If you have ever been blindsided by someone you trust, you know that betrayal isn't just a regular trauma. It is a psychological earthquake that shatters your identity and worldview. In this episode, Dr. Debi Silber, founder of the PBT Institute, breaks down her groundbreaking PhD research on Post-Betrayal Syndrome.

She reveals why betrayal causes unique physical symptoms like digestive issues and extreme fatigue and provides a predictable, 5 stage roadmap to move you from survival mode into a completely transformed version of yourself.

• [05:41] Why Betrayal is a Unique Trauma: Dr. Debi explains why betrayal differs from other traumas because it forces you to question your ability to trust and trashes your sense of belonging and worthiness.

  
  

• [09:38] Defining Post-Betrayal Syndrome: A look at the collection of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms including hypervigilance and low energy that affect those who haven't fully healed.

  
  

• [15:19] The 5 Predictable Stages of Healing: Introducing the evidence based roadmap that takes you from the initial shock to the rebirth of a new worldview.

  
  

• [19:56] The Stage 3 Trap: Why most people stay stuck for decades in survival mode because it feels safe, often leading to numbing behaviors like emotional eating or overworking.

  
  

• [39:19] Rebuilding the Brick Wall of Trust: A powerful analogy explaining that trust must be rebuilt brick by brick by the person who broke it, while the betrayed person's only job is to observe.

  
  

About Dr. Debi Silber:Dr. Debi Silber is the Founder and CEO of The PBT (Post Betrayal Transformation) Institute and National Forgiveness Day. She is a 2-time #1 International bestselling author and has been featured on FOX, CBS, and The Dr. Oz Show.

Her PhD study revolutionized the understanding of betrayal recovery by identifying the specific stages required for full transformation.

Connect with Dr. Debi:

• Take the Quiz: Do You Have Post Betrayal Syndrome?

• Official Website: The PBT Institute

• Watch the TEDx: Do You Have Post Betrayal Syndrome?

• Listen to the Podcast: From Betrayal to Breakthrough

If you were just diagnosed with dyslexia and don’t know what it really means, this episode is for you.
We talk about how dyslexia is misunderstood, how it affects confidence, and what actually helps moving forward.

Full description:

A dyslexia diagnosis can bring relief, confusion, grief, and fear all at once. Many people are left wondering whether this explains years of self doubt, overworking, or feeling behind, and what it means for their future.

In this episode of Leaders Lead – Even When It Hurts, Tony Taylor sits down with Willie Blake to talk honestly about what dyslexia really is and what it is not. Willie shares what it was like growing up dyslexic, being misunderstood in school, and internalizing the belief that he was less capable than others.

Together, they unpack why dyslexia is often misread as laziness or inconsistency, how it impacts confidence and self trust, and why so many people develop coping strategies like people pleasing, overworking, or staying quiet. This conversation also explores how understanding your wiring can shift shame into clarity and help you move forward without trying to fix yourself.

This episode is not about motivation or pushing harder. It is about understanding dyslexia with compassion, rebuilding confidence from the inside out, and learning how to work with your brain instead of against it.

If you were just diagnosed, support someone with dyslexia, or quietly suspect this might apply to you, this conversation is a place to start.

Former Marine Susannah Rose Stokes joins me to talk about psychedelics, trauma, and healing.
We go deep into what actually happens when people use mushrooms or LSD for trauma recovery and how these experiences can rebuild your mind, body, and soul.

You’ll hear:

• What psychedelics do for emotional healing and self-awareness

• The importance of set and setting before any psychedelic experience

• How to integrate after a journey so the healing actually sticks

• Who psychedelics can help — and who shouldn’t take them

• Why leading with love creates real transformation

If you’re curious about psychedelic therapy, mushrooms for trauma, or healing through consciousness, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on the go and join the community at LeadersLeadThePodcast.com.

This is the official announcement of the new direction for Leaders Lead Even When It Hurts. The show started with conversations about entrepreneurship, but every guest had one thing in common: they were leading while carrying something heavy.

In this episode, Anthony talks about why the podcast is expanding into mental health, healing, and the real journey leaders face behind the scenes. You’ll hear why the shift happened, what to expect moving forward, and how this community will grow with you.

If you’ve been looking for real conversations about leadership, purpose, pain, and healing, this is where we’re going next.

Subscribe, leave a review, and join the community at LeadersLeadThePodcast.com.

At just five years old, Hillary Momberger-Powers became the voice of Sally Brown in the beloved Peanuts cartoons..the bright, funny sister of Charlie Brown who made the world smile.
But behind the laughter was a story of trauma, addiction, and healing that would take decades to unfold.

In this powerful episode of Leaders Lead, Hillary shares her journey of addiction recovery, inner-child healing, and faith-based transformation.
She opens up about early fame, family dysfunction, forgiveness, and the inner work that helped her rebuild her life from the inside out.

If you’ve ever struggled with pain, perfectionism, or the weight of your past, Hillary’s story will remind you that redemption is possible and your voice still matters.

👉 Follow Hillary’s ongoing journey and find more inspiration at HilaryMombergerPowers.com

🎧 Listen now on LeadersLeadThePodcast.com, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you hear stories of resilience and renewal.

Have you ever felt your body betray you when it’s time to speak in public ?
Your heart races. Your hands shake. Your mind goes blank.

That used to be me — every single time.

In this episode, I share how I used podcasting to face my fear of public speaking and how each rep behind the mic helped me find my voice again. From my first nervous recordings in a closet to lessons learned through hundreds of interviews, this one’s about courage, repetition, and learning to breathe through the fear.

You’ll learn:

• How to reframe stage fright as energy, not failure

• Why repetition builds rhythm and confidence

• The power of hearing your own voice

• Simple tools like box breathing and grounding to calm your nerves

• Why courage is built in reps, not in perfection

Takeaway:
You don’t have to be fearless to be heard. Every time you face the mic, you shrink the fear.

Links Mentioned:

• Guided Meditation for Anxiety: https://youtu.be/wNpvALOKXlw?si=4JSbpKTg04BGN0yZ

• Box Breathing Exercise: https://youtu.be/pobbcE7Ov3o?si=nns62irf-ZvIAV8R

Join the Community:
LeadersLeadThePodcast.com – Click Free Community Signup and connect with other leaders who are learning to speak, serve, and lead even when it hurts.

What if the feeling of being a fraud wasn’t failure, but a signal you’re growing?

In this episode of Leaders Lead, Tony opens up about his own battles with imposter syndrome — from launching a podcast to leading Marines. You’ll hear how that nagging voice of self-doubt shows up, and the strategies that help push through it. This episode breaks down the myth that successful people don’t feel this way and offers a roadmap to quiet your inner critic, own your accomplishments, and take action even when you’re scared.

5 Key Topics Discussed:

• Identifying the signs of imposter syndrome
• Reframing success so you can own it
• Why talking about it matters
• Taking action before you feel confident
• Rituals that center and ground you

New episodes drop every Sunday.

Follow and support Leaders Lead here: leadersleadthepodcast.com

Rate, review, and share wherever you listen.

This episode was elevated by the Podcast Mechanic, helping indie creators, small businesses, and nonprofits produce purposeful podcasts.

Episode 135

If you're ready to stop being overlooked and start getting the recognition and the results that you deserve, join The Experts Blueprint today.

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What if understanding and managing anxiety weren't about avoiding fear, but about embracing it and finding personal strength?

In this episode, Tony delves into the pervasive issue of anxiety, sharing his personal experiences and insights. From the fear of public speaking to the challenges of daily life, Tony opens up about his journey with generalized anxiety disorder and the strategies that have helped him cope. He emphasizes the importance of facing fears, seeking support, and finding personal methods to manage anxiety.

5 Key Topics Discussed:

Tony's personal experiences with anxiety and how it has affected his life.

The realization and diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder.

The role of exercise, journaling, and deep breathing in managing anxiety.

The importance of facing fears and the impact of personal growth.

Resources and support systems are available for those struggling with anxiety.

NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY!

To follow and support the Leaders Lead podcast, click here.

Rate, review, and comment wherever you're listening.

This show was elevated by the Podcast Mechanic, helping indie creators, small businesses, and nonprofits produce polished, purposeful podcasts. Click Podcast Mechanic to connect and learn about their podcast production services.

EP: 134