Send us Fan Mail What does it take to build a life of peace when you grew up believing fear was normal? In recognition of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I’m bringing you two special episodes of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast this week. Following my conversation with Liz Graham of 180 Turning Lives Around, I welcome author and domestic violence advocate Kathleen Albertson for an honest conversation about survival, healing, and breaking the cycle. Kathleen’s book, Beautifully Broken, shares her journey through abuse, loss, and hardship, and the work it took to reclaim her voice and recognize her own worth. Growing up in Northeast Philadelphia in a home affected by alcoholism and abuse, Kathleen believed that what she experienced was normal. As a teenager struggling with severe anxiety, a therapist named Jean became the first person to help her understand that she was not the problem. Kathleen shares why hearing that validation mattered—and why it took years to truly believe it. She speaks openly about the abusive relationship she experienced as a young woman, including control, isolation, physical violence, and the gifts that followed the abuse. She also explains the meaning behind the burning red rose on her book’s cover. Our conversation explores why leaving an abusive relationship can be complicated. Kathleen describes the emotional ties, financial concerns, and worries about her child that shaped her experience. She asks listeners to approach survivors with patience and compassion, recognizing that we cannot understand someone’s circumstances simply by looking from the outside. We also talk about rebuilding. After leaving high school at 16, Kathleen returned to night school, earned her diploma, and went to college while raising four children. Today, she is an author, advocate, mother, and grandmother who describes herself as being at peace—and proud of the life she has worked to build. In this episode, we discuss: • The importance of validation and having someone who listens. • Control, jealousy, and the cycle of abuse. • Why leaving and healing are rarely simple. • Supporting survivors without blame or judgment. • Returning to education and rebuilding confidence. • Teaching children about healthy relationships and boundaries. • How advocacy and writing helped Kathleen share her story and support others. Kathleen’s story is a reminder that healing takes time, support matters, and another chapter is possible. Connect with Kathleen through her Facebook book page, Kathleen Albertson Beautifully Broken, and explore her book, Beautifully Broken. (4) Facebook About your host Jodi Hope Grinwald is a Leadership, Growth & Connection Strategist, corporate trainer, speaker, and founder of Today is the Day LLC. Through coaching, consulting, corporate training, and workforce development instruction, she helps individuals and organizations strengthen communication, build trust, develop leadership skills, and create opportunities for growth. Her training includes emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, time management, team building, customer service, and professional communication, with an emphasis on practical skills participants can apply in their work and lives. Jodi is also the author and curator of LIVE IT! — Edge of Comfort to Center of Impact, featuring 31 voices sharing experiences and perspectives on moving beyond comfort toward meaningful impact. Learn more about the book, speaking engagements, coaching, and training at https://todayisthedayliveit.com. Stay connected Follow Facebook and Instagram @todayisthedayliveit. Subscribe to Today is the Day Changemakers on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. If this episode resonates with you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share the conversation with someone who could benefit. Your support helps these stories reach more people. Today is the day. You cannot go back to yesterday, and you do not yet own tomorrow. What small or large step will you take today to get closer to your goals? Support the show
