When the life you’ve built begins to fall apart, could it actually be the beginning of something sacred?

In this heartfelt episode of The Soul Talks Podcast, Theresa Bruno sits down with spiritual teacher and author TJ Woodward for a deeply honest conversation about shame, surrender, and the journey back to wholeness.

TJ shares how losing everything — his business, a relationship, and his sense of identity — became the catalyst for profound spiritual transformation. Together, they explore what it means to reframe our past struggles as brilliant coping strategies that once helped us survive, and how true healing begins when we release shame and remember our divine wholeness.

This episode is an invitation to look at your own unraveling not as failure, but as the soul’s call to freedom.

 Listen now to discover how the path of conscious recovery can help you reclaim your spirit and live from your truest self.

 Subscribe for more soulful conversations.

Connect with us:
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

Connect with our guest:
TJ Woodward's website: https://www.tjwoodward.com/
Follow TJ on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3WcRIrd
Find TJ on Facebook:   / tjwoodwardauthor

In this deeply moving episode, Theresa Bruno sits down with spiritual teacher, author, and addiction recovery expert TJ Woodward for a powerful conversation about healing, awakening, and the journey back to the self.

TJ shares his story of early childhood joy, disconnection, and eventual addiction—and how those experiences became the foundation for his groundbreaking work in Conscious Recovery. Together, he and Theresa explore how what we often call “coping mechanisms” can be seen instead as brilliant survival strategies, and how true transformation begins when we remember the wholeness that’s always been within us.

With honesty and grace, they also touch on themes of spiritual emptiness, resilience, and the sacred power of being seen and loved into healing. This is a conversation about rediscovering connection, not just to others—but to the divine spark that never leaves us.

Subscribe for more soulful conversations. 

Connect with us:
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y 

Connect with our guest:
TJ Woodward's website: https://www.tjwoodward.com/ 
Follow TJ on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3WcRIrd 
Find TJ on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJWoodwardAuthor/

What if the seasons you’re desperate to move through are the very ones shaping who you’re becoming?

In this heartfelt conversation, Terri Matthews Woodall opens up about the lessons she’s learned through surrender, motherhood, marriage, and leadership. She shares the cost of perfectionism, the freedom of saying “no,” and how her faith has reframed what it really means to have balance.

Terri reminds us that the process — the in-between, the waiting, the growing — is where God does His most beautiful work.

 Finding Beauty in the Process is an invitation to slow down, release control, and rediscover the grace woven into every step of your journey.
 
Subscribe, so you never miss an episode

Connect with Terri: Website: https://terrimatthews.co/ 
Instagram: @terri

Connect with Theresa: Website: https://theresabruno.net/ 
Instagram: @theresa.harper.bruno
Facebook: http://bit.ly/423kFJy 
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

In this deeply moving episode, Theresa sits down again with entrepreneur and advocate Terri Matthews Woodall for a powerful conversation about calling, surrender, and the miracles that unfold when we say yes to God.

Terri shares the story of her son Jaden’s autism diagnosis—and how what first felt like loss became a divine assignment that transformed her heart, her family, and her purpose. From building Jaden’s Voice, a foundation now impacting families around the world, to watching her son defy every prognosis, Terri’s journey is a testament to faith in action.

She reminds us that God uses ordinary people with willing hearts, that our past does not disqualify us, and that the greatest breakthroughs often begin in surrender.

 “You are not your story. Your story is the preparation for your purpose.” — Terri Matthews Woodall

 Subscribe, so you never miss an episode

Connect with Terri:
Website: https://terrimatthews.co/    
Instagram:   @terri 

Connect with Theresa:
Website: https://theresabruno.net/
Instagram:   @theresa.harper.bruno  
Facebook: http://bit.ly/423kFJy
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

In this powerful conversation, Terri Matthews Woodall opens up about the resilience and faith that shaped her journey—from childhood moments of rallying kids to Vacation Bible School for a Barbie doll, to life-changing encounters where obedience to God brought the miraculous. Terri shares candid lessons on honesty, leadership, and trust, revealing how her early experiences prepared her to build businesses, steward relationships, and walk boldly in her calling.

Her story is a reminder that even when the world counts us out, God always counts us in.

Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 

Connect with Terri:
Website: https://terrimatthews.co/    
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terri/

Connect with Theresa:
Website: https://theresabruno.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresa.harper.bruno/
Facebook: http://bit.ly/423kFJyListen on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/44ftNuA

What if the hardest chapters of your life are actually preparation ground? 

In this intimate conversation, Terri Mathews Woodall shares how faith reframed her story. From early adversity to hard-won resilience, she has refused to be defined by her past. 

Terri opens up about the mindset shifts that moved her from survival to assignment, how she transformed “life isn’t fair” into “I’m being formed”, and how faith and surrender shaped her leadership, relationships, and work. 

Perfect for: anyone rebuilding, rewriting, or ready to take the first step. 
If this episode encourages you, please share it with a friend and leave a comment—it helps more people find these conversations.

Subscribe, so you never miss an episode.

Connect with Terri: Website: https://terrimatthews.co/    
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terri/


Connect with Theresa: Website: https://theresabruno.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresa.harper.bruno/
Facebook: http://bit.ly/423kFJy
Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

In this powerful Soul Talks conversation, Shaun Proulx opens up about the courage it took to come out publicly as HIV positive, the full-circle moment of interviewing Oprah, and the life-changing lessons he’s learned along the way. With humor, honesty, and wisdom, Shaun reminds us to stop beating ourselves up for being human — and shares his simple secret to true happiness.If you’ve ever struggled with shame, stigma, or self-doubt, this episode will leave you inspired to live more freely and joyfully in the present moment.Subscribe for more soulful conversations.Connect with us:Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6YConnect with our guest:Shaun Proulx’s website: https://www.shaunproulxmedia.comFollow Shaun on Instagram: @shaunproulxmediaincFind Shaun on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaunProulx?mibextid=LQQJ4d

In this inspiring episode of The Soul Talks Podcast, Theresa Bruno sits down with Shaun Proulx—radio and TV host, writer, and storyteller whose journey from a small farm in rural Ontario to the national stage is nothing short of remarkable. Shaun opens up about growing up gay in the 1980s, facing daily bullying and cruelty, and how those early experiences shaped his resilience and authenticity. He shares tender stories of his late father’s influence, describing how love continues to flow through him and guide his life’s work. With honesty, humor, and heart, Shaun reminds us that courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about being yourself, even when the world tells you not to. Tune in for an episode full of wisdom, vulnerability, and the kind of life lessons that stay with you long after the conversation ends.Subscribe for more soulful conversations. Connect with us: Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y Connect with our guest: Shaun Proulx’s website: https://www.shaunproulxmedia.com Follow Shaun on Instagram: @shaunproulxmediaincFind Shaun on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaunProulx?mibextid=LQQJ4d

The Soul Talks Podcast isn’t going anywhere, but its mission is growing. In this special announcement, Theresa Bruno shares how the podcast that began as a way to process her husband’s loss has become a healing space for so many, and why she’s now expanding her work under her own name.Alongside The Soul Talks, Theresa is launching new resources, coaching opportunities, and community spaces designed to help others navigate grief, resilience, and transformation. This episode is both a thank-you for the support that has built this platform and an invitation to continue the journey together in an even deeper way.

In this special bonus update, Theresa shares a quick message with listeners before heading into the Labor Day weekend. Soul Talks is taking a short break, but will be back after the holiday with an exciting announcement about what’s next for the platform.Theresa also reflects on a recent encounter that reminded her of the power of connection and the faithfulness of this community. Thank you for listening, for showing up, and for walking alongside this journey.Stay tuned… Something new and beautiful is on the horizon.

In this episode of Soul Talks, Ruth shares her journey of faith, family, and the unexpected calling that led her to write a book she once swore she’d never write. From flipping houses and raising kids to being challenged by her uncle to seek “a vision beyond your resources,” Ruth opens up about the struggles of imposter syndrome, divine appointments that shaped her path, and how she discovered her true purpose. She reflects on the DNA of home — creating rhythms that slow life down, building intentional family culture, and finding meaning in the places where nothing is wasted. Through her vulnerable stories, Ruth reminds us that faith, love, and legacy are the true foundations of home. ✨ If you’ve ever wondered whether your story has purpose, this conversation is for you. 🛎️ Subscribe for more soulful conversations. Connect with us: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y Connect with our guest: Hungry for Home website: https://www.hungry4home.com/ At Home with Ruth McKeaney: http://bit.ly/45mBNe6 Follow Ruth: @hungryforhome on Instagram and TikTok

Nine moves in a single year. Financial strain. A new marriage. And an unexpected conversation with her mother before she passed away that changed everything. In this Soul Talks episode, Ruth McKeaney shares how she and her husband turned chaos into connection. And how her mother’s faith and perspective shaped the way she sees life, love, and what truly matters. 🛎️ Subscribe for more soulful conversations. Connect with us: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y Connect with our guest: Hungry for Home website: https://www.hungry4home.com/ At Home with Ruth McKeaney: http://bit.ly/45mBNe6 Follow Ruth: @hungryforhome on Instagram and TikTok

In this heartfelt opening conversation, Theresa sits down with author and speaker Ruth McKeaney to explore what it truly means to be "Hungry for Home". Ruth shares stories from her own journey: from building a family mission statement with her husband, to creating an intentional family culture, to learning that hospitality is far more about love than perfection. With humor, wisdom, and deep faith, she invites us to look at how we can live with purpose in our homes, our relationships, and our communities. Whether you’re in a season of building, rebuilding, or simply longing for more connection, Ruth’s insights will leave you inspired to make your home a place of welcome, purpose, and love.✨ In this episode: Why every family needs a mission statement The difference between hosting and true hospitality How faith shapes the way we create home Finding purpose in the everyday 🛎️ Subscribe for more soulful conversations. Connect with us: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y Connect with our guest: Hungry for Home website: https://www.hungry4home.com/ At Home with Ruth McKeaney: http://bit.ly/45mBNe6 Follow Ruth: @hungryforhome on Instagram and TikTok

On a peaceful summer retreat, Theresa takes you along on her morning hike to reflect on the beauty of nature and the way it guides us toward gratitude. Surrounded by streams, rocks, and trees, she shares how simple moments in nature can open our hearts, connect us to the God of our understanding, and shift our spirits for the day ahead.

In Part 3 of her powerful Soul Talks interview, Mert McNaughton opens up about the deeper layers of her path to building one of the most inclusive and dynamic salons in Birmingham, Alabama. Host Theresa Bruno invites Mert to reflect on the challenges she’s faced behind the scenes: navigating her healing journey, the emotional and financial strain of owning a business through the COVID shutdown, and the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up. They talk about: How she built a business culture around compassion, hard work, and authenticity How she encourages her team to: "Secure the bag” What advice she would give a young woman with a big vision This episode is a story of transformation told with heart, and it’s a must-watch for anyone trying to lead with love while building something new. “You don’t know what you don’t know. But you keep showing up.” “Boundaries aren’t bad. They create kindness.” Take care and take hope.Connect with us: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6YConnect with our guest: Follow Mert: @asmertshouldbe on Instagram & TikTok Forecast Salon: https://www.forecastsalon.com/

In this heartfelt Small Talk, Theresa Bruno shares the deeply personal preface to her new book, He’s Not Coming Back: Rewriting Life After Loss. Born from a season of profound grief after the death of her husband, this book is Theresa’s story of surviving, questioning, letting go—and ultimately rewriting the narrative of her life. This isn’t just a story about loss. It’s a guide for anyone wondering how to begin again after everything has changed. If you’ve ever asked yourself how to keep going when there’s no roadmap, this is for you. "This story isn’t over yet. Not mine or yours."Subscribe for more soulful conversations. Connect with us: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

In part two of our powerful conversation with Mert McNaughton, we explore her journey from escaping a cycle of control to building one of Birmingham’s most inclusive and groundbreaking salons. Mert opens up about breaking free from family expectations, navigating career pivots, facing the challenges of entrepreneurship, and creating a movement rooted in love, resilience, and inclusion. This episode is a deep dive into the courage it takes to chart your own path, do the inner work, and lead with authenticity — even in the face of uncertainty.Subscribe for more soulful conversations and healing insights. Connect with us: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y Connect with our guest: Follow Mert: @asmertshouldbe on Instagram & TikTok Forecast Salon: https://www.forecastsalon.com/

In this special bonus message, Theresa Bruno shares her deep gratitude following the release of her book He’s Not Coming Back. With heartfelt honesty, she reflects on the vulnerability of telling her story and the overwhelming impact of hearing from readers whose lives and hearts have been touched. This is a thank you to every one of you who has resonated with her words, shared your own journeys, and reminded her why survival tools and shared healing matter so deeply. 💛Connect with us:The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y

In this powerful episode of The Soul Talks, Theresa Bruno sits down with longtime friend, hairstylist, and entrepreneur Mert McNaughton.Mert opens up about her journey from a turbulent childhood marked by addiction and trauma to becoming a leader who builds a culture of encouragement and positivity. Together, they explore how her resilience, imagination, and drive helped her rise above challenges to lead a team of 24+ and inspire everyone around her.Topics include:Overcoming childhood traumaCreating positive workplace cultureWomen in business and leadershipFinding healing through connectionSubscribe for more soulful conversations and healing insights.Connect with us:The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6YConnect with our guest:Follow Mert: @asmertshouldbe on Instagram & TikTokForecast Salon: https://www.forecastsalon.com/

In this episode of Therapy with Sheri, Theresa Bruno and our resident therapist Sherri Ryland have an honest conversation about navigating midlife transitions from empty nesting and menopause to divorce, reinvention, and rediscovering self-trust. They explore how to set boundaries, redefine identity, and break free from old patterns, offering wisdom and encouragement for anyone stepping into a new chapter. Whether you’re learning to trust yourself again, navigating adult children, or reevaluating relationships, this conversation will leave you inspired to rewrite your story with strength and compassion. Subscribe for more Soul Talks Connect with Theresa: The Soul Talks website: https://www.soultalkswiththeresa.com/ Get your copy of "He's Not Coming Back": https://bit.ly/40qGX6Y