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Lyn is joined by trauma specialist and therapist Lisa Arrigo to understand how curiosity serves as the true catalyst for healing. Sharing her own raw journey through perfectionism, addiction, and personal awakening, Lisa reframes addictive habits and emotional triggers not as moral flaws, but as deeply conditioned survival adaptations rooted in unresolved wounds. Together, they explore why knowledge alone isn't enough to recover, how relational safety and somatic awareness de-pathologise our struggles, and why simple, compassionate daily practices can ultimately rewire our nervous system toward lasting self-love. KEY TAKEAWAYS Intellectual knowledge alone cannot heal trauma; lasting recovery requires deep curiosity and attunement to what our bodies are experiencing beneath conscious thought. Addictive behaviours, perfectionism, and unhealthy habits originate as natural survival adaptations designed to regulate an overwhelmed nervous system. Healing cannot occur in isolation, as genuine recovery depends on cultivating safe, empathetic relationships with others and compassionate self-love from within. Triggers are not evidence of personal failure, but rather essential alarm systems pointing to wounded parts of ourselves that require attention and care. BEST MOMENTS "Knowledge in and of itself is not enough to heal. We need to get curious about what's happening in our bodies and what those patterns were before we even had consciousness and as we grow."  "Every addiction starts as a coping strategy. Every addiction or unhealthy habit starts as a way of coping, attempting to regulate the nervous system..."  "Because if we don't have safety in our relationships, we cannot heal in isolation. I tried that... but we need other people to heal. We're wired for relationships, and we cannot do it alone."  "Our triggers are really just red flags to let us know that something within us needs attention or healing." ABOUT THE GUEST - Lisa Arrigo - Psychotherapist/ Trauma Specialist Lisa Arrigo’s twenty-year journey as a psychotherapist has been extraordinary. Her personal and professional experiences have given her a profound appreciation for our innate capacity not simply to survive, but to transform difficult and often traumatic life events in ways that foster understanding, a deeper sense of connection with oneself and others and, hopefully, healing.Website - https://lisaarrigo.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisa.arrigo.therapy ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn is joined by compatibility strategist Jena Jake to uncover why so many people find themselves repeatedly drawn to the wrong romantic partners. Diving deep into the psychology of attachment, Jena reveals how subconscious wiring leads individuals to mistake the familiarity of past trauma for genuine connection and explains why establishing clear personal boundaries—using her signature "velvet rope" and "PAWS" frameworks—is essential to reclaiming self-worth KEY TAKEAWAYS People repeatedly choose incompatible partners because the subconscious mind naturally seeks what is familiar rather than what is genuinely healthy. Healthy boundaries serve as a self-protective "velvet rope" that prevents self-abandonment and teaches others how to treat you. Romantic partners are not meant to heal past wounds or complete you; genuine fulfillment starts with self-love and internal wholeness. Through neuroplasticity and mindful self-talk, you can rewire old behavioral patterns to align your energy with the type of relationship you truly deserve BEST MOMENTS "It's not about getting someone, it's about becoming someone or being someone."  "You are wired to choose what is familiar to you, what you are attached to, which a lot of the time is not what is good for you."  "No is a complete sentence and when you're more worried about hurting their feelings than you are self-abandoning, that's where the work is."  "You're only going to attract someone as healthy as you are." ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn is joined by psychologist Dr. Maria-Elena Lukeides to examine the psychological undercurrents of intense romantic attraction. Drawing on decades of developmental attachment research and clinical practice, Dr. Lukeides unpacks how early childhood caregiving dynamics shape adult partnership choices, often driving people to mistake the familiar friction of past emotional wounds for true romantic sparks. The discussion explores the push-and-pull between anxious and avoidant attachment styles, provides practical insight into breaking unconscious relationship cycles, and emphasises why identifying the exact dynamic you want day-to-day matters far more than obsessing over surface-level traits. KEY TAKEAWAYS Attachment styles formed between infants and primary caregivers track longitudinally into adulthood, deeply shaping how individuals select and relate to romantic partners. People with anxious attachment styles and avoidant attachment styles are routinely drawn to one another, sparking an intense cycle of mutual attraction followed by repulsion. Intense "chemistry" is often an unconscious attempt to re-enact and resolve unmet emotional needs or unavailable dynamics experienced in childhood. Choosing a healthy long-term partnership requires focusing on the daily operational dynamic of the relationship rather than relying solely on charismatic traits or reactive passions. BEST MOMENTS "It very much reminded me of what Freud would say about relationships, which is that we repeat to repair." "If I think I'm the problem, then I'm the red flag—I'm just going to try and make myself green and work on myself, which means that I'm not actually constructing the boundaries." "Even if you win... you're reinforcing that yes, it was your fault. So even mastery is a loss here." "Love yourselves as if your life depends on it, because it does." ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn sits down with licensed clinical social worker and couples therapist Keith Jordan to explore what it truly takes to reconcile and sustain romantic partnerships. Drawing on four decades of mental health experience, Keith breaks down common relationship pitfalls—from communication breakdowns and infidelity to escalating retaliations—and offers actionable strategies to diffuse tension before it completely destroys trust.  Together, they unpack why active listening must replace defensiveness, how setting personal boundaries differs from controlling your partner, and why shedding rigid "shoulds" opens the door to genuine emotional growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS True active listening requires giving your partner full, uninterrupted attention rather than formulating a mental rebuttal while they speak. Establishing boundaries should focus on identifying and expressing your own core needs rather than attempting to dictate what your partner should or should not do. Take turns speaking/ listening - limit to 60 seconds to prevent overwhelming monologues which allows each partner to clarify meaning rather than make defensive assumptions. Overcoming defensiveness begins when individuals realise that conflicts are not an attack on their character, instead it's opening the door for constructive problem-solving over blame. BEST MOMENTS "Listen to what they're saying from their point of view rather than preparing your rebuttal to what they're saying."  "A lot of argument... happens even though people are actually in agreement, but they don't realise that they are."  "Defensiveness often is... a reaction based on the person trying to assert that they're a good person, as if they're being accused of not being the right kind of person..."  "Concepts of what how things should be, you know, the world doesn't really operate according to should. It's a man-made construct, it's not really a spiritual concept at all." ABOUT THE GUEST - Keith Jordan - Licensed Clinical Social Worker Keith Jordan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 40 years of experience in psychotherapy, relationship counseling, and trauma-informed mental health care. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with individuals and couples navigating trauma, emotional disconnection, intimacy challenges, and relationship repair. Websites: Private practice https://www.keithjordanlcsw.com/ Resources for couples therapists https://www.ctadeliveryllc.com/ ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn welcomes spiritual counsellor Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards to discuss his deeply personal book, The Venus Flytrap. Stephen opens up about his journey through a tumultuous three-year relationship with a beautiful yet manipulative partner, exploring how even experienced relationship experts can attract/ fall into toxic dynamics when weakened by burnout or unresolved past trauma. Rather than viewing himself as a victim, Stephen shares how shifting his mindset to see every challenge as a mirror, allowed him to release unhealthy attachments, heal childhood patterns, and embrace true vulnerability as a pathway to emotional freedom. KEY TAKEAWAYS Toxic relationships often stem from underlying childhood patterns rather than simple relationship issues. Unhealthy attachments occur when we confuse external items or relationships with our personal identity. Viewing difficult experiences as happening for us rather than to us prevents us from adopting a victim mindset. True power and emotional freedom come from being vulnerable and releasing the fear of what others think. BEST MOMENTS "You don't have a relationship problem, you have a pattern problem."  "Everything is a mirror... She was mirroring back to me pieces of myself that I'd given away over the course of my life or I hadn't embraced or hadn't accepted as part of myself, so that I could heal them."  "When you're attached, you think it's part of who you are—that it's part of your identity."  "Vulnerable is a power, not something to fear, because when you can be vulnerable... it gives you freedom that you can't get any other way." ABOUT THE GUEST - Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards is an international speaker, author, and spiritual counselor with a PhD in Spiritual Counseling. Originally from Blackpool, UK, and now based in Florida, he combines decades of business experience with expertise in personal transformation and emotional growth. Author of The Venus Fly Trap, a raw memoir exploring power, obsession, vulnerability, and reinvention, Dr. Edwards draws on his own journey from high-pressure business success, heartbreak, and identity collapse to guide others toward self-awareness, authenticity, and alignment of mind, body, and spirit. Today, he helps individuals break destructive patterns, rebuild self-worth, and live with clarity and purpose, inspiring audiences to embrace truth, confront discomfort, and reclaim their authentic selves. Website: https://vft23.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephen_sapereaude/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemiracles/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vft23_official?lang=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575468609762X: https://x.com/Stephen_Edwardz ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn sits down with transformation coach and life strategist Nancy Ho to unpack the mysterious "inner void"—that heavy, unfulfilling numbness that high achievers often experience even when life looks great on the outside. Nancy shares how this loss of zest is rarely tied to a single adult event, but is instead a slow buildup rooted in subtle childhood misunderstandings and subconscious perceptions. Through a fascinating deep-dive process combining conversation and hypnotherapy, Nancy explains how bringing the conscious and subconscious minds together can clear up these inner miscommunications, allowing listeners to rewrite their self-beliefs, embrace their natural emotions, and safely navigate grief, vulnerability, and transformation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Unfulfillment and low energy are often the result of a slow emotional buildup over time rather than a single negative adult event. The root cause of adult imposter syndrome or an inner void usually stems from the way we subjectively interpreted events or comparisons during our childhood. True healing occurs when the conscious and subconscious minds align to clear up deep-seated emotional miscommunications. Moving forward effectively requires redefining our habits and learning to accept natural human emotions, like grief and vulnerability, without dwelling on them. BEST MOMENTS "They are waking up to just something’s not right and they can’t even put their finger there... it’s like our pulse is more or less starting to flatline rather than beat in a good, healthy rhythm." "Whatever happened as an adult is a trigger. It’s not the cause of it. The root cause is usually as a child... it doesn't mean that we have to come from a violent or bad childhood." "People don’t always remember what we say, but they always remember how they feel... similarly, this subconscious-conscious thing is how we feel about ourselves." "Stop focusing on things we cannot control, and focus on the things we can control... control what we can control, don’t try to control what we cannot control." ABOUT THE GUEST - Nancy Ho - Author & Transformative Coach Nancy Ho is an internationally recognized thought leader on “The Paradox of Success” who has spent 26 years helping more than 10,000 high achieving professionals navigate the hidden burdens of success and reconnect with their personal fulfilment. Website - https://www.nancyho.co ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn talks to spiritual teacher and best-selling author Christy Whitman to explore the transformational journey from survival to fulfillment.  Christy shares her personal awakening from depression to spiritual clarity, unpacking how hidden, repetitive negative thoughts dictate our reality. Together, they discuss the dynamics of energy flow, providing listeners with practical, somatic tools such as head-and-neck release and visualisation exercises, to dissolve the cycles of fear, lack, worry and doubt, and ultimately tune into a sustainable energy of gratitude and abundance. KEY TAKEAWAYS Moving out of survival mode requires acknowledging that negative thoughts are not absolute truths, but rather malleable energies that we have the power to stop and transform. Our bodies possess an energetic valve at the base of the head and spine that, when consciously released, can instantly soothe the nervous system and clear stress out of the body. Authentic abundance cannot be faked with disconnected positive affirmations; instead, it is built incrementally by leaning into realistic, better-feeling thoughts that slowly positively shift our self-identity. Cultivating a constant, daily dialogue of gratitude for what is present in the "now" is the most direct pathway to matching the universal energy frequency of a consistant flow state. BEST MOMENTS "You create your own reality... You’re either repelling things from you or attracting things to you based on the way you think."  "We're either thinking thoughts of what we want, which feel expansive and life-giving... or we're thinking thoughts of lack or limitation that are constrictive and restrictive."  "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, that's why today is called the present because it's a gift."  "We all think that, 'Oh, when in the future I have this, then I'll feel ...,' and we're projecting and postponing our life force energy out into the future when the only place and only time we can ever feel is in our now." ABOUT THE GUEST - Christy Whitman - Spiritual Teacher/ Author 2 x NYT bestselling author of The Flow Factor: How to Master Your Energy and Enter a State of Flow. Website - https://www.watchyourwords.com ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn sits down with sex counselor Fran Frye to dismantle the common misconceptions surrounding male and female sexual desires. Drawing from her personal journey as a rape survivor turned advocate, Fran offers a profound look into the world of problematic sexual behaviours and the distinct frameworks of spontaneous desire versus responsive desire. KEY TAKEAWAYS Men more frequently experience spontaneous desire (instantly ready out of the blue), while women often experience responsive desire, which requires warmth, curiosity, and lead-up to activate. A vital piece of anatomical education is that vaginal lubrication is a natural physiological preparation for penetration, but it does not automatically mean a woman is psychologically turned on or ready for sex. To combat boredom and explore novelty safely, couples can utilise a "yes, no, maybe" list online or via social media to find creative, mutually comfortable ways to connect/ spice things up. Rather than viewing it as a mere tool for performance, men naturally seek emotional connection through their sexuality; understanding the erotic nervous system is crucial for male emotional regulation and well-being. BEST MOMENTS "We are not dildos. We aren't meant to just be erect and expected to be ready to quote-on-quote perform. There is some lead-up and connection that is required." "Women often find themselves bored in sex faster than men do... I find that it’s the sex that they're having is what they're bored with." "A regulated man is safer than any weapon we sell in the name of protection, and I find that sex and regulation is very important to the betterment of men." "Communication is lubrication." ABOUT THE GUEST - Fran Frye – Sex Educator, Counsellor & Clinician Fran Frye focus's on supporting men as they unpack their sexuality within a patriarchal culture that often labels them as dangerous, defective, or emotionally closed off. She helps dismantle these narratives through curiosity, empathy and practical tools that foster healthier relationships with the body, partners and self, helping them build greater empathy, emotional depth, and responsibility in their intimate lives. Website - https://www.franfrye.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/franfryecounseling/ YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@franfryecounseling ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn welcomes licensed therapist and somatic trauma specialist Erika Shershun for an illuminating conversation on healing & recovering from sexual trauma.  Drawing from her own 17-year healing journey, Erika demystifies complex concepts like Polyvagal Theory (understanding the relationship between the nervous system and our emotions) and the body’s innate "flight, fight or freeze" responses, explaining how trauma physically embeds itself in the nervous system long after the event. KEY TAKEAWAYS Trauma isn't just a mental hurdle; it’s a physical state where the nervous system remains stuck in a defensive response of flight, fight, or freeze. The nervous system decides to enter a protective state (such as freezing) faster than the conscious brain can think, often as a primal survival mechanism. "Talk therapy" often falls short because it ignores the physical patterns of constriction and numbness that trauma leaves in the body. Recovery involves learning to gently transmute trauma by shifting between nervous system states, moving away from chronic hyper-vigilance and back toward a felt sense of safety. BEST MOMENTS "The realisation came to me about 17 years into therapy. I realised just how much the trauma stays in the body until it's integrated." "Your nervous system has a wisdom. It took you to a freeze state because it knew it was your best chance of survival." "If you only work with a persons thoughts, the patterns of movement and constriction are still taking place in the body; you're not really integrating the trauma." "Healing is no longer getting triggered by the trauma and having the symptoms clear up that are clearly associated with it." ABOUT THE GUEST - Erika Shershun - Somatic Psychotherapist Erika Shershun, MA, LMFT, is a somatic psychotherapist who specializes in helping trauma survivors reclaim the life they were meant to live. She’s the author of the Healing Sexual Trauma Guided Journal: Writing and Somatic Practices to Help You Process, Heal, and Feel Safe. Websites: https://healingsexualtrauma.com/ https://erikashershuntherapy.com/ ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn sits down with Jeff Abraham, the CEO of Promescent, to discuss a new innovative solution to premature ejaculation, plus the intricacies of sexual wellness and intimacy.  Jeff shares his unconventional journey from semiconductor engineering to sexual wellness and provides deep insights into common intimacy issues like premature ejaculation and the arousal gap between partners. The conversation highlights the critical role of communication and education in overcoming the shame often associated with sexual health and the importance of creating a judgment-free environment to encourage deeper connection and a more fulfilling intimate life. KEY TAKEAWAYS On average, men last about 5 minutes and 42 seconds during intercourse, while women may need about 18 minutes to reach climax, making it important to find ways to bridge this gap. Open, honest, and non-judgmental communication about sexual needs and preferences is the most essential tool for any couple to enhance their intimate relationship. Injecting anxiety into intimacy only makes a problem worse; using products like delay sprays can help men focus on their partner rather than their own performance. There should be no shame in seeking help or using products to improve sexual wellness, just as one would not feel guilty for seeking treatment for any other health condition. BEST MOMENTS "I tell people that I probably took the most circuitous route in the history of sexual wellness to become the CEO of a sexual wellness company." "Anxiety and intimacy are two completely separate emotions and they should never interact. Injecting anxiety into intimacy only makes it worse, not better." "Communication is probably the best tool in any lover's tool bag because no matter how good the physical aspect of intimacy is, if you're not communicating, things might not be as good for your partner." "Why don't we spend as much time and energy keeping that person by having the best intimacy you can have as we do attracting that person?" ABOUT THE GUEST - Jeff Abraham - Sexual Wellness Authority Jeff Abraham has over 10 years of experience in the sexual wellness industry as both an expert and entrepreneur. Jeff is the CEO of Promescent, a leading sexual wellness brand focused on making intimacy solutions more accessible and effective. After discovering a groundbreaking treatment for premature ejaculation developed by urologist Dr. Ronald Gilbert, Jeff invested in the product and became the majority owner, launching the company’s flagship Delay Spray. Email - [email protected] - https://www.promescent.com/LYN15 ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Keeping a secret for fifty years is a heavy burden to carry, but eventually, even the most tightly sealed boxes begin to leak. Darlene Lekowski joins the show to share her raw, powerful journey of surviving years of sibling sexual assault and the incredible courage it took to confront her past. We dive deep into the reality of "shattering the silence," as Darlene discusses the 2021 catalyst that exploded her trauma and led to a high-stakes courtroom battle for the truth. This conversation explores how childhood survival tactics shape adult lives and why Darlene believes reclaiming your narrative is the only way to truly heal. From navigating CPTSD to finding community, Darlene’s story is a roadmap for anyone ready to move from silence to having a voice and speaking your truth. Discover why the shame was never yours to carry and how letting go can finally make you whole. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Myth of the Closed Box: Trauma suppressed in childhood eventually "leaks" or explodes, often requiring a confrontation/ release to find genuine peace. Shame Belongs to the Perpetrator: Survivors often carry a burden of guilt that isn't theirs; healing begins by letting go of that shame. Justice is an Inside Job: While legal validation is powerful, true healing comes from within and isn't dependent on an seeing justice/ remorse from the perpetrator. The Power of Community: Confiding in trusted family/ friends or finding specialised survivor organizations provides the vital support & validation needed to break isolation. Forgiving Yourself First: Acceptance and self-love are the most critical steps in moving from a "victim" mindset to becoming a "thriver". BEST MOMENTS "I had the Darlene that was in the box that didn't want to deal with the trauma... but boxes leak." "The shame was never ours to carry, but we do. And we have to shed ourselves of the shame." "Winning the trial... didn't heal a thing. I really had to flip the narrative around in order to set myself free." "I love the expression that our mess becomes our message." "You can't always control what happened to you, but you can control what you do with it." ABOUT THE GUEST Darlene Lekowski - Author, Speaker, Advocate &Survivor Forced to hide the secret of her childhood trauma for more than fifty years, Darlene is now speaking out. Her message is one of resiliency and healing, and her intention is to use her voice to help others find theirs. Website - https://darlene-lekowski.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/darlenelekowski/?hl=en Facebook  - https://www.facebook.com/darlenelekowski ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn welcomes transformational coach Meghann Dawson to discuss the journey to self-love. Meghann shares her personal story of overcoming severe trauma, including an abusive upbringing and health challenges which led her on a path to healing.  She also emphasises the importance of recognising and differentiating between your inner critic (from your head) and your true intuitive voice (from your heart), encouraging listeners to embrace their imperfections and define their own version of what success means to them. KEY TAKEAWAYS It's crucial to differentiate between the inner critic, which often brings feelings of shame and inadequacy, and the deeper intuitive inner voice that provides clarity and guidance. Cultivating stillness and self-awareness can help in recognising your intuitive inner voice. The concept of the un-perfect level up emphasises that life doesn't have to be perfect. Instead of striving for an ideal defined by others, individuals should define their own version of what success and fulfilment looks/ feels like to them. Opening up about personal struggles and experiences can encourage deeper connections with others. Sharing vulnerabilities often leads to mutual understanding and support, breaking the cycle of shame. The journey of self-love and healing is ongoing. Regularly checking in with yourself, examining past experiences without judgment, and being open to new healing modalities are essential for personal growth. BEST MOMENTS "For me, that inner voice just felt like a strong, deep knowing direction that I hadn't really gotten before. It said, you need to do better. It's time to do better." "When we chase that kind of perfection, we're just in a losing game. We're on the hamster wheel of life and we're never going to reach the destination we're striving for." "The journey of life never stops. The lessons never stop. However, when we build resolve in ourselves, we have the tools to navigate challenges in a way that leads us to grow even further." "There's no such thing as being perfect, is there? Because we can always do better. But it's just knowing that you don't have to beat yourself up if you're not already doing better." ABOUT THE GUEST - Meghann Dawson - Transformation Coach, AuthorMeghann was born premature to an incredible teenage mom, a severe infection spread through her body within days of her birth, settling into her joints and leaving lasting damage she would carry for a lifetime. Pain wasn’t something Meghann learned later. It was something she knew from the beginning. And for a long time, so was the feeling that she had to earn love, prove her worth, and become someone in order to be chosen. Website - https://www.meghanndawson.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meghanndawson/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/meghann.dawson ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn welcomes Dr. Tara Perry, a specialist in hypnotherapy and Chinese medicine, to discuss the deep-seated blocks that prevent people from achieving healthy, fulfilling relationships.  Dr. Perry explains how the subconscious mind often holds onto childhood imprints such as the people-pleaser response which can lead to anxiety, poor boundaries, and ill health - even chronic physical pain. KEY TAKEAWAYS Traditional talk therapy can take decades because it operates on a conscious level, whereas hypnotherapy targets the subconscious "command central" to resolve unconcious blocks predictably and quickly. Many relationship issues stem from "fawning" (people-pleasing), a trauma response that depletes the individual’s energy and eventually breeds resentment in the relationship. Emotional trauma and subconscious stress often manifest as physical ailments, such as migraines, neck tension or even chronic pain. The conscious mind is the rider, but the subconscious is the elephant; real change only happens when the "elephant" is programmed to move in the same direction as the "rider". BEST MOMENTS "We’re never at our best if we’re reacting to triggers in our past." "You’re already hypnotised [by past impressions]. The good news is that you can go back in... and make that upgrade." "If you're pointing the finger at somebody else, remember you've got three fingers pointed back at yourself." "True love starts with opening our hearts." ABOUT THE GUEST Dr. Tara Perry – Hypnotherapist, Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine For over 25 years, Dr. Tara has successfully assisted first responders, celebrities, entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, Olympians, moms, dads, teens and even children quickly achieve a higher quality of life emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually faster and more deeply than they thought possible. Website - https://consulttara.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drtaraperry/?hl=enPodcast - https://nextlevelhealing.transistor.fm ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn looks of how to create healthy polarity in relationships, emphasising the importance for women to understand and embody healthy feminine energy, she shares how many women struggle with their femininity and how the impact of past traumas can effect their energy which can then negatively impact their relationships.  She encourages women to focus on self-love and healing, as well as to explore what makes them feel feminine, whether through personal style or self-care practices and highlights the significance of the energy they bring into their relationships, urging women to reflect on whether they are operating from a place of fear or love KEY TAKEAWAYS Creating healthy polarity in relationships is essential, as it involves recognising and embodying both healthy feminine and masculine traits. To attract fulfilling relationships, it's crucial to work on healing and self-love, addressing past traumas and childhood wounds that may be negatively affecting current relationships. Healthy feminine traits include nurturing, compassion, receiving, vulnerability and collaboration. Each woman can express her femininity in different ways, whether through energy, mindset, appearance, clothing, or personal style. While tapping into healthy masculine energy can be appropriate for women in certain situations (like dealing with a threat or participating in competitive sports), it's important to balance this with healthy feminine energy to attract healthy masculine partners. BEST MOMENTS "Creating healthy polarity is about understanding yourself and spending time with yourself to heal any past traumas or childhood wounds that may have currently affected your relationships." "If you can't love and appreciate yourself, you're going to be exuding that sort of energy and you're probably going to be attracting people that reinforce whatever those negatives are that you dislike about yourself." "If we're not attracting the type of men that we want, it's often because we're defaulting into the masculine energy role too often." "Unhealthy feminine energy, being needy or desperate, is going to attract an unhealthy masculine man who's going to either take advantage of that or not be attracted to that energy for very long." ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Lyn sits down with motivational speaker Nick Prefontaine to discuss his incredible journey of resilience. At just 14 years old, a devastating snowboarding accident left Nick in a coma with a prognosis that he might never walk or talk again. However, through the unwavering support of his family and a mindset focused on the common goal of recovery, Nick defied the odds and ran out of the hospital less than 60 days later.  Today, he shares his "S.T.E.P." system—Support, Trust, Energy, and Persistence—to help others navigate their own life traumas and move from crisis to peak performance. KEY TAKEAWAYS Nick utilises an acronym to guide recovery: Support (leveraging family and friends), Trust (believing in the next step), Energy (maintaining the body's natural healing ability), and Persistence (continuing to move forward regardless of step size). During his coma, Nick's mother acted as his advocate by preventing doctors from sharing negative prognoses in his room, believing that he could still process information even while unconscious. While Nick had a supportive family, he emphasises that a support system can be anyone—friends, neighbours, or associates—who consistently check in and offer help during a crisis. Nick’s transition into motivational speaking was driven by a persistent "inner voice" that told him his true mission was to help others thrive after trauma BEST MOMENTS "No matter the severity of your crisis, your decision to take action is your first step." "Trust that once you take your first step, your next step is always going to be available to you." "Maintaining your energy allows your body's natural ability to be able to heal itself." "By continuing to move forward every day, you are building an unstoppable momentum." ABOUT THE GUEST - Nick Prefontaine - Motivational Speaker Through his movement, Common Goal, Nick inspires audiences to see challenges not as barriers but as the foundation for resilience, growth, and success. Websites - STEP System: https://nickprefontaine.com/step/ Smart Real Estate: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ ABOUT THE HOST Lyn Smith – (The Queen of HEARTS) – Love, Dating & Relationship Expert Lyn’s personal story is a very inspirational and harrowing one of how she went from having unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships with men (on the back of several serious traumatic sexual assaults in her teens) to now feeling safe, fulfilled, alive, full of passion and having inner peace. She has a proven track record as a Love Solutions - Relationship Expert/ Trainer/ Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author based upon her own vast personal research, experiential learning and training with the world’s leading industry experts. Lyn makes a difference by helping you make a difference; she has a vision of contributing back on a global scale. Contact Method [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/