In this inspiring episode of Beyond Breaking Free, hosts Jen Burgess and Lauren Gwyn are joined by Courtney Montford, a participant from the first round of the program. Courtney opens up about her deeply transformative journey, sharing how she began to heal from childhood abandonment and the perfectionism that had long dictated her self-worth. Through the program, she confronted the expectations she had placed on herself and others, discovering how these unspoken rules had been causing suffering and limiting her relationships.

Courtney also explores the profound impact of reconnecting with her estranged father, a process that required vulnerability, empathy, and self-reflection. By opening her heart, she was able to break down emotional armor and experience a deeper sense of compassion for herself and those around her. She reflects on how this journey allowed her to reconnect with her feminine essence while navigating her relationship with masculine energy, ultimately helping her feel safer and more open to love and connection in all areas of life.

The episode highlights how self-healing ripples outward, influencing leadership, creativity, and everyday interactions. Courtney shares how the lessons she learned in Beyond Breaking Free have transformed the way she leads with empathy, fosters connection, and approaches challenges with curiosity rather than fear. She also emphasizes the power of the group container, explaining how sharing experiences vulnerably with others provides insight, support, and encouragement, and allows each participant to facilitate each other’s growth.

Courtney’s story is a testament to the courage it takes to get comfortable being uncomfortable, to embrace vulnerability, and to trust the process of transformation. Her journey reminds us that self-awareness, emotional resilience, and openness are key to creating meaningful relationships, finding purpose, and living a life led by love and authenticity.

In this deeply vulnerable and transformative episode, the hosts share one of their most honest conversations yet, diving into the complexities of identity, trauma, and emotional growth. They explore the parts of ourselves that we often hide, numb, or suppress — the coping mechanisms we develop to survive difficult experiences, and the journey of uncovering who we truly are beneath them. The conversation touches on the challenges of recognizing the survival patterns shaped by childhood experiences and past trauma.

It reflects on how these patterns influence the way we show up in relationships, how we parent, how we communicate, and even how we process stress or disappointment. Through raw, personal stories, the hosts discuss the struggle of facing the parts of ourselves that are uncomfortable or painful, and how doing this inner work is necessary to reclaim authenticity. Listeners will hear about the journey of realizing how much of our adult behavior — from anger, withdrawal, and perfectionism to overthinking or people-pleasing — is tied to old coping mechanisms. The episode also reflects on the transformative power of emotional safety, both within ourselves and in relationships with others, and how expanding self-awareness allows us to process feelings in the moment instead of being controlled by them.

This conversation is not only about personal reflection but about breaking cycles — understanding generational patterns, learning to step into your life fully, and discovering that healing is not about becoming someone else, but about reconnecting with the person you were always meant to be. The episode is raw, heartfelt, and a reminder that while growth is ongoing, the opportunity to reclaim your life and your authenticity exists in every moment.

Welcome to the Beyond Breaking Free podcast, hosted by Jen and Lauren, co-founders of the Beyond Breaking Free program. This is a safe and transformative space designed for anyone ready to explore the hidden forces that shape their life. Through real-life stories and revelations from participants of our 12-week program, we dive deep into the experiences that leave us feeling disconnected, stuck, or searching for something more. Whether you’re navigating loss, major life transitions, challenges in relationships, or simply want to reconnect with yourself, this podcast offers guidance, insight, and inspiration. Our mission is to help you transform chaos into calm, pain into power, and trauma into treasure. This work supports mothers, fathers, and anyone looking to communicate more consciously, deepen relationships, improve self-esteem, and return to wholeness. Tune in to discover if this program resonates with you, hear stories that might mirror your own, and take the first steps toward becoming the best version of yourself. This is your invitation to step into your potential and embrace a life of connection, clarity, and purpose.