#164 She Stood Between Her Past and Her Future—and Chose Love

Today, I interview Junie Moon, who grew up bright and bubbly, until one look from her mother made her feel unloved. Her free spirit met a controlling household where even a glance could silence her. By eight, she had learned to dim her light just to stay safe. Being cheerful and expressive got her labeled, and rejected. Bullied through middle school, silent in high school, Junie carried this fear of being seen well into adulthood. It shaped her relationships, her body, and her belief that her voice didn’t matter. But something changed. A moment came when she couldn’t stay quiet any longer—not for herself, and not for the person she loved most. That moment set her on the path to healing. Today, Junie helps women uncover the hidden fears that silence them and teaches them how to build trust in themselves again, so they can speak up, show up, and call in lasting love. __________________ Junie Moon is the CEO of Midlife Love Out Loud, a Global Love Mentor, bestselling author, women’s empowerment leader, and Certified Shadow Work® Coach. For over 30 years, she has helped thousands of women claim their birthright: the freedom to love themselves without apology, and attract lifelong, soul-aligned love because of it. Her work is grounded in transformation from the inside out. Junie guides women in midlife on a powerful journey of self-discovery, where the focus isn’t just on finding a partner—it’s about building deep self-trust, confidence, and inner alignment. When women feel whole and safe in their own skin, the love they’ve been longing for begins to arrive with ease. She’s been featured on News 12 New Jersey, Blog Talk Radio, Thrive Global, and Authority Magazine. Her short film Shed the Shame, which she produced and starred in, was featured at Newark International. Junie is the international bestselling author of Loving the Whole Package: Shed the Shame and Live Life Out Loud, an award-winning speaker, and the host of the Midlife Love Out Loud podcast. She’s shared the stage with John Gray, Marci Shimoff, Sheri Winston, and other leading voices in the field of personal growth. __________________ Find Junie here: Junie’s Website: https://midlifeloveoutloud.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlifeloveoutloud  FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1962269713813419  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifeloveoutloud  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/love-coach-junie-moon-995262a/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidlifeLoveOutLoud  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/midlife-love-out-loud-podcast/id1477913318  Free gift: http://midlifeloveoutloud.com/innercriticgift  Support the show I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.