Change Happened, Then What? | Real Stories After Life Changes

Surviving Surgery and Learning to See Yourself Again — Rachel Stone

A quiet call at a flower market marked the beginning of a life split into before and after—a swollen eye, a rare benign tumor, and the relief of survival shadowed by lingering trauma and guilt.
In this episode of Change Happened, Then What?, Heather Holt sits down with Rachel Stone, an award-winning Canadian author and medical trauma survivor, to explore what happens when survival changes how you see yourself—and your life. Rachel shares her journey of living with facial asymmetry after a rare benign tumor, navigating multiple recurrences, invasive surgery, and the quiet pressure to “be grateful” and move on.
As scans and surgery gave way to an impossible pause, Rachel found an unexpected sanctuary in writing. Together, Heather and Rachel talk honestly about trauma that lingers after the crisis passes, the emotional weight of being labeled “lucky,” and the healing that begins when we finally name what we’ve been carrying.
Five years and many rejections later, The Blue Iris emerged—a testament to the messy, hopeful work of surviving, naming loss, and discovering the one thing that makes time disappear. This episode follows that arc with tenderness and clarity, reflecting on resilience, identity, creativity, and the question that lingers after everything changes: then what?
If you’ve ever survived something life-altering, struggled to hold gratitude and grief at the same time, or wondered what your own then what moment might be—this story is for you.
LinkTree
Buy The Blue Iris
Rachel Stone's Blog 
Rachel Stone's Website
Socials:
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If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened communityEnter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.comReady to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOWLooking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.comand maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.

Blame it on the moon: Full Moon, Full Hearts and Lunar Lessons

On a night when the moon feels too loud to ignore, I watch Waylon and Dalton patrol the living room like it’s an emotional battlefield and laugh at how the world can get wildly extra—one cut-off driver, one rogue auto correct, one raccoon sighting at a time.
In this Smile Drop, the full moon becomes both chaos and companion. Sleep gets weird. Emotions rise closer to the surface. Dogs stare at walls like they’re holding secrets. And yet, beneath the ruckus, there’s something quietly beautiful happening.
This short reflection unfolds like a diary entry—the full moon as an exhale. A reminder that cycles peak and release, that whatever bubbled up this week might be asking to be noticed, not judged. No rituals required. Just a breath of cold air, a glance up, and permission to let go.
Because if the moon can pull entire oceans back and forth, it’s okay if it tugs at us too.
Join me for a brief, heart-to-heart pause where chaos becomes information, a smile becomes medicine, and the soft reset after the moon’s ruckus feels like a welcome beginning.
If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened communityEnter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.comReady to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOWLooking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.comand maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.

Dyslexia, Passion, and Rewiring How We Learn - Russell Van Brocklen

In this episode of Change Happened, Then What?, Heather Holt shares the story of Russell Van Brocklen—placed in special education as a child, underestimated for years, and yet driven by a fierce love of learning that never let him stop moving forward.
Russell walks us through the clever hacks, stubborn curiosity, and pivotal moments— including law school—where learning finally began to click. What once felt impossible slowly became clear as he discovered how passion can change the way the brain processes information.
That discovery became the foundation of his work today. Using word analysis and articulation, Russell developed a repeatable method that helps reroute language to a different part of the brain—shifting students from “learning disabled” to “learning enabled.” What began as a personal fight to read turned into research, advocacy, and a mission to change how we teach and understand dyslexia.
This is a hopeful, clear-eyed conversation about resilience, neuroscience, and finding the doorway into learning when the world expects you to fail—and about what becomes possible when someone learns how their brain truly works.
Connect with Russell on Facebook
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If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened communityEnter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.comReady to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOWLooking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.comand maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.

Lovers, Love, and February 18th

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Heather Holt pauses the noise and expectations surrounding it—shifting the focus away from couples and grand gestures and toward the quieter, truer forms of love that often go uncelebrated.
February holds two truths for her: Valentine’s Day and February 18th, the birthday of her brother, who would have turned 58. Through gentle remembrance, Heather reflects on how love doesn’t disappear with loss—it changes shape. Some love stays. Some love remembers.
With warm, conversational storytelling and small, vivid details—the jingle of collars, Waylon curled nearby, Dalton’s head resting on her foot—this Smile Drop explores how grief and tenderness can coexist without fanfare. It’s an honest, hushed reflection that turns a holiday aisle into a backdrop for enduring love, presence, and the permission to hold February on your own terms—whether with joy, sorrow, or both.
If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened communityEnter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.comReady to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOWLooking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.comand maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.

Healing After Childhood Trauma | Lisa’s Story of Forgiveness & Finding Safe Love

Content Warning: This episode discusses childhood abuse, trauma, disordered eating, cancer, and complicated grief. Please listen with care.
What happens when a child grows up believing she is unwanted… and spends decades trying to prove she is worthy of love?
In this powerful episode of Change Happened, Then What?, Lisa shares her journey through childhood trauma, emotional and physical abuse, family enabling, complicated grief, narcissistic relationship patterns, divorce, and ultimately healing.
Lisa grew up in a home marked by violence and silence. As a child, she endured abuse from her brother while the adults around her failed to intervene. As a teenager, she faced the loss of her mother to cancer and the emotional withdrawal of her father. Those early experiences shaped how she saw herself — and influenced the relationships she chose later in life.
For years, Lisa found herself in unhealthy relationship dynamics rooted in unresolved trauma. But through deep trauma work, healing workshops, and ultimately trauma-informed therapy, she began to break the cycle.
In this episode, we talk about:
• The long-term effects of childhood abuse• How trauma shapes adult relationship patterns• Family enabling and complicated forgiveness• Narcissistic relationship dynamics• Divorce after 30 years• Grief mixed with unfinished business• Trauma therapy vs. talk therapy• EMDR, somatic healing, and other trauma-informed approaches• What safe love actually feels like
Today, Lisa hosts her own podcast, Healing and Growing, Hand in Hand, and leads workshops supporting survivors of childhood trauma. Her work centers on becoming the resource she once needed.
If you are navigating trauma recovery, healing after abuse, or learning how to build safe, emotionally healthy relationships, this episode offers both validation and hope.
Support resources and Lisa’s links are available in the show notes and at changehappenedpodcast.com under Season Two guests.
Because your story isn’t over.And healing is possible.
Immediate Crisis Support (U.S.)
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Connect with Lisa Tickel - FREE starter kit
Listen to Lisa's Podcast
Sign up for one of Lisa's Workshops
Learn more about Lisa Here
Trauma-Informed Therapy & Mental Health Resources
SAMHSA Treatment LocatorSearch for trauma-informed mental health providers
Psychology Today Therapist DirectoryFilter by trauma, EMDR, IFS, narcissistic abuse recovery, and more
Trauma-Specific Modalities
EMDR International AssociationFind certified EMDR therapists
Somatic Experiencing InternationalDirectory for somatic trauma practitioners
IFS Institute (Internal Family Systems)Information and therapist directory
Brainspotting International
Ongoing Mental Health Support
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Education, advocacy, and support groups
If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened communityEnter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.comReady to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOWLooking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.comand maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.

Waylon Keeps Watch: A Big Brother's Vigil

This Smile Drop slows down to a hush as the humans rush and the dogs keep watch. When Dalton heads into surgery, Waylon takes the mic to share how love looks when it’s quiet: soft vigilance, lap-dog loyalty, and a full-time guardian refusing to let fear take the stage.
Through Waylon’s eyes, we feel the small rituals of bravery—sitting close to a brother, extra barks for strangers, and the gentle insistence that petting is mandatory—woven into a simple, faithful promise: I’ll wait here until you come home. This short reflection is a warm pause for anyone holding their breath for news, a reminder that staying close is sometimes the bravest thing we do… and that even while healing, a smile still helps.
If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened communityEnter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.comReady to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOWLooking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.comand maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.

She Broke the Cycle: Jennifer Chase on Addiction and Saving Her Son

Content Warning:This episode includes discussions of childhood sexual abuse, opioid addiction, substance use disorder, and the impact addiction can have on families. Please listen with care, especially if these topics are tender for you.
Jennifer Chase grew up in a family where addiction ran four generations deep. Determined to break the cycle, she built a marriage and family of her own — until chronic pain and prescribed opioids pulled her into the very addiction she swore, she would avoid.
In this powerful episode, Jennifer shares her journey through opioid addiction, generational trauma, recovery, and the moment she realized she had unknowingly become part of her son’s addiction.
From surviving a life-threatening brain tumor to battling substance use disorder, Jennifer opens up about isolation, shame, motherhood, and what it truly takes to break family patterns rooted in addiction. She speaks candidly about recovery, setting boundaries without abandoning the people you love, and how connection became the foundation of her healing.
Read Jennifers Bio
Jennifers Website
Connect with Jennifer on Facebook
Connect with Jennifer on Instagram
Connect with Jennifer on TikTok
Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn
 
Immediate Help
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988https://988lifeline.orgFree, confidential support available 24/7 in the United States.
🧠 Substance Use & Treatment Support
SAMHSA National Helpline1-800-662-HELP (4357)https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helplineFree, confidential treatment referral and information service (24/7).
FindTreatment.govhttps://findtreatment.govSearch for addiction treatment providers near you.
💛 Support for Loved Ones of Addicts
Al-Anon Family Groups (for families of alcoholics)https://al-anon.org
Nar-Anon Family Groups (for families of those struggling with drug addiction)https://www.nar-anon.org
SMART Recovery Family & Friendshttps://www.smartrecovery.org/family/Evidence-based tools for supporting loved ones without enabling.
🛑 Sexual Abuse Support
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)1-800-656-HOPE (4673)https://www.rainn.orgConfidential support for survivors of sexual abuse.
If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened communityEnter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.comReady to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOWLooking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.comand maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.

The Small Things (and a Song About a boy named Teddy Bear)

Heather Holt remembers a song that sneaks up like a warm nudge—C.W. McCall’s “Teddy Bear”—and with it, a simple truth: people don’t have to be heroes to matter. In this brief, heart-first Smile Drop, she traces the gentle ripples of everyday kindness—the texts, smiles, and tiny pauses that quietly become someone’s salvation.
With the soft patience of a storyteller and the occasional cameo from Waylon and Dalton, Heather paints a scene where strangers tune in, stay on the line, and send teddy bears simply because it’s the right human thing to do. It’s a reminder that small acts, offered without fanfare, can change a life.
If you need a nudge to keep listening—or to offer the small thing someone might need today—this Smile Drop is tender, honest, and full of the kind of hope that lives in ordinary moments.
If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened communityEnter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.comReady to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOWLooking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.comand maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.

From Survival Mode to Self-Worth: Tenya’s Story of Healing

What happens when the chaos you grew up in starts to feel normal?
In this deeply honest episode, Tenya shares her journey from childhood instability and conditional belonging to adulthood clarity and self-worth. Raised in an environment shaped by mental health struggles, frequent moves, and complicated family dynamics, she learned early how to stay small, stay quiet, and stay under the radar.
But survival strategies that protect you as a child don’t always serve you as an adult.
As Tenya builds her own life, she begins to see old patterns more clearly — and faces the painful, powerful decision to set boundaries where none existed before. What unfolds is not a dramatic overnight transformation, but a quiet shift toward ownership, healing, and integration.
 
This episode explores:
• Growing up with instability and mental health challenges
• The long-term impact of conditional belonging
• Setting boundaries in complicated parent-child relationships
• Grief and relief existing at the same time
• Moving from survival mode into self-worth
 
Tenya’s story is not about blame. It’s about awareness. It’s about recognizing how our past shapes us — and choosing who we want to become anyway.
 
If you’ve ever struggled with family boundaries, anxiety rooted in childhood, or the complicated emotions that come with healing, this conversation will resonate.
 
Because sometimes the biggest transformation isn’t loud.
 
It’s the quiet decision to stop surviving… and start living.
 
Connect with Tenya
🌿 Website: Design Your Existence 
🌿 The Metamorphosis Project
Now a coach and the creator of the Metamorphosis Project, Tina turns lived pain into purpose—guiding women from survival into steadiness, and reminding us that change is often a slow whisper that becomes a roar. Listen for a tender, honest story about how we heal, set limits, and build a life worth staying in.
If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened communityEnter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.comReady to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOWLooking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.comand maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.

Weather Small Talk, Big Feelings

Step into an old‑fashioned Vermont winter with Heather Holt: Lake Champlain frozen, roads with character, and eyelashes that freeze mid‑sentence. What seems like weather chit‑chat becomes a quiet emotional check‑in—an unspoken way of asking, How are you holding up?Heather turns winter irritation into gentle reflection, plotting the garden, imagining open windows, and finding warmth in shared smiles. This pocket‑sized pause will make you laugh, exhale, and remember we’re all waiting for spring together.Sponsored by Pure Energy Apothecary (use code PURESMILE for 20% off). Created and engineered by Heather Holt with minor supervision from her emotional support dogs, Waylon and Dalton. Find more at changehappenpodcast.com.
If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened communityEnter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.comReady to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOWLooking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.comand maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.