*Book a free strategy call to discuss your business or second act idea with Shannon here.

What do you do when your life shatters on a park bench in Central Park?

In this powerful episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Vanessa Cardenas, a C-suite healthcare executive, relationship reset expert, and founder of Understanding Ear, to talk about how one devastating betrayal became the catalyst for her second act.

After her husband of over two decades said the words, “I’ve met someone,” Vanessa’s world collapsed. In this raw and inspiring conversation, she shares how she navigated betrayal trauma, confronted the “nasty chick” inner critic in her head, rebuilt her marriage, and turned her pain into purpose by launching a business helping others heal.

If you’ve ever felt lost in your relationship, stuck in fear, or unsure how to reclaim your power after a life-altering event, this episode will remind you that your story isn’t over — you get to write the next chapter.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Vanessa went from devastated wife to betrayal recovery specialist and business owner
Why betrayal can impact generations—and how she chose to break the cycle
How she manages being a C-suite executive and running a purpose-driven business on the side
The turning point that helped her decide to rebuild her marriage instead of walking away

Whether you’re healing from betrayal, navigating a relationship reset, or standing at the crossroads of your own second act, Vanessa’s story is a masterclass in resilience, self-trust, and choosing your destiny instead of letting fear choose it for you.

*Get the full show notes here!

Leave a review for the Second Act Success Podcast here.

********

Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

Watch the free How To Start a Business Training

Download the free Career to Business Roadmap

Join the Second Act Accelerator

Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life

➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving)

Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year)

Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order)

Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)

Podmatch Guesting

(*Some affiliate links in...

#29 Fear of Insulin