About this episode

Kerry Brett interviews Barb Rebon about her journey from childhood trauma and religious devotion to self-acceptance and healing.

In this powerful episode of Shot At Love, Kerry Brett sits down with Barb Rebon, author of The Heartbeat of My Silence, to discuss her extraordinary journey from childhood trauma and religious devotion to self-acceptance and healing. After experiencing sexual abuse as a child, Barb sought safety and belonging in the Catholic Church, eventually entering a convent at just sixteen years old. What followed was a decades-long struggle with faith, identity, forbidden love, shame, and the fear of living authentically. For nearly forty-five years, Barb wrestled with her sexuality while trying to reconcile it with the beliefs that had shaped her life. Together, Kerry and Barb explore the lasting effects of trauma, the human need for connection, the courage it takes to break lifelong silence, and the power of finding people who love and accept us exactly as we are. Barb shares the pivotal moments that led her toward healing, including the experiences that inspired her memoir and ultimately helped her embrace her true self. This is a deeply moving conversation about resilience, forgiveness, self-discovery, and the freedom that comes from finally telling your truth.

People in this episode

Host: Kerry Brett

Guest: Barb Rebon

Topics covered

• childhood trauma
• religious devotion
• self-acceptance
• healing
• sexuality
• forbidden love
• resilience

Keywords

• childhood trauma
• Catholic Church
• sexual abuse
• self-discovery
• forgiveness
• memoir
• identity
• authenticity

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Heartbeat of My Silence

More episodes of Shot At Love

• Love, Lion's Gate Portal & The Magic Triangle: Astrologer Jill Jardine · June 22, 2026 · 27 min
• Your Age Is Not Your Cage: Why Dating in Your 60s Is Better Than Ever with Judith Colletti · June 13, 2026 · 28 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Shot At Love podcast page.