Break That Cycle

brought to you by Mary & Martha House
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Monthly

Break That Cycle is the podcast that tackles the life lessons you should've been taught—but probably weren't. Whether it's building credit, recognizing toxic relationships, navigating mental health, or learning how to simply survive and thrive, we're here to fill the gaps. Hosted by someone who's seen firsthand how lack of knowledge can hold people back, each episode dives deep into topics that matter—with real talk, real stories, and real tools for change. Ready to unlearn, relearn, and break that cycle? Hit play. Brought to you by Mary & Martha House - https://www.marymarthahouse.org

  1. 20h ago

    Ep.19 Stop Making These Job Search Mistakes! | Ashley Hawkins

    Think clicking "Quick Apply" on every job posting is helping you land a job? Think again. After submitting 230 job applications, Ashley Hawkins knows firsthand how frustrating, exhausting, and discouraging the job search can be. But she also knows what it takes to stand out, get noticed, and turn a career setback into an opportunity. In Episode 19 of Break That Cycle, host Bill Chini welcomes Ashley Hawkins, founder of The Hawkins Group and employment readiness instructor at Mary & Martha House, for an honest, entertaining, and incredibly practical conversation about finding employment, rebuilding confidence, and discovering your worth beyond a job title. From her military background to corporate leadership, an unexpected layoff, and eventually entrepreneurship, Ashley shares the lessons she's learned from both sides of the hiring process. In this episode, we discuss: Why the Quick Apply button might be hurting your job search What Ashley learned from submitting 230 applications How to build a resume that gets noticed Resume mistakes that can keep qualified candidates from getting interviews How to navigate online applications and applicant screening systems How stay-at-home parents can turn everyday responsibilities into marketable job skills Finding employment without a traditional work history Preparing for interviews and answering difficult questions Why networking can be more effective than blindly submitting applications How to rebuild your confidence after losing a job Why your career shouldn't define your identity Turning an unexpected layoff into a new beginning Ashley's surprising passion for vintage pinup modeling and charitable fundraising Ashley also opens up about the emotional side of career loss, the importance of finding happiness beyond professional titles, and how she turned a difficult chapter of her life into opportunities to help others. Through her employment readiness classes at Mary & Martha House, Ashley helps women experiencing homelessness identify their strengths, develop professional skills, and prepare for meaningful employment. Whether you're unemployed, considering a career change, returning to the workforce after raising children, or simply feeling stuck professionally, this episode offers real-world advice, encouragement, and a few laughs along the way. Your next opportunity might be closer than you think. 💜 About Break That Cycle Break That Cycle is a podcast dedicated to helping people turn their obstacles into opportunities through authentic conversations about adversity, resilience, personal growth, and breaking the cycles that hold us back. If this conversation helps you, please LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone navigating their own career journey. Need help finding employment? Tell us in the comments what part of the job search has been most challenging for you. #BreakThatCycle #JobSearchTips #EmploymentReadiness #CareerAdvice #AshleyHawkins   00:00 Cold Open: Resume Advice 01:13 Meet Ashley Hawkins 02:30 Ashley's First Job and Military Career 05:38 Fired After Just Two Weeks 09:47 Career Opportunities and Moving to South Korea 11:22 The Power of Networking 12:54 The Frustrations of Job Hunting 14:48 Losing a Job and Starting Over 17:54 Helping Women at Mary & Martha House 20:47 Discovering a Passion for Hospitality 23:15 The Reward of Helping Others 25:50 Mary & Martha House Break 27:38 Segment 2: Employment Readiness 30:51 Why Stay-at-Home Parents Have Valuable Skills 33:03 Resume Rules and Common Mistakes 34:57 Keep Your Resume Simple 36:44 How to Describe Your Accomplishments 39:04 LinkedIn and Professional Experience 41:11 Building a Resume Without Work Experience 43:36 Finding Entry-Level Opportunities 45:19 Why Ashley Hates Quick Apply 46:04 The Reality of 230 Job Applications 49:14 Preparing for a Job Interview 51:14 What to Wear to an Interview 52:51 Making a Strong First Impression 54:57 Practice Makes a Difference 56:38 Segment 3: Reinvention and Finding Purpose 57:35 Ashley's Secret Life as a Pinup Model 60:27 Turning a Layoff Into a New Beginning 62:40 Discovering Business Coaching 66:22 From Boardrooms to Dining Rooms 67:05 Changing Careers Isn't a Demotion 68:44 Inside The Hawkins Group 70:32 The Pinup Competition 71:15 An Emotional Moment With Ashley's Mother 74:27 Empowering Women Through Pinup 76:02 A Community Comes Together to Give Back 79:03 How Personal Stories Inspire Others 81:22 Turning a Personal Journal Into a Book 82:35 Final Thoughts and Thank You

    Ep.19 Stop Making These Job Search Mistakes! | Ashley Hawkins

  2. Oct 1

    Ep.18 I Joined a Gang to Protect My Friend: Daniel Powell's Journey to a Gang Leader

    From leading a Bloods gang to leading a nonprofit dedicated to helping others escape gang life... Daniel Powell's story is one of the most powerful transformations we've shared on Break That Cycle. Daniel never planned to join a gang. What started as an attempt to protect someone he cared about quickly turned into leading a Bloods set that stretched across multiple states. He spent years living by the streets, serving time in jail and prison, and struggling to leave a life that seemed impossible to escape. In this episode, Daniel shares what gang life is really like, why so many young people are drawn into it, what Hollywood gets wrong, and why leaving is often harder than joining. Today, Daniel has dedicated his life to breaking that cycle through **Powells Foundation**, helping young people and formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives with housing, mentoring, transportation, education, and hope. This isn't just a conversation about gangs. It's a conversation about identity, redemption, second chances, and becoming the person you wish you'd had when you were growing up. If you've ever wondered why people join gangs, why so many struggle to leave, or what real rehabilitation looks like, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. We'd love to hear what part of Daniel's story impacted you the most. If you enjoyed this conversation, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode. You never know who might need to hear Daniel's story today. -------------------------------------------- ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 Cold Open: "I Couldn't Just Leave" 01:01 Introduction 03:35 Segment 1: How One Decision Changed Everything 03:36 A Normal Childhood 06:20 Joining a Gang to Protect a Friend 10:30 Becoming a Gang Leader in One Month 13:05 Inside the Organization 14:20 What Daily Gang Life Really Looked Like 17:00 Running the Gang Like a Business 21:00 The Opportunities Gang Life Stole 26:57 Segment 2: Escaping the Life 27:00 Prison Didn't Change Me 30:10 Marriage, Family & Trying to Leave 32:00 Moving to Tampa 35:20 Why Change Takes Time 36:00 Can You Ever Really Leave a Gang? 40:35 Learning to Live a Normal Life 43:30 Did Gang Life Teach Me Anything? 45:20 Segment 3: Building Powell's Foundation 46:15 Turning Pain Into Purpose 51:15 Helping Formerly Incarcerated People 53:00 Housing, Mentorship & Second Chances 57:00 Education Changes Everything 58:40 What Powell's Foundation Is Doing Today 01:01:20 Thanking the People Who Helped 01:04:00 How You Can Support Powell's Foundation 01:05:00 Why Compassion Changes Lives 01:07:30 Final Thoughts -------------------------------------------- #BreakThatCycle #GangLife #SecondChances

    Ep.18 I Joined a Gang to Protect My Friend: Daniel Powell's Journey to a Gang Leader

  3. Sep 1

    Ep.17 Breaking the Cycle of Shame | Kyle Gianni on Sexual Assault, Healing & Finding Purpose

    At 18 years old, Kyle Gianni was sexually assaulted by someone he trusted. For months, he carried the weight of shame, guilt, and embarrassment—believing the assault was somehow his fault. Instead of asking for help, he stayed silent. Like so many survivors, Kyle questioned his own choices, blamed himself, and struggled to understand what had happened. But silence didn't have the final word. In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, Kyle shares how speaking publicly about his assault became the turning point that transformed his life. Today, he works with victims through the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office while preparing for law school, using his own experience to help others find hope after trauma. This conversation explores why predators seek vulnerable people, how shame keeps survivors trapped, why healing is never a straight line, and how purpose can emerge from even the darkest experiences. Whether you're a survivor, someone supporting a loved one, or simply want to better understand the lasting impact of trauma, this is an episode you won't forget. In this episode: • Growing up gay and struggling with identity • The assault that changed everything • Why survivors often blame themselves • How shame keeps victims silent • PTSD, trauma, and healing • Why healing isn't linear • Turning pain into purpose • Working with survivors at the State Attorney's Office • Finding hope after trauma • Why your story matters ________________________________________ About Break That Cycle Break That Cycle is a podcast dedicated to helping people turn obstacles into opportunities. Through honest conversations with survivors, professionals, and community leaders, we explore domestic violence, addiction, trauma, mental health, homelessness, financial hardship, and the resilience it takes to build a better future. If this conversation moved you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need to hear it. 👍 Like this video if Kyle's story inspired you. 💬 Leave a comment letting Kyle know what part of his journey resonated with you. 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about overcoming adversity and breaking unhealthy cycles. #BreakThatCycle #TraumaRecovery #SexualAssaultAwareness 00:00 Cold Open: "Did You Ever Blame Yourself?" 01:28 Introduction 03:42 Segment 1: Living with Shame & Silence 03:53 Growing Up & Finding Identity 05:11 Realizing He Was Gay 10:44 Meeting the Boyfriend 13:37 The Assault 19:31 Why Victims Blame Themselves 23:53 The Shame That Kept Him Silent 27:37 How Predators Find Vulnerable People 30:43 Why Survivors Don't Tell Anyone 35:19 Segment 2: Breaking the Silence 35:27 The First Time He Told His Story 39:03 The Beginning of Healing 42:08 Why Healing Isn't Linear 46:41 PTSD & Living with Trauma 51:18 The "Ball and String" Analogy 55:24 Turning Pain into Strength 58:42 Segment 3: Finding Purpose 58:49 Working with Survivors 01:01:54 Why He Wants to Become a Lawyer 01:05:09 What He'd Tell Someone Living Through Abuse 01:08:44 Continuing to Share His Story 01:09:38 Final Thoughts

    Ep.17 Breaking the Cycle of Shame | Kyle Gianni on Sexual Assault, Healing & Finding Purpose

  4. Aug 1

    Ep.16 Living in the Trauma: Kellie Foreman on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence & Healing

    At just 16 years old, Kellie Foreman experienced a series of traumatic events that would shape the course of her life. Kidnapped at gunpoint by an ex-boyfriend, sexually assaulted, forced to witness his suicide, and then left to navigate years of unprocessed trauma, Kellie's journey is one of unimaginable pain—but also incredible resilience. In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, Kellie opens up about the lifelong effects of trauma, why healing took decades to begin, how abusive relationship patterns continued into adulthood, and what finally helped her start breaking the cycle. Kellie also shares how writing her book, Breaking the Cycle, became an unexpected part of her own healing journey, and why she's now committed to helping others realize they are not alone. If you or someone you love has experienced trauma, abuse, or struggles with self-worth, this conversation offers hope, honesty, and encouragement. 📖 Purchase Kellie Foreman's book, Breaking the Cycle: https://buy.stripe.com/6oU7sN7Kv3c2dOfbsgeAg00 If Kellie's story impacted you, please consider purchasing her book and sharing this episode with someone who may need to hear it.  In this episode: • Kellie's childhood and searching for love • Surviving sexual assault at gunpoint • Living with trauma for decades • Why healing is harder than surviving • Recognizing abusive relationship patterns • Learning to love yourself • Writing Breaking the Cycle • Finding purpose through helping others  About Break That Cycle Break That Cycle is a podcast dedicated to helping people turn obstacles into opportunity. Through honest conversations with survivors, professionals, and community leaders, we explore the realities of trauma, addiction, domestic violence, mental health, financial hardship, and personal growth—while showing that healing is possible. Every story matters. If this episode helps even one person, then we've accomplished our mission. 👍 Like the video if it impacted you. 💬 Share your thoughts or words of encouragement for Kellie in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that help break cycles and build hope. #BreakThatCycle #TraumaRecovery #HealingJourney #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SexualAssaultAwareness #MentalHealth #SelfWorth #Resilience #SurvivorStory #podcast 00:00 Cold Open: "He Told Me He'd Kill My Family"  00:52 Introduction 02:00 Childhood & Searching for Love 06:18 Meeting the Boyfriend 07:24 The Night Everything Changed 10:04 Assault at Gunpoint 12:10 Escape & His Suicide 13:54 The Aftermath 16:53 Living with Unprocessed Trauma 20:38 Realizing Healing Had Never Begun 24:15 What Finally Started the Healing Journey 25:23 Why She Wrote the Book 27:01 Discovering Life Patterns 28:26 The Biggest Revelation 29:49 Repeating Abusive Relationships 34:14 "I'm Tired of Fighting" 35:06 Bible Study & Finding Community 38:34 What Healing Taught Me 42:20 Why I Still Don't Love Myself 45:21 Writing as Therapy 46:28 Book Signing & Public Speaking 47:43 Self-Doubt While Writing 49:24 My Sister Changed Everything 50:19 Helping My Daughter 51:52 The First Reader's Response 54:02 Why Every Story Matters 56:01 The Purpose Behind the Book 58:36 Mental Health Today 59:36 "I'm Tired of Fighting" 01:00:50 If You Help One Person... 01:01:26 Final Message to Survivors

    Ep.16 Living in the Trauma: Kellie Foreman on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence & Healing

  5. Jul 1

    Ep.15 From Addiction to Purpose: Jacob's Journey to Breaking the Cycle

    What happens when addiction steals your identity, your relationships, and your future? In this episode of Break That Cycle, Jacob Jeffcoat shares his raw and honest journey through addiction, recovery, and the long road to rebuilding his life. From the darkest moments of substance abuse to finding hope, purpose, and community, this conversation is a reminder that recovery is possible—even when it feels impossible.  We talk about what addiction really looks like, the lies it tells, the challenges of getting sober, and why healing doesn't happen overnight. Jacob also shares how organizations like Know Us By Our Love and Broken Chains are helping people find support, accountability, and a second chance at life. Whether you're battling addiction yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply trying to better understand the struggle, this episode offers honest conversation, practical hope, and proof that your past doesn't have to define your future. In This Episode: How addiction begins and why it spirals The realities of hitting rock bottom The hardest part of getting sober What recovery actually looks like Finding purpose after addiction The mission behind Know Us By Our Love How Broken Chains is helping people rebuild their lives Encouragement for anyone struggling today  Break That Cycle is a podcast dedicated to real conversations about the challenges that shape our lives—from addiction, trauma, and mental health to relationships, finances, and personal growth. Every episode is designed to provide hope, practical insight, and remind you that cycles can be broken. If this episode encouraged you, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Sometimes one conversation can change a life. 02:57 Segment 1: How Addiction Begins 03:05 Childhood & Growing Up 05:57 First Experience with Alcohol 08:40 When Addiction Took Over 11:05 Crack Cocaine Changed Everything 13:05 What Addiction Really Feels Like 16:55 The Biggest Misconceptions About Addiction 18:35 Rock Bottom 23:22 Segment 2: The Road to Recovery 23:22 Why Rehab Finally Worked 27:07 Why Recovery Failed Before 31:39 Building a New Life 34:00 Does the Temptation Ever Go Away? 35:58 Why Community Matters 38:38 Broken Chains Motorcycle Ministry 41:29 What Addiction Stole 45:14 Hope for Someone Who Feels Too Far Gone 46:42 Segment 3: Know Us By Our Love 46:46 Taking Recovery Into Prisons 48:24 Why They Started the Nonprofit 50:50 Recovery vs. Temporary Sobriety 56:42 The Vision for Recovery Homes 01:02:15 Success Stories 01:04:06 How You Can Help 01:05:21 Final Message of Hope

    Ep.15 From Addiction to Purpose: Jacob's Journey to Breaking the Cycle

  6. Jun 1

    Ep.14 From the Banker: Nobody Taught You This About Money

    What if the biggest thing holding you back financially… was never being taught how money actually works? In this episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with retired banker Larry to break down real-world financial knowledge in plain English — the kind of stuff most people were never taught growing up. We talk about budgeting, banking, debt, credit scores, scams, saving money, and how the financial system really works behind the scenes. Whether you're starting from scratch, trying to rebuild, or just want to make smarter financial decisions, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can actually use. This isn't financial jargon or corporate talk. It's real conversation about real money problems people deal with every day. In this episode: How credit scores actually work The best ways to build or repair credit Common financial mistakes people make Why banking matters and the risks of staying outside the system Predatory loans and hidden financial traps How scams and identity theft happen Ways to protect yourself financially Budgeting and saving tips for real life What banks look for behind the scenes Simple habits that can change your financial future About Larry: Larry recently retired after a long career in banking and financial services. In this episode, he shares practical insight, behind-the-scenes knowledge, and straightforward advice to help people better understand money, credit, debt, and financial stability. About Break That Cycle: Break That Cycle is a podcast focused on real conversations people don't normally have — from trauma and mental health to life skills, finances, relationships, and personal growth. If this conversation helped you, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. 00:00 Cold Open: The Credit Card Secret 01:07 Introduction & Meet Larry 06:35 Segment 1: Money Foundations 06:40 Why Everyone Needs a Bank Account 09:44 Online Banks vs Traditional Banks 14:18 Healthy Spending Habits 17:49 Why Most Budgets Fail 20:18 The Biggest Financial Mistakes 23:31 The Two Bills You Never Skip 25:33 How Small Savings Become Big Money 28:50 Segment 2: Credit, Debt & Banks 29:14 Larry Explains Credit Scores 32:22 Building Credit the Right Way 34:20 Credit Cards: What NOT To Do 35:35 How Bad Credit Costs You Thousands 39:40 The Fastest Way to Build Credit 43:31 Payday Loans & Predatory Lending 47:15 How Car Dealers Trap Buyers 50:22 Why Long Car Loans Are Dangerous 53:05 Segment 3: Scams, Fraud & Protecting Your Money 53:24 Real Scam Stories 55:57 The Biggest Scam Red Flags 57:39 How Fraudsters Steal Your Accounts 59:33 Never Click These Links 01:03:11 Why You Should Stop Writing Checks 01:05:40 Freeze Your Credit Today 01:08:08 Smart Money Moves 01:09:17 The Power of a 401(k) 01:11:37 Larry's Advice for Young Adults 01:15:05 Final Thoughts

    Ep.14 From the Banker: Nobody Taught You This About Money

  7. May 1

    Ep.13 You Don't Look Depressed… | Anxiety, Culture & Hidden Struggles with Dr. Andrea Gleim

    What if everything you thought you knew about anxiety and depression wasn't the full story? In this episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Gleim — psychologist, entrepreneur, and founder of Mindfully Mine, Mindful Ambition, and TheraBoss — to have a real conversation about mental health, culture, and the pressure to "have it all together." We dive into how anxiety and depression actually show up in real life, especially for high-achieving individuals, and how cultural expectations can shape the way we experience — and hide — what we're going through. This isn't surface-level advice. This is the kind of conversation that helps you understand yourself — or someone you love — on a deeper level. In this episode: • How anxiety shows up differently across cultures • The hidden side of depression in high-achievers • Common misconceptions about mental health • The impact of cultural expectations like "stay strong" and "don't burden others" • Practical ways to better understand and manage anxiety and depression • Dr. Andrea's journey and the mission behind her work About Dr. Andrea: Dr. Andrea Gleim is a licensed psychologist, speaker, and entrepreneur focused on helping individuals honor their full selves — mind, body, and spirit. Through her work with Mindfully Mine, Mindful Ambition, and TheraBoss, she supports people in navigating mental health, identity, and success without burnout. Connect with Dr. Andrea: https://www.iammindfullymine.com About Break That Cycle: Break That Cycle is a podcast focused on real conversations that people don't have — from mental health and trauma to personal growth and life skills they were never taught. If this conversation hit home, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Share this with someone who needs to hear it. 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Cultural differences define various depressions 26:10 - The beast that is anxiety 52:01 - Mindfully Mine, TheraBoss, and more?!

    Ep.13 You Don't Look Depressed… | Anxiety, Culture & Hidden Struggles with Dr. Andrea Gleim

  8. Apr 1

    Ep.12 Breaking Free: Kim Figueroa's Story of Survival and Strength

    In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Kim Figueroa, a survivor of long-term sex trafficking who now uses her voice and lived experience to help others find a way out. Kim's story is not what most people expect. It didn't begin with a dramatic moment — it started quietly, shaped by childhood experiences, difficult circumstances, and survival decisions that led her into "the life." For years, she lived through exploitation, control, and trauma that many people never see or understand. But this is not just a story about survival — it's a story about breaking free. In this conversation, we explore: How trafficking often begins and why it's so hard to leave. The reality of living "in the life" and the choices that come with it. What helped Kim finally get out and begin her healing journey. What survivors actually need — and what people often get wrong. Her work today alongside task forces and professionals fighting trafficking. This episode is raw, honest, and deeply human. It's meant to educate, challenge assumptions, and offer hope to those who may feel trapped in their own circumstances. 00:00 – Intro 01:21 – Life didn't become bad, it started bad 25:21 – How I was trafficked 48:48 – The survivor becomes the hunter

    Ep.12 Breaking Free: Kim Figueroa's Story of Survival and Strength
See All (19)

About

Break That Cycle is the podcast that tackles the life lessons you should've been taught—but probably weren't. Whether it's building credit, recognizing toxic relationships, navigating mental health, or learning how to simply survive and thrive, we're here to fill the gaps. Hosted by someone who's seen firsthand how lack of knowledge can hold people back, each episode dives deep into topics that matter—with real talk, real stories, and real tools for change. Ready to unlearn, relearn, and break that cycle? Hit play. Brought to you by Mary & Martha House - https://www.marymarthahouse.org

Information

  • Creator
    brought to you by Mary & Martha House
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Break That Cycle

You Might Also Like