"I thought I was a victim of child identity theft—until I discovered the truth: my own mother had stolen my identity, my future, and my trust."

In this deeply compelling and emotionally charged episode, Stacey sits down with Dr. Axton Betz-Hamilton, a professor, author, and survivor of one of the most personal crimes imaginable: identity theft at the hands of her own mother. From an idyllic childhood on an Indiana farm to the shocking discovery that her credit had been ruined before she turned 20, Axton shares the harrowing journey of uncovering layers of betrayal buried in secrecy, manipulation, and financial devastation.

Axton's story is not just about theft, but the emotional toll of familial deception and the long road to reclaiming her identity, stability, and peace. Through her academic work and her critically acclaimed memoir, "The Less People Know About Us," she has become a national voice for victims of familial identity theft. This episode explores the intersection of trauma, mental health, justice, and resilience—and what it means to heal when the person who harmed you is the one who raised you.

What You’ll Learn:

• What familial identity theft is and how it differs from other forms of identity theft
• Why children and older adults are especially vulnerable to identity fraud
• How Axton discovered her mother had stolen her identity and that of other family members
• The emotional and relational fallout of discovering long-term betrayal
• Practical tips to protect yourself from financial, medical, and government benefits identity theft
• The role of credit freezes, monitoring, and emotional support in recovery
• Why victims of familial identity theft often find more help from therapists than financial institutions

Dr. Axton Betz-Hamilton is an associate professor specializing in consumer studies and identity theft at South Dakota State University. A leading researcher in familial identity theft, Axton turned her traumatic experience into a platform for education and reform. Her memoir, The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity, has been featured by NPR, The New York Times, and other major media outlets. Her work sheds light on a hidden epidemic affecting countless families.

Connect with Axton:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAxtonBetzHamilton/
• Book: The Less People Know About Us
  • Hardcover - https://amzn.to/3XsFgE9
  • Kindle - https://amzn.to/4oBCFDR

Resources & Links:

• Identity Theft Resource Center: idtheftcenter.org
• Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Reporting: identitytheft.gov
• Credit Freeze Info: consumer.ftc.gov

If this episode moved you, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review Life. Reimagined. on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it—you never know who might be living a similar story in silence. Follow us for more powerful conversations that inspire healing, insight, and reimagining life on your own terms.

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"You deserve a seat in the driver's seat of your financial future — not as a passenger, and definitely not hitchhiking."

In this eye-opening and empowering episode, Stacey welcomes Lorie Jones, a Certified Financial Planner and the founder of Fearless Financial Advisors, to discuss the fears, myths, and realities surrounding women and money. With warmth and humor, Lorie shares her personal journey from stay-at-home mom to financial expert, demystifies the world of investing, and emphasizes a values-based approach to financial planning. Together, they tackle the stigma many women feel around money management and shed light on how financial planning is not just about numbers — it's about making your dreams come true. Whether you're starting late, rebuilding after a life transition, or just ready to stop DIY-ing your financial life, this conversation will inspire you to fear less and plan more.

What You'll Learn:

• Why many women feel intimidated by financial planning and how to overcome that mindset
• The critical importance of finding a CFP who prioritizes education over sales
• How to plan financially according to your personal values, not someone else's
• Common fears and anxieties women face around money and how to tackle them
• Why it's never too late to start, and how even small steps can make a big difference
• The gender gap in financial planning and why more women are needed in the industry
• How to vet a financial planner and spot red flags
• The power of having an advisor who meets you where you are and grows with you

Lorie Jones is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), MBA, and founder of Fearless Financial Advisors. With a passion for helping women take control of their financial futures, Lorie takes a values-based, client-first approach to wealth planning. She is also the host of the "Fearless Females" podcast, where she amplifies women's voices in finance. From demystifying investments to empowering her clients to take that first step, Lorie believes finance shouldn't be scary — it should be a tool for realizing your dreams.

Connect with Lorie Jones:

• Website
• Podcast
• LinkedIn
• Instagram: @lorie_fearless_females

Resources & Links:

• CFP Certification Info: letsmakeaplan.org
• Advisor Check Tools: BrokerCheck | Investment Adviser Public Disclosure

If this episode sparked something in you, don't wait. Take the first step toward understanding and owning your financial future. Subscribe to the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman you care about. Let's normalize financial empowerment — one fearless conversation at a time.

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"No one else was going to push me, so I pushed myself."

In this moving and wide-ranging conversation, retired U.S. Army Major General Mari K. Eder joins host Stacey to share her journey through a 36-year military career, her lifelong pursuit of purpose, and her mission to spotlight the unsung heroes of history. From her beginnings as a public relations specialist in the military to becoming one of a handful of female generals, Mari opens up about breaking barriers, the value of persistence, and the power of strategic communication. She also shares her passion for writing, her love for rescue dogs, and how she's honoring the courageous women who "stepped out of line" to change the world. Whether you're a history buff, aspiring leader, or dog lover, this episode is rich with heart, grit, and inspiration.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Mari K. Eder joined the military and how she forged a groundbreaking path
• The importance of women’s stories in military history and why they're often untold
• How humor, communication, and resilience shaped her leadership style
• Insights into writing history, finding primary sources, and preserving truth
• The role of strategic communication in both military and civilian life
• Why she fosters dogs and how rescue work became her passion project

Major General Mari K. Eder (Ret.) is an accomplished leader, author, and speaker. With a 36-year career in the U.S. Army, she served as a commanding officer, public affairs expert, and advocate for military women. She is the author of several books, including The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line, The Girls Who Fought Crime, and the forthcoming The Girls Who Beat the Odds. She also writes humorous dog-themed books and is deeply involved in animal rescue. A celebrated speaker on leadership and strategic communication, Mari continues to inspire through her storytelling and service.

Follow Mari:

• Instagram

• Website

• Linkedin
• Facebook
• Books: Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/47zmHD9

Resources & Links:

• Military Women's Memorial: https://womensmemorial.org
• JSTOR (research database): https://www.jstor.org
• Foundation for Women Warriors: https://foundationforwomenwarriors.org

If you were inspired by Mari's journey, consider sharing this episode with a friend. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on your favorite platform. Your support helps us continue telling stories that matter. Step out of line—and into your potential.

• Learn more about Life Reimagined and past episodes.
• Follow us on social media.
• Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more incredible conversations with those who dare to redefine their lives.
• Book your next Sisterhood Travels Tour.
• Join our Private Facebook Page to keep up with exciting news.