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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 someone charming, easygoing, and well-liked. That contrast left Kelly feeling isolated, disoriented, and unsure of her own perception. This conversation is especially for anyone who is standing on the edge of a major commitment (like a wedding) and your gut is telling you something isn’t right, this episode may help you feel less alone, less dramatic, and more grounded in your truth. Sometimes the hardest thing isn’t leaving—it’s trusting yourself enough to believe what you already know. Guest Information: Kelly's Instagram- @the.kellymichelle Grace's Instagram: @gracee__elizabeth @whyshestayedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, elements of Islamic practice and cultural expectations were gradually introduced (after she was emotionally invested). This created confusion: was the growing control, restriction, and mistreatment rooted in cultural/ religious norms, or was it a result of his narcissistic and coercive personality? That uncertainty became one of the most powerful tools of manipulation. The episode closes with a powerful turning point: motherhood and a clear way out. Kelly shares how becoming a mother and a last-minute opened door clarified what she could no longer tolerate and ultimately gave her the strength to walk away- not just for herself, but for her child. Guest details not included in show notes. If you would like to get in touch with our guest, please DM me on Instagram @gracee__elizabethh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 narrative- ultimately reversing victim and offender by obtaining a TRO to portray himself as the victim. This conversation sheds light on how manipulation, image-management, and psychological abuse operate beneath the surface. Daniella's Instagram: @daniellaxmc Grace's Instagram: @gracee__elizabethh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 world keeps moving even when your own world feels like it has come to a complete stop. Together, we explore the power of discernment—learning to trust your inner knowing when circumstances, people, or even professionals cause you to doubt yourself. Kia speaks candidly about the necessity of facing pain head-on rather than avoiding it, and how doing so became a turning point in her healing. In this episode, we discuss: Living with clarity that others may not understandThe grief of watching the world move on while you’re standing stillDeveloping discernment and trusting your inner voiceWhy facing pain directly is essential to healingDomestic abuse, survival, and reclaiming your sense of selfMedical gaslighting and the importance of advocating for yourselfCreating hope while still in the unknown Sponsor Links: Aimee Says: an AI Support That Understands Abuse - and Helps You Prove It. https://www.aimeesays.com/en/home Get a free month's subscription with the code: WhySheStayed Guest Links: IG Handle @LighthouseSurvivor IG Handle 2: @namastenyc8 https://kia-lee.com/ Kia's part 1 episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2JwLe9pb9v3iU9gGGIvpjM?si=nraSVP5sQ5WicSq8sejilw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk about how control can show up through image-management and blame. We discuss how the abuser consistently positioned his wife as “the problem,” convincing others that she was the one who needed mental health help, while he would show himself as seeming reasonable, and concerned. We explore how he accused her of being unfaithful despite a lack of truth behind those claims, and how this accusation became part of a larger pattern of control. He frequently used statements like “this isn’t what a wife does” whenever she spent money, went out with friends, or did anything that didn’t center him- using shame and rigid expectations to limit her independence. The episode also covers how he insisted she change her last name right away and start a family as soon as possible. We discuss how these demands functioned as “tests” of loyalty and commitment, rather than mutual decisions. Finally, we talk about how, when the relationship ended, he attempted to control the narrative by claiming he was the one leaving and framing her as unfaithful. We unpack how this was less about the truth and more about protecting his image and avoiding accountability. This episode highlights how abuse is rooted in manipulation, narrative control, and the slow erosion of someone’s sense of self. Guest details private for now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 would stop. She describes the exhausting cycle of walking on eggshells, constantly trying to manage another person’s emotions in order to stay safe. We talk about the painful pattern so many survivors recognize: periods that felt like a fairytale—full of hope, love, and promises—followed by moments when the darkness slowly crept back in. Not all at once, but subtly enough to make her question her own reality and hold onto hope that things would change again. One of the most profound parts of our conversation centers on fear of the unknown. Stephanie shares how there was a time when the unknown felt so terrifying that she believed she would rather die than leave. Staying in the abuse felt familiar—even if it was devastating—while stepping into uncertainty felt unbearable. Stephanie's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsdstrickland?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Website: https://www.stephaniedstrickland.com/ Book: https://www.stephaniedstrickland.com/my-books Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 yelling, he was able to make Tiffany feel unbalanced and “crazy,” all while maintaining a calm exterior. Tiffany shares how focusing on her husband’s drinking became a smokescreen that kept her from seeing the deeper issue: his abusive behavior and personality. We discuss how the messaging in Al-Anon (encouraging partners to examine their “control issues” and “character defects”) often reinforces an abuser’s narrative and shift responsibility onto the survivor. We also dive into how church counsel commonly misses the mark when addressing abuse. Tiffany explains how recommendations like “temporary separation” can actually aid the abusive partner by giving them a checklist to complete in order to regain access to the marriage, while the victim is framed as the one dismantling the family. This episode sheds light on the subtle, often invisible dynamics of emotional and psychological abuse- and the systems that unintentionally enable it. Tiffany’s story is a testament to the strength it takes to recognize abuse, break through confusion, and reclaim one’s reality. Guest details are private for now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 this reluctance to “call it what it is” creates conditions where abuse can thrive in plain sight. I break down why accurate terminology isn’t just semantics- but a lifeline. Together, we reframe abuse not as a spectrum where people try to measure what “counts,” but as an umbrella of behaviors rooted in the same belief system of entitlement, control, and disregard. By understanding abuse as a unified framework rather than a sliding scale, we remove the ambiguity that keeps so many people questioning their reality. Articles and writings mentioned: Maine Case: https://cbn.com/news/us/judge-orders-maine-mom-not-take-her-daughter-church-or-read-her-bible Alyssa Wiest Article: https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/michael-dutkiewicz-guilty-of-first-degree-murder-death-girlfirend/4287021/ Ohio Article: https://nypost.com/2025/11/21/us-news/deranged-husband-kills-baby-wifes-7-year-old-and-the-boys-father-before-turning-gun-on-himself/ Black Blouse Coercive Control: https://x.com/shadows_control/status/1805945219344486824?lang=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 how her abuser deliberately stayed just below that line. This left her constantly second-guessing herself, blaming herself, and feeling unable to trust her own perception. Together, we unpack why this type of abuse is so confusing, how abusers use subtlety as a tactic, and the internal conflict survivors experience when their reality doesn’t match the stereotypes of abuse they’ve been taught. Guest information private for now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 it feel like they’re thriving while you’re left in pieces? And most importantly, how can you begin to reclaim your truth after so much manipulation and emotional chaos? Dr. Jaime Zuckerman's links: LinkTree for all links: https://linktr.ee/drzpsychologist?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAad7NNTCigjpDAiBeChMvfyAgR-y93OH9X-jCXHbD55VYt9YJaT1_SxIKA5wwQ_aem_YPJ2kBTJJcEnBmKCKOSYkw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.z_psychologist/ Dr. Z's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1aeBenKtsnHZcAMy4JekqP Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 pregnancy. With courage and honesty, Catherine shares how she uncovered the truth, the steps she took to protect herself, and the journey toward rebuilding her life after trauma. Together, we talk about the complexities of abuse, the warning signs that are often overlooked, and the strength it takes to break free. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse, substance abuse, and physical harm through abortion pills. For more about Catherine's story, please visit her social media pages and links related to her story: Socials: @catherinepresslyherring @sayhmfoundation Articles: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/texas-attorney-poisoned-pregnant-wife-abortion-medication-sentenced-18-rcna138065 https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2024/03/06/shreveport-senator-files-bill-after-sisters-husband-tried-to-secretly-abort-baby-with-abortion-pill/72863621007/ https://sbaprolife.org/newsroom/press-releases/the-catherine-and-josephine-herring-act-heads-to-gov-landrys-desk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 that misplaced empathy is a product of manipulation by the perpetrator. We also dive into the more subtle and often overlooked signs of financial control, the ways abusers rationalize physical violence, and how Wendy’s experience as a Latina woman added a layer of cultural confusion around expectations, and what it means to “stand by your man.” This conversation is a testament to resilience, clarity, and the power of naming what we’ve survived. Wendy's Instagram: @wendyc0rtes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 physically, all while her own needs were ignored or weaponized against her. We talk about: The quiet, creeping signs of financial abuseHow abusers make us feel like the caretaker or the problem-solverThe excuses they give for physical abuse and how we learn to rationalize themEarly signs of stalking and how they’re often misread as “love” or obsessionThe red flags that were different in each relationship- and the ones that felt eerily familiar If you’ve ever asked yourself “How did I end up here again?”, this episode is for you. Content warning: This episode discusses abuse, stalking, and physical violence. Please listen with care. Alissa's Instagram Pages: @makeituncomfortable @absolute_gray_media Other creator (Kimya) mentioned in the episode: @kimyamotley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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 this October, Beverly’s story is a vital reminder that abuse often wears a mask - and that mask can be both convincing and devastating. Through her long-form essay and now this conversation, she sheds light on how abuse can be insidious, and how leaving is never easy — but healing is possible. This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned their reality, felt isolated in their grief, or needed to know they are not alone. Beverly's Substack post: "How Losing Our Child Exposed the Depth of My Husband’s Abuse and Gave Me the Strength to Leave" https://open.substack.com/pub/beverlyhallberg/p/how-losing-our-child-exposed-the?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Beverly's social media & sites: districtmediagroup.com X: @BeverlyHallberg Instagram: beverlyhallberg Facebook: BeverlyHallberg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 wanted. 5.) How can one break out of cognitive dissonance when in the thick of it? 6.) When the abuser claims to have PTSD, is that a reason/ excuse for abuse? 7.) Sleep abuse/ abuser claiming to have "violent dreams" 8.) Did u/anyone u speak with feel like their abuser was gay and that's why they hated women? 9.) Is it real love when he goes to the extreme of doing crazy stuff to show undying love? 10.) How to support a friend who says they know it's abuse but they're not scared of him? 11.) How to deal with people who just don't get it 12.) Your opinion on a relationship/marriage between a believer and an atheist Articles & other creator credits: Abusive Men Describe The Benefits of Violence: https://voicemalemagazine.org/abusive-men-describe-the-benefits-of-violence/ Creator's post mentioned: @healingbythenumbers on Instagram Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.