Because I Love Myself First is the podcast for women healing after toxic relationships. Hosted by Orla Foster, a coach who's been through it all, this show dives into self-love, boundaries, mindset, and reclaiming your life. With personal stories, expert guests, and actionable insights, you'll gain the tools and support to break free from unhealthy cycles and rebuild your life on your terms. It's time to trust yourself, heal, and rise - together.
#10: Kerry Rasenberger: How to heal after toxic relationships and rebuild your life one step at a time
In this episode of Because I Love Myself First, I sit down with Kerry, a powerful life coach who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation on healing from toxic relationships. We dive into the deep end - talking trauma, recovery, and the emotional rollercoaster of escaping abusive patterns. Kerry shares her raw story, from surviving childhood abuse to breaking free from toxic partners as an adult, and how she’s now using that pain to empower others.
Together, we unpack how trauma bonds keep us stuck, why nervous system regulation is key to emotional healing, and how small steps can lead to big transformation. We also explore practical tools to rebuild your self-worth, set healthy boundaries, and rediscover who you are after emotional abuse. Whether you're in the thick of healing or just starting to recognise toxic patterns, this episode is your safe space to feel seen, supported, and inspired to take your power back.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] Welcome to the healing journey and why this conversation matters
[0:16] Meet Kerry: Life coach and survivor of childhood and adult abuse
[1:48] Kerry opens up about her early experiences and trauma
[2:59] Spotting toxic relationship patterns before they spiral
[6:29] Narcissistic traits and toxic behaviors - what to look out for
[13:08] How to handle toxic family dynamics without losing yourself
[19:37] Why nervous system regulation is essential for healing
[25:11] Understanding trauma bonds and the cycle of emotional abuse
[34:20] Building self-trust and setting boundaries that protect your peace
[35:57] Rediscovering your passions after toxic relationships
[37:33] The connection between self-love, healing, and emotional neglect
[40:31] Breaking the cycle and creating lasting change
[42:06] The power of small steps and daily healing habits
[45:40] How trauma bonds can show up like addictions
[53:58] Embracing the non-linear nature of healing
[1:00:32] Acknowledging abuse and letting go of shame
[1:06:07] Final reflections and grounded advice from Kerry
LINKS & RESOURCES
Connect with Kerry on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/kerrylifecoach/)
Connect with me on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/orla_foster_/)
Book a connection call with me here (https://calendly.com/orla-foster/connectioncall?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadunwueGf1G4ULP-F7cJOPkBANUTTZPFZTUdvAOtO9uL-XtW_kMx2bImd3xCw_aem_j9DgYZRFO5AkVLcxl5eyYQ&month=2025-05)
If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review Because I Love Myself First. Sharing your thoughts helps us reach more listeners who are healing from toxic relationships and rediscovering their worth - just like you.
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21 Jul 2025
#9: How to spot red flags early and stop toxic relationships before they start
In this episode, I’m diving deep into one of the most important conversations we can have - how to avoid getting caught in toxic relationship patterns before they even begin. I’m sharing practical tools and insights to help you recognise early red flags, set strong boundaries, and trust your intuition when something feels off. If you’ve ever found yourself repeating unhealthy relationship cycles, this episode is your roadmap to breaking free.
I also talk about the deeper inner work that sets the foundation for healthy love - like understanding your core values, building self-trust, and surrounding yourself with people who model respect and care. Whether you’re dating, healing, or simply learning to love yourself better, this one’s packed with the clarity and encouragement you need to move forward with confidence.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] - Why avoiding toxic relationships starts before they begin
[2:23] - The most overlooked red flags - and how to spot them early
[5:38] - Boundaries 101: What they are, why they matter, and how to hold them
[8:53] - How self-work is the secret to building healthier dynamics
[10:51] - Trusting your gut: Your intuition is smarter than you think
[24:14] - Why growth often feels uncomfortable - but is always worth it
[26:22] - A powerful reminder to honour yourself and your healing journey
LINKS & RESOURCES
Connect with me on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/orla_foster_/)
Book a connection call with me here (https://calendly.com/orla-foster/connectioncall?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadunwueGf1G4ULP-F7cJOPkBANUTTZPFZTUdvAOtO9uL-XtW_kMx2bImd3xCw_aem_j9DgYZRFO5AkVLcxl5eyYQ&month=2025-05)
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review Because I Love Myself First - and share it with someone who needs to hear this message today.
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Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
Free Download: hypeddit.com/scandinavianz/happydays (https://gate.sc/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhypeddit.com%2Fscandinavianz%2Fhappydays&token=b6b689-1-1746977898918)
14 Jul 2025
#8: Gemma Hanley: Rewire your subconscious to stop attracting toxic relationships and start healing
In this episode of Because I Love Myself First, I sit down with subconscious reprogramming mentor Gemma Hanley for a powerful conversation about breaking free from the emotional cycles that keep us stuck - especially in toxic relationships. We explore how deeply rooted subconscious patterns shape our self-worth, relationships, and even our physical health, often without us realising it.
Gemma shares her raw and real journey from rock bottom to healing, offering practical tools to help you reconnect with your nervous system, set brave boundaries, and start shifting the beliefs that no longer serve you. If you’ve ever felt trapped in repeating emotional patterns, struggled to put yourself first, or are ready to reclaim your power - this episode is for you.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] Welcome and intro to today’s guest and topic
[1:29] Gemma’s rock bottom moment and her path to self-discovery
[3:10] How the subconscious mind really works—and how it runs your life
[5:03] Why “good girl” conditioning keeps us stuck in toxic patterns
[7:22] The role of subconscious reprogramming in emotional healing
[16:50] The power of taking action (even when it’s uncomfortable)
[20:04] What brave boundaries really look like in practice
[24:44] How childhood conditioning wires our adult relationships
[26:25] Real-life example of setting a boundary and standing in self-worth
[30:19] The healing magic of somatic practices and nervous system work
[33:21] Gemma’s simple emotional check-in routine
[37:55] How hitting rock bottom can be your turning point
[40:55] Effective techniques for healing the subconscious
[43:11] Final encouragement for your healing journey
LINKS & RESOURCES
Listen to Gemma’s podcast here (https://open.spotify.com/show/5t4UZYCyEC3yF4zFHLn9Ou?si=8855a963439848c0&nd=1&dlsi=46bdb2137e8142f0)
Connect with Gemma on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/gemmaehanley/)
Visit Gemma’s website here (https://www.gemmahanley.com/)
Connect with me on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/orla_foster_/)
Book a connection call with me here (https://calendly.com/orla-foster/connectioncall?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadunwueGf1G4ULP-F7cJOPkBANUTTZPFZTUdvAOtO9uL-XtW_kMx2bImd3xCw_aem_j9DgYZRFO5AkVLcxl5eyYQ&month=2025-05)
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review Because I Love Myself First - and share it with someone who needs to hear this message today.
Scandinavianz - happydays
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
Free Download: hypeddit.com/scandinavianz/happydays (https://gate.sc/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhypeddit.com%2Fscandinavianz%2Fhappydays&token=b6b689-1-1746977898918)
7 Jul 2025
#7: Elizabeth Stranzl: How to master boundaries and finally break free from people-pleasing
Boundaries coach Elizabeth Stranzl discusses mastering healthy boundaries and breaking free from people-pleasing with the host, offering strategies for navigating difficult relationships and prioritizing self-worth in this interview.
30 Jun 2025
#6: Why you keep attracting toxic relationships and how to break the cycle for good
Host unpacks the reasons individuals repeatedly encounter toxic relationships, highlighting subtle red flags like gaslighting and emotional unavailability, and provides strategies to rebuild self-worth and foster healthy connections.
23 Jun 2025
#5: Aisling Kennedy: Why changing your beliefs is the first step to healing and growth
Transformational coach Aisling Kennedy explores how limiting beliefs shape personal growth and relationships, discussing tools like EFT tapping and affirmations for rewiring belief systems in this interview.
16 Jun 2025
#4: The difference between Traditional Therapy and Rapid Transformational Coaching
Host discusses the distinctions between traditional therapy and rapid transformational coaching, highlighting how methods like RTT, hypnotherapy, and NLP reprogram limiting beliefs for lasting change.
9 Jun 2025
#3: Anna Botley: How to trust yourself again with real steps to quiet self-doubt and build confidence
Host interviews Anna Botley, self-trust coach, about rebuilding self-trust after toxic relationships through mindfulness, movement, and self-compassion, revealing the importance of consistent self-love.
2 Jun 2025
#2: The lessons I wish I knew before my healing journey began
The host shares key lessons learned during their healing journey, including building self-worth and the importance of self-trust, to help listeners feel seen and supported.
26 May 2025
#1: How I healed after a toxic relationship that makes the GAA Catfish and Tinder Swindler look tame
The host shares her personal journey of healing from toxic relationships, emotional manipulation, and rediscovering self-worth through Rapid Transformational Therapy, offering insights into breaking free from harmful patterns.
19 May 2025
Welcome to Because I Love Myself First
Orla Foster introduces her podcast, a safe space for women to explore healing and growth after toxic relationships, by sharing her own story of recognizing red flags and reclaiming self-worth.
Who has been a guest on Because I Love Myself First
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Elizabeth Stranzl
Aisling Kennedy
Anna Botley
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
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