Embodied Writing Warrior: Food Freedom, Creativity & Spiritual Reclamation

213. From Survivor to Storyteller: Writing Through Trauma With Adriene Caldwell

Kayla MacDonald

In this powerful and raw conversation, Kayla interviews author Adriene Caldwell about her extraordinary journey from childhood trauma, abuse, addiction and suicidal ideation — through to resilience, writing her memoir Unbroken Life Outside the Lines, motherhood, and hope. Adriene gets candid about the years she was both victim and villain in her own story, why she refused to sugar‑coat anything, and how she now uses her voice to show others a way out.

Content & trigger warning: This episode discusses childhood abuse, extreme poverty, addiction, suicidal ideation and attempts, foster‑care trauma, and parental mental illness. If you’re in a sensitive season, please listen with care, use headphones, or consider waiting until you feel supported. Viewer discretion advised.

Listeners will walk away with:

  • real examples of how to turn the worst chapters into a new narrative
  • a journal prompt and song recommendation you can use immediately
  • reflections on how honesty—not perfection—can be healing

Connect With Adriene: