Life. Reimagined. with Stacey Ray
Life. Reimagined. with Stacey Ray is a dynamic podcast created and produced by Sisterhood Travels, designed to celebrate and amplify the voices of extraordinary women. In line with our mission to inspire, empower, and connect women through storytelling and exploration, our show shines a spotlight on those who have shattered barriers, embraced bold transformations, and redefined what it means to thrive in life’s next chapters. At the heart of Life. Reimagined. is our host, Stacey Ray, a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and founder of Sisterhood Travels. Stacey combines her deep love for travel with her mission to create spaces where women over 45 can connect, explore, and thrive. With her warm, engaging style, Stacey invites guests to share their unique experiences and perspectives, fostering conversations that are authentic, uplifting, and impactful. Each episode celebrates diverse stories—from life-altering adventures to moments of personal transformation—delivered with a relaxed and welcoming tone. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or taking your first steps toward reimagining your own life, Life. Reimagined. is here to inspire and uplift you.
Episodes

21 hours ago
21 hours ago
In this powerful and emotional episode, host Stacey Ray sits down with Darlene Lekowski for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, truth, and the lifelong journey of healing.
Darlene shares her experience of surviving sibling sexual trauma and abuse (SSTA), revealing how a childhood that appeared outwardly perfect concealed years of pain and silence. After decades of keeping her story hidden, a legal battle with her own brother became the turning point that led her to finally speak out.
Together, Stacey and Darlene explore the lasting impact of trauma, including PTSD, the complexities of healing, and the internal struggles survivors often carry. Their conversation highlights the critical role of support systems, the power of sisterhood, and the importance of self-forgiveness in reclaiming one’s life.
Through her memoir Shattering Silence, Darlene is now using her voice to help others confront their past, break free from shame, and step into a life of purpose, empowerment, and truth.
🎯 What You’ll Learn
• The hidden prevalence of sibling sexual trauma and why it’s rarely discussed
• How childhood trauma can shape behavior, relationships, and identity
• The long-term impact of PTSD—and why it often goes undiagnosed
• What true healing looks like (and why it’s an ongoing journey)
• The power of speaking your truth and breaking generational silence
• How support systems—especially female friendships—can be life-saving
• Practical ways to begin reclaiming your voice and personal power
👤 Guest Details
Darlene Lekowski is an author, speaker, business leader, and survivor who has transformed decades of pain into purpose, hope, and healing.
After 50 years of silence, Darlene courageously spoke out about the abuse she endured, and ultimately won a civil lawsuit brought against her by her own brother. Today, she inspires audiences worldwide to reclaim their voice, power, and truth.
Her memoir:
👉 Shattering Silence: A Story of Survival, Justice, and the Power of Telling the Truth - https://amzn.to/4tcCaSE
Connect with Darlene:
• 🌐 Website
• 📸 Instagram
• 💼 LinkedIn
• 📘 Facebook
• 🎥 Book Trailer
📅 Special Launch Offer: On April 2nd, the eBook is available for $0.99 (one day only).
In fact, Darlene will be a featured speaker at the first in person conference in the U.S. devoted to SSTA sponsored by 5WAVES: “SSTA Conference – Breaking the Silence” on June 23rd at Long Island University in Brookville, NY. Visit Conference | 5WAVES or Darlene’s website below under the Resources tab for details how to register, sponsor or become an advocate yourself to support such an important cause.
If this episode moved you, inspired you, or opened your eyes—don’t keep it to yourself.
👉 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
👉 Leave a review to help more people find these powerful conversations
👉 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it
And most importantly—if you or someone you know is struggling, remember: your voice matters, and it’s never too late to tell your story.
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Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
In this inspiring and deeply personal conversation, Stacey Ray sits down with Scottish-Egyptian duo The Ayoub Sisters, violinist Laura and cellist Sarah to explore their extraordinary journey from childhood curiosity to international acclaim.
Raised in Glasgow in a traditional Arabic family with strong expectations around medicine and academia, the sisters candidly reflect on navigating cultural pressure, career uncertainty, and their bold decision to pursue music professionally. What began as a practical decision to enter a competition together evolved into a 10-year career performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages including the Royal Albert Hall.
The conversation dives into their creative evolution, including the writing and debut of their first full-length Arabic symphony with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. They discuss the vulnerability of composing, the intensity of living and touring together for nearly a decade, and how losing one opportunity led to one of their proudest artistic achievements.
From viral pop arrangements like Uptown Funk to reimagining Vivaldi with Arabic percussion and Indian tabla, The Ayoub Sisters are redefining classical music, blending cultures, genres, and generations into something entirely their own.
At its heart, this episode is about legacy, representation, and using music to build bridges across cultures.
Highlights
00:02 – Reunion and reflections on meeting in Oman
02:05 – Falling into music “by total accident”
03:00 – Cultural expectations and the pressure to pursue medicine
05:45 – Getting accepted into the Royal College of Music
07:48 – Switching from violin to cello at age 13
14:06 – The competition that launched The Ayoub Sisters
16:24 – Winning Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall
18:52 – Living and working together for nearly 10 years
21:19 – Writing their first symphony
24:42 – Turning a lost opportunity into a 4-movement Arabic symphony
26:31 – Being dropped by a major label & industry resilience
30:09 – The physical demands of being a touring musician
34:01 – Traveling with a cello (and booking it its own plane seat!)
36:42 – Buying a cello on holiday in Salzburg
40:28 – Co-writing music as sisters (a “game of tennis”)
43:10 – The Arabic inspiration behind their symphony
45:19 – Creative fatigue and staying inspired
46:21 – The story behind their viral Uptown Funk arrangement
48:18 – Reimagining Vivaldi with Arabic and Indian influences
49:39 – Cultural barriers to music education in Arabic communities
59:16 – The message they want their music to bring to the world
01:01:10 – The legacy they hope to leave
🎧 What You’ll Learn
How cultural expectations shaped (and challenged) their career paths
Why resilience is essential in the music industry
What it really takes to write a symphony from scratch
How collaboration works between siblings
The physical realities of life as professional touring musicians
Why representation in classical music matters
How music can unify cultures and communities
The power of turning setbacks into creative breakthroughs
Guest Spotlight: The Ayoub Sisters
Laura Ayoub (violin) and Sarah Ayoub (cello & piano) are a Scottish-Egyptian classical crossover duo known for blending Western classical tradition with Arabic musical heritage.
Since winning the 2016 Classic FM competition and performing at the Royal Albert Hall, they have built an international career spanning orchestral performances, viral crossover arrangements, original compositions, and now a groundbreaking Arabic symphony.
Their work celebrates cultural identity, diversity, and the universal language of music, redefining what classical music can look and sound like.
Connect with The Ayoub Sisters
Website: https://www.theayoubsisters.com
YouTube:
Instagram: @theayoubsisters
Streaming Platforms: Available on all major digital services
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-ayoub-sisters/1183221805
🎶 New Album: Summer (Vivaldi Reimagined)
Streaming release: March 6
Official music video: March 8 (International Women’s Day)
Featuring collaborations with female Palestinian and Indian artists
🔗 Resources & Mentions
Royal College of Music (London)
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Celtic Connections Festival
Arabesque (Album)
Sibelius (music notation software)
Vivaldi – The Four Seasons
Uptown Funk https://youtu.be/IhKbboh7nGY?si=1B8e7oDCjEEN_T62
If this episode challenged or moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Life. Reimagined., leave a review, and follow the show for more courageous conversations. Transparency, justice, and accountability depend on informed and engaged voices and yours matters.
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Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
“What if, instead of sensationalizing the crime, we paused long enough to truly understand the woman behind it?”
In this deeply human and eye‑opening episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey Ray sits down with feminist criminologist Dr. Kathryn Whiteley for a powerful conversation about women, violent crime, and the stories we rarely hear.
With decades of qualitative research conducted inside prisons in Australia, Ireland, and the United States, Dr. Whiteley has built her career on one core principle: focus on the woman, not just the crime. Rather than sensationalizing headlines, she sits one‑on‑one with incarcerated women—listening to their childhoods, trauma histories, mental health struggles, experiences of motherhood, abandonment, and the pathways that led them to prison.
Together, Stacey and Dr. Whiteley explore why women have historically been underrepresented in criminology research, how patriarchal systems shaped early criminal justice frameworks, and why understanding a woman’s life before the crime is essential to understanding the crime itself.
What You’ll Learn:
Why women account for approximately 10–13% of homicide offenders in Western countries—and why they remain under‑researched
How feminist criminology reshaped the study of women in the criminal justice system
The difference between focusing on a crime and understanding a life story
How high ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) scores frequently appear in women’s pathways to incarceration
The role of substance use and untreated trauma in violent offenses
Why coercive control deserves stronger legal recognition in intimate partner homicide cases
How sentencing differs dramatically between the U.S., Ireland, and Australia
The psychological impact of life and life‑without‑parole sentences
How stigma affects not only victims’ families—but also the families of offenders
Dr. Kathryn Whiteley is a feminist criminologist whose research centers on women who commit violent and sexual offenses. Through decades of interview‑based qualitative research inside prisons across Australia, Ireland, and the United States, she provides incarcerated women with a platform to tell their stories in their own words.
Her work examines trauma histories, motherhood, mental health, sentencing disparities, abandonment, and the lived realities of women serving long and life sentences. She is also the host of a podcast featuring conversations with incarcerated women and is currently writing books based on her interviews with women convicted of murder and women convicted of sexual offenses.
Connect with Dr. Kathryn Whiteley:
Official Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
If this episode challenged or moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Life. Reimagined., leave a review, and follow the show for more courageous conversations that move beyond headlines and into deeper truth.
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Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
“This is not about politics. This is about human rights, justice, and whether we are willing to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
In this urgent and unflinching episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey Ray is joined once again by attorney and victims’ rights advocate Micha Star Liberty for a wide-ranging conversation about the Epstein files, systemic cover-ups, and the profound harm caused when justice is delayed.
Together, Stacey and Micha explore why this issue transcends party politics and instead cuts to the core of human rights, women’s safety, and societal accountability. They examine how patriarchal language, social conditioning, and institutional power protect perpetrators while silencing survivors—particularly in cases of sexual violence and child exploitation.
The discussion dives into the legal realities surrounding the delayed release of the Epstein documents, including discharge petitions, redactions, contempt of court, statutes of limitations, and the possibility of appointing a special master to oversee disclosure. Micha also explains how these prolonged delays retraumatize survivors and send a chilling message about whose lives and suffering are deemed worthy of justice.
Beyond the Epstein case itself, this episode expands into a sobering look at rising misogyny, online exploitation, AI-facilitated abuse, the erosion of democratic norms, and the normalization of hostility toward women. The conversation closes with a call for civic engagement, intergenerational dialogue, and collective action to demand transparency and accountability.
What You’ll Learn:
Why the Epstein files are fundamentally a human rights issue—not a partisan one
How language and social conditioning influence our willingness to believe survivors
What redactions, discharge petitions, and criminal contempt actually mean in practice
How statutes of limitations affect trafficking and child sexual abuse cases
The psychological toll delayed justice takes on survivors
How misogyny and online exploitation are intensifying in the digital age
What everyday citizens can do to demand transparency and accountability
Micha Star Liberty is a nationally recognized attorney and advocate specializing in sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and online exploitation cases. Her work centers survivors’ lived experiences while challenging systems that protect perpetrators and silence victims. Known for her trauma-informed approach and fearless advocacy, Micha is a leading voice calling for meaningful legal and cultural reform.
Connect with Micha Liberty:
Instagram: michastarliberty
Facebook: evolutionistamsl
LinkedIn: michastarliberty
Micha’s official website: https://evolutionista.com/
If this episode challenged or moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Life. Reimagined., leave a review, and follow the show for more courageous conversations. Transparency, justice, and accountability depend on informed and engaged voices—yours matters.
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Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
"No one would design this system if we were starting again today."
In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey is joined by Dr. Elisabeth Rosenthal, physician, journalist, and author of An American Sickness. Together, they dive deep into the broken U.S. healthcare system, exploring how it became a profit-driven behemoth that fails patients of every demographic. From her early days in emergency medicine to her award-winning journalism and policy work, Dr. Rosenthal offers unmatched insight into the system's pitfalls—and why incremental reforms aren't enough. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed, underserved, or overcharged by our healthcare institutions. Raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal, this conversation is an urgent call for systemic change.
What You'll Learn:
Why the U.S. healthcare system prioritizes profit over patient care—and how it got this way
How your zip code, insurance type, or employment status can determine the quality of care you receive
The truth about "socialized medicine" and what global healthcare systems can teach us
How billing practices and facility fees hide the real cost of care
What a public option might look like and why it could be a practical solution
Dr. Rosenthal's personal journey from ER doctor to investigative health journalist
How systemic inequities impact rural communities, undocumented individuals, and marginalized groups
Dr. Elisabeth Rosenthal is a former ER physician turned acclaimed journalist and editor-in-chief at KFF Health News (formerly Kaiser Health News). She spent 22 years at The New York Times, where she covered a wide range of health and policy topics and launched the influential "Paying Till It Hurts" series. Her bestselling book, An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back, is a searing indictment of the system's transformation into an industry. Dr. Rosenthal brings both medical expertise and journalistic rigor to the healthcare debate.
Connect with Dr. Rosenthal:
An American Sickness:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3MbI7iQ
Kindle: https://amzn.to/45AfmD9
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4rp5RPD
Twitter/X: https://x.com/RosenthalHealth@RosenthalHealth
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-rosenthal-3ba977b1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyterosenthal
If this episode made you think differently about healthcare, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Life. Reimagined. on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more transformative conversations. Together, we can demand better care for all.
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Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
You don't get shot in the head and come out the same person—but you can come out stronger.”
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Stacey welcomes Jackie Pflug, a hijacking survivor, motivational speaker, and author, who shares the harrowing story of being shot in the head during the 1985 EgyptAir Flight 648 hijacking—and the incredible journey of healing, resilience, and reinvention that followed.
Jackie recounts the terrifying events on board the hijacked plane, her miraculous survival, and the years of physical and emotional recovery that came after. She speaks candidly about survivor’s guilt, rebuilding her identity, the long road to joy, and the power of gratitude in transforming trauma into triumph.
Jackie also discusses her new book, Wake Up: It’s Time to Say Yes to Creating a Life Worth Loving, a guide born from her personal transformation, and the actionable steps she took to reclaim her joy. Her story is one of grit, grace, divine intervention, and the unbreakable human spirit.
Whether you’ve faced trauma, disappointment, or are simply seeking inspiration to embrace a fuller life, this episode will leave you deeply moved and motivated to say “yes” to your own healing and purpose.
What You’ll Learn:
The incredible story of surviving a violent international hijacking
The emotional and physical toll of trauma—and how to begin healing
The role of gratitude in transforming suffering into joy
How to rebuild your life and identity after a major life upheaval
The power of inner voice, resilience, and support systems
Why joy is a practice—and how to cultivate it every day
Practical mindset rituals Jackie uses to foster positivity and presence
How to live a life “worth loving,” even after unthinkable adversity
Jackie Pflug is a renowned motivational speaker, trauma survivor, and author who has spent decades inspiring audiences around the world with her story of survival and recovery after the 1985 hijacking of EgyptAir Flight 648. She is the author of Miles to Go Before I Sleep and her latest book Wake Up: It’s Time to Say Yes to Creating a Life Worth Loving, a heartfelt, practical guide to reclaiming joy after loss, trauma, or stagnation.
Jackie’s work centers on the belief that we all have the power to choose joy, rewrite our stories, and live with intention.
Books by Jackie Pflug:
Miles to Go Before I Sleep
Wake Up: It’s Time to Say Yes to Creating a Life Worth Loving
Paperback
Kindle
Connect with Jackie:
Official Website: https://jackiepflug.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiepflug.author/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jackie-Pflug-Author-61574590640951/
If Jackie’s story moved you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the show. Share this episode with someone who needs hope, healing, or a reminder that transformation is always possible.
And don’t forget to grab a copy of Wake Up—because your life is yours to reimagine.
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Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
"I thought I was a victim of child identity theft—until I discovered the truth: my own mother had stolen my identity, my future, and my trust."
In this deeply compelling and emotionally charged episode, Stacey sits down with Dr. Axton Betz-Hamilton, a professor, author, and survivor of one of the most personal crimes imaginable: identity theft at the hands of her own mother. From an idyllic childhood on an Indiana farm to the shocking discovery that her credit had been ruined before she turned 20, Axton shares the harrowing journey of uncovering layers of betrayal buried in secrecy, manipulation, and financial devastation.
Axton's story is not just about theft, but the emotional toll of familial deception and the long road to reclaiming her identity, stability, and peace. Through her academic work and her critically acclaimed memoir, "The Less People Know About Us," she has become a national voice for victims of familial identity theft. This episode explores the intersection of trauma, mental health, justice, and resilience—and what it means to heal when the person who harmed you is the one who raised you.
What You’ll Learn:
What familial identity theft is and how it differs from other forms of identity theft
Why children and older adults are especially vulnerable to identity fraud
How Axton discovered her mother had stolen her identity and that of other family members
The emotional and relational fallout of discovering long-term betrayal
Practical tips to protect yourself from financial, medical, and government benefits identity theft
The role of credit freezes, monitoring, and emotional support in recovery
Why victims of familial identity theft often find more help from therapists than financial institutions
Dr. Axton Betz-Hamilton is an associate professor specializing in consumer studies and identity theft at South Dakota State University. A leading researcher in familial identity theft, Axton turned her traumatic experience into a platform for education and reform. Her memoir, The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity, has been featured by NPR, The New York Times, and other major media outlets. Her work sheds light on a hidden epidemic affecting countless families.
Connect with Axton:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAxtonBetzHamilton/
Book: The Less People Know About Us
Hardcover - https://amzn.to/3XsFgE9
Kindle - https://amzn.to/4oBCFDR
Resources & Links:
Identity Theft Resource Center: idtheftcenter.org
Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Reporting: identitytheft.gov
Credit Freeze Info: consumer.ftc.gov
If this episode moved you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review Life. Reimagined. on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it—you never know who might be living a similar story in silence. Follow us for more powerful conversations that inspire healing, insight, and reimagining life on your own terms.
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Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
"You deserve a seat in the driver's seat of your financial future — not as a passenger, and definitely not hitchhiking."
In this eye-opening and empowering episode, Stacey welcomes Lorie Jones, a Certified Financial Planner and the founder of Fearless Financial Advisors, to discuss the fears, myths, and realities surrounding women and money. With warmth and humor, Lorie shares her personal journey from stay-at-home mom to financial expert, demystifies the world of investing, and emphasizes a values-based approach to financial planning. Together, they tackle the stigma many women feel around money management and shed light on how financial planning is not just about numbers — it's about making your dreams come true. Whether you're starting late, rebuilding after a life transition, or just ready to stop DIY-ing your financial life, this conversation will inspire you to fear less and plan more.
What You'll Learn:
Why many women feel intimidated by financial planning and how to overcome that mindset
The critical importance of finding a CFP who prioritizes education over sales
How to plan financially according to your personal values, not someone else's
Common fears and anxieties women face around money and how to tackle them
Why it's never too late to start, and how even small steps can make a big difference
The gender gap in financial planning and why more women are needed in the industry
How to vet a financial planner and spot red flags
The power of having an advisor who meets you where you are and grows with you
Lorie Jones is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), MBA, and founder of Fearless Financial Advisors. With a passion for helping women take control of their financial futures, Lorie takes a values-based, client-first approach to wealth planning. She is also the host of the "Fearless Females" podcast, where she amplifies women's voices in finance. From demystifying investments to empowering her clients to take that first step, Lorie believes finance shouldn't be scary — it should be a tool for realizing your dreams.
Connect with Lorie Jones:
Website
Podcast
LinkedIn
Instagram: @lorie_fearless_females
Resources & Links:
CFP Certification Info: letsmakeaplan.org
Advisor Check Tools: BrokerCheck | Investment Adviser Public Disclosure
If this episode sparked something in you, don't wait. Take the first step toward understanding and owning your financial future. Subscribe to the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman you care about. Let's normalize financial empowerment — one fearless conversation at a time.
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Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
"No one else was going to push me, so I pushed myself."
In this moving and wide-ranging conversation, retired U.S. Army Major General Mari K. Eder joins host Stacey to share her journey through a 36-year military career, her lifelong pursuit of purpose, and her mission to spotlight the unsung heroes of history. From her beginnings as a public relations specialist in the military to becoming one of a handful of female generals, Mari opens up about breaking barriers, the value of persistence, and the power of strategic communication. She also shares her passion for writing, her love for rescue dogs, and how she's honoring the courageous women who "stepped out of line" to change the world. Whether you're a history buff, aspiring leader, or dog lover, this episode is rich with heart, grit, and inspiration.
What You’ll Learn:
Why Mari K. Eder joined the military and how she forged a groundbreaking path
The importance of women’s stories in military history and why they're often untold
How humor, communication, and resilience shaped her leadership style
Insights into writing history, finding primary sources, and preserving truth
The role of strategic communication in both military and civilian life
Why she fosters dogs and how rescue work became her passion project
Major General Mari K. Eder (Ret.) is an accomplished leader, author, and speaker. With a 36-year career in the U.S. Army, she served as a commanding officer, public affairs expert, and advocate for military women. She is the author of several books, including The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line, The Girls Who Fought Crime, and the forthcoming The Girls Who Beat the Odds. She also writes humorous dog-themed books and is deeply involved in animal rescue. A celebrated speaker on leadership and strategic communication, Mari continues to inspire through her storytelling and service.
Follow Mari:
Instagram
Website
Linkedin
Facebook
Books: Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/47zmHD9
Resources & Links:
Military Women's Memorial: https://womensmemorial.org
JSTOR (research database): https://www.jstor.org
Foundation for Women Warriors: https://foundationforwomenwarriors.org
If you were inspired by Mari's journey, consider sharing this episode with a friend. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on your favorite platform. Your support helps us continue telling stories that matter. Step out of line—and into your potential.
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Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
"What happens after you survive the unthinkable? For Jessica Buchanan, surviving survival became the hardest—and most transformative—journey of all."
In this deeply powerful and emotionally resonant episode, Stacey sits down with Jessica Buchanan, humanitarian, educator, and New York Times bestselling author, to unpack her harrowing story of being kidnapped by Somali pirates and held hostage for 93 days. But this conversation is about so much more than captivity—it's about what comes next. Jessica opens up about the aftermath of her rescue by SEAL Team Six, the struggle of reclaiming her identity, and the journey toward healing and purpose. She shares insights from her upcoming book Surviving Survival, discusses the nuances of trauma and resilience, and introduces us to the powerful stories she's amplifying through her publishing company, SoulSpeak Press. With raw vulnerability and hard-earned wisdom, Jessica reminds us that pain is never wasted—and that we all have the ability to create a meaningful life after devastation.
What You’ll Learn:
The psychological toll and moral complexity of surviving a kidnapping
How Jessica reframed “options” vs. “choices” in the midst of trauma
Why surviving the aftermath of trauma can be harder than the trauma itself
How writing and storytelling became tools for healing
What it truly means to "survive survival"
How SoulSpeak Press is giving a platform to stories of grit and resilience
Insights on trauma, motherhood, identity, and rebuilding from rubble
Jessica Buchanan is a teacher, humanitarian, speaker, and survivor. In 2011, while working on education and demining efforts in Somalia, she was kidnapped by pirates and held for 93 days before being rescued by SEAL Team Six. Her memoir Impossible Odds, co-authored with her husband and Anthony Flacco, became a New York Times bestseller. Jessica is also the founder of SoulSpeak Press, a boutique publishing company that empowers women to share their survival stories. Her newest book, Surviving Survival, explores the journey of healing after trauma and will be released on October 27th.
Connect with Jess:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Impossible Odds by Jessica Buchanan Paperback
Kindle
Hardcover
Her New Book -
How to Survive Survival: A Guide to Turning Life's Hardest Moments into Meaningful Contribution for the World
On Kindle
If Jessica’s story moved you, inspired you, or gave you a new perspective, please consider subscribing to the show, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps amplify stories of resilience, healing, and hope. Follow us on social media for more episodes and behind-the-scenes content!
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