Why She Stayed
A podcast that explores the complexities of domestic violence relationships, focusing on why it is difficult for victims to leave. Through survivor stories and conversations with guests, it examines abusive behaviors and how individuals eventually break free. The show aims to educate and foster understanding about the dynamics of abuse.
Episodes
Ep. 102: He Says You're Free, But Are You Really?
How do we read between the lines when our abuser has gotten really good at coloring within the lines?Deploying control often looks like mastering their craft and becoming “less messy.” As abusers become more skilled at controlling their partners, their methods may become harder to recognize, explain, and prove to others.We also talk about how they use "non-expensive" methods of control b
Ep. 101: The Power in Seeing the Cycle Unfold Close Together
In this episode, Hannah shares her story of what happens when coercive control slowly changes who you are.One of the things that ultimately helped Hannah leave was seeing the cycle of abuse unfold in such a short, compressed period of time. When the highs, lows, conflict, consequences, and reconciliation began happening so close together, she was able to see the pattern more clearly—and recognize
Ep. 100: Could the Word "Narcissist" Be Setting Us Back?
In this episode, I’m sharing my honest thoughts on whether the word “narcissist” may actually be setting us back when it comes to understanding abuse and coercive control.We talk about why focusing so heavily on whether an abusive person is a “narcissist” can sometimes distract from what matters most: the behavior, the patterns, the power dynamics, and the impact of the abuse.I share my perspectiv
99: "“You Always Leave Right When I’m About to Turn a Corner”
In this episode, Helen shares her story of the subtle ways coercive control made her believe that she was the problem.She shares how he repeatedly blamed her for leaving “right when he was about to get things right,” pressured her sexually by suggesting other women would pursue him if she wasn't "his covering, and even involved their children by asking, “Do you want Dad to have to get a g
98: What Change Does Not Look Like & How to Test Them
How do you know when an abuser’s “change” is actually just another form of control?In this episode, I break down the clear signs that an abusive person is not truly changing, including real text messaging examples and behaviors you may see after leaving.I also talk about how you can respond in a way that gives you greater clarity and helps you recognize a stream of clues that the change is perform
97: The #1 Thing You Must Know About Abuse For a Lasting Breakthrough
If you never read another book, listen to another podcast, or consume another piece of content about abuse, there is one thing I want you to understand:If you continue looking at your relationship through an incident-based lens, you will always end up asking the wrong questions. You’ll focus on individual moments — What did he say? What did I say? What happened right before the argument? Could I h
96: "You’re Making an Elephant Out of a Mosquito"
In this episode, I sit down with Wednesday to talk about how the nervous system can become attached to predictability—even when that predictability is harmful—and how an abuser can become both the poison and the antidote, the distress and the comfort.Wednesday shares how her ex used martial arts, clumsiness, and “accidents” to explain away physical trespasses—creating just enough "truth" to make h
95: I Had to Become Ruthless to Stay Gone: For the Person Who Keeps Leaving and Going Back
Ali shares the brutal reality of trying to leave an abusive relationship and how, after leaving and returning over and over again, she began to lose trust in her own ability to stay gone.In this episode, we talk about:Why repeated leaving and returning can create a deep distrust in yourself.How isolation can make you feel that talking to your family “too much” is strange or abnormal.How she began
94: Aubree's Story | PART 2
Everyone asks what happened the day Aubree’s husband shot her twice, murdered their nearly six-month-old son, Kymani, and then took his own life.But the deeper question is: What happened long before that day?While many people assume lethal domestic violence begins with physical abuse, Aubree’s story demonstrates something experts on coercive control have long understood: the pathway to extreme vio
Ep. 93: In Honor of Kymani: Aubree's Story | PART 1
Everyone asks what happened the day Aubree’s husband shot her twice, murdered their nearly six-month-old son, Kymani, and then took his own life.But the deeper question is: What happened long before that day?In this episode of Why She Stayed, Aubree shares the story of the timespan leading up to the unimaginable tragedy that left her paralyzed and forever changed her life. While many people assume
Ep 92 Abusers Don't Lose Control- They Deploy It: with Lindsay Stoker creator of The Control Code
I sit down with Lindsay Stoker creator of The Control Code to unpack the most misunderstood aspects of coercive control and psychological abuse.One of the most powerful shifts in understanding abuse is learning to stop asking, “Was this incident abusive?” and instead asking, “What was this behavior designed to accomplish?” We discuss why the function of abusive behavior matters far more than the f
Ep. 91: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Coercive Control
If I could sit across from the woman I was back then, these are the 20 things I would tell her.In this episode of Why She Stayed, I reflect on my own experience of coercive control and share the lessons I wish someone had taught me while I was still living inside the confusion.In this episode, we unpack topics like:Why I found myself doing things that looked “sketchy” from the outside- like deleti
Ep. 90: What if I'm Wrong About Everything?: Why AI Helps Survivors Feel Sane: Aimee Says
What if you’re wrong about everything?It’s one of the most haunting questions survivors of coercive control ask themselves after years of psychological manipulation.In this episode of Why She Stayed, I sit down with Anne Wintemute, founder of AimeeSays, to unpack how blame-shifting rewires your thinking… and how abusers create the illusion of freedom, making you believe you can leave at any time w
Ep.89: The Damage of Chronic Deception
Brand new episode! This is a never-before-heard conversation.I’m joined by author Cora Leyderman, author of Meet Me at the Well, as she shares the story of her previous marriage to a pathological liar. While many people picture abuse as physical violence or obvious intimidation, Cora’s experience looked very different. Her husband’s primary tactics were relentless deception, psychological manipula
Ep. 87: (Re-Release) Lundy Bancroft Interview: Why Does He Do That?
This episode originally aired on May 13, 2025.Brand new episode will be released on Tuesday, March 24th.Lundy Bancroft is the author of the book "Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" as well as many other books and has worked extensively in batterer intervention programs. He has over 30 years of experience working with abusive men and their families and is a leading
Ep. 86: What If I Ruin His Life?- The Fear, the Grooming, and the People Who Said She'd Destroy Him.
Lindsey shares the story of how her relationship slowly turned into something she didn’t recognize as abuse.What began as the gradual normalization of cheating became a pattern of psychological grooming. Over time, he reframed betrayal as “normal,” rewrote reality, and convinced her she was the one causing harm.He even faked medical emergencies- claiming she was causing him physical suffering fro
Ep. 85: Twist, Blame, Repeat
In this episode, Kelly shares her experience of being in a relationship where reality was constantly twisted. Her abuser was skilled at blame-shifting, making her feel like she was the problem for asking reasonable questions, having needs, or expecting basic respect.What made it even more confusing was how differently he showed up to the rest of the world. Friends, family, and acquaintances saw so
Ep. 84: Quiet Control: When Culture Masks Coercion
In this episode, Kelly shares her story of entering a relationship with a mild-mannered Arab Muslim doctor at a vulnerable point in her life, a time when she felt ungrounded and stuck in patterns of promiscuity. He positioned himself as a stabilizing force, framing the relationship as a way to “save” her from that path and introduce her to a more meaningful life.As the relationship deepened, eleme
Ep. 83: How Abuse Stripped Me of Myself
In this episode, Daniella shares her experience of being in a relationship marked by extreme intensity followed by sudden discard and abandonment. She opens up about how emotional abuse eroded her sense of self, fueled comparison and insecurity, and left her feeling like a shell of who she once was.Daniella also unpacks how her abuser used people outside the relationship to validate his false narr
Ep. 82: Facing Pain Head-On: The Only Way Is Through
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Kia Lee, author and survivor, as she shares her journey through domestic abuse and cancer—and what it means to keep creating hope while still living in the unknown.Kia opens up about the loneliness of clarity: that isolating moment when you see the truth of your situation before anyone else does. We talk about how life doesn’t pause for your pain- how the
Ep. 80: When The Unknown Feels Scarier & The Courage To Leave What You Know | with Stephanie Strickland
In this deeply honest episode, I sit down with abuse survivor and author Stephanie Strickland, whose new book Finding Peace Within shares her journey of survival, self-discovery, and healing.Stephanie opens up about how her abuser convinced her that she was the cause of the abuse—leading her to believe that if she could just be more perfect, more careful, or do everything “right,” the conflict wou
Ep. 79: "He Gaslit Me So Sweetly"
In this survivor story, Tiffany opens up about the hidden layers of abuse she endured in her marriage- abuse she didn’t initially recognize. Growing up with a father who was a “standard yeller,” Tiffany assumed that abuse had to look loud and obvious. But her husband’s tactics were quieter, calculated, and far more confusing. Through gaslighting, and emotionally charged setups that left her yellin
Ep. 78: Help, I Can't Define My Experience!
In this solo episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked reasons people remain stuck in abusive cycles: the inability to name what they’re experiencing. I explore how the lack of clear language- not just individually, but across society- keeps people confused, doubting themselves, and trapped far longer than they should be.We unpack the cultural habit of mislabeling harmful behavior, and how
Ep. 77: The Threshold That Never Comes: The Ambiguity That Keeps Survivors Silent
In this episode, I sit down with Hannah to explore abuse that is intentionally designed to be unrecognizable. Hannah shares how her abuser strategically created gray areas and emotional ambiguity, making it almost impossible for her to pinpoint what was happening.She also talks about the “threshold” she carried in her mind- her preconceived idea of what “real abuse” was supposed to look like- and
Ep. 76: Will The Abuser Change For The New Supply? | Dr. Jaime Zuckerman
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, a nationally recognized clinical psychologist who specializes in narcissistic abuse and relationship trauma. Together, we dive deep into one of the most painful and confusing stages of recovery- learning to detach from the abuser’s narrative.We explore questions so many survivors wrestle with: Will the abuser change for the next person? Why does
Ep. 75: "He Poisoned Me With Abortion Pills" - Catherine Herring
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Catherine opens up about the years she spent trapped in an abusive marriage marked by emotional abuse, infidelity, and alcohol use by her former spouse. What began as a hopeful relationship spiraled into something she never imagined when she discovered her husband’s shocking attempts to secretly poison her with abortion pills in an effort to end her pr
Ep. 74: Their Weight On Our Shoulders: How Abuse Makes Us Feel Responsible For Them | Wendy's Story
In this episode, I’m joined by Wendy as she bravely shares her story of surviving abuse and how it manipulates your sense of duty, love, and identity.Wendy opens up about how her abuser made her feel responsible for his well-being, and how that emotional weight kept her trapped in a cycle of guilt and silence. We explore why so many survivors feel sorry for the very people hurting them, and how th
Ep. 73: How Did I Get Here (Again)? : A Story of Two Abusive Relationships
In this episode, I sit down with Alissa to talk through the painful reality of surviving not one, but two abusive relationships, and the patterns that emerged between them.We dive into the emotional and financial toll of being made to feel responsible for the very people who were hurting us. Alissa shares how she was expected to take care of her abusers- emotionally, financially, and even physica
Ep. 72: When Faith Is Weaponized: Naming the Abuse, Healing the Grief, Finding Hope Again | Beverly's Story
"I didn't think it could happen to me."In this deeply personal and courageous episode, Beverly Hallberg — founder and president of District Media Group — shares her powerful story of surviving abuse. What began with subtle glimpses of control eventually unraveled into something much deeper, finally exposed by the unimaginable loss of her baby.As we acknowledge Domestic Violence Awareness Month thi
Ep. 71: Q&A Part 5
This is a solo full Q&A episode where I answer the following questions: 1.) How long did it take for you to no longer feel the need for him to see your worth? 2.) How to not care that you're painted as the villain by abuser?3.) How do you get over the discard, and how happy they seem to be doing it to you?4.) How to stop spiraling when they seem to be giving the next partner everything you wan
Ep. 70: Life Post- Abuse | Imposter Syndrome, Fear, & Staying the Course
Alexis Ruhlen and I discuss life post- abuse as a part 2 episode. We cover topics such as: emotions that come with reporting our abusers to law enforcement, dealing with the opinions of others, survivor imposter syndrome, how long it took us to make progress, and breaking the bond for the final time.Lex's original podcast episode of her FULL story is episode #18. If you would like to follow Alexis
Ep. 69: Sadistic Behaviors And The Normalization Of Boundary Pushing
On this episode, Lynn and I speak about topics such as sadistic behaviors, sexual abuse/ boundary pushing, and how abusers coerce you by giving the illusion of choice. To work with Lynn or send her a message, please see the links below: Lynn's Website: https://www.echoismrecovery.com/Lynn's Instagram: theechochamber2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 68: "The Greatest Weapon An Abuser Has Is To Make Us Not Trust Ourselves" | Monica Moore Smith
On this episode, Monica Smith shares pieces of her abuse story and detailed examples of how an abuser grooms us to no longer trust our own inner dialogue and perceptions. We talk about how they slowly make themselves the only source of truth we feel we can rely on and why it's so hard to believe ourselves. Monica's Instagram: @monicamooresmithMonica's Tiktok: @monicamooresmith5 Hosted on Acast. S
Ep. 67: Behind the Blame: Understanding DARVO
Taylor shares her abuse story and how her reality became completely distorted and shaken over time. We discuss how she was made to feel like the offender and how she was often recorded, shamed, and blamed as a form of control. We discuss topics of emotional, financial, & sexual abuse throughout the episode. Guest details will be private for now until further notice. Hosted on Acast. See acast
Ep. 66: You Won't Get Closure From The Same Person Who Hurt you | Laura Richards
On this episode, I am joined by podcast host and abuse recovery coach Laura Richards. Laura is the host of That's Where I'm At Podcast and we dive deep into both the addictive nature of the cycle of abuse and her personal story. We speak about the trauma bond, gaslighting, and abusers who frequently talk to other women as a form of punishment. If you would like to get in touch with Laura, visit he
Ep. 65: "The Way He Operated Was So Subtle"
Nicolette shares about the emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse she faced in her marriage and how minimizing, denying, and blaming made it so hard to see through the fog. We discuss how abusers will often seem very forthcoming and honest about their "past" struggles and use their honesty as a distraction to their current behavior. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 64: "He's Not Going to Change"- Erin's Story
Erin shares her abuse story of enduring physical, emotional, verbal & financial abuse. She describes how her abuser blamed the mistreatment on "stressors" and kept her in a cycle of hoping it was always just about to get better. Erin's Instagram: @love_doesnt_destroy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 63: "Purposeful, Determined, & Unwavering"- Sarah's Story
Sarah shares her story of the many years of abuse she endured throughout her marriage and how spiritual and emotional abuse played a big role in keeping her trapped. She also shares how she navigated with 3 children including one special needs child and how she clung to her faith even when it was used against her as manipulation. Lastly, we discuss when an abuser says they didn't "mean" to hurt us
Ep. 62: He Knew Which Lines Not To Cross
Christa shares her story of experiencing high forms of covert abuse and how that led to a complete mental breakdown and loss of self. We dive into many examples of manipulation and how she eventually saw through the fog, overcame the confusion, and walked away for good. If you would like to get in touch with Christa, please see her Instagram below:@christarealba Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri
Ep. 61: Weaponization Of Mental Health, Triangulation, & Charisma
On this episode, Jess shares her story about how abusers can weaponize mental health claims as an excuse to accuse you and gain control in very covert ways. We also discuss how perpetrators who are very charismatic triangulate people around them to feed into the manipulation and lies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 60: How Abusers Control The Narrative | with Quinn Padilla
On this episode, I am joined by trauma therapist and abuse recovery coach- Quinn Padilla. We discuss topics such as what is a "one-off" mistake vs. a pattern, intent vs. action, and how an abuser will attempt to control the narrative. Get in touch with Quinn: Instagram: @itsquinnpadillaWebsite: https://www.itsquinnpadilla.com/Grace's socials: Instagram: @gracestuart26 @whyshestayedpodcast Hosted o
Ep. 59: Discussing the Diddy Trial- with Dr. Nadine Macaluso
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 57 Reasons We Stay & Helping a Loved One | Bethany Comerford
On this episode, I am joined by life coach Bethany Comerford as we discuss red flags in manipulation, why survivors often stay for so long, ways to practically help a loved one, and how grief plays a role even when this person has abused you.This week we experienced several technical difficulties, but episodes will return to the normal day and pattern over the course of the weeks ahead. To get in
Ep. 56: Love Bombing, Illusion of Stability, & Devaluation | Lindsay Abernathy
Today I am joined by Lindsay Abernathy host of Bitch Is A Bad Word podcast as she shares her personal story of surviving domestic abuse. We discuss topics of love bombing, future faking, how control escalates over time financially, emotionally, physically, and much more. Please see links below to connect with Lindsay or to check out her podcast: Instagram: @bitchisabadwordpodTiktok: @bitchisabadwo
Ep. 55: Lundy Bancroft Interview | Why Does He Do That?
I am honored to have Lundy Bancroft on the show with me to talk about some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding domestic abuse and the mind of the abuser. Lundy Bancroft is the author of the book "Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" as well as many other books and has worked extensively in batterer intervention programs. He has over 30 years of experienc
Ep. 54: Red Flags, Trusting Yourself, & Dating Post- Abuse | with Ashley Maland
On this episode, guest Ashley Maland and I discuss topics such as red flags, why you feel like you cannot leave, abuser's who frequently discard, healing your strong attachments to them, how to trust yourself again, and dating struggles post-abuse. Ashley's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theashleytaylorcoAshley's Podcast: https://thisiswhereweheal.com/Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26Lundy Bancroft D
Ep. 52: My Story Updated- One Year of Podcasting
On this episode, I am re-sharing my story to capture within one episode to discuss topics and themes that may help you recall things from your own experience or make new connections. Thank you to this incredible community and I look forward to this next year to come with all of you!My Instagram and Resources: Instagram: @gracestuart26https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.domesticshelters.org/ Hos
Ep. 51: Hot & Cold Behaviors and Infidelity
Morgan shares her story of the constant mix of hot and cold behaviors of her abuser and how she did not know it was abuse for so long. We talk about the infidelity that took place and how victims are gaslit into not trusting the information that is right in front of them. We also speak about how Morgan found the strength to leave while 8 weeks pregnant with their third child and the challenges she
Ep. 50: A Conversation About the Family Court System | Courtney Gilmartin
On this episode, I am joined by Courtney Gilmartin who is a legal strategist and protective mom advocating for change in New Jersey & the family court system. We have a general discussion about entering the court system as a mother and provide some practical tips & resources to keep in your toolbox of information.For further information & support you can check out these links:NJ Protec
Ep. 49: Unpacking Control, Possessiveness, & Stalking
On this episode, Mandy shares her survivor story about how she met her abuser at a young age and was quickly swept into a relationship where possessiveness, monitoring, and the pressure to be "perfect" were constant. We will discuss what made this cycle so confusing and the challenges she faced while leaving including having to record conversations just to keep track of her own memory.Mandy's TikT
Ep. 48: "He Pretended to do a Total 180" | How She Finally Broke Free
On this episode, Rose shares her survivor story of navigating an abusive relationship with emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual coercion, escalating physical crossing of boundaries, and leaving with children. She shares how her abuser would use shared- dreams they had of the future to keep her in the cycle including faking change in an attempt to get her to return to the relationship. If you w
Ep. 47: Understanding Coercive Control and Manipulative Behaviors | Dr. Emma Katz
On this episode I am joined by coercive control expert Dr. Emma Katz to break down some of your most commonly asked questions. Dr. Katz is a UK- based domestic violence & coercive control researcher and a Substack Bestseller. During this episode, we discuss topics such as why abusers tend to use emotional abuse & coercive behaviors as their main form of control, examples of why they are do
Ep. 46: Trusting Your Gut Instinct- with Laura Richards
On this episode, I am joined by Criminal Behavior Analyst, Laura Richards. Laura is an expert on domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, sexual violence homicide and risk assessment. She trained at New Scotland Yard and the FBI Behavioral Analysis Units and is an advocate for victims and an author, producer and podcaster. Together, we sit down and discuss the importance of trusting your gut in
Ep. 45: Emotional Abuse Can Feel like Death by a Thousand Paper Cuts - with Leah Aguirre
On this episode, I am joined by licensed therapist and author Leah Aguirre where we have an open conversation about "hidden" forms of abuse such as frequent criticism, belittling, and making you feel like nothing is ever good enough. We also discuss questions like "why does my abuser's ex say he wasn't abusive" and "how to not get confused when he starts acting nice again". Lastly, we talk about o
Ep. 44: "I Was An Advocate For Victims, But I Didn't Realize I Was One Too"
On this episode, Naomi shares about the cognitive dissonance she experienced when she was working as a victim crime advocate not realizing that she herself was experiencing coercive control, abuse within her own marriage. We talk about her journey to gain clarity, how she left with children, and her abuser's famous words: "But I never hit you".Naomi's Instagram: @nar4124My Instagram: @gracestuart2
Ep. 43: Confusion Is The Hallmark Of Abuse
On this Episode, Liadan shares her abuse story and how confusion played a huge role in struggling to break free. We talk about continuous discarding as a form of abuse, triangulation, and how efficiently the abuser will turn the blame back onto you. This episode contains topics of emotional, verbal, & physical abuse. Liadan's Instagram: @liadanmairegunterLiadan's Website: https://www.therewiri
Ep. 42: "It Felt Like Whiplash"
Nicole shares her abuse story of a 10+ year relationship/ marriage that included emotional, mental, financial, and escalating physical abuse. We discuss how the constant ups and downs felt like "whiplash" and how she ultimately left while her daughter was only 5 months old. Guest information will be kept private for now. You can follow me on Instagram @gracestuart26 and Tiktok @gracestuart. Hosted
Ep. 41: Coercive Control- Dr. Christine Cocchiola
On this episode I am joined by coercive control expert Dr. Christine Cocchiola. We discuss examples of how abuse can feel both hidden & obvious, how the perpetrator frames you as the "bad" one, & the dynamic when children are involved. Dr. Cocchiola's website, books, & links:FRAMED Book: https://narcfreepress.com/Website: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/Protective Parenting P
Ep. 40: "It Felt Like My Brain Was No Longer Mine"
Sasha shares her story of how she found herself in an intense cycle of abuse with a man who claimed to be "trauma informed" and emotionally mature, but was actually abusing and causing massive confusion behind closed doors. We talk about feeling like they are your best friend and worst nightmare at the same time, how the stress of abuse affects your physical health, and why couples counseling can
Ep. 39 Psychological Abuse, Isolation, & Leaving with a Child
On this episode, my guest Cory shares her abuse story about how she survived a cycle of fast love bombing, being hurt by the same person who "rescues you", how your body will start to reject them, and how she found the strength to leave with a young child.Follow Cory's Instagram: @coryannmichel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 38: Can Coercive Control be Accidental? Do I Owe Him One Last Talk?- Full Q&A
During this episode, I will be answering your most commonly asked questions about abuse and healing. We discuss questions such as:Can abuse be unintentional? Do I owe my abuser one last conversation?Best way to deal with the silent treatmentHow to stop comparing yourself to the next person they are withAnd more. See more Q&As covered through my Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See ac
Ep. 37: When He's on a Pedestal & Puts You in Lose-Lose Situations
On this episode, Megan shares her abuse story of how isolation & accusations were slowly introduced, how abusers will put you in lose-lose situations, how it feels like we always need more "proof" to leave them, and how she eventually left for good.Next episode will air on Tuesday, January 7th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 36: Non-Fatal Strangulation: How it's Introduced and Escalates- Dr. Dana Anderson
On this episode I am joined by forensic psychologist Dr. Dana Anderson where we discuss the dangers of non-fatal strangulation, what it is, what "counts", why it matters, and answering your most commonly asked questions. Dr. Anderson's website and social links: Instagram: dr.dana_andersonTiktok: @killerpsychologistWebsite: https://psychologydr.com/doctor-of-clinical-forensic-psychology/Further re
Ep. 35: Will Trying to be Perfect Make Them Change?
On this episode I am joined by my guest Amanda where we discuss topics of emotional abuse, coercive control, sexual coercion and more. We also discuss how abusers use things like withdrawing or demanding intimacy as a way to control you and how porn use and spiritual manipulation can play a role in the cycle of abuse. See my Instagram @gracestuart26 for more on guest information. Hosted on Acast.
Ep. 34: Cognitive Dissonance, Euphoric Recall, and What if He's Changing?
On today's episode, Cindy and I discuss the progression of abuse in her past relationship/ marriage and how strong cognitive dissonance can be when you are dealing with "two versions" of your partner. We also talk about their claims of change, and how intense euphoric recalls can be when you are trying walk away and what helped Cindy to overcome that.Cindy's Instagram: @cin.d.bin Hosted on Acast.
Ep. 33: DV Survivor & Mass Shooting Survivor- Elle Gargano
On this episode, I am joined by Elle Gargano speaking about enduring a 9 year abusive relationship and all of the aspects that kept her feeling stuck including surviving a mass shooting during the time when she was still with her abuser. We speak heavily about emotional and mental abuse and how the confusion kept her feeling uncertain of her experience for many years.Elle's Socials and Website: In
Ep. 32: Coercion, Reactive Abuse, and what if it's me "causing" this?
Morgan shares her story of escaping a relationship that included extreme phases of "love" and devaluing. We discuss topics of coercion, reactive abuse, lying to escape his accusations, the addictiveness of the cycle, and overcoming self-blame.See my Instagram @gracestuart26 for more episode clips and episode information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 31: Am I "Supposed" to Stay in an Abusive Situation?- Karen DeArmond Gardner
On this episode I'm joined by Karen DeArmond Gardner where we talk about covert, emotional, mental, and spiritual abuse. She gives new perspectives on how to handle the intrusive thoughts and lies that tell us "but am I supposed to stay?"All Links for Karen's Socials and Website:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karendearmondgardner?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Ep. 30: "No one will ever believe you because you look too happy"- Savannah's Story
On this episode, Savannah shares her story about mental, verbal, and physical abuse and why it felt so hard to leave. We talk about how "smaller" physical trespasses escalate over time and how the perpetrator may pretend they are not even happening. This is an episode for anyone who is in a cycle of "good and bad" who is looking to gain new perspective. Savannah's Socials:Tiktok: @therealmessmomIG
Ep. 29: How to Help Someone Who's in an Abusive Relationship by Holding Space for Them
On this solo episode, I give all of my best tips for bridging the gap with a loved one who may be stuck in an abusive relationship. I give advice on what could be most helpful VS. harmful and how to stay hopeful in the midst of it all.Remember to always contact law enforcement in the case of an emergency, or call a DV hotline yourself for specific advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for
How Abusers Weaponize Mental Health and Triangulation
On this episode, Jess shares her story about how abusers can weaponize mental health claims as an excuse to accuse you and gain control in very covert ways. We also discuss how perpetrators who are very charismatic triangulate people around them to feed into the manipulation and lies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How to Look Through the Lens of the Cycle of Abuse- Knowing Your Truth with Quinn Padilla
On this episode I'm joined by my guest Quinn Padilla where we talk about how to gain clarity by focusing on what the *cycle* of abuse really looks like and new perspectives to help you identify patterns and stay strong. We also discuss Quinn's personal story as a DV survivor. Quinn's Instagram: @itsquinnpadillaQuinn's Website: https://www.rellawellness.com/Article I cited: https://voicemalemagazin
Psychological Abuse, Blindness, & Resilience Through Adversity- Sherrie Lynn Lilley
On this episode, I am joined by Sherrie Lynn Lilley who is a DV survivor and owner of HEAL Creative Coaching. We speak about emotional & psychological abuse and how she navigated the trauma as a blind woman and as a mother of 5 amazing children. Sherrie's Instagram is @sherrielynnlilley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"Reactive Abuse", Abusers Who Discard, Hoover, & Breaking Free- Shannon's Story
On this episode we discuss topics of emotional & verbal abuse, abusers who initiate "breakups" as a form of manipulation, hoovering, anxiety they create, and how you can be pushed to a point of reacting to their mistreatment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Abuse, Second Guessing Yourself, Withdraw, & The Strength to Stay Gone- Claire's Story
On this episode we are talking about Claire's story and why it's so hard to break free from an abuser and then keep up the strength to stay gone. We also discuss projection, monitoring, accusing, and how they try to pull you back in and make you second guess your decision to leave at every turn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Insidious Nature of Abuse & Spiritual Abuse - with Tatenda
On this episode, Tatenda Mandingwa and I have an open conversation about the insidious parts of abuse, questions you can ask yourself to gain clarity, and what spiritual abuse can look like. Tatenda's IG: @tatendamandingwaMy IG: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's Not High Conflict, It's Abuse- Maureen's Story
On this episode, I'm joined by my guest Maureen where we talk about her domestic violence story and the importance of calling abuse by name. We talk about the cognitive dissonance that happens when you are trapped in the cycle of abuse and how she eventually was able to identify what was truly happening to her. Maureen's Instagram: @themaureenmurphyTW: emotional abuse, SA, other sensitive topics.
Inside the Abuser's Mind- Part 2
Today I am joined by Abuse Educator and DV Advocate, Eleni. We discuss commonly asked questions to provide you with education, strength, and understanding.Eleni's Instagram: @no_narcsenseTiktok: @nonarcsense Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 18: Kidnapped by her Abuser: Lex's Story
On this episode, Lex will be sharing her domestic violence story and how the early warning signs of control and manipulation escalated over time and lead to a kidnapping incident by her abuser that she survived. Lex now has a passion for DV advocacy and speaks out to help people recognize the signs.Her social media pages are:Instagram: @lexruhlenTikTok: @lexlittlepickleTrigger Warning: Physical ab
Ep. 17: Lauren's Story
On this episode I am joined by my guest Lauren who shares her story of domestic violence and how she finally broke free from a powerful, addictive, and confusing cycle. TW: emotional abuse, physical abuse, descriptions of SAMy Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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