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Divorce can feel like a single decision, but the truth is messier: it’s often the end of a pattern that started in childhood. We’re joined by Machan Taylor, a singer-songwriter, educator, and author of Naked Out Loud, for a raw conversation about early trauma, self-esteem, and how “normal” can quietly become dangerous when you grow up around dysfunction.

Machan shares her story of immigrating from Japan as a small child, the shock of losing her early world, and the impact of growing up with addiction and instability at home. We connect those early experiences to adult relationship choices, including the red flags that can hide behind charisma, the slow erosion of confidence inside emotional abuse, and the moment you realize you have to leave to survive. We also talk plainly about codependency, narcissistic behavior, and why a relationship cannot heal when one person refuses responsibility.

From there, we shift into divorce recovery and rebuilding: doing the internal work, learning boundaries, making clear deal breakers, and remembering who you are after years of trying to be “the best” for everyone else. Machan also discusses therapy over the long haul, support groups like Adult Children of Alcoholics, and her experience with MDMA-assisted therapy as part of trauma healing, along with important cautions and context.

If you’re navigating separation, rebuilding after an abusive relationship, or facing a gray divorce and wondering if it’s too late to reinvent your life, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more women can find these stories and tools.

To learn more about Machan and to order her book: https://www.machantaylor.com/

coneect with her on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/machantaylorofficial/; https://www.facebook.com/machantaylor/; 
https://www.youtube.com/@MachanTaylorOfficial; 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/machan-taylor-810196156/

Hi and welcome to Thrive and Decide. I’m your host Sarah Thress. This podcast is intended to help women who are going through a divorce, continplating divorce or have lost a spouse feel seen, heard, understood and not alone. All the beautiful souls who share on here are coming from a place of vulnerability and a common belief that sharing your story will help others. You will also hear from industry experts on what to do and not do while going through a divorce.

Sarah Thress
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