Episode 4

full
Published on:

26th Nov 2025

What I Learned From My Failed Marriage

When everything in your marriage is collapsing on the inside — even if it looks fine on the outside — you start asking questions you never imagined you’d have to face.

In Part 2 of my story, I share a pivotal moment of clarity I believe God gave me… a moment that confirmed what my heart already knew but was terrified to admit. I talk about the final moments that made staying feel impossible, the fear of what leaving would mean, and the unexpected peace that came when I finally chose God’s validation over everyone else’s opinions.

I open up about the isolation I felt, the silence around hidden abuse, and my hope that society and the church will grow in supporting women walking through situations like mine — gently, wisely, and without dismissing their pain.

If you’ve been wrestling with the question, “Is this bad enough to leave?” this part of my story may help you see things with more clarity, validate what you’ve been feeling, and remind you that God meets you even in the hardest truths.


This isn’t just a story about my marriage falling apart.


It’s the story of how faith carried me… and how I learned to trust that I could hear God for myself again. 🤍

☕️ New episodes drop on Wednesdays.


Follow the podcast so you never miss one.


🤍 New here? Welcome—this space was built with you in mind.

👉 Start the healing journey here:


https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_cSXSdist0GYS4EL-yT9ockORATI-MY5

📓 Companion Journal (Episodes 3–4)


If something stirred in you today, you don’t have to hold it alone.


This journal gives you a private place to process at your own pace.


https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1867562/169272185329813006/share

In This Episode

00:00 Introduction to My Journey


01:08 Facing the Reality of Divorce


02:20 Recognizing Toxic and Destructive Behaviors


04:20 Taking Steps Toward Separation


05:13 The Hardest Decision


06:14 Life After Divorce


07:08 Understanding Emotional and Psychological Abuse


07:52 Encouragement and Support


13:51 God’s Guidance and Free Will


15:40 Moving Forward with Faith


22:35 Final Thoughts and Prayers

🔗 Listen & Subscribe

🤍 Listen page: https://validatedpodcast.com/listen


📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ownvoiceheal?sub_confirmation=1


🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/validated-own-voice-heal/id1850964341


🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MPNnTAWX2VsoMR9Lek2r2?si=2ed341ee4c0f4306


🔗 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/validated-own-voice-heal/


📓 Companion Journals: https://validatedpodcast.com/validated-vault

🎶 Music Credit & License

Intro/Outro music: “Lofi Background Music-337568” by [Artist] — licensed via Pixabay.


Licensed under the Pixabay Content License (free for commercial use; no attribution required).


Content ID registered; used with license.

⚖️ Disclaimer

I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or attorney. The stories, insights, and reflections I share through the Validated podcast, website, and downloadable resources are based on my personal experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Identifying details have been changed or omitted to protect privacy.


This content is offered for support and education, not accusation, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. No therapeutic relationship is implied or created by your use of this content.


If you’re in crisis or need personalized help, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional and/or seek wise counsel within your faith community. You are worthy of such support.

Listen for free

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About the Podcast

Validated: Own. Voice. Heal.
Faith-rooted support and practical tools for women facing hidden abuse.
Validated is a podcast for women navigating hidden psychological, emotional, spiritual, and financial abuse—especially in relationships that look “perfect.” If you're walking on eggshells, doubting your reality, or asking, “Am I overreacting?” you’re in the right place.

☕️New episodes release every Wednesday at 4:45 AM PT, starting Nov 19. Subscribe so you never miss one.

Here, you'll find:
🌱 Hope when you feel isolated – You're not alone, and you're not crazy
🌱 Tools to recognize the patterns – Finally see what's been so hard to name
🌱 Faith-rooted truth – Scripture and encouragement for your healing journey
🌱 Language for your story – Words for what you've struggled to explain
🌱 Courage for your next steps – Whether you stay, work through it, or walk away

I'm Valerie—a voice advocate who chose to leave a marriage that was breaking me emotionally and psychologically. I share my story, the truths that carried me, and practical wisdom to help you move from silence to strength.

This is where you finally get to stop pretending everything is fine...this is where God meets you in your pain and helps you find your voice.

Listen & Subscribe
🤍 Listen page: https://validatedpodcast.com/listen
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ownvoiceheal?sub_confirmation=1
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/validated-own-voice-heal/id1850964341
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MPNnTAWX2VsoMR9Lek2r2?si=2ed341ee4c0f4306
🔗 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/validated-own-voice-heal/


Disclaimer

Just a reminder: I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or attorney. The stories, insights, and reflections I share through the Validated podcast, website, and downloadable resources are based on my personal experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Identifying details have been changed or omitted to protect privacy.

This content is offered for support and education, not accusation, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. No therapeutic relationship is implied or created by your use of this content.

Every situation is unique; if you’re in crisis or need personalized help, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional and/or seek wise counsel within your faith community. If you ever feel unsafe or are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or a trusted crisis resource in your region. You are worthy of such support.

About your host

Profile picture for Valerie Pratt

Valerie Pratt

Valerie is a voice advocate and host of Validated: Own. Voice. Heal., a faith-rooted podcast for women navigating hidden abuse—psychological, emotional, spiritual, or financial. After walking through her own experience and choosing a different future, she blends lived wisdom, careful research, and gentle, practical tools to help women name what’s happening, make empowering choices, and move from silence to strength. Each episode offers clear teaching, real-life examples, and “tiny brave step” prompts, alongside free journals and guides in the Validated Vault. Valerie’s aim is simple: give you hope when you feel alone, truth to steady your mind, and courage for your next brave step. Validated shares education and support; it is not therapy, counseling, or legal advice.