EP 96: Stephanie's Second Act: A Story of Strength, Faith, and Starting Over After Abuse

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Stephanie, a publicist, event curator, storyteller, and host of Second Act Sessions. With more than 25 years of experience in brand and celebrity public relations, Stephanie has worked with recognized names including Martha Stewart, John Legend, Giada De Laurentiis, and Kevin Hart, while leading major campaigns, events, and cultural moments across New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

Stephanie also shares her deeply personal journey of surviving 13.5 years in a narcissistically abusive marriage, where emotional abuse gradually eroded her identity and led to isolation, financial dependence, and suicidal thoughts. After her marriage ended, she began rebuilding her life through healing, self-reflection, faith, and storytelling. Today, through Second Act Sessions, her writing, and her work as a speaker, Stephanie helps women navigate midlife, faith, healing, and reinvention—reminding them that an ending can become the beginning of a more honest and intentional life.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Podcast Introduction (00:00:38) Host Laura introduces the podcast's mission to share women's stories of healing from narcissistic abuse and breaking the silence.

Guest Introduction: Stephanie (00:01:35) Laura introduces her guest, Stephanie, a publicist, storyteller, and host of the "Second Act Sessions" podcast.

Stephanie's Story Begins (00:04:12) Stephanie shares her 13.5-year marriage to a narcissist, realizing the abuse only after the divorce through social media posts.

The Nature of Emotional Abuse (00:05:10) Stephanie describes emotional abuse as a slow chipping away of the self, explaining why she stayed in the relationship.

Lacking Self-Esteem (00:07:08) The hosts discuss how a lack of personal self-esteem and a need for external validation made them vulnerable.

Losing Her Career and Identity (00:10:07) Stephanie explains how her ex-husband isolated her by moving them away from her successful career, making her financially dependent.

The Narcissist's Double Standard (00:14:03) The hosts discuss the controlling behaviors, double standards, and constant monitoring that create a suffocating environment in the relationship.

Chaos, Confusion, and Isolation (00:16:51) Laura and Stephanie discuss how narcissists use chaos and confusion to make you feel crazy and isolate you from support.

Reaching a Breaking Point (00:19:18) Stephanie shares how the abuse led to suicidal thoughts and feeling completely broken at the end of her marriage.