Powerfully Broken

Barbara L Parker MA, LPCC-S, CEO
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Because you don’t need to be perfect to live powerfully. You just need to be you—open, healing, and willing to grow.  Hosted by Barbara L Parker, MA, LPCC-S, CEO of BF Empowerment Center and advocate for healing, this podcast is a sanctuary for anyone navigating life after heartbreak, divorce, trauma, or major life transitions. Each episode dives deep into the real, raw, and often messy journey of healing—with honesty, compassion, and zero judgment. We explore powerful conversations around: Healing from intimate partner violence and toxic relationshipsAuthentic parenting and building stronger familiesMindset shifts that create emotional and financial freedomEntrepreneurship with purpose and resilienceWellness tools that support your mental, emotional, and spiritual health You’ll hear from survivors, experts, change-makers, and everyday warriors—people who turned their pain into purpose and found the power in their brokenness.

  1. Triggers, Faith, And The Power To Leave

    1 DAY AGO

    Triggers, Faith, And The Power To Leave

    A single nickname can carry a lifetime of weight. When “Barb” surfaces, it’s not just shorthand; it’s a trigger tied to an old marriage, a lost sense of self, and the slow work of rebuilding identity. We open that door and walk through it with care—naming how language, place, and early faith choices shape what we tolerate, what we fear, and what we finally refuse. From there, Ace takes us into his journey: agnostic roots, hard questions no one would answer, years of showing up in church, and a courageous step into Rastafari as a lived ethic of unity, study, and love. No recruitment, no labels-as-status—just evidence in the way you move. We talk about the messy season after a breakup—what Ace calls the “dope show”—and the clean-up that follows when the mirror won’t lie. The heart of our conversation is a reframed idea of divorce: not just leaving a person, but divorcing the mindset that made harm feel normal. If scarcity taught you not to ask for needs, you’ll accept distance as love. If insecurity taught you to control, you’ll mistake protection for policing. We unpack how to identify those patterns, set honest boundaries, and build realistic expectations that honor both desire and dignity. There’s humor and heat in the mix too—twin dynamics, blunt advice, and the difference between an advocate who brings fire and a friend who brings questions. We share why couples need a shared goal bigger than any fight and how mentorship, gratitude, and daily practice keep growth sustainable. Whether you say God, Jah, or Allah, the blueprint is similar: study widely, love deeply, and let your life be the sermon. Press play for a grounded, unflinching look at healing, faith, and becoming someone your future can trust. If this conversation moved you, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review telling us the mindset you’re ready to divorce. Shop:  https://www.bfempowerment.com/shop  📖 Book — A Powerful Divorce 🧠 Coaching & Relationship Programs 💊 Kintsugi Kulture Supplements 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Beauty 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Apparel 🐾 Emotional Support Animal Letters   🎙 Hosted by BF Empowerment Center  https://www.bfempowerment.com Follow: @powerfullybroken | @queenblparker | @bfempowerment Therapy: BF Empowerment Center 526 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311 Watch Powerfully Broken Podcast airing on Fridays at 9am.

    30 min
  2. Why You Overreact (And How to Finally Control Your Emotions)

    17 APR

    Why You Overreact (And How to Finally Control Your Emotions)

    You’re not overreacting… 👉 you’re responding to old pain. In this episode of Powerfully Broken Podcast, Barbara Parker breaks down one of the most important mental health skills: 👉 Learning how to respond instead of react We talk about:  Why people trigger you on purpose  How trauma lives below your awareness and controls your reactions  Why your response is often bigger than the situation  How to regulate your body in real-time (breathing, awareness, movement)  The difference between retaliation vs regulation Why confidence and self-esteem determine how you respond 💡 The real truth: 👉 If you don’t control your reactions  👉 other people will control your life And the biggest shift: 👉 You don’t need to “win” the moment  👉 You need to protect your peace If you’re tired of:  being triggered  overreacting  feeling out of control  repeating the same patterns 👉 You don’t need more awareness  👉 You need a system 🔥 Apply for coaching below (We help broken women become whole and stronger than before) Shop:  https://www.bfempowerment.com/shop  📖 Book — A Powerful Divorce 🧠 Coaching & Relationship Programs 💊 Kintsugi Kulture Supplements 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Beauty 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Apparel 🐾 Emotional Support Animal Letters   🎙 Hosted by BF Empowerment Center  https://www.bfempowerment.com Follow: @powerfullybroken | @queenblparker | @bfempowerment Therapy: BF Empowerment Center 526 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311 Watch Powerfully Broken Podcast airing on Fridays at 9am.

    12 min
  3. Why You Keep Choosing Toxic Partners (And How to Finally Break the Cycle)

    10 APR

    Why You Keep Choosing Toxic Partners (And How to Finally Break the Cycle)

    If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do I keep ending up with the same kind of partner?” this conversation goes straight to the root. We talk about how toxic relationship patterns can feel like comfort, why familiarity is so hard to let go of, and how fear can pull you right back into a dynamic you swore you were done with. With therapist and relationship expert Alicia Gilmore, we get practical about what actually helps you break the cycle and protect your mental health. We also challenge one of the biggest myths in dating: love isn’t enough. Real healthy relationships need communication, shared values, and the ability to grow without assuming you’re still the same people you were at the start. We dig into why some people crave a healthy relationship but don’t know how to keep it steady once they have it, especially when social media creates a fantasy that doesn’t match real life. Then we get into the “soft life” debate what it means, why so many women are drawn to it, and how trust and safety change the way you show up in love. We talk about where you’re more likely to meet stable partners, why self-sabotage happens when you finally get what you’ve been seeking, and why boundaries are not selfish but necessary self-care. Alicia also shares where to find her virtual counseling services for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, and trauma. If this hit home, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs stronger boundaries, and leave a review so more people can find the support they’ve been looking for. Shop:  https://www.bfempowerment.com/shop  📖 Book — A Powerful Divorce 🧠 Coaching & Relationship Programs 💊 Kintsugi Kulture Supplements 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Beauty 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Apparel 🐾 Emotional Support Animal Letters   🎙 Hosted by BF Empowerment Center  https://www.bfempowerment.com Follow: @powerfullybroken | @queenblparker | @bfempowerment Therapy: BF Empowerment Center 526 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311 Watch Powerfully Broken Podcast airing on Fridays at 9am.

    13 min
  4. What If Power Comes From Love, Not Violence

    3 APR

    What If Power Comes From Love, Not Violence

    Pain can break you open or harden you shut—and Montana Love chose the first path. We sit down with the junior welterweight champion to unpack how a kid who started fighting at five turned grit into purpose, fatherhood into a calling, and fame into responsibility. From the origins of “Love Hertz” to the myth of violent masculinity, Montana shares why losing your identity hurts more than losing a bout, how love makes him stronger than anger, and what balance looks like when faith, fasting, and fight camp collide. We dig into the structure his mother built—homework, gym, dinner, sleep—and the way routine saved him from the streets. Montana breaks down the three pillars every athlete needs: discipline to stay the course, coachability to see blind spots, and hard work to turn potential into results. He doesn’t just preach it; he runs the miles, fasts during Ramadan, prays, and trains beside his fighters. That hands-on leadership shapes young athletes and changes outcomes for kids who once solved problems with fists, not words. Beyond the ring, we explore modern parenting: raising teens in the age of the internet, teaching dating with respect, monitoring exposure without smothering curiosity, and building an open line so kids never have to hide. Together, we map how our anti-violence partnership scaled to two locations and 300+ youth, blending boxing, mentorship, grief support, and basic needs like food and safe rides. The result is a practical, heart-forward playbook for channeling pain into growth and giving the next generation a chance to feel loved, seen, and safe. If this conversation moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review so more people can find stories that heal. Shop:  https://www.bfempowerment.com/shop  📖 Book — A Powerful Divorce 🧠 Coaching & Relationship Programs 💊 Kintsugi Kulture Supplements 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Beauty 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Apparel 🐾 Emotional Support Animal Letters   🎙 Hosted by BF Empowerment Center  https://www.bfempowerment.com Follow: @powerfullybroken | @queenblparker | @bfempowerment Therapy: BF Empowerment Center 526 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311 Watch Powerfully Broken Podcast airing on Fridays at 9am.

    26 min

  5. 27 MAR

    Why Your Therapist Wants You To Break Up With Them

    We hand the questions to Lucas Tindell from Lucas Live Media and let him pull Barbara L. Parker out from behind the host chair. What comes out is the real origin of BF Empowerment Center and the philosophy that drives Powerfully Broken: mental health support should help you get free, not keep you paying forever. We talk candidly about what it means to break unhealthy relationships that damage your mental health, and why Barbara measures success by how quickly clients can use tools and see change in daily life. A major thread is her approach to “graduating clients.” Instead of a sudden ending or a vague, endless therapy loop, Barbara explains step-down care that moves from frequent sessions to maintenance check-ins, with an open door when real life happens again. That model reframes counseling and therapy as skill-building for emotional regulation, boundaries, and healthier relationship decisions. Lucas also explores the personal path behind the credentials: how Barbara navigates education, supervision, and funding when the system doesn’t always make it easy. Then the business story lands. BF Empowerment starts during COVID with virtual sessions from her son’s bedroom, early clients coming through Psychology Today, and rapid expansion into a multi-site operation approaching 100 staff. We close on a whole-person reminder that stress is not just mental. Barbara links pandemic pressure to physical symptoms like dental issues and cracked teeth, underscoring the mind-body connection and the need for real outlets and support. If you care about mental health, private practice growth, therapy that prioritizes outcomes, and healing from unhealthy relationships, hit play. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs a reset, and leave a review with the biggest takeaway you’re applying this week. Shop:  https://www.bfempowerment.com/shop  📖 Book — A Powerful Divorce 🧠 Coaching & Relationship Programs 💊 Kintsugi Kulture Supplements 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Beauty 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Apparel 🐾 Emotional Support Animal Letters   🎙 Hosted by BF Empowerment Center  https://www.bfempowerment.com Follow: @powerfullybroken | @queenblparker | @bfempowerment Therapy: BF Empowerment Center 526 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311 Watch Powerfully Broken Podcast airing on Fridays at 9am.

    23 min

  6. 20 MAR

    Clingy Done Right: The BBQ Rib Theory Of Love

    What if the secret to lasting love is letting go of the highlight reel and embracing the ordinary acts that build trust? We sit down with Ace X—magician, mentor, husband, and father—to unpack how men grieve divorce, why calling it a lesson changes everything, and how security turns a guarded heart into an open one. From learning to argue without attacking to choosing to be a husband rather than just wanting a wife, the first minutes set a tone of honesty and growth that runs through the whole conversation. We dig into the 100–100 model of partnership, where each person owns their lane and respects the other’s. Forget rigid gender roles; think Star Trek bridge—shared leadership, clear expertise, and a ship that flies because everyone does their 100 percent. Ace’s take on emotional safety is both practical and intimate: keep promises, keep lights on, keep compliments coming, and keep loyalty visible. That’s the real romance fuel. When she can exhale, closeness follows. Then comes a counterintuitive insight: “clingy,” done right, is a game changer. Not control—availability. The partner who shows up, asks, leans in, and takes the first invite becomes an “anti-venom” to outside noise. Date night—whether it’s a gym session, a game on the couch, or laughing in a Walmart aisle—anchors the bond more than any grand trip ever could. We wrap with a vivid metaphor: if you chose an apple, stop demanding mango. Embrace who your person is, build a healthy “garden” of friends and colleagues to meet other interests without crossing lines, and keep the serpent out by holding your boundaries. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn conflict into clarity, routine into romance, and commitment into daily practice, this episode will challenge and rewire your view of love. Listen, share with someone who needs a relationship reframe, and leave a review to tell us your biggest takeaway. Subscribe for new episodes every Friday and help us grow a community built on accountability, empathy, and unshakable trust. Shop:  https://www.bfempowerment.com/shop  📖 Book — A Powerful Divorce 🧠 Coaching & Relationship Programs 💊 Kintsugi Kulture Supplements 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Beauty 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Apparel 🐾 Emotional Support Animal Letters   🎙 Hosted by BF Empowerment Center  https://www.bfempowerment.com Follow: @powerfullybroken | @queenblparker | @bfempowerment Therapy: BF Empowerment Center 526 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311 Watch Powerfully Broken Podcast airing on Fridays at 9am.

    31 min

  7. 13 MAR

    From Nothing To Purpose

    Purpose changes the way we count success. We sit down with Andre Dotson to trace his path from hustling for survival to leading with service through CAV Leadership Academy, where kids ages five to eighteen find mentorship, a safe space, therapeutic support, and financial literacy that actually sticks. Andre opens up about why empowering women reshapes men, how accountability at home strengthens communities, and why influence beats income when you’re building something that lasts. We dig into money without the fluff: discipline over impulse, stewardship over status, and mission over chasing the next dollar. Andre breaks down the food drive that was planned for 200 and fed over 600, the pickup truck stuffed from floor to roof, and the quiet logistics that make big service possible. He also gets real about partners who promise and vanish, how to vet support, and the operational muscle needed to keep people fed, warm, and seen. The focus stays practical—save for the future, spend on purpose, and treat wealth as a tool for others. The conversation turns to year-round outreach for the unhoused, beyond holiday hype. We talk blankets, gloves, socks, batteries, pallets under tents to keep them dry, and the dignity of consistent presence. Andre shares how he teaches his family to give beyond their own circle, setting boundaries with entitlement while aiming resources where they do the most good. Legacy here isn’t a headline; it’s a habit—lived in small, steady acts that outlast us. If you’re building a mission-driven business, leading in your city, or looking to align your money with meaning, this one’s for you. Listen, share it with someone who needs a nudge toward purpose, and leave a review so more people can find the conversation. Subscribe for new episodes every Friday at 9 a.m. and join us in turning influence into impact. Shop:  https://www.bfempowerment.com/shop  📖 Book — A Powerful Divorce 🧠 Coaching & Relationship Programs 💊 Kintsugi Kulture Supplements 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Beauty 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Apparel 🐾 Emotional Support Animal Letters   🎙 Hosted by BF Empowerment Center  https://www.bfempowerment.com Follow: @powerfullybroken | @queenblparker | @bfempowerment Therapy: BF Empowerment Center 526 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311 Watch Powerfully Broken Podcast airing on Fridays at 9am.

    21 min

  8. 6 MAR

    From NFL Grind To Guarding The Stars: Melvin Cantrell On Training, Safety, And Integrity

    Your strongest rep might be the one you don’t take—and that simple shift could save your progress and your health. We sit down with Melvin Cantrell, former NFL player turned celebrity bodyguard and certified personal trainer, to unpack how beginners can train smarter: light weights, perfect form, and breathing that powers every lift without risking injury. Along the way, we talk about mental health, how stress hijacks your breath, and why routine is the real secret to staying consistent when life gets loud. Melvin’s journey brings rare perspective. He earned his shot in the league the hard way—through tryouts, grit, and lessons learned the painful way about humility. That same discipline fuels his work in executive protection for public figures. Instead of swagger, he relies on judgment, tactical training, and a calm presence. We connect these worlds to show how integrity, preparation, and patience are the foundations of both peak performance and personal safety. You’ll leave with a clear, beginner-friendly blueprint: start on machines, keep weights light, and master breathing by exhaling on the hard part of each rep. Use simple rep ranges to decide when to move weight up or down, and add a spotter only when you’re truly ready to push. We also tackle gym anxiety with practical steps to build confidence, reduce injury risk, and make steady gains that support both body and mind. If “no pain, no gain” ever left you hurt or discouraged, this conversation offers a better path—one day at a time, with form, breath, and patience leading the way. If this resonated, follow for more powerfully practical health insights, share the episode with a friend who’s starting out, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your support helps more people trade ego for progress and turn discipline into real strength. Shop:  https://www.bfempowerment.com/shop  📖 Book — A Powerful Divorce 🧠 Coaching & Relationship Programs 💊 Kintsugi Kulture Supplements 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Beauty 👕 Kintsugi Kulture Apparel 🐾 Emotional Support Animal Letters   🎙 Hosted by BF Empowerment Center  https://www.bfempowerment.com Follow: @powerfullybroken | @queenblparker | @bfempowerment Therapy: BF Empowerment Center 526 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311 Watch Powerfully Broken Podcast airing on Fridays at 9am.

    24 min
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About

Because you don’t need to be perfect to live powerfully. You just need to be you—open, healing, and willing to grow.  Hosted by Barbara L Parker, MA, LPCC-S, CEO of BF Empowerment Center and advocate for healing, this podcast is a sanctuary for anyone navigating life after heartbreak, divorce, trauma, or major life transitions. Each episode dives deep into the real, raw, and often messy journey of healing—with honesty, compassion, and zero judgment. We explore powerful conversations around: Healing from intimate partner violence and toxic relationshipsAuthentic parenting and building stronger familiesMindset shifts that create emotional and financial freedomEntrepreneurship with purpose and resilienceWellness tools that support your mental, emotional, and spiritual health You’ll hear from survivors, experts, change-makers, and everyday warriors—people who turned their pain into purpose and found the power in their brokenness.

Information

  • Creator
    Barbara L Parker MA, LPCC-S, CEO
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Powerfully Broken
  • Show Website
    Powerfully Broken
  • Provider