Better Because Of It: Stories of Heartbreak, Healing & Growth
a podcast hosted by Megan Bruneau
I like to think there are two types of people out there: those who haven’t been heartbroken, and… those who have. No surprise, I’m one of the latter. And if you’re interested in this show, I’m guessing you are, too. Welcome to the club, my friend.
Now, I’ve had several long-term, deeply fulfilling relationships come to an end. But there have been two that have utterly shattered me: The first was a decade ago, and while it was perhaps the hardest thing I’ve ever been through – it completely changed my life – and me – for the better.
The second was a couple of months ago, and I’m very much still “in it.” I trust that this one, too, will be a catalyst to growth, but in the meantime, it fucking hurts. So, I created Better Because of It, a show where we hear from formerly heartbroken guests about how they healed and what they learned. Join me on my own healing journey, as I find comfort, hope, and wisdom in others' stories. And remember, it does get better... and you will be better because of it.
Episode 1: The Future Faker
Charity Gonzalez thought she’d met the man of her dreams. He was a successful tech entrepreneur with a penthouse apartment. From Cartier bracelets to private islands to paying to have her eggs frozen, everything was perfect – until she got “parked” (blocked) every time he was interested in dating other women. The toxic cycle finally ended after 6 years, but the healing didn’t begin until she watched him run the same playbook… on The Real Housewives of New York.
Episode 2: The Worst Fear Realized
Peter Katz married his college sweetheart. After witnessing his parents’ painful divorce as a child, he was determined to avoid the same fate. And for ten years, he and his wife were best friends in love… until she told him she’d fallen for someone else. His worst fear realized, he made the commitment to “come out on the other side of this like more able to love, wiser.”
Episode 3: The Bad Boyfriend
Bea Arthur found her tall, British, well-endowed boyfriend on Tinder. At first, he was attentive, generous, and consistent. When her company failed and she got evicted, he was there...until he wasn’t. She eventually healed from the on-again, off-again relationship in an unconventional way: a “white-boy slave.”
Episode 4: The Mindfuck
Jessica Powell met her ex at a silent meditation retreat. Before they’d even exchanged words, it was clear there was a magnetic connection. But with a history of addiction, Jess soon learned she’d just swapped one drug for another – and that she was dating a covert narcissist.
Jessica Powell
Jessica Powell is an avid photographer, founder of epichomegym.com and professional intuitive. Helping inspire people to find joy and fun in movement and guiding them through everything life throws at them is her jam.
Episode 5: The Chapter I Chose Not To Rip Out
John Kim was excited to get out of the friend zone with his romantic interest after a drunken birthday kiss. A fellow seeker, they enjoyed creating personal development content and exploring sexual boundaries. But a miscommunication led to a breakup which led to John jumping into another relationship… and messiness ensued.
Episode 6: The Betrayal We Navigated On National Television
Dr. Jackie Walters should write the book on resilience. From miscarriage to infertility to cancer that left her ineligible for pursuing adoption, her heartbreak has extended far beyond the romantic kind. But when she found out her husband was cheating in a very public way, she had to navigate deciding whether or not to take him back – and how to heal her heart and relationship on national television.
Episode 7: Frozen Spoons
Jennifer Rollin and her ex fell hard for each other, saying “I love you” a month into the relationship. But before long, she was feeling controlled and criticized, and chose to end things. Being the one who left, she thought she’d be okay… but she was not prepared for the heartbreak that comes along with being the instigator of a breakup.
Episode 8: The Breakup That Healed Us
A relationship expert, Mark Groves had to confront the fact that he was abandoning himself in pursuit of his partner. She the distancer, he the chaser, he realized he was not living in his truth. Through the excruciating yet liberating process of ending things, they were both able to heal separately and came back together in more awakened and evolved versions of themselves.
Mark Groves
Mark Groves is a Human Connection Specialist and Speaker whose purpose is to help individuals and companies step into their most authentic, effective, loving selves by way of his bold, no-BS relationship guidance. Mark brings complex, academic concepts and research to life in a fun & relatable way, empowering teams and companies to transform the way they work, produce, and relate.