Send us a textIn this powerful conversation, Lauren welcomes Stephanie Carmody—PR pro and host of Second Act Sessions—to unpack life on the other side of a painful, 15-year marriage marked by emotional manipulation and narcissistic patterns. Stephanie shares how “love-bombing” masked deeper control, what finally woke her up, and how God met her in the rubble. We talk red flags vs. real love, boundaries without bitterness, healing after divorce, and learning to be joyfully single. Stephanie also shares her exit from New Age spirituality, a fresh surrender to Jesus, and how purpose was born in her second act.If you’ve felt confused, minimized, or stuck—this episode is a compassionate roadmap toward clarity, courage, and Christ-centered healing.00:00 Welcome & what this episode covers02:32 Stephanie’s backstory: PR career, faith, and early marriage03:30 Cracks in the foundation: work stress, isolation, and control06:16 Awakening & divorce: naming the patterns, choosing safety10:02 Healing & rediscovery: identity in Christ after devastation14:24 Narcissistic abuse 101: love-bombing, gaslighting, trauma bonds17:37 Faith + boundaries: wise support, counseling, community18:28 “Nagging wife” loop: breaking unhealthy relational cycles19:11 True surrender: letting God lead the timeline20:26 Delivered from New Age spirituality: returning to Jesus23:26 Second Act Sessions: purpose and platform from pain27:09 Embracing singleness: contentment, calling, and joy33:53 Ordering life with God first35:41 Final encouragement & prayerListener takeawaysSpot the signs: What love-bombing and gaslighting can look/feel like in real time.Boundaries are biblical: Saying “no” can be an act of love and wisdom.Healing is layered: Community, counseling, Scripture, and time all matter.Singleness is not a setback: How to thrive with God’s presence and purpose.Surrender changes the story: Letting Jesus lead can open a second act you never expected.If you need helpIf you’re experiencing emotional or physical abuse and feel unsafe, seek local authorities or a trusted professional immediately. In the U.S., you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Lauren:Website laurenburns.netInstagram https://www.instagram.com/laurenburnsredeemed/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/laurenBredeemed/Redeemed Newsletter: subscribepage.io/eft4YTMerch  https://www.hiscollectionapparel.com/ Disount Descript https://get.descript.com/DescriptRedeemedStephanie:Website https://secondactsessions.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.figuracarmodyInstagram https://www.instagram.com/secondactsessions/Linktree Podcast https://linktr.ee/secondactsessionsDi

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