Discover the real story behind Burn the Map—and what it means to live with unbreakable courage when life doesn’t go as planned.

In this kickoff episode of the 14-part Burn the Map podcast series, I share why I wrote the book and what I hope it unlocks for you. I’ll take you inside the slow unraveling of my life, my daughter Jamie’s addiction and murder, and how I found the strength to keep going—not with a plan, but with raw, imperfect courage.

You'll also get a preview of what’s ahead in the series and meet some of the Warriors whose stories are woven into the book.

In this episode:

• Why Burn the Map had to be written
• The power of courage, even when it’s messy
• How your story—no matter where you’re starting—is still being written
• What to expect in upcoming episodes

Your story matters, so live it courageously!

📚Grab a copy of Burn the Map: http://bit.ly/4k3UhoT

📌 Helpful Links & Resources

▶️ Watch the video version on YouTube

🌐 Visit Valerie’s Website

💪 Learn more about Warrior Freedom Mentoring

📚 Explore Valerie’s Books

💬 Stay Connected on Social:

Facebook

📷 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

Coming Soon: The Burn the Map Podcast Series

Starting this Wednesday, join me for a 14-week series built around my new book, Burn the Map—starting with an introduction, diving into each of the 12 chapters, and closing with a powerful final reflection.

This isn’t just a chapter-by-chapter breakdown. It’s the raw, behind-the-scenes truth—the unfiltered stories, the deeper insights, and the moments that didn’t make it into the book. You’ll also hear from some of the people featured in the pages, including my son Sean and my husband Rich.

Whether you’ve read the book or not, this series is for anyone who’s had life go completely off-script—and still found the courage to keep walking.

Your story matters, so live it courageously!

📚Grab a copy of Burn the Map: http://bit.ly/4k3UhoT

📌 Helpful Links & Resources

▶️ Watch the video version on YouTube

🌐 Visit Valerie’s Website

💪 Learn more about Warrior Freedom Mentoring

📚 Explore Valerie’s Books

💬 Stay Connected on Social:

Facebook

📷 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

In this special episode, I answer the questions people ask me most about my personal journey through heartbreak, addiction, grief, and ultimately—healing.

I share the lessons I learned as I tried to navigate my daughter’s addiction, the unimaginable loss that followed, and how I found the courage to choose hope and growth, even when fear tried to take over.

If you’ve ever felt like your map burned and you didn’t know where to go next, this one’s for you.

Your story matters, so live it courageously!

📚Grab a copy of Burn the Map: http://bit.ly/4k3UhoT

📌 Helpful Links & Resources

▶️ Watch the video version on YouTube

🌐 Visit Valerie’s Website

💪 Learn more about Warrior Freedom Mentoring

📚 Explore Valerie’s Books

💬 Stay Connected on Social:

Facebook

📷 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

When the unthinkable happens, some people fall apart—and others become the light for the rest of us.

Donna is that light.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Donna—one of the 12 Warriors featured in Burn the Map—to talk about what it means to love without limits, to face heartbreak with open arms, and to stand strong even when your heart is breaking.

We explore her journey through the addiction nightmare with her son, Anthony, the moment she prepared for what no mother should have to, and how she now uses her voice to create change and lift up others.

Donna’s story will move you, inspire you, and remind you: courage is contagious.

Your story matters, so live it courageously!

📚Grab a copy of Burn the Map: http://bit.ly/4k3UhoT

📌 Helpful Links & Resources

▶️ Watch the video version on YouTube

🌐 Visit Valerie’s Website

💪 Learn more about Warrior Freedom Mentoring

📚 Explore Valerie’s Books

💬 Stay Connected on Social:

Facebook

📷 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

We’ve laughed in hospital rooms, funerals, courtrooms, and the middle of absolute chaos. Was it inappropriate? Maybe. Did it save us? Absolutely.

In this episode, Sean and I share some of our funniest—and most embarrassing—stories. But this isn’t just a highlight reel of awkward moments. It’s a deep dive into why laughter is more than a coping mechanism. It’s a lifeline.

When the world feels heavy and nothing makes sense, laughter can cut through the darkness and remind us we’re still alive. So yes, we probably shouldn’t have laughed… but we’re so glad we did.

Your story matters, so live it courageously!

📌 Helpful Links & Resources

▶️ Watch the video version on YouTube

🌐 Visit Valerie’s Website

💪 Learn more about Warrior Freedom Mentoring

📚 Explore Valerie’s Books

💬 Stay Connected on Social:

Facebook

📷 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

We spend so much of life trying to avoid the fire.

But what if it’s the very thing shaping you into someone stronger?

In this episode of Brave, Bold & Unfiltered, I talk about the pain, pressure, and heat that can feel unbearable—but often become the forge for our strength.

You don’t become unshakable without going through some shaking.

You don’t develop courage without walking through fear.

If you’re in the fire right now, this one’s for you.

Your story matters, so live it courageously!

📌 Helpful Links & Resources

▶️ Watch the video version on YouTube

🌐 Visit Valerie’s Website

💪 Learn more about Warrior Freedom Mentoring

📚 Explore Valerie’s Books

💬 Stay Connected on Social:

Facebook

📷 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

In this episode—just one day after the release of Burn the Map—Sean and I sit down to talk about why we keep trying to follow plans that were never guaranteed, and how courage becomes our compass when life blows those plans to pieces. We dig into stories from the book and from our lives, including moments where the path disappeared completely—and how we kept moving anyway.

This is the heart of the message: Life rarely goes as planned… but that doesn’t mean you’re lost. Sometimes, the most powerful version of you is found in the detours, the dead-ends, and the decision to keep going when you have no clue what’s ahead.

🔥🗺️ Get Burn the Map HEREhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1734167572/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Your story matters, so live it courageously!

📌 Helpful Links & Resources

▶️ Watch the video version on YouTube

🌐 Visit Valerie’s Website

💪 Learn more about Warrior Freedom Mentoring

📚 Explore Valerie’s Books

💬 Stay Connected on Social:

Facebook

📷 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn

Mona may live in a small village, but her story is anything but small. In this episode, she opens up about her chapter in Burn the Map—how she overcame early trauma, stopped chasing an outdated version of her life, and began walking with courage, clarity, and self-awareness.

Her light is quiet, but it’s powerful—and this conversation will stay with you long after the episode ends.

Your story matters, so live it courageously!

📌 Helpful Links & Resources

▶️ Watch the video version on YouTube

🌐 Visit Valerie’s Website

💪 Learn more about Warrior Freedom Mentoring

📚 Explore Valerie’s Books

💬 Stay Connected on Social:

Facebook

📷 Instagram

🔗 LinkedIn