Be A Better You

Allison K. Dagney
  • 4.8 (59)
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The Be a Better You Podcast (formerly The Emotional Abuse Recovery Podcast) is hosted by Best Selling Author and Certified Rapid Reprogramming™ Coach, Allison K. Dagney.  As a young adult, I met a man who I believed was the love of my life. We got married quickly and brought three kids into the world. But something was wrong. I was miserable. And I blamed myself for all the problems in our marriage. What I didn't know, was that I was being emotional abused by who I believe is a narcissist. I decided it was time to break free and step into the person I was always meant to be — confident and free to live the life I’ve always imagined.  I escaped, and I turned my personal story of transformation into a memoir. And now I coach women all over the world to help them transform their pain into empowerment, experience peace and joy, and start living life like never before.

  1. 4D AGO

    Ep 216: Crystals & What They Actually Do for Healing (w/Guest Christine Luken)

    Leave a text or voice message so we can respond What if the clarity you’ve been searching for isn’t something you need to figure out… but something you can learn to receive? In this episode, I sit down with Christine Luken, Financial Dignity Coach, a Crystal Wisdom Codes practitioner, to explore a topic that a lot of people are curious about—but don’t always fully understand: crystals, intuition, and how we access deeper guidance in our lives. We go beyond the surface-level “woo” and get into a grounded conversation about what’s actually happening when people work with crystals. Christine shares how she experiences intuitive downloads (including what she calls “mind movies”), how she learned to trust what comes through, and why crystals aren’t something to depend on—but can act as amplifiers of energy, awareness, and insight. This conversation is for you if you’ve ever felt drawn to something more—whether that’s intuition, spirituality, or simply understanding yourself on a deeper level—but still want it to make sense. And if you’ve ever wondered… are crystals just rocks, or is there something more going on here? We get into that too. This isn’t about blind belief. It’s about awareness, reflection, and reconnecting to your own inner guidance in a way that actually supports your healing. To connect with Christine and get free resources go here: ⬇️ Website: https://www.christineluken.com/  Money is Emotional Podcast: https://www.christineluken.com/podcast/  For women going through divorce: 💔 Divorcing Woman’s Money Checklist http://bit.ly/divchklist  OR First 3 chapters of Financial Dignity After Divorce book: http://financialdignityafterdivorce.com/  Use this link to apply for a free root cause call today Support the show To learn more about my Programs, Course, and Offers visit the website: www.radiatenrise.com Support Email: Allison@radiatenrise.com To send a DM, visit Allison's profiles on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/allisonkdagney/ https://www.facebook.com/allisonkdagney/ *Formerly (The Emotional Abuse Recovery Podcast)

    44 min

  2. MAY 5

    Ep 215: Chemistry Isn't Always a Green Flag (Especially After Abuse)

    Leave a text or voice message so we can respond You feel the spark.  The pull.  The butterflies that make it feel like this could be something real. But what if that “chemistry” isn’t actually a good sign? In this episode, we’re breaking down why intense attraction after emotional abuse can be misleading—and how what feels like connection is often your nervous system recognizing a familiar (and unhealthy) pattern. You’ll learn the difference between true emotional safety and nervous system activation, why calm and consistent can feel boring at first, and how to stop mistaking anxiety for chemistry in dating and relationships. We also go deeper into how to rebuild trust with your body’s intuition, recognize patterns that mirror past abusive relationships or childhood dynamics, and begin shifting out of cycles of overthinking, chasing, and emotional highs and lows. If you’ve ever found yourself drawn to the same type of person over and over again… this episode will help you understand why—and what to do differently moving forward. This isn’t about ignoring attraction.  It’s about understanding what’s driving it. In this episode, we cover:  Why “chemistry” can be a red flag after emotional abuse  The difference between healthy attraction and trauma-based attraction  How your nervous system influences who you’re drawn to  Why calm, steady relationships can feel unfamiliar or wrong  How to trust your body’s intuition again  Practical ways to recognize and interrupt unhealthy relationship patterns If you're ready to stop repeating the same relationship cycle and start understanding your patterns at the root, you can book a free 30-minute Root Cause Call through the show notes. Keywords: emotional abuse recovery, trauma bonding, relationship patterns, dating after emotional abuse, nervous system healing, toxic relationships, healthy relationships, intuition and relationships, attachment patterns, why I feel chemistry with the wrong person, break toxic cycles, subconscious patterns, healing from narcissistic abuse, relationship anxiety, trauma and attraction Use this link to apply for a free root cause call today Support the show To learn more about my Programs, Course, and Offers visit the website: www.radiatenrise.com Support Email: Allison@radiatenrise.com To send a DM, visit Allison's profiles on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/allisonkdagney/ https://www.facebook.com/allisonkdagney/ *Formerly (The Emotional Abuse Recovery Podcast)

    30 min

  3. APR 28

    Ep 214: Your Dreams Are Opening a Door You’ve Been Ignoring

    Leave a text or voice message so we can respond Most people dismiss their dreams as random noise… but what if they’re actually one of the clearest ways your subconscious tries to reach you? In this episode, I sit down with spiritual guide and dream worker Maelle (known as Oneiraya — “queen of dreams”) to explore what’s really happening when you sleep, and why your dreams may be far more intentional than you’ve been taught to believe. We dive into the inner dynamics that shape your dream world — including the protector and persecutor parts of the mind that influence whether your dreams feel supportive, symbolic, or unsettling. You’ll start to see how even your most confusing or uncomfortable dreams aren’t random… they’re messages. We also talk about:  • Why some people believe they “can’t dream” (and what’s actually going on)  • How to begin noticing patterns, themes, and recurring symbols  • Simple ways to prime your mind for deeper, more meaningful dreams  • How to build self-trust by learning your own internal language  • The connection between trauma, healing, and dream awareness Maelle also shares pieces of her own story and how her experiences led her into this work — which adds a powerful, human layer to the conversation. If you’ve ever woken up from a dream and felt like there was something there… something just out of reach… this episode will help you start paying attention in a completely different way. Your dreams aren’t here to entertain you.  They’re here to guide you. — ✨ If this episode resonates, you can connect with Maelle / Oneiraya online and explore more of her work around dream interpretation and inner guidance. https://www.instagram.com/oneiraya_/ ✨ And if you’re ready to go deeper into your own patterns and subconscious programming, you can book a free 30-minute Root Cause Call with me using the link in the show notes. Use this link to apply for a free root cause call today Support the show To learn more about my Programs, Course, and Offers visit the website: www.radiatenrise.com Support Email: Allison@radiatenrise.com To send a DM, visit Allison's profiles on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/allisonkdagney/ https://www.facebook.com/allisonkdagney/ *Formerly (The Emotional Abuse Recovery Podcast)

    50 min

  4. APR 21

    Ep 213: It’s Not the Coping Mechanism—It’s What You’re Trying Not to Feel

    Leave a text or voice message so we can respond If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you know aren’t serving you—whether it’s alcohol, emotional eating, overthinking, or constantly seeking validation from someone—this episode will change the way you see it. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the truth about coping mechanisms and why it’s not about willpower, discipline, or “just stopping.” You’ll learn how your brain and nervous system create coping strategies to regulate emotional pain after toxic or emotionally abusive relationships—and why those patterns can feel so hard to break. We talk about the deeper root of behaviors like needing reassurance in dating, attachment to someone you barely know, and the cycle of reaching for temporary relief instead of addressing what’s underneath. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do I keep doing this?”—this episode will give you clarity. You’ll walk away understanding: Why coping mechanisms aren’t the problem—but the solution your mind createdWhat you’re actually trying to avoid or regulate emotionallyWhy you can’t just “stop” without addressing the root causeHow to begin shifting these patterns in a real, lasting wayThis is a powerful episode for anyone healing from emotional abuse, trauma bonding, anxious attachment, or struggling with self-sabotage and emotional regulation. ✨ My new book, Hack Your Mind, Heal Your Heart: A Trauma-Informed Path to Healing from Emotional Abuse, is officially out today—April 21, 2026—and available now on Amazon in paperback and ebook. If you’re ready to break free from these patterns and finally understand your mind, this book will guide you step-by-step. GET THE BOOK HERE Use this link to apply for a free root cause call today Support the show To learn more about my Programs, Course, and Offers visit the website: www.radiatenrise.com Support Email: Allison@radiatenrise.com To send a DM, visit Allison's profiles on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/allisonkdagney/ https://www.facebook.com/allisonkdagney/ *Formerly (The Emotional Abuse Recovery Podcast)

    25 min

  5. APR 14

    Ep 212: The Science of Healing After Emotional Abuse (Interview on The Survivor’s Playbook)

    Leave a text or voice message so we can respond What actually happens in the brain after emotional abuse—and why can healing feel so difficult even when you know the relationship was unhealthy? In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation from my recent appearance on Chantal Contorines’ podcast, The Survivor’s Playbook. Chantal is a high-conflict divorce and recovery coach who supports people navigating the complicated reality of leaving toxic or emotionally abusive relationships. Together, we dive into the science behind emotional abuse recovery, exploring why the brain often continues replaying painful relationships long after they’ve ended and what needs to happen for real healing to begin. In this candid conversation, we discuss: • What emotional abuse does to the brain and nervous system • Why people often experience rumination, overthinking, and mental loops after a toxic relationship • The subconscious patterns that can keep someone emotionally stuck • Why leaving an unhealthy relationship is rarely as simple as people think • What it actually takes to retrain the mind and begin healing We also talk about ideas from my upcoming book Hack Your Mind, Heal Your Heart, which explores how subconscious programming shapes the way we think, react, and stay attached to painful relationship patterns—and how those patterns can be interrupted so real change can happen. This episode is an honest, informative conversation between two women working in the world of emotional abuse recovery, trauma healing, and personal growth, sharing insights from the work we do with clients every day. If you’re navigating the aftermath of a toxic relationship, struggling with rumination, or trying to understand why your mind keeps going back to the past, this conversation will help you see what’s really happening beneath the surface. You can learn more about Chantal Contorines and her podcast The Survivor’s Playbook by searching for her online or on your favorite podcast platform. Her work focuses on supporting people through high-conflict relationships, co-parenting challenges, and rebuilding life after emotional abuse. Keywords: emotional abuse recovery, healing after emotional abuse, toxic relationships, rumination after breakup, trauma bonding, brain science of trauma, narcissistic abuse recovery, high conflict relationships, relationship trauma healing, subconscious patterns, healing after toxic relationships. Contact Chantal here: https://www.instagram.com/chantal.contorines.coaching/ Use this link to apply for a free root cause call today Support the show To learn more about my Programs, Course, and Offers visit the website: www.radiatenrise.com Support Email: Allison@radiatenrise.com To send a DM, visit Allison's profiles on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/allisonkdagney/ https://www.facebook.com/allisonkdagney/ *Formerly (The Emotional Abuse Recovery Podcast)

    43 min

  6. APR 7

    Ep 211: The ‘Ick’ That Won’t Go Away: Emotional Residue After Toxic Relationships.

    Leave a text or voice message so we can respond If you’ve ever felt like you’ve done the work to move on from a toxic or emotionally abusive relationship—but something still lingers—this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, we’re breaking down the “ick” that won’t go away… the emotional residue that stays in your thoughts, your body, and your sense of self long after the relationship has ended. You’ll learn why healing from emotional abuse isn’t just about time or mindset, but about understanding how your brain and nervous system adapted to survive the relationship. We talk about why you still second-guess yourself, replay conversations, and feel disconnected from who you used to be—and why that doesn’t mean you’re stuck or broken. This episode will help you understand the root cause of rumination, self-doubt, and emotional triggers, while giving you a new perspective on what it actually takes to heal at a deeper level. If you’re ready to stop trying to “move on” and start feeling like yourself again, this is the missing piece. ✨ My new book, Hack Your Mind, Heal Your Heart: A Trauma-Informed Path to Healing from Emotional Abuse, is available April 21st on Amazon and will guide you step-by-step through the process of rewiring the patterns that keep you stuck. Use this link to apply for a free root cause call today Support the show To learn more about my Programs, Course, and Offers visit the website: www.radiatenrise.com Support Email: Allison@radiatenrise.com To send a DM, visit Allison's profiles on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/allisonkdagney/ https://www.facebook.com/allisonkdagney/ *Formerly (The Emotional Abuse Recovery Podcast)

    27 min

  7. MAR 31

    Ep 210: Why Smart People Stay in Toxic Relationships

    Leave a text or voice message so we can respond Have you ever looked back at a relationship and wondered, How did I stay so long when I knew something wasn’t right? In this episode, we’re unpacking a powerful truth that many people struggle to admit: intelligence does not protect you from toxic relationships. In fact, the very qualities that make someone thoughtful, capable, and self-aware can sometimes keep them stuck longer. We explore why smart, self-aware people often stay in unhealthy or emotionally abusive relationships, including how empathy, problem-solving, overanalysis, and a deep desire to understand others can unintentionally keep you trapped in difficult dynamics. You’ll learn how the brain’s need for explanation, closure, and resolution can create powerful mental and emotional loops, and why understanding the relationship isn’t always enough to break free from it. In this episode, we discuss: • Why intelligent, capable people stay in toxic or emotionally abusive relationships • The role of subconscious programming and attachment patterns • How overthinking and analysis can keep you stuck in relationship loops • Why intermittent reinforcement makes toxic dynamics so hard to leave • The difference between understanding your patterns and actually changing them • How to start identifying the deeper beliefs and emotional patterns that keep pulling you back If you’ve ever struggled with rumination after a breakup, emotional abuse recovery, toxic relationship patterns, or trusting yourself again, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. We’ll also touch on ideas from my upcoming book, Hack Your Mind, Heal Your Heart, where I explain how subconscious patterns shape the way we think, react, and stay stuck in relationship cycles—and what it actually takes to interrupt those patterns so you can move forward with clarity and self-trust. If you’re ready to stop overanalyzing the past and start changing the patterns that keep repeating it, this episode is for you. Keywords: toxic relationships, emotional abuse recovery, why smart people stay in toxic relationships, trauma bonding, rumination after breakup, relationship psychology, subconscious patterns, narcissistic relationships, healing after emotional abuse, overthinking relationships, break toxic relationship patterns, trust yourself again, personal growth podcast. Support the show To learn more about my Programs, Course, and Offers visit the website: www.radiatenrise.com Support Email: Allison@radiatenrise.com To send a DM, visit Allison's profiles on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/allisonkdagney/ https://www.facebook.com/allisonkdagney/ *Formerly (The Emotional Abuse Recovery Podcast)

    17 min

  8. MAR 26

    Bonus EP: You Have a Story… So Why Haven’t You Told It Yet? Guest Author Heather Hutzel

    Leave a text or voice message so we can respond If you’ve ever thought, “I could write a book about my life…” but don’t know where to start—this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with author and storytelling coach Heather Hutzel, who has written over 20 books and spent the last two decades mastering the art of storytelling. We dive into what actually makes a story compelling—not just something that happened, but something people feel and can’t put down. Heather breaks down the hero’s journey, the biggest mistakes new writers make, and why most people stay stuck before they ever begin. We also talk about how to turn personal pain into something meaningful—without getting lost in it. At the beginning of the episode, Heather shares a deeply vulnerable story of loss that shaped her path as a writer. And by the end, she reveals the most important thing you need to focus on if you truly want to bring your story into the world. If you’re a survivor, a healer, or someone who knows there’s a story inside of you waiting to be told—this episode will show you how to start. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most people never finish writing their storyThe biggest mistakes new authors make (and how to avoid them)What actually makes a story engaging and unforgettableHow the hero’s journey applies to your real lifeWhere to start when you feel overwhelmed or unsureThe one thing that matters most when telling your storyThis isn’t about writing a perfect book.  It’s about finally telling the truth of your life in a way that lands. JOIN HEATHER'S WORKSHOP: https://hrhutzel.store/products/threshold-workshop Contact Heather: https://www.hrhutzel.com/ Support the show To learn more about my Programs, Course, and Offers visit the website: www.radiatenrise.com Support Email: Allison@radiatenrise.com To send a DM, visit Allison's profiles on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/allisonkdagney/ https://www.facebook.com/allisonkdagney/ *Formerly (The Emotional Abuse Recovery Podcast)

    56 min
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4.8
out of 5
59 Ratings

About

The Be a Better You Podcast (formerly The Emotional Abuse Recovery Podcast) is hosted by Best Selling Author and Certified Rapid Reprogramming™ Coach, Allison K. Dagney.  As a young adult, I met a man who I believed was the love of my life. We got married quickly and brought three kids into the world. But something was wrong. I was miserable. And I blamed myself for all the problems in our marriage. What I didn't know, was that I was being emotional abused by who I believe is a narcissist. I decided it was time to break free and step into the person I was always meant to be — confident and free to live the life I’ve always imagined.  I escaped, and I turned my personal story of transformation into a memoir. And now I coach women all over the world to help them transform their pain into empowerment, experience peace and joy, and start living life like never before.

Information

  • Creator
    Allison K. Dagney
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    218
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Be A Better You
  • Show Website
    Be A Better You

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