Teri M Brown: Riding Into a New Life
What does it truly take to reclaim your life after heartbreak? How do you turn pain into growth and hesitation into adventure?
In a heartfelt conversation with Walt, Anne Marie, Teri, and guests, listeners were swept into a journey that was as much about the road as the destination, and as much about rediscovering oneself as overcoming adversity.
From the very first words, warmth and vulnerability set the tone. “We are so happy you decided to join us today, and we’re happy to have Anne Marie back after the last couple of weeks,” began Walt, infusing the gathering with affection and care. Anne Marie, candidly reflecting on her struggles with jet lag after an ill-fated shopping trip, reminded us all that “I’m human again”—a simple yet powerful nod to resilience.
But the heart of this episode belonged to Teri, whose story is a shining beacon for anyone who has ever felt lost. “I lived in an emotionally abusive relationship for 14 years,” Teri revealed – the courage it took not to let that chapter define her radiated through every word. Instead, Teri did the unthinkable – riding a tandem bicycle across the United States, 3,102 miles of healing, learning, and reclaiming self-worth.
“Do you find that each book becomes easier and easier to write?” Walt asked Teri, to which she replied, “No, partially because I keep challenging myself to do more, to do it differently, to think about it differently.” Her honesty illuminated the lesson: growth doesn’t come from comfort – it thrives in challenge.
Anne Marie’s curiosity probed deeper: “What would you be willing to do? Where is your line?” And Teri’s answer was equally profound, “I always try to think like that, and then I put my character into that spot and say, ‘Okay, where is her line?’” This approach anchored her writing – stories that aren’t just stories, but emotional explorations of survival, empathy, and transformation.
The conversation beautifully peeled back the layers of what it means to live truly. “I get bored really easily. I don’t like to do the same things over and over, so I switch it up,” Teri confided, explaining how she has embraced life’s unpredictability post-trauma. Her books, including “Sunflowers Beneath the Snow” and “10 Little Rules for a Double Butted Adventure,” are more than titles – they’re testaments to saying yes to life, to new forms, new voices, and new adventures.
Perhaps the most resonant takeaway came from Anne Marie: “Just take that deep breath, go for it, and see where it takes you.” Authenticity is the golden thread; accepting who you are, emotional and all, is the true liberation. Teri’s journey, punctuated by tears and laughter, showed that being “too emotional” is actually the heart’s hidden gift.
The show closed with gratitude, hope, and an invitation: visit Teri’s website, reach out, start a new adventure, and never apologize for who you are.
In this episode, we are reminded – outside the comfort zone is where life begins.
LOA Today Episode Page: https://www.loatoday.net/teri-m-brown