In this vulnerable, real, and emotionally charged episode, Brian R. King sits down with author, producer, and domestic abuse survivor Nikki Allen to explore her raw and powerful story of survival.

From a traumatic childhood shaped by addiction and silence, to an adult relationship that turned violent and nearly deadly, Nikki shares the experiences that shaped her—and the wisdom that freed her. Her novel Loved You, Hated You is a fictionalized account of her journey through and beyond an abusive relationship. But as she says, the fiction is softened—because the truth was too harsh to tell directly.

This is not just a story of abuse. It’s a story of reclaiming power, breaking cycles, parenting with transparency, and giving yourself grace when you least feel you deserve it.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• What kept Nikki in a dangerous relationship for years

• How family history and trauma normalized abuse

• The moment she began to wake up and fight back

• Her journey to writing Loved You, Hated You

• How she parents differently to break generational trauma

• Why grace and self-forgiveness are acts of survival

• Survivors don't choose abuse—they survive it.

• Giving yourself grace is essential to healing.

• Being open with your kids can break harmful family patterns.

• "Why didn't you just leave?" is a question rooted in ignorance, not empathy.

• Writing and storytelling can be powerful tools for reclaiming your voice.

Loved You, Hated You is a raw, emotionally charged novel that explores why people stay in toxic relationships—and what it takes to finally break free. Loosely based on Nikki’s real experiences, this is more than fiction. It’s survival on the page.

Learn more and buy the book

If this episode resonated with you or someone you care about, share it. It might be the lifeline someone needs.

Follow Nikki on Facebook: facebook.com/nikkiallentheone

Visit her website: officialnikkiallen.com

From carnival midways to coding HTML blind, Maxwell Ivey’s journey is anything but ordinary.

In this powerful episode, Brian sits down with "The Blind Blogger" to explore how resilience, curiosity, and a refusal to make excuses transformed Max’s life. You'll hear how Max went from losing his family’s carnival business to becoming a digital accessibility expert and respected storyteller—one line of code, podcast appearance, and courageous “yes” at a time.

They discuss:

• The myth of the “self-made” success and the quiet strength of interdependence

• What businesses really lose when they ignore accessibility

• How to stop waiting for the perfect moment—and start with what you have

• The raw truth about self-doubt, comparison, and invisible barriers

Max’s wisdom isn’t about overcoming blindness—it’s about seeing possibility where others see limits. Get ready for a masterclass in self-leadership, grit, and the power of asking for help.

Connect with Max and dive deeper into his work:
🌐 theaccessibilityadvantage.com
📝 theblindblogger.net
🔗 linkedin.com/in/maxwellivey
📘 Check out his podcast, writings, and resources—and don’t forget to subscribe!

🎧 Ready for a fresh perspective on what’s possible? Hit play now.

📘 Episode Summary:🔥 Call to Action:

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Brian R. King sits down with licensed professional counselor, author, and childhood trauma survivor Stacy Schaffer. With over 20 years of clinical experience and lived wisdom, Stacy opens up about her own early life adversity—including abuse, loss, and silence—and how those experiences shaped her path into mental health work.

From the impacts of silence and unmet emotional needs to practical tools for empowerment, this episode blends personal vulnerability with therapeutic insight. Stacy reminds us that healing is possible and that even the darkest nights eventually give way to sunrise.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Stacy’s childhood trauma and lack of emotional support

• How generational trauma affected her family

• Turning personal pain into purpose and profession

• The gap in mental health awareness and why therapy shouldn’t be a luxury

• Tangible tools for self-advocacy and speaking up

• Why there is a life beyond pain

• Compassion & Presence: Core values that guide Stacy’s life and work.

• Untold Trauma Matters: Silence buries pain; talking about it releases it.

• Voice & Advocacy: Learning to articulate needs—even in small ways—builds confidence and resilience.

• Therapy as Normal: Seeing counseling as support, not shame.

• Beyond the Pain: Healing is possible—“even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise.”

Stacy is the author of With Love from a Children’s Therapist—a compassionate guide blending clinical insight with lived truth. You can download the first chapter for free on her website.

➡️ Explore Stacy’s work: Visit her site to get the free first chapter of With Love from a Children’s Therapist and learn more about her counseling practice and resources.

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear that there is a beyond the pain. Then subscribe, rate, and leave a review—because helping one person reach healing can ripple outward.