Live the Life Podcast with Toni Mattson
How can I feel closer to God? How can I feel inspired, encouraged, and fulfilled? How do I create more space in my day to live a life that really matters? A life with purpose and meaning? How do I create my peace and protect it? How can I grow personally and spiritually?
If these questions roam in your beautiful brain, then you’ve come to the right place.
Live the Life is a practical, roll-up-your sleeves, workshop-style podcast for women who yearn to live a more meaningful life. Each weekly episode is packed with how-to, step-by-step strategies to create the life you’re dying to live.
Empowering women to rediscover their passion, redefine what matters, and recapture time to live a life of purpose is MY passion.
I’m a Midwest gal, a speaker, writer, encourager, a peace-claimer, change-maker, and lover of all things God, family, horses and hope. I’m a founder of Trinity Equestrian Center - Wisconsin’s Leader in Equine Assisted Therapy, specializing in veterans with PTSD.
For two decades, I’ve traveled the US and Canada appearing as a panelist, guest, and key-note speaker on radio, TV and Podcast programs. I’ve spoken at colleges, seminaries, churches, at international conferences, and business development workshops. I’ve testified four times before the WI State Senate and Committee on Veteran Affairs on behalf of veterans with PTSD.
I encourage women to fearlessly ask the provocative question – "What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life on?" And then I go about helping them answer and achieve it. No matter your season in life, what you do, or what you hope to do – I want this podcast to be for you!
We’ll cover topics like: faith, growth, peace, life, death, clarity, simplicity, health, purpose, Veterans, and oh my gosh — so much more! We’ll dive deep into things that bring value to our lives, help us focus and flourish, and set us up to live the life God created us for. And every last episode of the month is Q&A Day, where I invite you to send in their burning questions. I’m so excited you’re on this ride with me! So Mount Up ~ Put your heels into ‘er… this is the “Live the Life” Podcast!
Live the Life Podcast with Toni Mattson
Brave Beyond Service | Part 5: Your Way of Healing Doesn’t Have to Match Her Way
Your Way Back Doesn’t Have to Match Hers
What if healing isn’t about what works—but what fits?
In this episode, Toni speaks directly to the women who’ve tried the “right” things but still feel off. Therapy didn’t land. Group circles felt isolating. And the idea of “healing” seems more like a buzzword than a breakthrough.
Toni shares what she’s learned after walking 16+ years beside veterans who’ve battled trauma, identity loss, and the quiet ache of trying to feel whole again. Through raw insights and real stories—including one powerful encounter between a combat vet and a horse named Ellie—you’ll hear this truth loud and clear:
You’re not broken. You’re becoming.
In this episode, we unpack:
- Why healing isn’t about following a formula—but following what feels true
- How to release shame over what didn’t work
- Why trying again is a sign of hope, not failure
- What it looks like to heal without pretending, performing, or fitting in
3 Small Steps You Can Take Right Now:
- Name what hasn’t worked—without guilt.
Saying “that wasn’t for me” is clarity, not quitting. - Get curious, not critical.
Try something new—not to commit forever, but to explore what resonates. - Ask your body, not your brain.
What feels like breath? What feels like burden? Start there.
From the pasture to the page…
Whether it’s boots, hooves, scripture, sweat, or silence—your healing path should feel like yours.
You don’t have to follow someone else’s journey to finally feel whole.
You’re not failing—you’re becoming.
Resources for the Road
If you're ready to try something different, here are some places to start:
- Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) – Peer-led support built for connection
🔗 www.wovenwomenvets.org - Equine Therapy Resources (EAGALA) – Find credentialed horse therapy near you
🔗 www.eagala.org - Trinity Equestrian Center – Trauma-informed veteran programs in Wisconsin
🔗 www.trinity-ec.com - ToniMattson.com – Explore podcast episodes, tools, and upcoming retreats
🔗 www.tonimattson.com - VA Whole Health Program – Holistic care options through the VA
🔗 www.va.gov/wholehealth - Give An Hour – Free mental health care for veterans and families
🔗 www.giveanhour.org - National Center for PTSD – Women Veterans Section
🔗 www.ptsd.va.gov - Peer Support Programs (Local) – Check with your local VA or Vet Center for women-specific peer-to-peer support options.
Final Reminder:
Your healing isn’t late.
Your path isn’t wrong.
And your way back doesn’t have to match hers.
You are brave beyond your service—and brave enough to heal your way.