The BraveHearted Woman

Dawn Damon

Welcome to The BraveHearted Woman, a podcast dedicated to calling out the brave, bold, beautiful dreams women have for their lives. I’m your BraveHeart mentor, Dawn Damon. I’m a Confidence Coach, Author, Teacher, and Speaker, whose ultimate goal is to champion women like you! As your BraveHeart mentor and certified coach, I push you to shed false limits, labels, and lies, so you can find yourself, discover your dreams, boost your confidence, and flourish in midlife and beyond. And because I know how scary it can be to take steps of courageous action that lead to change, I want to support and equip you as you move toward any life transformation you desire! Our discussions cover various topics for mid-life women, including bold life reinvention, beauty hacks, powerful mindsets, healthy habits and disciplines, physical health, spirituality, and soul healing. I help awaken your heart to believe and to see what is possible! We explore the mindsets of a successful woman, and talk about what I call the “5 Fortitudes of a BraveHearted Women;” of course, I use the acronym BRAVE. • Bold Vision • Real Identity • Able mindsets • Virtuous Self-Talk • Excellent Habits If you want to grow and develop, ignite the flame of your vision, reach your goals, and achieve your dreams, you’ve come to the right place because we are all things “women empowerment.” So, thanks for stopping by. I believe you will be motivated, inspired, challenged, and, if you keep coming back…changed!

  1. Jun 1

    How to Stop Aging in Midlife | Stay Active, Healthy, and Independent as You Age

    “The life you want later is built by the life you live right now.” In today’s episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, let me share practical and science-backed strategies to help slow the aging process naturally. Remember, aging doesn’t have to mean losing your strength, energy, or independence, and the choices made today can completely change how life looks in the years ahead. So if you’re ready to feel stronger, healthier, and more energized for the future, this episode will give you the motivation and practical tools to start today. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:19 - Why your future self needs you now 3:13 - The #1 key to slowing the aging process 4:12 - The importance of having 8,000 steps daily 5:03 - The analogy of muscle over weight in aging 6:44 - How to build strength in midlife 13:01 - What are the secrets to longevity? 15:24 - Why consistency matters 18:30 - How to take action Quotations: “Your future quality of life is being decided right now by how you treat your body.” “Movement is not optional; it is foundational.” “It’s not just about living longer, it’s about living better.” “Consistency matters more than genetics.” “Decline is not your destiny; you can influence how you age.” “Small choices add up to lifestyle, and lifestyle shapes your future.” Resources: 🎁 FREE Download: Top 10 Age-Defying Beauty Products https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/beauty-products 💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon: 💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen Download the full transcript here.

    22 min
  2. May 25

    Heart Surgery, Motherhood, Autism & Burnout: Mandy Horne’s BraveHeart Story

    What do you do when life doesn’t go the way you planned? In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I sit down with Mandy Horne, a registered nurse, wellness coach, wife, mother, and overcomer, whose life has been marked by extraordinary challenges and unwavering faith. From surviving three open-heart surgeries at just 19 years old to navigating traumatic childbirth complications, adoption struggles, parenting a child with ADHD and autism, burnout, caregiving exhaustion, and midlife transitions, Mandy shares how every difficult season became part of God’s greater purpose for her life. This conversation is a powerful reminder that midlife is not the end of your story; it can be the beginning of your reinvention. Together, we talk about burnout, nervous system healing, empty nest emotions, obedience before clarity, and learning to trust God one brave step at a time. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, exhausted, or uncertain about your next chapter, this episode will encourage you to stop striving for the full roadmap and simply take the next step forward in faith. Timestamps: 0:00 - Guest Intro 1:41 - The BraveHeart Story of Mandy Horne from being a nurse to becoming a midlife wellness coach 2:52 - Surviving three open-heart surgeries at 19 5:30 - Motherhood against the odds 11:20 - What to do when life doesn’t go the way you planned 12:30 - How to navigate parenting through Autism, ADHD, and ODD 16:12 - Burnout, vertigo, and a health wake-up call 19:41 - What a double life means and finding a new calling 24:21 - Mandy’s #1 tip for midlife women Quotations: “Sometimes bravery is just being honest with the season that you’re in.” - Mandy Horne “God sees the big picture, even when life doesn’t go the way we planned.” - Mandy Horne “Obedience often comes before clarity.” - Mandy Horne “Midlife isn’t the end of your story. It can be the beginning of your purpose.” - Dawn Damon “Sometimes a label brings clarity, hope, and freedom from shame.” - Dawn Damon “God reveals the next step when you’re ready to receive it.” - Mandy Horne Resources: 🌐 Follow Mandy on wellspringoflifecoaches.com 🎁FREE GIFT: 3-Step Guide to Confidently Step Into Your Next Season 𐀪𐀪 Join our community: Sacred Season Sisters _____________ 👩🏻‍🏫 Subscribe to The BraveHearted Transformation Course: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/sales-page-2a7215f1-2859-434c-b7d1-c1d3e76985ee 💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon: 💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen Download the full transcript here.

    29 min
  3. May 18

    From Trauma to Redemption: Cheryl Bonds’ Story Continues

    “This isn’t my story, it’s God’s story. I just walked through it.” In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, we continue to sit down with Cheryl Bonds, where she reveals what it truly takes to rebuild a life after trauma, abuse, and overwhelming loss. From becoming a young, divorced mother with no support to navigating domestic violence and her son’s devastating accident, Cheryl walks through the defining moments that shaped her identity. She shares how anger, survival instincts, and lack of direction led her to prison, and how that breaking point became the turning point. Through faith, she discovered not just forgiveness, but a completely new way of thinking, living, and healing. This episode unpacks how to release shame, process pain, and step into purpose, proving that no matter your past, transformation is possible at any stage of life. Timestamps: 0:00 - Guest Intro 1:35 - The BraveHeart Story of Cheryl Bonds having a divorce at 17 4:21 - What abuse really does to identity 6:31 - How to navigate a parent’s worst fear 13:49 - Practical tips for processing guilt and releasing shame 16:40 - Cheryl’s rock bottom leading to transformation 22:01 - How to rebuild your life with faith, purpose, and daily discipline 27:03 - Cheryl’s #1 tip for midlife women Quotations: “Packages can look mighty pretty… until you open them and there’s nothing in them.” - Cheryl Bonds “It was like a golden teardrop hit my heart and busted it wide open.” - Cheryl Bonds “Quit rehearsing your pain. Find out what God says about you.” - Cheryl Bonds “Don’t be a broken heart, be a mended heart.” - Cheryl Bonds Resources: 🌐 Connect with Cheryl at cherylbonds.com _____________ 🎁 FREE GIFT: The 7-Day Identity Challenge for Midlife Women of Faith: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/offers/rMw4gih9/checkout 💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon: 💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen Download the full transcript here.

    33 min
  4. May 11

    Born in Prison, Bride at 13, Returned to Jail, And Then God Transformed Her Life

    Cheryl, you were born in prison; most people can’t even imagine that. What does that beginning mean to you today? In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I sit down with Cheryl Bond, a woman whose life journey spans unimaginable trauma, incarceration, and ultimately, radical transformation. Born in prison to a young prostitute, Cheryl’s early life was marked by abuse, instability, and survival. At just 13 years old, she became a bride, beginning a cycle of hardship that would eventually lead her back to prison - this time as a convict. But Cheryl’s story doesn’t end in brokenness. After decades of silence, keeping her story hidden for 53 years to protect her family, Cheryl finally stepped into her calling. Through faith, healing, and courage, she now shares her testimony to help women break free from shame and step into the life they were meant to live. This episode is a powerful reminder: it’s never too late to tell your story, heal your past, and walk in purpose. Timestamps: 0:00 - Guest Intro 3:36 - The BraveHeart Story of Cheryl Bonds being born in prison and growing up without love 9:11 - The life of a migrant child 13:43 - Questions no one dares to ask 16:56 - Identity crisis and family secrets 22:14 - A new chapter begins Quotations: “I kept my secrets for 53 years, but when I stepped out, the shame disappeared.” - Cheryl Bonds “It’s never too late to become who God called you to be.” - Cheryl Bonds “My life didn’t just change, it was transformed from behind bars.” - Cheryl Bonds “God didn’t waste a single part of my story.” - Cheryl Bonds Resources: 🌐 Connect with Cheryl at cherylbonds.com _____________ 💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon: 💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen Download the full transcript here.

    27 min
  5. Apr 27

    Self-Acceptance VS Shame in Midlife: Which Voice Are You Listening To?

    “You can’t build a life that you love on a foundation of self-hatred, self-loathing, and self-rejection. It won’t hold.” In today’s episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I’m going after one of the most quietly destructive habits we carry as midlife women: shame. I use the image of a scratch-and-dent furniture sale to challenge you to stop discounting yourself for your scars, and to start seeing those marks as evidence of the wisdom, resilience, and irreplaceable worth you’ve earned. I draw a clear, practical line between shame, which paralyzes, and self-acceptance, which empowers. I tackle two of the most common shaming traps we face in midlife: body shaming and age shaming. Then I give you three actionable mindset shifts to help you catch the shaming voice, replace it with truth, and start coaching yourself instead of criticizing yourself. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt like you weren’t enough, and you’re finally ready to change that inner conversation. I also share how you can go deeper through my Brave Life Transformation Method course, built on my 5 Fortitudes of a BraveHearted Woman (BRAVE), to help you reignite your confidence and step fully into your God-given calling. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 2:34 - Self-acceptance VS shame 6:53 - The biggest lie about shame 8:12 - What body shaming looks like in midlife 11:18 - The truth about aging 13:27 - Let’s talk about healthy self-acceptance 16:53 - Practical shifts to change your perspective 18:45 - How to take action Quotations: “Shame paralyzes us. Acceptance empowers us. One keeps you stuck, the other keeps you moving forward, and you get to choose which voice you’re going to listen to.” “Your body is not the problem. Your body is not the enemy. Your body is a sacred friend, the divine vehicle carrying around your spirit and the vision God has given you.” “Your age is not a disqualifier. I am the sum total of every age I’ve ever lived. I have wisdom to impart and experience to share. So do you.” “Self-acceptance is refusing to hate yourself while you grow. Refusing self-rejection when you’re not quite where you can be and will be.” “You’ve spent years showing up for everyone else. It’s time to show up for you.” “Talk to yourself like you are someone worth leading. Because you are.” Resources: 👩🏻‍🏫 Subscribe to The BraveHearted Transformation Course: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/bravehearted-transformation 💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon: 💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen Download the full transcript here.

    23 min
  6. Apr 20

    47 Days in a Coma, 20 Minutes to Live, and the Miracle That Brought Katheryn Pistoresi Back

    What would you do if a nurse whispered in your ear that you had 20 minutes to live? In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I sit down with Katheryn Pistoresi, owner of K2 Corporate Wellness and author of 20 Minutes to Live, to unpack a story of miraculous survival, spiritual grit, and the kind of courage that only comes when you have nothing left but faith. After spending 47 days in a coma from a rare condition called ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), Katheryn defied every medical prognosis to walk, talk, and serve again. In this episode, she shares what she heard, felt, and believed in those critical moments, including a personal encounter with Jesus at her bedside. You'll hear how community, prayer, and a stubborn commitment to healing one small step at a time brought her back to full life. Whether you're facing a health crisis, feeling isolated, or just need a reminder that God's report is bigger than any doctor's prognosis, this episode is for you. Katheryn's story is a living testimony that brave women rise, even from the lowest places. Timestamps: 0:00 - Guest Intro 2:21 - The BraveHeart Story of Katheryn Pistoresi on 47 days in coma & 20 minutes to live 7:55 - The life after coma 15:42 - The power of baby steps & believing 19:08 - The importance of having a community 21:28 - Practical tips to manage loneliness 23:24 - What is K2 Corporate Wellness? 27:47 - 20 Minutes to Live 31:45 - How to get in touch with Katheryn 32:32- Katheryn’s #1 tip for midlife women Quotations: “God heals in his timing. He doesn’t heal in my timing. But he did say I was gonna be okay.” - Katheryn Pistoresi “You’ve got Jesus, and you’ve got community. There’s nothing more powerful.” - Katheryn Pistoresi “Baby steps lead to the next little thing, and you begin to take more territory and nudge your way forward.” - Katheryn Pistoresi “Get up and get connected to Jesus.” - Katheryn Pistoresi Resources: Get in touch with Katheryn: 🌐 Follow her at k2corporatewellness.com or kathypistoresi.com 📞 Call her at 661-333-4438. 📚 Get a copy of her book 20 Minutes to Live: Discovering Miracles, Perseverance, and the Power of Prayer _____________ 👩🏻‍🏫 Register to learn writing your own story: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/courses/write-your-story 💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon: 💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen Download the full transcript here.

    35 min
  7. Apr 6

    Why You Might Feel Worse About Aging (And How to Fix It)

    “Aging is not a defect, it’s a privilege.” In today’s episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I’m diving into a topic that so many of us feel but don’t always talk about: aging. I share why I intentionally use the word “aging” and how we can begin to embrace it with confidence instead of shame. I walk you through the science behind self-acceptance and how the way we speak to ourselves actually rewires our brains. I also talk about why shame doesn’t lead to lasting change, and how choosing self-respect instead can help you build healthier habits and a stronger mindset. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and focused on what’s “wrong,” this episode will help you shift that perspective. I want to encourage you to see aging as a privilege, reconnect with your identity, and step into this season of life with purpose, confidence, and power. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:21 - Let’s talk about aging and the science of self-acceptance 5:09 - Why shame doesn’t create lasting change 6:30 - The truth about aging 7:16 - How confidence grows when shame decreases 9:53 - How acceptance leads to healthier choices 12:18 - Growth vs fear in midlife 16:07 - How to take action Quotations: “Shame may motivate you short-term, but it will never sustain change.” “Self-hatred shrinks you. Self-acceptance expands you.” “You are not less valuable with age, you are wiser, more powerful, and more you.” “Make changes from freedom, not fear.” “If you’re still breathing, you still have purpose.” Resources: 🎁 FREE Download: Top 10 Age-Defying Beauty Products https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/beauty-products 👩🏻‍🏫 Subscribe to The BraveHearted Transformation Course: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/bravehearted-transformation 💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon: 💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen Download the full transcript here.

    23 min
  8. Mar 30

    The Alchemist of Midlife: How to Transform Crisis Into Your Greatest Comeback with Rhonda Farrah

    "Treat life as if it were ice cream and enjoy it before it melts." In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I sit down with Rhonda Farrah, a lifestyle empowerment alchemist, psychotherapist, author, and speaker, to talk about one of the most compelling midlife reinvention stories you'll ever hear. Rhonda didn't just face one crisis in midlife; she faced several at once. At 41, she found herself incarcerated for a non-violent crime after entering a business relationship without due diligence. Then came breast cancer. Then two divorces. For nearly 20 years, she says, she felt like she was living in a made-for-TV movie. But Rhonda's story isn't a story about what happened to her; it's about what she did next. Through radical self-examination, surrender, and a commitment to service, she rebuilt herself from the inside out. She stopped people-pleasing. She learned to fix her reflection first. She traded fear for faith and became the best version of herself, what she calls her "godly self." Now 67, Rhonda is thriving as a coach running her 12-week group program "Fix Your Reflection First," as a contributing author to multiple books (including a volume featuring Oprah Winfrey and Melinda Gates), and as a sought-after speaker. She's also writing her first solo book, Growing Where You Are Planted. In this episode, you'll discover: Why is people-pleasing one of the most dangerous habits midlife women carryHow Rhonda used her time in prison to rediscover her sense of selfThe difference between a psychotherapist and a "lifestyle alchemist."How she navigated breast cancer with faith and gratitude and what sign from God gave her peaceWhy self-care is not selfish, it's your obligationHow to hold two truths at once: "I am enough" AND "I have more to become"Her practical challenge: look in the mirror and name three things you love about yourself Whether you're navigating a midlife identity crisis, recovering from loss, or simply ready to stop surviving and start thriving, this episode will leave you inspired, challenged, and equipped. Timestamps: 0:00 - Guest Intro 2:06 - The BraveHeart Story of Rhonda Farrah on cancer, divorce, and starting over in midlife 4:45 - What is a lifestyle alchemist? 7:10 - Rhonda’s AHA moment 9:47 - How to choose faith over fear 14:42 - The importance of self-care 17:42 - The truth about people-pleasing & change 21:15 - Rhonda’s #1 tip for midlife women Quotations: "Self-care is not selfish; it's the most selfless thing a woman can do. Who are you going to take care of if you don't take care of yourself?" - Rhonda Farrah "We hold two things true at the same time: I'm complete, I'm worthy, I'm enough, and because I'm confident in that, I have the courage to grow." - Dawn Damon "The mess turns into a message. My messages have turned into a message for me, and through the age of technology, I can help others." - Rhonda Farrah "We don't always tell the truth about the pain we're experiencing because we don't want to rock the boat. And so we just keep absorbing and absorbing, and that’s toxic.” - Dawn Damon "Change is the nature of life. Human nature, however, is to resist change." - Rhonda Farrah "You are not alone. Reach out. Find your gift in the blessing." - Rhonda Farrah Resources: 🌐 Follow Rhonda at helpmerhondanow.com _____________ 🎁FREE Download: Brave Affirmations for an Abundant Life https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/brave-affirmations 🎁 FREE GIFT: The 7-Day Identity Challenge for Midlife Women of Faith: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/offers/rMw4gih9/checkout 💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon: 💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen Download the full transcript here.

    28 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to The BraveHearted Woman, a podcast dedicated to calling out the brave, bold, beautiful dreams women have for their lives. I’m your BraveHeart mentor, Dawn Damon. I’m a Confidence Coach, Author, Teacher, and Speaker, whose ultimate goal is to champion women like you! As your BraveHeart mentor and certified coach, I push you to shed false limits, labels, and lies, so you can find yourself, discover your dreams, boost your confidence, and flourish in midlife and beyond. And because I know how scary it can be to take steps of courageous action that lead to change, I want to support and equip you as you move toward any life transformation you desire! Our discussions cover various topics for mid-life women, including bold life reinvention, beauty hacks, powerful mindsets, healthy habits and disciplines, physical health, spirituality, and soul healing. I help awaken your heart to believe and to see what is possible! We explore the mindsets of a successful woman, and talk about what I call the “5 Fortitudes of a BraveHearted Women;” of course, I use the acronym BRAVE. • Bold Vision • Real Identity • Able mindsets • Virtuous Self-Talk • Excellent Habits If you want to grow and develop, ignite the flame of your vision, reach your goals, and achieve your dreams, you’ve come to the right place because we are all things “women empowerment.” So, thanks for stopping by. I believe you will be motivated, inspired, challenged, and, if you keep coming back…changed!