In today’s episode, I’m joined by internationally bestselling poet and author Courtney Peppernell to talk about her deeply personal new book, Out of the Ashes. Courtney opens up about her seven-year relationship that ended in emotional abuse and infidelity, and what it was like to recognize the toxic dynamics only in hindsight. We explore how she navigated feelings of shame, guilt, and even imposter syndrome as someone whose career centers around writing about love and connection. Courtney shares how therapy, creative expression, and rebuilding trust in herself helped her heal—and why learning to embrace difficult emotions, especially anger, is essential to recovery. We also discuss the difference between healthy and emotionally abusive relationships, what it means to “rise from the ashes,” and how to reconnect with your intuition after heartbreak. This is a powerful conversation about reclaiming your voice, rebuilding self-worth, and knowing that your best days still lie ahead. To find out which Break Up Bestie Course is right for you, click the link to take the quiz and get matched with the best solution for you: https://breakupbestie.typeform.com/to/x0WglwDO To get my course bundle Heal Your Break Up, go to https://www.breakupbestie.com/heal-your-break-up-course and use the code PODCAST for $25 off! To learn about all of my courses: https://www.breakupbestie.com/courses To join Healing Hearts Club for FREE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021288124899873 Get a copy of The Breakup Workbook here! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.