Life After I Left

Cat Dunn

Welcome to Life After I Left. A space where women share their real stories, including the struggles, the triumphs, and the moments that created change. I’m Cat Dunn - an Online Business Manager, mentor, speaker, and your host. Life After I Left exists to break the silence - to give women a platform to speak up, encourage vulnerability, and remind listeners that they’re not alone. Here you'll find real-life stories, powerful conversations, expert insights, practical tips, and we’ll definitely be having a few laughs as well because you can’t have darkness without the light.

  1. 1H AGO

    54: Danikah Rose on Life After… Listening To Your Soul: Self-trust, alignment and a soul-led business

    Note: There are brief mentions of domestic violence and suicide. Please take care when listening or skip this episode if this feels triggering. What happens when you stop abandoning yourself and start trusting what you already know? Today I’m joined by Danikah Rose. Danikah is a lifelong psychic and light language channel with over 17 years of experience in business management, sales, and marketing, bringing together strategy and intuition in a grounded, practical way. She works with women worldwide, supporting them to grow and scale their businesses through what she describes as energetic alignment and business intuition. She is also a mother of five. But Danikah’s story is about far more than business. In this conversation, she shares her journey through motherhood, toxic relationships, identity loss, and radical self-honesty, and the turning point that led her to rebuild her life and business. In this episode, we chat about: Moving from survival mode into self-trust and clarityDanikah’s thoughts on “misalignment” and why she believes you're always on your divine pathHow her psychic abilities have shown up throughout her life, including a moment in her early 20s where she uncovered internal theft in a business she worked forWhy intuition is often suppressedHow Danikah reads the energetic blueprint of a business to guide messaging, pricing, offers, and strategic direction by blending intuition with practical strategyFear, motivation, and what drives real changeWhy "quiet" is often the gateway to clarity If you’re in a season of questioning, rebuilding, or learning to trust yourself again, this episode is a reminder that clarity doesn’t usually come from more noise, but from learning to listen inward. Connect with Danikah: Links: https://www.danikahrosecreative.com/link-in-bio  Website: www.danikahrosecreative.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danikahrosecreative/ Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/strategyandsoulbusinessgroup YouTube: Strategy and Soul PODCAST - Introduction - YouTube   Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strategyandsoul  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/strategy-and-soul-with-danikah-rose-creative/id1669405584    Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    55 min
  2. MAY 13

    53: Life After… One Year of the Podcast: Reflecting on storytelling, healing, community, and what’s next

    One year ago, I launched the Life After I Left podcast. A space for women to share the stories they had spent years hiding. A space to break the silence. And now? 53 episodes, 39 guests, listeners in 45 countries, 6 live events, and a community that continues to grow in ways I never imagined. It’s just me here today, reflecting on the first year of the podcast, the journey that led me here, and the powerful impact storytelling can have when women feel safe enough to share their truth. I talk about why I created Life After I Left after surviving domestic violence relationships, how storytelling helped save my own life, and why I believe sharing our experiences can create connection, healing, and change. I also share some podcast and event milestones, reflect on the stories that have deeply impacted others, and give a glimpse of what’s coming next, including an international event, a national tour, a book anthology, and building a brand new business to help women move through fear and change their lives. In this episode, I chat about: Celebrating one year of the Life After I Left podcastThe impact of sharing vulnerable, real-life stories, and how safe spaces can change livesPodcast and event milestones from the past yearThe top episodes and themes listeners connected with mostUsing fear as a catalyst for growth and transformationThe future of Life After I Left, including an overseas event, a book anthology, a national tour, and more! Thank you for being here, for listening, and for holding space for these stories. Thank you for sharing episodes, attending events, sending messages, and helping this community grow. And remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable. Episodes mentioned: 40: Adrienne Donnelly on Life After... Rebuilding my Identity 47: Marina Garbuio on Life After... Coercive Control 15: Sophie Spencer on Life After... Being Safe in My Own body 23: Irene Jones on Life After... Loss 29: Annelise McCarthy on Life After... Finding her Voice Connect with Cat: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catlouisedunn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterileftpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catlouisedunn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catlouisedunn/ Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    23 min
  3. MAY 6

    52: Brenda Keane on Life After… Backing Yourself: Body confidence, starting a business at 57 & challenging beauty standards

    What if starting over at 57 was the beginning of something bigger than you imagined? In today’s episode, Brenda Keane joins us. Brenda is an author, an SBS TV star (well, she was in one episode of a series), an entrepreneur, and, at 64, her life journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After facing many personal challenges, Brenda chose to start over at 57, stepping into a completely unfamiliar industry to build her own activewear brand from scratch. With a “never give up” mindset and a lot of resilience, she’s created not just a business, but a powerful movement helping women feel confident, seen, and supported in their bodies. Her passion for empowerment has led to a vibrant community of curvy women who now look and feel incredible in their activewear. In this conversation, Brenda shares the story behind the brand, alongside the personal experiences that shaped her. From navigating weight stigma and building a business later in life, to opening up about her past and how it’s led her to give back to others. We also explore the reality of body image in today’s world, the pressure women face at every size, and what it truly means to feel comfortable, confident, and at home in your body. In this episode, we chat about: Brenda’s journey from a health wake-up call to building an inclusive activewear brandStarting a business later in life (and why it’s never too late)The lack of representation in the fitness and fashion industriesBody image struggles (from both ends of the spectrum)The reality of building a product-based business from scratchBrenda’s experience with domestic violence and how she gives back to charitiesWhy your body is the least interesting thing about you This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to shrink yourself to belong - in business, fitness, or life. There's also a VERY exciting announcement at the end of this episode with plans for the next phase of Life After I Left... Connect with Brenda: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bekeane_activewear/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeKeaneHealthyAndFit/ Website: https://bekeanehealthyandfit.com.au/ Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    53 min
  4. APR 29

    51: Catherine Ashton on Life After… Facing the Inevitable: Death planning, grief & why preparation matters

    What if talking about death could actually help you live more fully? In today’s episode, Catherine Ashton joins us. Catherine is the founder of Critical Info, a certified social enterprise helping Australians improve death literacy and plan for the end of life with confidence. After surviving a major car accident in 2019 and losing a close friend in 2023, Catherine launched the Critical Info Platform, a secure, grief-informed planning tool now used by aged care providers and communities nationwide. She is also the creator of the national guide, My Loved One Died. What Do I Do Now? and host of the Don’t Be Caught Dead Podcast. A passionate advocate and award-winning social entrepreneur, Catherine is on a mission to ensure no one is left unprepared for death. Catherine shares her story of trauma, chronic pain, career reinvention, and how some of life’s hardest moments led her to meaningful work that is now helping others prepare for the inevitable with more clarity, confidence, and care. We dive into why death planning doesn’t have to be scary, how avoiding these conversations creates more stress later, and the simple ways we can start putting practical plans in place now, for ourselves and the people we love. In this episode, we chat about: Catherine’s life-changing car accident and the path that followedHow grief and unexpected loss inspired the creation of Critical InfoWhy death planning is really about support, clarity, and reducing stressWhat to do when someone dies and why many people feel unpreparedThe importance of wills, paperwork, and practical backup plansHow to start conversations about death with family and loved onesWhy business owners also need continuity plans in placeLiving more intentionally when you remember life is not forever If talking about death feels uncomfortable, this episode is a gentle reminder that planning ahead isn’t about fear, and we can approach it with curiosity. It’s about care, connection, and making life easier for the people who matter most. Connect with Catherine: Website: https://criticalinfo.com.au/  Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info Try Critical Info Free for 10 Days: https://criticalinfo.com.au/critical-info-platform/ Podcast: https://criticalinfo.com.au/podcast/ Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    52 min
  5. APR 22

    50: Debbie Zita on Life After… Going Within: Trauma healing, spiritual awakening & building an aligned business

    What if the answers you’ve been searching for have been within you all along? In today’s episode, Debbie Zita joins us. Debbie is a TEDx speaker, the Business Body Guide, international bestselling author, and creator of the Six Selves Model of Self-Inquiry. With over 25 years of experience in human behaviour, personal development, and business, she supports purpose-driven women to build aligned, profitable businesses rooted in identity leadership and embodied success. Debbie shares her story of trauma, grief, and transformation. From experiencing abuse, loss, and life-altering challenges to discovering the power of inner work, spiritual healing, and creating a business grounded in self-trust, purpose, and personal leadership. We dive into what it really means to go within (beyond the buzzwords), and how developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and spiritual connection can completely change the way you live, lead, and grow a sustainable business. In this episode, we chat about: Debbie’s journey through trauma, grief, and personal transformationWhat going within actually means (and how to start in a practical way)The connection between inner work, intuition, and self-trustHow to know if a coach, therapist, or mentor is right for youThe role of identity, self-worth, and pricing in businessBuilding an aligned, purpose-driven business from the inside outMeditation, mindfulness, and simple ways to reconnect with yourselfIf you’ve been looking for clarity, direction, or a deeper connection to yourself, this episode is your reminder to slow down, tune in, and trust what’s already there. Connect with Debbie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deb_zita/ Website: https://debbiezita.com/ Programs and offers: https://program.debbiezita.com/the-ultimate-activation-release-and-reclaim https://program.debbiezita.com/business-build-mastermind https://program.debbiezita.com/the-reclamation https://program.debbiezita.com/the-six-selve-immersive Life After I Left: Podcast Party tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    45 min
  6. APR 15

    49: Evelyn Lopez Delon on Life After… Rebuilding a business: Personal branding, AI systems, and scaling without sacrifice

    Can you really rebuild a business after hitting zero revenue? This week, I’m joined by Evelyn Lopez Delon, co-founder of Sales Command and creator of Speak Studio AI, who helps coaches, consultants, and founders grow their business without losing themselves in the process. You might recognise Evelyn’s name because, yes, she’s been here before. But this conversation is a whole new chapter. Since her last appearance, Evelyn has transitioned from running a coaching business to rebuilding from zero revenue alongside her husband, stepping into AI, becoming an international speaker, and launching a new podcast. In this episode, she shares the raw, behind-the-scenes reality of what it actually takes to rebuild, pivot, and scale a business without sacrificing your life, your family, or yourself. We also dive into the power of personal brand, how visibility opens doors you didn’t even know existed, and why now is one of the most powerful times to create something of your own. In this episode, we chat about: What really happened when Evelyn’s business went from consistent income to zero revenue in three monthsThe lessons behind rebuilding a business from scratch and creating sustainable lead generation systemsHow AI is changing the way we build and scale businesses (and how to actually use it without overwhelm)The role of personal brand in creating opportunities, from speaking gigs to global connectionsEvelyn’s journey to becoming an international speaker and how visibility led to that momentBuilding a business with your partner and navigating the real challenges of working and parenting togetherWhy scaling without sacrifice is possible (and what it actually looks like in real life)How Evelyn turned her framework into an AI-powered content system for personal brandsWhy now is the best time to start a business using AI and build something on your terms This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a pivot, rebuilding after a setback, or learning to grow a business without burning out. Connect with Evelyn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelynlopezdelon/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evlopez/ Website: https://salescommand.ai/ Evelyn Linktree: https://linktr.ee/EvelynLopezDelon Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    1h 2m
  7. APR 8

    48: Dani Zetzer on Life After… Becoming a Divorce Lawyer: Family Law, Coercive Control & Empowering Women Through Separation

    There’s a side to divorce and family law that no one prepares you for. In today’s episode, Dani Zetzer joins us. Dani is a Melbourne-based principal family lawyer, founder of Respect Legal, and host of Diary of a Divorce Lawyer. With over a decade in family law, she’s known for cutting through fear, jargon, and misinformation to bring clarity to conversations most people avoid. Dani supports individuals navigating separation, power dynamics, and rebuilding life after relationship breakdown, with a strong focus on empowering women through the process. We dive deep into the realities of family law in Australia, the emotional and psychological impact of coercive control, and what women actually need to know before leaving a relationship. In this episode, we chat about: How Dani became a divorce lawyer after her own childhood experience of family breakdownThe truth about the family law system and why it can feel disempoweringWhat coercive control and narcissistic abuse really look like in relationshipsWhy getting legal advice before leaving a relationship is crucialHow to safely plan your exit from an abusive or unhealthy relationshipThe emotional and financial realities of separation and divorceNavigating court systems, custody, and legal processes in AustraliaThe impact of divorce and conflict on children This conversation shines a light on the intersection of domestic violence, coercive control, and family law, while also offering practical insight into how individuals can approach separation with more clarity, support, and confidence. Connect with Dani: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellezetzer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.zetzer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-zetzer/ Website: https://danizetzer.com.au/ Diary of a Divorce Lawyer Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NUoVIZh15FSWEcqIY8ItQ Respect Legal: https://respectlegal.com.au/ Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    47 min
  8. APR 1

    47: Marina Garbuio on Life After… Coercive Control: Rebuilding your life from the ground Up, finding balance & escaping emotional abuse

    Host note: I incorrectly state that coercive control is only criminalised in Queensland, Australia. As of the time of recording (March 2026), it is also criminalised in New South Wales and South Australia. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, coercive control, and suicidal ideation. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering. What if the most dangerous form of abuse wasn’t physical, and you didn’t even realise it was happening? In today’s episode, Marina Garbuio joins us. Marina is the founder of Motivating Marketing, a marketing strategist, and university lecturer who helps service-based businesses turn expertise into clear, practical marketing that actually works. For 16 years, Marina lived in a relationship where her self-worth was slowly eroded through constant criticism, manipulation, intimidation, and psychological abuse. She believed it was simply the 'ups and downs of marriage' until one night changed everything. That moment shattered the illusion she had been living under and finally gave language to what she had been experiencing for years. Marina shares how she left that long-term abusive relationship whilst pregnant, navigated the legal system, and slowly reclaimed her independence, identity, and voice. In this episode, we chat about: What coercive control actually looks like (and why it’s so hard to recognise)The moment Marina realised she was experiencing domestic violenceLeaving an abusive relationship while pregnant and starting overHow manipulation, gaslighting, and control showed up in her marriageNavigating custody battles, court systems, and post-separation controlThe impact of coercive control on children and family dynamicsThe role of boundaries, balance, and emotional regulation in healing This conversation sheds light on coercive control, a form of abuse that is still widely misunderstood, and explores how it can show up not just in romantic relationships, but within families, friendships, and workplaces. Marina’s story reminds us that investing in your own healing can completely shift your mindset, moving from survival mode into a place of balance, purpose, and empowerment. Connect with Marina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marina_garbuio Website: https://www.motivatingmarketing.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinagarbuio/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motivatingmarketing If you are a DV violence survivor or facing a similar situation, I'm here for you. You can connect with me on Instagram ⁠⁠@lifeafterileftpodcast⁠ If you need urgent support, reach out to one of these incredible services: 1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7) Text: 0458 737 732 Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au Safe Steps – Family violence response centre (Victoria) Phone: 1800 015 188 (24/7) Website: https://safesteps.org.au Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7) Text: 0477 13 11 14 Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – Mental health support for anxiety and depression Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7) Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au Life After I Left: Podcast Party early bird tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-podcast-party-tickets-1982055720014 Support the show: Got a topic idea or would love to share your story on the podcast? Connect with me on Instagram @lifeafterileftpodcast - I would love to hear from you. New episodes drop every Thursday. Make sure you’re subscribed, so you never miss a story that could change your life (or someone else's). And we’d love a 5-star review to help these stories reach the women who need them most. ❤️ Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.

    56 min

About

Welcome to Life After I Left. A space where women share their real stories, including the struggles, the triumphs, and the moments that created change. I’m Cat Dunn - an Online Business Manager, mentor, speaker, and your host. Life After I Left exists to break the silence - to give women a platform to speak up, encourage vulnerability, and remind listeners that they’re not alone. Here you'll find real-life stories, powerful conversations, expert insights, practical tips, and we’ll definitely be having a few laughs as well because you can’t have darkness without the light.