Welcome to Life After I Left.
A podcast about the moments that change us, hosted by Cat Dunn, speaker, mentor, and founder.
This is a community where women share the stories they once thought they had to keep hidden.
Expect vulnerable conversations, practical insights, dark humour, deep reflections, expert advice, and the kind of honesty that makes you sit in your car after an episode finishes.
New stories every Thursday.
Remember: Don’t be silent. Be unstoppable.
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64: Life After… Is Becoming a Book: Turning Pain into Purpose, Untold Stories & Why Your Voice Belongs on the Page
Episode 64
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 • Duration 09:26
What if the story you haven't told yet is the one that changes someone else's life?
In today's solo episode, I'm announcing something that feels like the natural next chapter for everything Life After I Left has been building toward. And I want you to be part of it!
The Life After I Left anthology is officially open for submissions from 1 August 2026.
In this episode, I chat about:
How Life After I Left started as a live event in Melbourne in November 2024 and has grown into six events, a podcast, and now a book
What the anthology is - a collection of real, raw, honest stories from women who have turned their pain into purpose
Why your writing talent doesn't matter, your story does (and why AI-written submissions won't be considered)
How the submission process works
Why you won't be doing this alone - authors will be connected with each other and supported as a community throughout the process
Our publisher Jenna Little and The Daring Press, and why this book is in the best possible hands
The Australia-wide book launch roadshow coming in 2027, and the speaking opportunities that come with it
Why this call-out is for women across Australia
No topic is off limits. No writing experience required. Just your truth, in your words.
Submissions are open 1st – 31st August 2026 for women based in Australia.
63: Veronika Whyte on Life After… Identity: Rebuilding from Zero, Choosing Your Challenges & Claiming What You Want
Episode 63
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • Duration 36:16
What if the fire that burned everything down was actually the moment that set you free?
Today I'm joined by Veronika Whyte. Veronika is a registered child and family psychotherapist, play therapist, author, television host, and founder of Star Kids Therapy in Melbourne.
After immigrating to Australia and rebuilding her career and qualifications from scratch, losing a decade of university studies in the process, she's become a leading voice in emotional resilience, identity, and helping women step into what's next.
She's also the creator of Victoria Pearl, a community for women who have survived, rebuilt, and are now ready for something bigger.
In this episode, we chat about:
The apartment fire that burned everything Veronika owned, including her documents, her passport, and a designer bag she'd saved up for
Why identity development is never set in stone, and why that's actually good news
The "just" problem: how women use apologetic language to shrink themselves without even realising it
Why you can have it all, just not all at the same time, and how to stop feeling guilty about that
The moment paralysis hits hardest: not at rock bottom, but when life is "fine" and you're too scared to risk what you've built
Moving to Australia and rebuilding her career from zero, including re-doing ten years of university qualifications
How Veronika's personal experiences with pregnancy loss and IVF shaped the work she does with women
The pearl metaphor, and why our traumas aren't things to get rid of, but to grow around
How to choose your challenges before life chooses them for you
One practical thing you can do today if you're stuck, paralysed by choice, or not sure who you are any more
54: Danikah Rose on Life After… Listening To Your Soul: Self-trust, alignment and a soul-led business
Episode 54
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 • Duration 54:39
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 clarity
Danikah’s thoughts on “misalignment” and why she believes you're always on your divine path
How 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 for
Why intuition is often suppressed
How Danikah reads the energetic blueprint of a business to guide messaging, pricing, offers, and strategic direction by blending intuition with practical strategy
Fear, motivation, and what drives real change
Why "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.
53: Life After… One Year of the Podcast: Reflecting on storytelling, healing, community, and what’s next
Episode 53
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 • Duration 22:39
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 podcast
The impact of sharing vulnerable, real-life stories, and how safe spaces can change lives
Podcast and event milestones from the past year
The top episodes and themes listeners connected with most
Using fear as a catalyst for growth and transformation
The 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.
52: Brenda Keane on Life After… Backing Yourself: Body confidence, starting a business at 57 & challenging beauty standards
Episode 52
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • Duration 53:14
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 brand
Starting a business later in life (and why it’s never too late)
The lack of representation in the fitness and fashion industries
Body image struggles (from both ends of the spectrum)
The reality of building a product-based business from scratch
Brenda’s experience with domestic violence and how she gives back to charities
Why 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.
51: Catherine Ashton on Life After… Facing the Inevitable: Death planning, grief & why preparation matters
Episode 51
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • Duration 51:36
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 followed
How grief and unexpected loss inspired the creation of Critical Info
Why death planning is really about support, clarity, and reducing stress
What to do when someone dies and why many people feel unprepared
The importance of wills, paperwork, and practical backup plans
How to start conversations about death with family and loved ones
Why business owners also need continuity plans in place
Living 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.
50: Debbie Zita on Life After… Going Within: Trauma healing, spiritual awakening & building an aligned business
Episode 50
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 • Duration 45:24
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 transformation
What going within actually means (and how to start in a practical way)
The connection between inner work, intuition, and self-trust
How to know if a coach, therapist, or mentor is right for you
The role of identity, self-worth, and pricing in business
Building an aligned, purpose-driven business from the inside out
Meditation, mindfulness, and simple ways to reconnect with yourself
If 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.
49: Evelyn Lopez Delon on Life After… Rebuilding a business: Personal branding, AI systems, and scaling without sacrifice
Episode 49
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Duration 01:01:35
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 months
The lessons behind rebuilding a business from scratch and creating sustainable lead generation systems
How 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 connections
Evelyn’s journey to becoming an international speaker and how visibility led to that moment
Building a business with your partner and navigating the real challenges of working and parenting together
Why 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 brands
Why now is the best time to start a business using AI and build something on your terms
48: Dani Zetzer on Life After… Becoming a Divorce Lawyer: Family Law, Coercive Control & Empowering Women Through Separation
Episode 48
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • Duration 47:03
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 breakdown
The truth about the family law system and why it can feel disempowering
What coercive control and narcissistic abuse really look like in relationships
Why getting legal advice before leaving a relationship is crucial
How to safely plan your exit from an abusive or unhealthy relationship
The emotional and financial realities of separation and divorce
Navigating court systems, custody, and legal processes in Australia
The 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.
47: Marina Garbuio on Life After… Coercive Control: Rebuilding your life from the ground Up, finding balance & escaping emotional abuse
Episode 47
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 • Duration 55:34
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 violence
Leaving an abusive relationship while pregnant and starting over
How manipulation, gaslighting, and control showed up in her marriage
Navigating custody battles, court systems, and post-separation control
The impact of coercive control on children and family dynamics
The 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.
This episode is a reminder that identity isn't something you settle into once and stay there. It shifts, it evolves, and, when you're ready, you get to choose it deliberately.
Veronika's story is proof that you can rebuild from absolute zero, more than once, and come out with something more aligned than anything you had before.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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