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Jul 2025
55m 43s

212 - From Trauma to Triumph: Briony Dou...

Michelle Maros & Barb Schmidt
About this episode

Discover how to transform trauma into growth and purpose with special guest Briony Douglas—a multi-talented artist and mental health advocate whose journey is both inspiring and deeply human. This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re exploring how creativity, self-worth, and healing intersect. ⬇️


Tune in and don’t miss a captivating episode with our special guest Briony Douglas joining us on a powerful discussion on turning our pain into beauty. 

Briony, known for her captivating sculptures, installations, and photography, shares how art became a lifeline during her healing journey. Her work challenges perception, sparks meaningful conversations, and connects us back to ourselves.

In this raw and powerful episode, we talk about:

  • Honoring Your Passions and Creativity
  • Healing often begins with giving yourself permission to create. Let joy lead.
  • Trusting Your Own Timeline
  • Life isn’t linear—and your healing doesn’t have to be either.
  • Choosing Happiness Over Survival Mode
  • Breaking free from the victim mentality opens the door to growth and peace.
  • Rising Above Criticism and Pain
  • You are more than your trauma. You are worthy of a life you love.

Briony opens up about how she used creativity to process pain and reclaim her identity. Barb shares her own experiences of turning struggle into service, and Michelle reflects on staying rooted in purpose despite criticism and setbacks. Together, they remind us that healing is possible—and that joy is a choice we can keep making.

💗 Remember, You are not what happened to you. You are who you decide to become.


We’re so grateful you’re here with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about sharing the real-life lessons that have shaped us—so you can feel empowered to build confidence, prioritize self-care, and navigate life’s challenges with emotional strength and resilience.

This July, we’re diving deep into the themes of self-advocacy, trust, and purpose—starting with the relationship we have with ourselves. We're challenging harmful beliefs and societal pressures to reclaim our self-worth and embrace who we are from the inside out. Each episode this month is a powerful reminder to trust yourself, stand up for your needs, and honor the body you live in. It's time to love yourself fully—and live like you mean it.

Join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt and healing episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕

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