Facing Unthinkable Betrayal and Finding a Way Forward (S1 -E6 )

Host: Kathryn Lancioni

Guest: Bree Schlereth

Episode Overview:

What do you do when life delivers a gut punch powerful enough to shake your world to its core? In this deeply moving episode of Gut Punch, host Kathryn Lancioni sits down with Bree Schlereth—mom, wife, nonprofit leader, and survivor of unimaginable betrayal. Bree shares her harrowing story of discovering, years after the fact, that she was a victim of abuse at the hands of a trusted figure in her gymnastics career and life. Together, Kathryn and Bree dive into the aftermath of betrayal, the monumental task of healing, and the power of forgiveness and advocacy.

This episode is an unflinching look at trauma, resilience, and the hope found in connecting with others who understand. Bree’s story is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t linear, but with support and courage, there is always a way forward.

5 Key Lessons from This Episode:

1. Trauma Can Surface Years Later:

Sometimes, the deepest wounds aren’t recognized until much later—Bree’s realization came decades after the abuse, reshaping her entire sense of self and trust. Recognizing that trauma can have a delayed impact helps survivors feel less alone in their journey toward understanding and healing.

2. Healing Is a Journey, not a Destination:

Recovery from a gut punch moment is ongoing and often requires a combination of therapy, self-reflection, and support. Bree shares how healing is an active, daily process—one that doesn’t have a clear finish line, but evolves along with life’s circumstances.

3. Community Matters:

Connecting with others who faced similar experiences—survivors, teammates, or trusted friends—can make an enormous difference in processing pain. Bree found solidarity and empathy with “sister survivors,” giving her strength to keep moving forward when she felt isolated.

4. Turning Pain into Purpose:

Bree channeled her experiences into advocacy, determined to create change and protect the next generation. Transforming adversity into action not only helped her heal but also inspired others to confront injustices and seek help.

5. Forgiveness is Liberating—But Difficult:

Bree emphasizes that forgiveness doesn’t excuse what happened, but it does allow the survivor to let go and reclaim their power. Choosing forgiveness is a hard-won victory over resentment, helping her release the pain and redirect her energy toward positive growth.

Share this episode with anyone who needs a reminder that courage and resilience are possible, even when life hits hardest. Subscribe to Gut Punch for more stories of inspiration and transformation.

Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network.