What happens after survival? In this deeply moving episode of Lessons in Discernment, I sit down with Elissa Swihart — survivor, advocate, storyteller, and creator of Dismissed True Stories, a podcast amplifying the voices of women silenced or erased by abuse. Elissa is also the founder of Tala’s Closet, a donation-based free store that offers practical support to women and children escaping violence. Her work is healing in action — proof that rebuilding after abuse is not only possible, but transformative.

Together, we explore:

• The moment of clarity that sparks the realization: this isn’t love, this is control.
• How discernment becomes a daily practice in the healing journey.
• The revolutionary power of breaking silence and reclaiming your voice.
• The story behind Tala’s Closet, and how community care can be a lifeline.

This conversation is an invitation to survivors everywhere: your story matters, your truth counts, and you are not alone.

Find Elissa on Instagram: instagram.com/thedvsurvivorsisterhood

Listen to Dismissed True Stories: buzzsprout.com/2353153

Donate to Tala’s Closet: bit.ly/m/thedvsurvivorsisterhood

Find me on Instagram: instagram.com/lessonsindiscernment

Check out my Linktree to view my children's book on self-worth, and download a free digital resource for survivors, by survivors: linktr.ee/lessonsindiscernment

Find me on Substack: lessonsindiscernment.substack.com