Rachel Olszewski Conrad on Divorce, Healing, and Building Fear Less Publicity

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do in your second act is walk away from a life you thought you were “supposed” to live.

This week on Spark Me, Liz and Michele sit down with Rachel Olszewski Conrad, founder of Fear Less Publicity, for a deeply honest conversation about reinvention, resilience, and trusting yourself when life takes an unexpected turn.

Rachel shares her journey from growing up in Chicago to building a life in Northeastern Pennsylvania — a path shaped by love, loss, and courage. She opens up about her first marriage, navigating divorce in her early 30s after her husband suffered a life-altering stroke, and the quiet shame and self-judgment that often accompany experiences we don’t talk about enough.

Together, the conversation explores how trauma can change people, why listening to your gut matters more than checking the boxes society hands you, and how healing often comes through unexpected paths — including therapy, community, and connection to the natural world.

This episode is a powerful reminder that starting over isn’t failure — it’s often the first step toward building a life that actually fits.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why divorce can feel isolating — even when it’s the right decision
• How trauma and major life events can reshape identity and relationships
• The courage it takes to trust your gut when everything feels uncertain
• Why shame keeps so many women silent — and how naming it can be freeing
• How therapy (including somatic approaches) can support both kids and adults
• What it looks like to rebuild confidence in your second act
• Why redefining success can lead to more meaningful work and life
• How unexpected paths often lead to the most aligned futures

Resources:

• Fear Less Publicity: https://fearlesspublicity.co

• Marley’s Mission (Equine Therapy Program – Clark Summit, PA): https://marleysmission.com

• University of Dayton: https://udayton.edu

• Penn State University: https://www.psu.edu

• Rushing Women's Syndrome by Dr. Libby Weaver: https://a.co/d/11Xsbkq
  
  
• DOAC - Chris Williamson: If You Don't Fix This Now, 2026 Is Already Over!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_vZ4H3uW28

Keep Sparking.

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• Share this episode with a woman navigating divorce, reinvention, or a major life pivot
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• Tag us when you’re listening and tell us: What part of Rachel’s story sparked something in you?