Bitch Is A Bad Word: A Domestic Violence Podcast on Healing and Empowerment

This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on Aug 7, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----In this powerful and emotional episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, survivor and advocate Lynn shares her harrowing journey through childhood trauma, reproductive coercion, intimate partner violence, emotional abuse, and sexual assault—including surviving strangulation and rape.Lynn bravely recounts her experience growing up with a compulsive gambler father, enduring multiple abusive relationships, and navigating the life-threatening consequences of reproductive coercion before eventually escaping a cycle of violence and finding healing. She also explains how trauma bonding, coercive control, and systemic failures kept her trapped—and how she finally broke free.Trigger Warning: This episode discusses childhood trauma, domestic abuse, reproductive coercion, strangulation, sexual assault, and emotional abuse.Topics Covered:- The psychological and financial impact of compulsive gambling- How trauma bonding keeps survivors in abusive relationships- What reproductive coercion really looks like (and why it’s rarely prosecuted)- The terrifying warning signs of strangulation and intimate partner rape- Why love bombing and control often hide behind “soulmate” language- Breaking generational trauma and healing through therapy and advocacyLynn is now a speaker and advocate affiliated with the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Storyteller Collective and Advisory Council. Connect with her via Instagram or LinkedIn.We’ve got your back, Bestie. And your second (or third) act.If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on Aug 28, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----What happens when leaving the abuse is only the beginning?In this gripping episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word, Vicki shares her 21-year journey of surviving an abusive marriage, fighting through endless family court battles, and protecting her children while rebuilding her life from scratch.From being told “you’ll have no one and nothing” to watching her ex sabotage finances, drag her through years of litigation, and weaponize custody, Vicki explains how abuse doesn’t end when you walk out the door — it often continues in the courtroom.She opens up about:- What it’s really like to spend years and millions fighting in family court- How abusers use money and legal systems as weapons- The emotional toll of being gaslit, shamed, and silenced- Why leaving takes more than courage — it takes support and strategy- The turning point when she realized she already had the strength to get free- If you’ve ever thought:- “Why is my divorce taking years?”- “Why does my ex keep dragging me back to court?”- “How do I protect my kids when the abuse won’t stop?”— this episode will help you feel seen, validated, and less alone.📞 If you or someone you know is in danger, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.-----JOIN the BIABW PATREON and DISCORD SERVER where we're building our Bestie community! On Discord, we've created a safe space where you can connect anonymously with others and share. And on Patreon, I "spill the tea" all week long as well as have all the episodes available ad-free! Join at patreon.com/BitchIsABadWordSTAY UPDATED & SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:https://www.caliber-studio.com/bitch-is-a-bad-word-with-lindsay#biabwsubscribeConnect with Us:📧 Email: biabw@caliber-studio.com📱 Call or Text: (331) BITCHES📸 Instagram: @bitchisabadwordpod🎵 TikTok: @bitchisabadwordLISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:- Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bitch-is-a-bad-word/id1780948251- Spotify Podcasts: open.spotify.com/show/3frZ12xmxKo0lCa8eIGCDD- Website: caliber-studio.com/bitchisabadwordListen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on May 15, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----Trauma bonds can feel like addiction — because they are. In this powerful episode of Bitch Sesh (a special series of Bitch Is a Bad Word), Lindsay teams up with Whitney Walker—licensed therapist, spiritual teacher, and founder of Women Waken—to unpack the chemical addiction created by trauma bonds and toxic relationships.If you’ve ever felt obsessed, stuck, or unable to let go of someone who hurt you, this conversation is your truth serum. From the neuroscience of abuse and attachment to the power of spiritual recovery, this episode will help you understand why your body craves chaos—and how to reclaim your brain, heart, and power.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:How trauma bonds mimic drug addiction in the brainWhy you might feel addicted to your abuserThe neuroscience of emotional abuse and attachmentWhitney Walker’s personal story and her work with Women WakenPractical tools to begin breaking the cycle and reclaiming your lifeIf you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233🌿 About Whitney Walker:Whitney is a therapist and founder of Women Waken, a platform blending psychology and spiritual growth to help women heal from addiction, trauma, and codependency through divine feminine energy and soul work.**LISTEN to Whitney's podcast WOMEN WAKEN on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyYou’re not crazy. You’re not broken. And you’re definitely not alone.We’ve got your back.#TraumaBondAddiction #EmotionalAbuse #ToxicRelationships #NeuroscienceOfAbuse #WhitneyWalker #WomenWaken #SpiritualRecovery #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #AddictedToAnAbuser #HealingFromTraumaListen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on June 12, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----In this revealing episode of Bitch is a Bad Word, Cory Ann shares her intense story of falling for a charming stranger on a dating app — only to find herself trapped in a toxic relationship marked by manipulation, trauma bonding, and emotional abuse. If you’ve ever wondered how something that starts so hopeful can turn so dark, this episode is for you.We explore the subtle warning signs of domestic violence, the pressure to say “I love you” too soon, and the dangerous transformation of charm into control. Cory Ann opens up about recognizing abuse, breaking free from trauma bonds, and reclaiming her strength and voice. It’s honest, insightful, and essential listening for anyone navigating or supporting someone through abusive relationships.You’ll learn:How to spot the early red flags in dating and relationshipsThe psychology behind manipulation, love bombing, and trauma bondingWhy victims often feel trapped even when they know something’s wrongPractical steps toward healing and empowerment after emotional abuseHow to rebuild trust and boundaries in yourself and your relationshipsThis episode is perfect for listeners looking for:Awareness about dating abuse and toxic relationshipsGuidance on recognizing and escaping emotional manipulationStories of survival and healing from trauma bondsSupport for survivors and those who love themEmpowerment to reclaim your life and voice after abuseAbout Cory Ann:Cory Ann is a courageous survivor and advocate who shares her experience to shed light on the complexities of dating abuse and emotional trauma. Through her story, she inspires others to recognize the signs, break free, and rebuild their lives with resilience and self-worth.You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on May 8, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----This week on Bitch Sesh, Lindsay sits down with Grace Stuart — domestic violence survivor and host of the Why She Stayed podcast — for a raw and powerful conversation about what keeps survivors stuck in abusive relationships and why they stay far longer than they ever imagined. Grace opens up about the night of her strangulation, the silent warning signs that escalate over time, and the devastating aftermath many don’t talk about. We also dig into restraining orders, guilt manipulation, and the dangerous myth that violence always “looks” violent.This conversation is brutally honest, deeply validating, and an urgent reminder that even “nice” messages can be a violation—and that love should never come with bruises, fear, or fog. Whether you’re a survivor, a loved one, or just trying to understand the complexities of coercive control, this episode will shake your perspective and speak directly to your strength.In this episode:What trauma bonding really looks and feels like How abusers use therapy as a manipulation tactic Why “love bombing” and “nice guy” behavior are often red flags The emotional aftermath of leaving — and how long it really takes to heal Tips for navigating restraining orders and reclaiming your safety The power of naming your story and finding your voicePlus:— A breakdown of what emotional abuse sounds like in “nice” language— Grace’s advice for survivors who feel trapped, confused, or ashamed— A candid discussion on guilt, grief, and growing into the life you deserveYou don’t have to wait for things to get worse to walk away. You just have to believe you’re worth saving.Watch the full video on YouTube. Audio available on all podcast platforms.If you are interested in coming on Bitch Sesh, please email us at biabw@caliber-studio.com, call or text us at (331) BITCHES, or DM us on our Instagram (instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod) or TikTok (tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword) pages.Trigger warning: mentions of strangulation, emotional abuse, coercive control, and post-trauma effects.If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233#DomesticViolenceAwareness #WhySheStayed #SurvivorStories #StrangulationAwareness #BitchSeshPodcast #CoerciveControl #LoveBombing #EmpathProblems #BreakTheCycle #DVSurvivor #ProtectYourPeace #TraumaBonding #Gaslighting #PodcastForSurvivors #AbusePrevention #VoiceForTheVoiceless #Bestiegang #Besties #BitchIsABadWordPodcastListen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on June 5, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----In this powerful episode of Bitch is a Bad Word, Azadeh dives into the dark reality of emotional addiction, toxic relationships, and trauma bonding. If you've ever felt stuck in a love that hurts more than it heals, this one’s for you.We’re talking drug dens, manipulation, heartbreak, and the dangerous high of trauma-bonded love. Azadeh opens up about navigating emotional abuse, sobriety, codependency, and why your heart keeps going back to what nearly broke you. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s everything you need to hear to break free.You’ll learn:What emotional addiction really is — and how it traps you like a drugSigns of trauma bonds and toxic attachment stylesThe psychology behind love bombing and emotional manipulationWhy toxic love is so hard to leave (even when you know better)How to begin healing from emotionally abusive relationshipsThis episode is perfect for listeners looking for:Emotional addiction recoveryBreaking trauma bondsHealing from toxic relationshipsStories about emotional abuse & codependencyEmpowerment after abuseAbout Azadeh:Azadeh is a fierce survivor, advocate, and host of the Rise and Rebuild podcast. She shares her story to expose the hidden addiction of toxic love and empower others to heal, break cycles, and rebuild their lives with strength and self-worth.Visit Azadeh @ https://finallyfreelife.com/ for coaching and purchasing her numerous books!You are not alone. You’re not crazy. And no—you’re not a bitch for doing what you need to do to be safe. We've got your back, Besties!Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on May 29, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----What if your life looked picture-perfect—but behind closed doors, it was anything but?In this deeply honest episode of Bitch Sesh, we’re joined by Heather from Hello Divorce, who discovered Bitch Is a Bad Word after listening to the When Dating Hurts podcast and feeling an urgent pull to reach out. Her story—and the story of a friend living through hidden abuse—reminds us that emotional abuse doesn’t always look like abuse at first… and that leaving safely is never as simple as it sounds.Together, we break down what financial abuse actually looks like, why couple’s therapy with an abuser is a huge red flag, and how Hello Divorce is helping women reclaim their power—one plan, one payment, one peaceful breath at a time.Whether you’re living it, recovering from it, or trying to support someone else through it—this episode is for you. Inside This Episode:Why “just leave” isn’t realistic or safe adviceThe reality of financial abuse & post-separation controlWhat not to do in therapy with a manipulative partnerWhy it’s okay—and smart—to leave via text or emailThe tools Hello Divorce offers for building a safe exit planYou are not alone. You’re not crazy. And no—you’re not a bitch for doing what you need to do to be safe. We've got your back, Besties!Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on November 27, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----In this unforgettable Bitch Sesh, Lindsay sits down with Anna, as a young wife who found herself trapped inside her abusive husband’s family home in Dubai. She was isolated, monitored, and terrified to tell anyone what was happening behind closed doors. Reporting the abuse felt impossible. Leaving felt deadly.With nothing but blind faith, a stranger who became an angel, and strength she did not know she had, Anna made a decision no woman should ever have to make. She grabbed a burner phone, walked into the unknown, and boarded a plane to save her own life.What followed was three years living on the run. Three years hiding, surviving, and rebuilding her identity in the shadows. Three years before she finally returned home safely.This episode is gripping, brave, and one of the most shocking survival stories ever shared on this show. It is a testament to the power of instinct, sisterhood, and the moment a woman decides she will be her own hero in her own story.Inside This Episode:• What life inside an abusive family system in Dubai truly looks like• The terror of being watched, controlled, and completely kept• How a single moment of faith changed everything• What it takes to run and stay alive with no safety net• How Anna rebuilt herself after three years on the lamb• Why leaving is the most dangerous and courageous choice a survivor can makeTo learn more about Anna:https://www.healingandcptsd.com/annahttps://www.oneofthe8.com/post/anna-marie-lopes-kindness-where-you-least-expect-itNeed Help?If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----Support Our Sponsor: TALKINGPARENTS APPThe #1 App For More Confident Co-ParentingClick to Learn More: https://talkingparents.com/biabw💜 We’re teaming up with TalkingParentsApp to give the Bestie Gang one of the best tools for the Bestie Toolkit, the power to communicate without chaos. Because as much as we love reading your “Texties from your Exties,” some messages are better left professionally documented. 👀If you’re co-parenting with a narcissist, living through post-separation abuse, or just trying to protect your peace, the TalkingParents app will save your sanity. Every message. Every call. Every receipt. Safely logged. Documented bad words, gaslighting, word salads, or being run around more than a Target cart on a Sunday. Just boundaries, receipts, and your peace of mind. It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this collab is all about protecting survivors long after they leave.👉 Follow @TalkingParentsApp on Instagram & listen to the full episode of this Bitch Is A Bad Word ep now.----Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on October 23, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----Kalen’s story began when she was only 17. What she thought was the drama of love quickly became a cycle of emotional and physical abuse. For years, she was told she was crazy, too sensitive, too much. She believed it. Behind closed doors, she lived with an extreme personality who used manipulation, fear, and control to keep her questioning her own mind.In this episode of Bitch Sesh, Lindsay sits down with Kalen to explore how young love can turn into domination, how gaslighting rewrites reality, and how long-term abuse leaves scars that take years to understand. This conversation is a raw reminder that real love is not chaos or pain, and that healing begins the moment you stop mistaking cruelty for passion.Inside This Episode• How abuse can start young and feel like “drama” instead of danger• The cycle of gaslighting and control in extreme personalities• When emotional abuse escalates into physical violence• The moment Kalan realized “crazy” wasn’t her, it was him• Rebuilding after years of abuse, manipulation, fear, and shameAbout KalenKalen is a survivor and advocate who endured years of emotional and physical abuse beginning at 17. Today she uses her experience to help other women recognize the red flags, trust their intuition, and know that love should never hurt.Need Help?If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on April 24, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----TRIGGER WARNING: Please be advised that this episode contains discussions of suicide, suicidal ideation, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is strongly advised.If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support. Help is available. You can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.In this powerful episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word's Bitch Sesh, we sit down with Jenn Higgins, the visionary founder behind Anyways Socks, a company born out of resilience, humor, and healing. Jenn opens up about surviving domestic abuse, finding her voice, and creating a brand that celebrates individuality and strength — anyway you are.We dive into:Jenn’s journey through survival and entrepreneurshipHow she turned pain into purpose with Anyways SocksThe role of creativity and humor in the healing processWhy building a business as a survivor is an act of resistanceHer message for anyone navigating abuse or identity rediscoveryThis candid Bitch Sesh isn’t just about socks — it’s about survival, self-expression, and socking it to domestic abuse!Whether you're a survivor, creator, advocate, or simply love a good comeback story, this episode is for you.Support and Visit ANYWAY SOCKS ---If you are interested in coming on Bitch Sesh, please email us at biabw@caliber-studio.com, call or text us at (331) BITCHES, or DM us on our Instagram (instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod) or TikTok (tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword) pages.If you like, please leave us a review and subscribe to our channel!If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on April 17, 2025 -- This was the start of it, besties!If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----Bitch Sesh are up-close & personal conversations with current victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence sharing their stories.In this compelling inaugural episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word: "Bitch Sesh", Lindsay engages in a candid conversation with "G", a courageous wife and mother currently navigating the complexities of a verbally abusive relationship characterized by gaslighting and coercive control. "G" reached out feeling isolated, seeking a platform to share her story—a narrative that resonates with many yet often remains unheard. For security, we do not feature "G"'s image.This episode delves into:- The insidious nature of gaslighting and its impact on self-perception- Understanding coercive control and its manifestations in intimate relationships- The emotional toll of verbal abuse and strategies for coping- Recognizing the signs of emotional manipulation and reclaiming autonomy- The importance of sharing survivor stories to foster awareness and supportWhether you're currently in a challenging relationship, supporting someone who is, or aiming to understand the dynamics of emotional abuse better, "G"'s story offers valuable insights and hope.If you are interested in coming on Bitch Sesh, please email us at biabw@caliber-studio.com, call or text us at (331) BITCHES, or DM us on our Instagram (instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod) or TikTok (tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword) pages.If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233If you like, please leave us a review and subscribe to our channel!Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode originally aired on September 25, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains conversations regarding self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide.The Trauma Bond. It's hard to see the forest for the trees when you're in the middle of a constant emotional onslaught. That is Quinn's story, our guest on today's Bitch Is A Bad Word: Bitch Sesh. Like many of us, Quinn didn't know she was in an abusive marriage, being torn in so many directions she didn't know what was up until after the divorce, when she could put some distance between she and her ex, with reflection.Quinn's story is important for all of us because when you're standing in the middle of a battlefield, being assaulted constantly on all sides, it's almost impossible to tell where you stand and what's really going on. However, if you're able to pull yourself out, place yourself on a hill above the fray, you can see what's really happening below. And that is what we want to help you recognize if you are or find yourself in Quinn's relationship.All abusers use different tactics to control and Quinn's ex used emotional manipulation.  He would use tactics to draw her in, such as love bombing, "randomly" bumping into her (when he was really stalking), and coming up with excuses to see her when separated ("I'm dropping off food for you and the kids"), that would become prolonged engagements that evolved into excuses why he shouldn't or couldn't leave. And when Quinn pushed him away too hard, her ex would become violent with financial threats, harm to her and the kids, and suicide. It was a constant emotional rollercoaster, meant to draw her in and keep her attached to him with ebbs and flows of kindness and love that turned into threats, coercion, and control, and back again.Listening to Quinn's story helps us identify these tactics used in our own relationships, either ones used against us or ones we may use ourselves, so when we're in the thick of it, that memory of listening to her story will cause that lightbulb go off in our heads and we realize what's really going on, helping us break the cycle of domestic abuse and domestic violence.Need Help?If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.ABOUT QUINNQuinn Padilla is a licensed therapist, abuse recovery coach, and mother of three who brings both her personal journey as an abuse survivor and her professional expertise to the work she does. Through her practice, she helps women heal from abuse and post-separation abuse, blending education with practical tools for recovery. Quinn also shares accessible guidance and support through Instagram and TikTok as @itsquinnpadilla, reaching women across the world with resources to help them feel seen and empowered. She is the creator of Breaking the Trauma Bond, a course designed to help women understand the cycle of abuse, regulate their nervous systems, and break free from trauma bonds. Learn more about her course through her bio on Instagram or to work with her one on one visit www.itsquinnpadilla.com. Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode originally aired on September 4, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----In this episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word's Bitch Sesh, Stephanie Strickland shares a story so many women will recognize—even if they don’t yet have the words for it.She thought she had the life she wanted: a husband, a home, a child. But behind closed doors, things weren’t adding up. Her husband controlled the money, twisted the truth, and left her questioning her own reality. There were no bruises. But there was damage.Stephanie takes us through the confusing fog of emotional manipulation, financial control, betrayal, and isolation. She opens up about the terrifying moment she realized she was not safe, and how long it took her to finally break free.If you’ve ever felt like something was wrong but couldn’t quite explain it—this episode is for you.⚠️ Trigger Warning: Topics include emotional manipulation, control, trauma bonds, heartbreak, and toxic relationship dynamics.📞 If you or someone you know is in danger, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.Stephanie Strickland is a Dallas, Texas native, an award-winning and best-selling author, and a sought-after motivational speaker. Stephanie is a survivor of domestic violence who passionately spends her time advocating for victims and survivors of abuse. When she is not busy writing award winning books, and appearing on podcasts, she is sharing her inspiring story with others at speaking events.Stephanie believes that by openly sharing her life, removing her mask, and walking in her truth Stephanie is showing women you don’t have to live in the shame of your past. Through her encouraging words Stephanie is showing us how to overcome our insecurities, our fears and seek the life God has promised us. She continuously demonstrates how living a life with self-acceptance, patience and faith can lead to a life that is thriving and fulfilling.Stephanie is a God believer and is highly active in her church, where she is a facilitator over a women’s class, and is a part of many other ministries. To connect with Stephanie please see the links below:www.stephaniedstrickland.comInstagram - @iamsdstricklandFacebook - @StephanieDStrickWHAT YOU'LL HEAR- The subtle signs that something wasn’t right- How abusers weaponize religion and family expectations- What it feels like to question your own memory- Financial control and secret spending- How to finally listen to your gut—and act on it- The truth about abuse that leaves no physical scarsStephanie’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and waking up to the truth.Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.