Episode Summary:

In this raw and riveting episode of Wine, Whiskey & Life, Michelle sits down with Leticia Francis—coach, speaker, and self-proclaimed Survival Mode Disruptor. Leticia doesn't just tell her story—she drops the damn veil. From childhood trauma and domestic abuse to betrayal, addiction, and rebuilding from nothing, Leticia’s journey is a bold testament to the power of radical self-responsibility and reinvention.

You’ll hear the hard truths no one likes to say out loud—about manipulation, survival mode, and the lies we tell ourselves just to keep going. And you’ll also hear the breakthrough: how Leticia reclaims her life through bold coaching, honest ownership, and unapologetic transformation.

Whether you’re in the trenches or on your way out, this episode is your reminder: survival is not the destination. You weren’t built to break—you were built to disrupt, reclaim, and thrive.

Key Takeaways & Lessons:

The survival mode trap: How unresolved trauma can masquerade as “normal life.”

Emotional addiction: Craving attention often stems from early abandonment wounds.

Ownership over victimhood: The most liberating (and brutal) truth Leticia heard from her coach.

The 3 Phases to Exit Survival Mode:

Self-awareness – You can’t change what you won’t face.

Reprogramming – Dismantle inherited beliefs and trauma patterns.

Reinvention – Define yourself beyond what hurt you.

Manifestation with muscle: Want more? Add the tax. You’re playing too damn small.

Somatic trauma healing: Emotions live in the body—let them move through you.

Timestamps & Chapters:

[00:00] Meet Leticia Francis: Survival Mode Disruptor

[01:13] Childhood trauma and early emotional abandonment

[02:21] Abuse, grooming, and a dangerous first relationship

[05:59] Married into manipulation: The cycle continues

[09:16] A pivotal book passage and a terrifying attack

[13:14] Shelter, rock bottom, and rebuilding from scratch

[14:59] The American dream turned nightmare

[20:03] The moment her mother’s words changed everything

[21:32] The coach that punched her ego and awakened her power

[23:00] A new identity: From victim to visionary

[24:29] Survival mode: The silent epidemic

[28:31] Leticia’s core advice for women in toxic relationships

[31:25] Final wisdom: “You were not built to break.”

Follow:

Follow Me: @michelleaburke

Follow Leticia @leticiareneefrancis

Resources:

Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE

Get No BS by Burke HERE use code: NOBS at checkout fo 20%off

Visit Leticia’s Website

Guest Bio & Links:

Leticia Francis is a speaker, coach, and trauma disruptor who helps women exit survival mode and reclaim their power. Through radical ownership and unapologetic transformation, she’s changing the way we talk about healing.