienced when her intuition was finally confirmed. Their story underscores the importance of trusting your gut, recognizing red flags, and finding your way back to yourself after emotional or psychological abuse. They also reveal that a third woman was involved, further highlighting how common patterns of narcissistic abuse can be and why education, awareness, and support resources are essential.

This episode is an inspiring testament to resilience. Deana and Lizzie have transformed their trauma into advocacy, creating space for other survivors to share their stories and reclaim their power.

Their message is clear: let the past go, reconnect with your authentic self, and rediscover who you are beneath the layers of a toxic relationship. You deserve safety, self-love, and a life free from manipulation.

Ways to Engage: Name some things you like about yourself. Not how others make you feel or what others like about you. Focus on who you are, what you value in yourself, and remember to be your own biggest supporter.

Learn more about The F.E.E.L Podcast and our network: ⁠www.embracinglayers.com⁠

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast - Finding Empowerment Embracing Layers? Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠ or complete our contact form here: ⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 4:06 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 13:29 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:43 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 30:51 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 48:02 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 53:01 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 57:34 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:57 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:05:54 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:08:16  )

Original FEEL Podcast Theme Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Resources: 

The Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness (Education & Action)

National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

Hashtags: #SurvivingAbuse #ToxicRelationshipRecovery #DomesticViolenceAwareness #NarcissisticAbuseHealing #EmotionalAbuseSurvivor #WomenSupportingWomen #TraumaRecoveryJourney #HealingFromAbuse #AbuseSurvivorStories #EmpoweredWomen #RelationshipRedFlags #TrustYourIntuition #BreakTheCycle #SurvivorStrong #MentalHealthSupport #ReclaimYourPower #HealingPodcast #ResilienceInWomen #YouAreNotAlone #TraumaInformedHealing