Life After I Left

Cat Dunn
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  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Life After I Left. A space where women share their real stories, including the struggles, the triumphs, and the moments that created change. I’m Cat Dunn - an Online Business Manager, mentor, speaker, and your host. Life After I Left exists to break the silence - to give women a platform to speak up, encourage vulnerability, and remind listeners that they’re not alone. Here you'll find real-life stories, powerful conversations, expert insights, practical tips, and we’ll definitely be having a few laughs as well because you can’t have darkness without the light.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    44: Jenna Little on Life After… Writing Saved My Life: From losing herself and numbing the pain to reconnecting through journaling

    Could the thing that helps you find yourself again be as simple as putting pen to paper? Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of self-harm, bulimia, suicide, and substance abuse. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering. In today’s episode, we're joined by Jenna Little, a romance author, publishing mentor, and visionary behind The Daring Empire, a creative ecosystem devoted to story expression and legacy. She is also the founder of The Daring Press, a cinematic publishing house helping authors bring powerful stories to life through strategy, energetics, and high-touch support. Jenna shares her journey of growing up feeling lost, struggling with self-harm, bulimia, and substance use as a teenager, and the intense pressure to fit in. After years of numbing pain through alcohol and unhealthy coping mechanisms, a simple journal gifted by her mum became the turning point that changed everything. Writing became Jenna’s lifeline. What began as a private space to process her emotions evolved into storytelling, creativity, and eventually a career as an author with 18 published books. In this episode, we chat about: Growing up feeling lost and the pressure to fit in during the teenage yearsUsing alcohol and people-pleasing as armour, and masking feelings of not belongingExperiences with self-harm, bulimia, and substance useHow journaling became a lifeline, helping Jenna process her emotions and reconnect with herselfDiscovering a love for storytelling and writing her first bookTurning creativity into a career and writing 18 booksLetting go of alcohol and learning to show up confidently as herselfThe importance of becoming your own best friendJenna’s journey shows that even in our darkest moments, there's always a way forward, and sometimes it begins with something as simple as telling your story. Her story reminds us that even behind the masks people wear, it’s possible to come home to yourself. Writing and creative expression offer permission to exist fully and affirm that no one is broken, alone, or too far gone. Connect with Jenna: Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennallittle Website: www.thedaringbookshop.com Publishing house: https://www.instagram.com/thedaringpress/ The Authoress Mastermind: www.thedaringpress.com Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    57 min

  2. 4 MAR

    43: Natalie Rozen on Life After… Isolation: Agoraphobia, living with anxiety, and refusing to let fear lead

    What if learning to live alongside anxiety, instead of fighting it, is what truly sets you free? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Natalie Rozen, an entrepreneur, psychotherapist, and coach helping people create meaningful change in their lives. With over a decade of experience supporting clients through trauma and emotional challenges, she combines practical therapy tools with embodiment and nervous system work to foster lasting transformation. She’s also the founder of Soul-Food Graze, creating beautiful grazing experiences that bring people together, and shares her insights online to inspire growth, courage, and authenticity. Natalie shares her powerful story of growing up with chronic anxiety and agoraphobia, feeling trapped inside her own home, and the pivotal moment at 16 when she decided her life had to change. Through mentorship, therapy, embodiment work, and a complete reframe of her relationship with fear, she learned how to live alongside anxiety. Her journey from isolation to self-liberation shows that when you make a decision to change, the right people, tools, and opportunities appear. In this episode, we chat about: Growing up with childhood anxiety and developing agoraphobiaLearning to live alongside anxiety instead of trying to ‘cure’ itMaking space for difficult emotions, rather than self-sabotaging or ignoring themThe impact of mentors on your life trajectoryThe nervous breakdown at 16 that sparked the transformationUsing acting, performance, and creativity to build confidenceBuilding community through food, events, and women supporting womenThis conversation is a beautiful reminder that healing isn’t about removing the difficult parts of yourself, it’s about embracing and integrating them. Anxiety doesn’t have to be your enemy, it can guide you, teach you, and even spark transformation. Connect with Natalie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nattyrozen_/ Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalierozencoaching/ Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    37 min

  3. 25 FEB

    42: Life After… Turning 40: Navigating milestone birthdays, societal pressure, reflecting on the past, and choosing who you become next

    TW: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering. Turning 40 can bring up a lot. Reflection, fear, grief, pride, and everything in between. And sometimes, it asks us to really look at the life we’ve lived so far. It’s just me here today, reflecting on the last four decades of my life: the relationships I stayed in, the patterns I repeated, and the moments that quietly changed everything. I share how turning 30 once felt terrifying but became one of the best years of my life, how moving to Australia changed my path in ways I never expected, and how years of unhealthy relationships shaped but did not define who I am today. This episode is about self-compassion, breaking patterns, learning to sit with yourself, and understanding that healing isn’t linear and it doesn’t have an age limit. If you’re approaching a milestone birthday, leaving a relationship, questioning old beliefs, or standing at the edge of a life change, this is for you. In this episode, I chat about: Turning 40 and reflecting on who you’ve been and who you’re becomingHow milestone ages can trigger fear, grief, societal pressure, and deep self-reflectionBreaking cycles of unhealthy relationships and generational traumaLearning self-compassion after years of survival modeChoosing to build a life that feels safe, aligned, and true to youThe power of storytelling, community, and sharing your voice Thank you for being here, for listening, and for holding space; for me and for each other. And here’s to the next 40! Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    27 min

  4. 18 FEB

    Ep 41: Jacqui Maloney on Life After… Pregnancy Loss: Perinatal grief, advocacy, and transforming pain into support for others

    TW: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss, grief, and mental health. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering. How do you take unimaginable loss and transform it into purpose, advocacy, and lasting change? This week, I’m joined by Jacqui Maloney, a speaking and communications coach who loves nothing more than helping people tell their story in a way that is heard and remembered. She works with founders, entrepreneurs, and businesses to uncover their unique story and guide them in sharing it effectively. Jacqui was actually our very first podcast guest and, today, she’s back to share a different story. After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, she faced profound grief, relationship challenges, and societal misunderstanding. Jacqui chose to transform her pain into meaningful action, not only for herself, but for women across Western Australia. Through her work, she’s building support systems, resources, and safe spaces for parents navigating one of life’s most difficult experiences. In this episode, we explore: Jacqui’s personal journey through pregnancy loss and griefHow her loss affected her relationships, mental health, and professional lifeThe moment she realised so many other women had similar experiences when she spoke out on social mediaThe Rose Garden in Western Australia and her role as Chair of the CommitteeThe creation and vision of the Macaru FoundationHow she is building spaces, training programs, and resources to support grieving parentsPractical advice for anyone experiencing loss or supporting someone through it If you’ve ever faced loss, felt isolated, or wondered how to turn trauma into action, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing, hope, and meaningful change are possible, even after the darkest experiences. Connect with Jacqui: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquimaloneycoaching/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-maloney/ Makuru Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/makurufoundation/ Website: www.jacquimaloney.com KEMH Memorial Rose Garden Support and resources for pregnancy loss and miscarriage: Pink Elephants: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/ Miscarriage Australia: https://miscarriageaustralia.com.au/ Red Nose Australia: https://www.bearsofhope.org.au/ Bears of Hope: https://www.bearsofhope.org.au/ Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    1h 5m

  5. 11 FEB

    40: Adrienne Donnelly on Life After… Rebuilding My Identity: Finding confidence, connection, and the power of community

    Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering. What does rebuilding look like when leaving was only the first step? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Adrienne Donnelly, founder of Organised by Adrienne, co-founder of the Newcastle Virtual Assistants Network, owner of Seed Virtual Assistants, and President of Gen Collective. For the first time publicly, Adrienne shares her story of leaving a domestic violence relationship in her early twenties, and how that moment became the catalyst for a life dedicated to community, connection, and supporting women. Adrienne speaks candidly about the isolation that often comes with abusive relationships, the quiet clarity of the day she left for good, and the long process of rebuilding confidence, identity, and safety. Today, Adrienne is known for creating spaces where women feel supported, connected, and less isolated, particularly in small businesses and virtual work. In this episode, we chat about: What it’s like to leave a violent relationship more than once before leaving for goodThe role isolation plays in abusive relationships, and why community is often the missing pieceRebuilding friendships, confidence, and identity after leavingHow trauma can change your body, voice, posture, and sense of selfThe importance of family and support networks when leavingFinding and creating the right communities, especially for women in businessNavigating social anxiety, networking overwhelm, and protecting your energyWhy real-life connection matters so deeply in a digital world Adrienne’s story is a reminder that leaving is only the beginning. Healing takes time, support, and space to rebuild confidence, identity, and safety. If you’ve left an abusive relationship, felt alone in the aftermath, or are searching for connection and community as part of your healing, this episode is for you. Connect with Adrienne: Website: www.organisedbyadrienne.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organisedbyadrienne Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organisedbyadrienne LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennedonnelly   If you are a DV violence survivor or facing a similar situation, I'm here for you. You can connect with me on Instagram ⁠⁠@lifeafterileftpodcast⁠ If you need urgent support, reach out to one of these incredible services: 1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7) Text: 0458 737 732 Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au Safe Steps – Family violence response centre (Victoria) Phone: 1800 015 188 (24/7) Website: https://safesteps.org.au Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7) Text: 0477 13 11 14 Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – Mental health support for anxiety and depression Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7) Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    42 min

  6. 4 FEB

    39: Emma Lovell on Life After… A Broken Back: Building a Business Around Travel, Self-Care, and the Bleisure Life

    Can work, travel, and self-care really co-exist without burning out? This week, I’m joined by Emma Lovell, Bleisure Coach, speaker, and author, who helps people harmonise business, travel, and self-care in what she calls the ‘bleisure lifestyle’. She shows how a life designed with purpose, joy, and freedom is possible, even while running a thriving business and traveling the world. Before the books, global audiences, and retreats, Emma experienced a life-changing moment at 22 that set her on a path to building a business around travel, self-care, and purpose. In this conversation, she openly shares the clarity, grief, and growth that shaped her approach to life, business, and the bleisure lifestyle. In this episode, we chat about: The life-changing skiing accident that became a turning point for rest, reflection, and goal-settingStarting a business from zero while recovering from a broken back, and the lessons learned about taking the first stepHow grief, loss, and tragedy shaped her approach to entrepreneurship, self-care, and life designThe evolution from PR and social media to coaching, personal branding, and bleisure coachingUnderstanding the bleisure lifestyle and how to harmonise work, travel, and self-care without burning outHow to identify whether you are taking meaningful steps toward your goals or procrastinatingLessons from running retreats, traveling with family, and integrating creativity, leisure, and business This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating grief, burnout, or the challenge of designing a life they truly love. Emma’s story is a reminder that clarity and growth often come in unexpected ways, and that starting, even imperfectly, is the first step toward a life full of purpose and freedom. Connect with Emma: Website: www.emmalovell.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalovell.au/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalovelly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaLovellAU Podcast: https://emmalovell.au/podcast/ Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your ticket now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    41 min

  7. 28 JAN

    38: Jemma Haythorne on Life After... Diet Culture: Healing your relationship with food, body confidence, and breaking diet culture cycles

    This week, I’m joined by Jemma Haythorne, body image coach and host of the Finding Freedom podcast. Jemma helps women ditch body shame, rebuild a healthy relationship with food, and embrace their bodies with compassion, confidence, and self-love. Before she was helping women heal their relationship with food, Jemma experienced the very struggles so many of her clients face like confusing diet rules, obsessive weight cycles, and the impossible beauty standards pushed by social media and society. In this conversation, Jemma shares her personal journey through body dissatisfaction, diet culture traps, and self-sabotage, and how she found freedom and empowerment through mindset work, coaching, and self-awareness. She also opens up about her mission to teach children healthy body image from an early age, because the earlier we start, the bigger the impact. In this episode, we chat about: What diet culture actually is and how it impacts body image and self-esteemHow diet culture and body obsession shaped her relationship with food from a young ageThe vicious cycle of strict dieting, binge eating, and disordered eating patternsThe role of parents, partners, and family in shaping children’s body beliefsWhy starting conversations about body acceptance in primary schools can create lifelong confidenceJemma’s thoughts on popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, and why diet culture is so prevalentHow stripping back to nutrition basics, like protein and regular meals, can transform energy and rebuild an intuitive relationship with foodThis episode is a must-listen for anyone tired of diet culture, struggling with food or body confidence, or for parents wanting to raise children who feel safe, confident, and empowered in their bodies. Connect with Jemma: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejemmarose/ Website: https://www.inspirewellnessau.com.au/ Podcast: https://www.inspirewellnessau.com.au/podcast Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your ticket now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    49 min

  8. 21 JAN

    37: Clare Elizabeth Dea on Life After… Shame: Poland Syndrome, social anxiety, intuition, and learning to feel safe being seen

    What happens when the very thing you’ve spent decades hiding becomes the source of your freedom? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Clare Elizabeth Dea, international performance artist, speaker, author, facilitator, and host of Fuckup Nights Melbourne. Clare shares her deeply personal journey of growing up with Poland Syndrome, the shame she carried around her body for years, and how learning to be seen changed everything. Born without a left pectoral and developing only one breast, Clare spent much of her life hiding, managing intimacy through fear, and chasing success while feeling deeply disconnected from her true self. Despite being a trained performer who loved the stage, she was terrified of being truly seen. Through acting training, therapy, intuition-led decisions, and storytelling, Clare slowly reclaimed her voice, transforming shame into beauty, power, and purpose. Today, she helps others feel safe to be seen - whether that’s on stage, in business, or in their personal lives. In this episode, we chat about: What Poland Syndrome is and how it shaped Clare’s relationship with her body, confidence, and identityGrowing up with shame, hiding parts of yourself, and the cost of staying silentManifesting $15,000 to train in London, and how that overseas experience shaped Clare’s authentic confidence when she returned to MelbourneHow intuition shows up, and what can happen when you ignore itThe difference between telling your story before you’re ready vs when it’s truly integratedCreating safety before visibility through therapy, community, and baby stepsWhy live events and shared stories help people drop the mask and feel less alone This conversation is a wild journey. From Clare’s first experience with entrepreneurship, to overseas dance and acting training, to creating her own live speaking events, Clare’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to rush to share everything at once to be worthy of being seen. Safety comes first and, from there, transformation follows. If you’ve ever struggled with shame, social anxiety, body image, or trusting your intuition, this episode is for you. Connect with Clare: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clareelizabeth_dea Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/clare.e.dea Website: https://www.clareelizabethdea.com Our live event is back! Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 12 Feb for our 5th unforgettable event. 5 women, sharing 5 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Grab your ticket now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-the-big-5-tickets-1811765131279 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    57 min
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About

Welcome to Life After I Left. A space where women share their real stories, including the struggles, the triumphs, and the moments that created change. I’m Cat Dunn - an Online Business Manager, mentor, speaker, and your host. Life After I Left exists to break the silence - to give women a platform to speak up, encourage vulnerability, and remind listeners that they’re not alone. Here you'll find real-life stories, powerful conversations, expert insights, practical tips, and we’ll definitely be having a few laughs as well because you can’t have darkness without the light.

Information

  • Creator
    Cat Dunn
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cat Dunn
  • Show Website
    Life After I Left