Episode 66: Turning Pain into Purpose: How to Heal and Rewrite Your Narrative

Author: [email protected] (Phoebe Lay)
Published: Wed 12 Feb 2025
Episode Link: http://www.phoebelay.com.au/podcast

Episode Overview:

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Ashley-Lauren Elrod, an incredible advocate, executive producer, and mental health coach dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse, mental health struggles, and human trafficking. Together, we delve into Ashley-Lauren’s powerful journey of resilience, her groundbreaking work in advocacy, and how storytelling can inspire transformative change.

Topics Covered:

Turning Pain into Purpose

Ashley-Lauren shares how her personal experiences as a child abuse survivor led her to found Visionary Woman Productions, a company focused on creating socially impactful stories. Her mission to empower survivors shines through as she talks about the importance of giving back to the community and advocating for those who feel unseen.

Exploring Trauma Through Film

We discuss her upcoming psychological thriller, Verge of Remembrance, a film that tackles intergenerational trauma and PTSD while raising awareness for abuse survivors. Created in partnership with the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, this project is as impactful as it is creative.

The Healing Journey

Ashley-Lauren opens up about the complexities of healing, from understanding triggers and setting boundaries to finding self-compassion. Together, we reflect on the importance of honouring your background while navigating through pain, and how faith and spirituality can shape the recovery process.

Faith, Advocacy, and Connection

We wrap up with an inspiring discussion about balancing faith, spirituality, and organised religion when addressing trauma. Ashley-Lauren and I also explore how collaboration and connection can create meaningful change for survivors worldwide.

Guest Bio

Ashley-Lauren Elrod is a fierce advocate, Emmy-nominated executive producer, and mental health coach dedicated to amplifying the voices of survivors. As the founder of Visionary Woman Productions, she combines her psychology background with storytelling to create transformative content that challenges societal norms. Her work includes projects like Verge of Remembrance, partnerships with organisations such as Thistle Farms and the International Justice Mission, and advocacy for child safety initiatives.

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