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

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.

This episode originally aired on August 26, 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 B!tch is a Bad Word, host Lindsay sits down with Dr. Christine Cocchiola—researcher, advocate, and expert in coercive control—to expose the form of domestic abuse that leaves no bruises but devastates lives. Together, they unpack how coercive control erodes autonomy, uses children as weapons, and creates “death by a thousand paper cuts” for survivors.Dr. Cocchiola shares insights from decades of research and lived experience, explaining why survivors often blame themselves, how abusers manipulate family court and parenting, and what protective parents can do to help their children heal. From understanding trauma bonds to recognizing reactive abuse, this conversation offers validation, clarity, and practical tools for anyone trapped in the cycle of psychological control.About Dr. Christine Cocchiola:Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW is a Coercive Control Educator, Researcher & Survivor. She is a college professor teaching social work for the last 20 years and a social justice advocate for a local domestic violence agency, since the age of 19. Her expertise is in the areas of coercive control and the traumatic experiences of adult and child victims, diligently supporting these vulnerable populations. Dr. C., a Founding Member of the International Coercive Control Conference and a Board Member of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, has supported codifying coercive control, writing numerous policy briefs supporting these efforts.Guest Information:Website - https://coercivecontrolconsulting.com/Instagram - @dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrolTwitter - @coercivecontrolIf you’ve ever questioned whether words, manipulation, and control “count” as abuse, this episode is your answer. You’re not crazy—and you’re not alone.If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.This episode is for anyone who has asked:- signs of a controlling relationship- how to know if my relationship is abusive- emotional abuse in relationships- when love feels like control- why does my partner put me down- gaslighting and manipulation in relationships- trauma bonding explained- am I the problem in my relationship- co-parenting with a toxic ex- raising kids with an abusive partner- why leaving an abuser is so hard- what is coercive control in relationships (paired with plain terms)- feeling broken but no bruises- how to heal from an abusive relationship- my partner calls me names — is it abuse?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 July 10, 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 the man who once felt like home becomes the reason you fear for your safety?In this gripping episode of Bitch Sesh, Lindsay sits down with Nelsy, a veteran, mother, and survivor of a long-term abusive relationship that began with a single slap and spiraled into years of coercive control. It started in the barracks, with charm, attention, and tenderness… and it ended with holes in the walls, shattered belongings, and a system that protected him over her.We talk about what it means to report abuse in the military, how trauma bonds are formed, and the emotional whiplash of being gaslit by someone who swears they love you. Nelsy’s story is raw, devastating, and all too common and her voice is a rallying cry for women who’ve been told to stay silent.Inside This Episode:What really happens when you report a Marine for abuseHow the military enables abusers behind closed doorsWhy women stay-even after the first slapThe terrifying escalation during pregnancy and motherhoodWhat gaslighting and coercive control actually sound likeThe path to reclaiming your voice, your body, and your lifeAbout Nelsy:Nelsy is a veteran, advocate, and survivor who now speaks openly about domestic violence and military silence. Her courage in telling the truth is a gift and a warning to every woman who’s ever second-guessed her gut.If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233You’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 originally aired on September 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-----From Survivor to Lawyer to Family Court Judge - no one knows the ins and outs of the Family Court system than Michele Locke. Too often, survivors are told by their attorneys to keep quiet about the abuse they suffered and that it turns off the judge. And too often, survivors capitulate to manipulative maneuvers their abusers thrust on them, continuing the cycle of abuse in court.Michele - a former Judge turned podcaster - discusses how to find the right attorney who understands YOU and what YOU'VE gone through and will navigate the arcane family law legal system for you. You need to find someone who understands what you've been through, is empathic to your experiences, and knows how to navigate the family court system so you don't compromise.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 MichelePODCAST: LOVELUSTLAWMICHELE LOCKE is a former Associate Court Judge and experienced family law attorney with a mission to demystify the court system and make it accessible and equitable for all-regardless of background or socioeconomic status. With a 23-year legacy and having presided over 5,000 cases, Michele is a powerful voice for families, survivors of domestic violence, and marginalized communities.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 December 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-----Unfortunately, and fortunately for the Bestie Gang listening, we are going to teach you some things in this episode that I desperately wish I had known sooner. That is the whole point of this show and Amy’s work: you cannot understand their behavior because you would never do it. You keep asking, “What is the point? Why would you do this? Why can’t you just be decent?” and none of it makes sense because you are not wired like someone who enjoys creating the most unsafe, emotionally brutal reality for the mother of their children.In this Bitch Sesh with therapist and narc-recovery expert Amy Watkins, LPC, we break down the post-separation mindf*ck, the breadcrumbs of decency, the mask they wear for the new supply, the way they tell the next one you are crazy while she drinks the Kool-Aid, and how you spiral back into self-doubt, body shame, and “am I the problem?” loops.We talk about the post-separation apocalypse and how to protect your peace when your ex wakes up every day seemingly asking, “How can I f*ck with her today?”Trigger Warning for SA survivors: We also go deep into Lindsay's own story, including SA I did not recognize as SA at the time, caretaking after harm, walking on eggshells in every area of life, and shrinking my needs until I stopped asking for anything because everything I loved was eventually broken or weaponized against me.In this episode, we get into:Post-separation abuse and why you do not even know you are in it until you are outHow abusers flip the script: “you are crazy, you are a bitch” to the new partnerGaslighting, confusion, and how constant reality-twisting can genuinely make you feel like you are going insaneWhy you keep asking “Am I the problem?” after behaving in ways you do not even recognizeSex as a way to stay out of trouble, sexual coercion in marriage or relationships, and why that is not a healthy dynamicFear as your first language: rehearsing basic needs, being terrified to ask for anything, and how that keeps you stuckHow unhealed childhood trauma makes toxic love feel like homeFor more on Amy Watkins, visit her at https://www.amywatkinsstudio.com/We've got your back, Besties.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 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 originally aired on May 13, 2025.We chose this episode as January is National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM), an annual call to action to recognize and respond to the serious crime of stalking. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233-----When someone you love is harmed in an abusive relationship, your world changes forever. In this deeply emotional episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, we sit down with Bill Mitchell—author, speaker, and host of the When Dating Hurts podcast—who shares the tragic story behind the murder of his daughter Kristin, just three weeks after graduating college.Twenty days before her death, Kristin walked across the stage at Saint Joseph’s University. Her family was there. Her boyfriend was there too—someone they’d never met before. Three weeks later, he pled guilty to third-degree murder.That moment launched Bill into a life of advocacy, education, and prevention, helping parents, teens, and survivors recognize the red flags of relationship violence, including coercive control, emotional abuse, and escalating patterns of toxic behavior.🎙️ In this episode, we explore:The true story that ignited a national awareness movementHow dating violence and coercive control often begin subtlyCommon emotional abuse red flags young people overlookWhat parents can do to talk to their kids about healthy vs. harmful loveWays survivors and communities can take action to protect othersWhether you’re a survivor, a parent, or someone who wants to prevent intimate partner violence, this episode is a powerful call to trust your gut, speak up, and stay aware.WHEN DATING HURTSLISTEN to the PodcastPURCHASE the BookYou’re not alone. We’ve got your back.#WhenDatingHurts #BillMitchell #RelationshipViolence #DatingAbuseAwareness #CoerciveControl #EmotionalAbuse #KristinMitchell #HealthyRelationships #IntimatePartnerViolence #BitchIsABadWordPodcastIf 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 originally aired on July 24, 2025.If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233-----What happens when a survivor breaks free from strangulation, abuse, and a broken system — and finds her voice to fight back?In this honest and gripping episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, Lindsay sits down with Staci, a survivor of domestic violence and strangulation by a repeat offender still walking free. Staci shares her courageous journey through trauma, the failures of the justice system, and how speaking out can save lives and ignite change.They dive into the dangerous cycle of abuse, trauma bonding, and the urgent need to believe survivors the first time. This conversation is essential for anyone impacted by abuse or seeking to support those fighting to reclaim their power.Inside This Episode:The hidden dangers and devastating effects of strangulation in domestic abuseHow repeat offenders manipulate court systems to continue their abuseUnderstanding trauma bonding and why survivors sometimes doubt themselvesThe crucial role of breaking silence in survivor healing and community safetyPeer support as a powerful tool beyond therapyThe story behind Open Voices, a peer support app born from lived experienceSteps survivors can take to protect themselves and rebuild their livesAbout Stacy:Staci is a brave domestic violence survivor and advocate who co-founded Open Voices, a peer support app designed to help survivors and others find connection and healing through shared experience.Bestie Freebie:Discover Open Voices on the App Store — a safe space for peer support and real conversations about domestic violence, mental health, and more. Visit https://openvoices.co and follow Stacy on Instagram @the.stacii.w for inspiration and updates.We’ve got your back, Bestie. Your voice matters.Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was originally released on August 12, 2025.What really happens when you try couples therapy with a narcissist — and why it can make things worse? If you're in couples counseling, you NEED to listen to this episode!In this unfiltered conversation, Dr. Jamie Zuckerman (“Dr. Z”), a nationally recognized psychologist and narcissistic abuse expert, joins Lindsay to break down how abusers use therapy, gift-giving, and everyday moments to keep control. She explains coercive control in plain language, how abuse escalates over time, and why leaving is the most dangerous (but most empowering) step.If you’ve ever searched “Why does my partner track me?” “Is couples therapy safe with an abusive partner?” or “How do I plan my exit without them knowing?” — this episode gives you real-world strategies to protect yourself.Inside This Episode:- Why therapy with a narcissist often backfires- How gift-giving and “grand gestures” become tools for control- What coercive control really means and how to spot it- Why abuse escalates when you stop reacting- The ultimate goal of a narcissistic abuser (it’s darker than you think)- Dr. Z’s practical, step-by-step safety plan for leaving safelyDr. Z also shares the Bestie Toolkit — small, daily actions to reclaim your clarity, document abuse patterns, and protect your sanity while planning your escape.Visit Dr. Z for coaching at https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/ and check out her podcast NEXT UP: NARCISSISM WITH DR. Z on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.📞 If you need immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.This podcast is for you if you're asking questions such as:- therapy with a narcissist- is couples therapy safe with abusive partner- coercive control examples- why does my partner track me- gift giving from narcissist- how to leave an abusive relationship safely- narcissist exit strategy- documenting abuse for court#TherapyWithANarcissist #CoerciveControl #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #LeavingAnAbuser #SafetyPlanning #DocumentingAbuse #BreakTheTraumaBond #GaslightingAwareness #ToxicRelationshipHelp #SurvivorStrong #domesticabuseawarenessB!tch Is A Bad Word: A Podcast On Domestic Abuse is a podcast about identifying and navigating your way through and out of Domestic Violence and Domestic Abuse, hosted by a survivor of Domestic Abuse.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 Is A Bad Word was originally released on July 3rd, 2025.If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233What if your body knew the truth before your brain could catch up?In this riveting episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, I sit down with Kelly Sutliff, a trauma-informed psychotherapist, domestic abuse survivor, and founder of Kelly’s Canines—a nonprofit providing canine support for survivors of trauma. Despite her professional training, Kelly found herself entangled in a high-speed relationship with a pathological abuser who manipulated, gaslit, drugged and assaulted her behind closed doors.Here’s the most chilling part: her abuser once told her she’d “end up on TV”—for his murder, the one he planned to stage and blame on her. But the plot twist? She ended up on TV for surviving his abuse. Kelly’s story was later featured on the true crime docuseries Toxic: Secrets Behind the Mask, exposing the calculated manipulation, coercion, and psychological warfare she endured.We unpack what it means when your intuition speaks, why smart and strong women get targeted, and how shame keeps us stuck in silence. Kelly’s story is raw, brave, and necessary—and it’s going to change the way you think about trauma, red flags, and trusting your gut.Inside This Episode:• The difference between red flags and pink flags—and why they matter• How abusers fast-track relationships to gain control• Why even trained professionals can fall for manipulators• What it means to be love-bombed, gaslit, and stalked• How to break free, especially when kids are involved• Why trauma-informed therapy is non-negotiable for real healingAbout Kelly Sutliff:Kelly is a licensed psychotherapist, survivor, and co-founder of Kelly’s Canines, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing trauma-informed canine companionship to abuse survivors. She brings deep clinical knowledge, lived experience, and fierce compassion to every conversation—especially this one.Visit Kelly at www.kellysutlifflpc.comIf you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!-----Support our SPONSORSReality isn’t always what it seems…. it’s what you make it. PREORDER "THE LIGHTRUNNER" , Ally Walker’s (SONS OF ANARCHY) debut thriller!!! Comes out on Amazon and Barnes and Noble June 6th but is Available for preorder NOW! Go to www.allywalkerofficial.com for more info.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 July 25, 2025.The holidays and post-holidays can be a tricky period of time so we are wishing everyone a safe holiday season. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233What happens when the narcissist loses control of you and starts targeting your kids instead?In this raw and revealing episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, Lindsay sits down with high-conflict divorce strategist Victoria McCooey, who shares what every woman needs to know before leaving a narcissistic or abusive partner and what’s waiting on the other side when you do it with strategy and power.Victoria explains how narcissists often shift their abuse to the children once they can no longer manipulate their partner, and how you can become the safe, steady place your child needs when the gaslighting turns on them. Whether you’re preparing to leave, knee-deep in a court battle, or struggling to co-parent with someone hellbent on control, this episode is your map, your mirror, and your megaphone.Inside This Episode:What actually happens when you finally decide to leaveHow to outsmart a narcissist without sinking to their levelWhy abuse often escalates when you’re pregnant or financially vulnerableThe heartbreaking moment a narcissist starts targeting the kidsHow to protect your child emotionally when the manipulation flips on themThe top 5 tactics narcissists use during divorce and how to prepare for themWhy leaving a narcissist is like launching a business and how to lead it like a CEOA free resource from Victoria: Five Things Every Woman Should Know Before Divorcing a NarcissistAbout Victoria:Victoria McCooey is a high-conflict divorce coach, narcissist abuse expert, and founder of Divorce Allies, a powerful support platform helping women navigate toxic relationships and emerge with clarity, confidence, and community. She offers one-on-one coaching, an expert-led membership program, and dozens of resources to help you leave smart and stay strong.Bestie Freebie:Download Victoria’s essential guide: Five Things Every Woman Should Know Before Divorcing a Narcissist, plus access support calls, expert workshops, and more at https://www.victoriamccooey.com/ and https://www.thedivorceallies.com/We’ve got your back, Bestie. And your exit plan.Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year!The holidays can be a tricky period of time so we are wishing everyone a safe holiday season. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 This episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word was originally released on May 22, 2025---- You don’t need a black eye to be a survivor.In this raw and revealing episode, I sit down with Marcela, founder of Beyond the Bruise, to talk about what abuse really looks like — and why the healing journey isn’t one-size-fits-all.Together, we dive deep into what happens after the leaving. The grief. The gaslighting. The shaky steps toward trusting yourself again. Marcela shares her own story of survival and how she now helps other women walk through the fire and into freedom.If you've ever felt unseen, doubted your own experience, or wondered why you're still healing “so long after” — this episode is for you.What to Expect in This Episode:The truth about abuse that doesn’t leave physical scarsWhy survivors often miss the warning signs — and how to spot themThe emotional whiplash of loving someone who hurts youHow Marcela turned her pain into purpose with Beyond the BruiseReal talk on healing, self-trust, and reclaiming your voiceWhether you're still processing or years into recovery, Bitch Is a Bad Word is your space to feel validated, empowered, and unshakably seen. We've got your back, bestie.FOLLOW MarcelaIG: @beyond.the.bruiseIf you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The holiday season can be a tricky period of time so we are wishing everyone a safe holiday season. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233This is a re-release from May 6, 2025 with Dr. Amelia Kelley.-----Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse designed to make you question your own reality, and in this powerful episode, Dr. Amelia Kelley—trauma-informed therapist and author—helps us uncover the truth about this manipulative tactic. We’ll break down the emotional impact of gaslighting and how it affects your mental health. Plus, Dr. Kelley introduces a fourth “F” trauma response that you might not be aware of. If you’ve been made to feel crazy or manipulated, this episode is a must-listen.What to Expect in This Episode:What gaslighting really is and how it affects your self-esteemRecognizing the red flags of gaslighting in relationshipsDr. Kelly’s introduction to a fourth trauma response (hint: it’s not just fight, flight, or freeze)Practical tips for survivors to heal and rebuild self-trust after emotional manipulationHow to break free from the toxic cycle of gaslightingWhether you're navigating a relationship with a gaslighter or you’ve recently emerged from one, we’ve got your back. Tune in for expert insights, real talk, and healing tips.You deserve to reclaim your truth and trust yourself again. FOLLOW Amelia:https://www.instagram.comdrameliakelley/ www.ameliakelley.comhttps://thesensitivitydoctor.simplecast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DrAmeliaKelleyIf you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233Join the Bestie Gang on Patreon, Patreon.com/bitchisabadword------Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to all of our Besties! The holidays can be a tricky period of time so we are wishing everyone a safe holiday season. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233This is a re-release from May 20, 2025 with Laura Richards.-----He never hit you… so it couldn’t have been abuse, right?Wrong. And this week, we’re unpacking exactly why.Joining me is Laura Richards, narcissistic abuse recovery coach, author of Married to a Nice Guy, and host of the podcast That’s Where I’m At. Together, we talk about what it’s really like to be trapped in a relationship with someone who everyone else thinks is “so nice” — while behind closed doors, your sense of self is slowly unraveling.Verbal abuse doesn’t always leave bruises — but it leaves marks. In this validating and eye-opening episode, Laura helps us break down the subtle yet devastating effects of emotional abuse. We explore how narcissists weaponize charm, how control can hide in plain sight, and what it takes to truly heal.What to Expect in This Episode:What verbal abuse actually looks and feels like — even when they “never hit you”How narcissists weaponize kindness and charm to isolate and controlRed flags you might miss in a “nice guy” relationshipThe unique pain of being disbelieved — and how to validate yourselfHealing after narcissistic abuse: reclaiming joy, confidence, and yes… enjoying dinner alone againWhether you’re still in it, fresh out, or deep in healing — this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and strong.Tune in now for raw truth, expert insight, and reminders that your story matters.Because your peace is not too much to ask for — and you were never “crazy” for wanting more.If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233LAURA RICHARDS- LISTEN to her podcast THAT'S WHERE I'M AT: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-where-im-at/id1704083491- IG:  ⁨@thatswhereimatpodcast⁩ - TIKTOK  ⁨@thatswhereimatpodcast⁩ -----Support our SPONSORSReality isn’t always what it seems…. it’s what you make it. PREORDER "THE LIGHTRUNNER" , Ally Walker’s (SONS OF ANARCHY) debut thriller!!! Comes out on Amazon and Barnes and Noble June 6th but is Available for preorder NOW! Go to www.allywalkerofficial.com for more info.Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Besties, if you’ve ever looked back and thought, “Why did that relationship feel like home, even when it hurt?” this episode is for you. Lindsay sits down with our new BFF, Dr. Sherrie Campbell to unpack the painful truth. When you come from low-effort families, inconsistency, emotional neglect, and chaos can feel familiar. That familiarity can pull you into intimate relationships that mirror your childhood wounds.And when the relationship ends, the impact doesn’t. We talk about co-parenting after domestic abuse, high-conflict custody, and how control can continue through communication, schedules, and court. Dr. Sherrie shares practical, trauma-aware tools to help you break the cycle, set boundaries that hold, use low-drama communication strategies, and protect your peace while staying grounded as a parent.In this episode, we cover:Why “toxic” love feels familiar when you grew up in a low-effort family systemHow childhood conditioning shapes adult attachment, tolerance, and red flagsCo-parenting after abuse, when communication becomes the new battlefieldParallel parenting vs. co-parenting, choosing safety and stabilityGray rock and boundary scripts to stop feeding conflictDocumentation and pattern tracking for family courtNervous system regulation when every message triggers anxietyRebuilding self-trust and breaking generational cyclesAbout Dr. Sherrie CampbellDr. Sherrie Campbell is a licensed psychologist, author, and speaker focused on toxic family systems, emotional abuse recovery, and boundary work that helps people reclaim their lives. Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Watch the full episode on YouTube Join the Bestie Gang on Patreon for bonus content and behind the scenes Rate and review on Apple Podcasts so more survivors can find this episode Follow Bitch Is A Bad Word on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode Share this with a bestie who’s co-parenting in chaos or healing childhood patterns Comment your biggest takeaway and the boundary you’re setting next Support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (US) 1-800-799-SAFE-----Support Our Sponsor: TALKINGPARENTS APPThe #1 App For More Confident Co-ParentingClick to Learn More: https://talkingparents.com/biabwWe’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.👉 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 is produced in partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline. 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.orgBesties, we’re going straight into one of the most overwhelming chapters after leaving abuse: family court.Because the truth is this. Abuse does not end when the relationship ends. It escalates. It shifts. And for many survivors, it becomes weaponized through custody battles, litigation, and the legal system itself.In this episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word, Lindsay sits down with Nikhita Ved of the National Domestic Violence Hotline to break down what survivors need to know when navigating family court, civil court, protective orders, and post-separation abuse.We unpack how litigation becomes the new form of control, why survivors are often retraumatized by the legal process, and how understanding court strategy, documentation, and timing can make all the difference. Nikhita brings decades of frontline experience supporting survivors through high-conflict custody cases, protective orders, supervised visitation, and court navigation, while Lindsay shares lived experience as a protective parent navigating the system.This is not about revenge.This is not about winning.This is about preparation, strategy, and protecting yourself and your children.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why abuse often escalates after separation through litigation and family court• How family court, civil court, and criminal court differ and why those differences matter• What litigation abuse looks like and how abusers use the legal system to maintain control• Why survivors need a bestie, not just an attorney, when navigating court• How judges actually think about the “best interest of the child”• How to prepare, document patterns, and protect your credibility in court• What it really means to work with a trauma-informed attorney• How pro se survivors can advocate for themselves more effectivelyAbout the National Domestic Violence HotlineThe National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, resources, and safety planning for survivors of domestic violence 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their advocates help survivors navigate abuse, custody concerns, legal options, and safety planning with compassion, patience, and care.Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Besties, we’re going straight to the heart of the chaos: co-parenting after domestic abuse. Because the truth is this. Abuse does not end when the relationship ends. It shifts. It morphs. And it often gets weaponized through communication, schedules, school issues, and family court.In this episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word, host Lindsay Abernathy sits down with Steven Nixon, CEO and Family Law Attorney at Talking Parents, and Heather Ruiz, Marketing Director, to break down why your inbox becomes the new battlefield and how one app can create clarity, proof, and peace.We unpack how post-separation abuse shows up as communication chaos, why texts, emails, and DMs can backfire in court, and how Talking Parents creates a secure, unalterable record that helps establish patterns, reduce legal fees, and protect your mental health.This is not about “winning.”This is about documentation, boundaries, and safety.We've got your back, Besties.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 www.thehotline.org-----Support Our Sponsor: TALKINGPARENTS APPThe #1 App For More Confident Co-ParentingClick to Learn More: https://talkingparents.com/biabwWe’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.👉 Follow @TalkingParentsApp on Instagram & listen to the full episode of this Bitch Is A Bad Word ep now.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why post-separation abuse often shows up as “communication chaos”• How Talking Parents helps survivors create boundaries and court-ready documentation• Why “I never got that message” and “I didn’t see it” stops working• How courts use Talking Parents in high-conflict custody cases, DV cases, and supervised visitation• How to document patterns without living on the hamster wheelThe 5 Talking Parents Features Every Bestie Needs• Secure messaging with a court-ready record• Recorded audio calls with transcripts• Recorded video calls with transcripts• Shared calendar with edit history and notifications• Payments and reimbursement requests with built-in documentationPlus:Info Library, Vault storage, and a private journal to track what’s happening while protecting your peace. About Talking ParentsTalking Parents was built in family court for families navigating high-conflict co-parenting, custody disputes, and domestic violence situations. The platform creates an unalterable record of communication that courts trust and survivors rely on. It helps reduce conflict, establish patterns, and remove emotion from exchanges when safety and accountability matter most.Listen wherever you get your podcastsWatch: YouTubeJoin: PatreonFollow: Instagram TikTokSubscribe: Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pop star turned survivor advocate Tonya Mitchell is here, and Besties, this one hits every nerve. From getting signed to Motown at 15 and touring with *NSYNC to surviving covert domestic violence, smear campaigns, flying monkeys, and “kept woman” control, Tonya is turning every bruise you could not see into a battle cry. Her new song, “Nobody Loves Me Like You,” is a powerful domestic violence anthem for anyone who has ever asked, “Is this abuse or is it me?” and felt their body keeping score long before they had the language for what was happening behind closed doors.Tonya and Lindsay get brutally honest about emotional abuse, financial abuse, manipulation, narcissistic partners who smile in mug shots, and what it takes to break free, protect your kids, and reclaim your voice. If you have ever been called everything from “crazy,” “whore,” to “too sensitive,” this Bitch Sesh is your neon sign that you are not the problem.In this episode, we cover:How Tonya went from bullied teenager to Motown artist touring with *NSYNCThe difference between “perfect childhood” and adult partners who weaponize your empathyWhat domestic violence looks like when there are no bruisesFinancial abuse, hidden money, smashed laptops, and “rules for thee, not for me”Smear campaigns, flying monkeys, and estranged family members used as weaponsPostpartum depression, being a stay at home mom, and why “take a shower” is not a breakHow abuse shows up in your body through stress, rashes, hair loss, and chronic painIntermittent reinforcement, love bombing, and why leaving feels harder than stayingWhy abusing the mother of your children is abusing the children by proxyThe story behind “Nobody Loves Me Like You” and why this song is a lifeline for survivorsAbout Tonya MitchellTonya Mitchell is a singer, songwriter, and domestic violence survivor advocate. Signed to Motown as a teenager, she toured with *NSYNC and landed a Top 40 hit before walking away to build a family, only to find herself trapped in multiple abusive relationships. Today, Tonya uses her voice to speak for survivors through her new single “Nobody Loves Me Like You,” a powerful ballad about emotional abuse, coercive control, and the kind of love that suffocates instead of saves. She partners with the National Alliance of Domestic Violence Survivors and is dedicated to using music, storytelling, and lived experience to help women recognize the signs, get safe, and break the cycle.Follow & ConnectListen to “Nobody Loves Me Like You” by Tonya Mitchell on your favorite music platformWe've got your back, Besties.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 www.thehotline.org-----Support Our Sponsor: TALKINGPARENTS APPThe #1 App For More Confident Co-ParentingClick to Learn More: https://talkingparents.com/biabwWe’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.👉 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.

World renowned forensic psychiatrist and violence expert Dr. Bandy X. Lee joins Bitch is a Bad Word to pull back the curtain on what she calls “family court violence.” If you are a protective parent, in high conflict divorce, or walking into family court after abuse, this conversation is your survival guide. Dr. Lee explains how abusers weaponize mental health, how courts confuse calm with credibility, and how a system that claims to protect children is actually trafficking them into the hands of violent offenders for profit. This is the episode you send to every bestie who thinks she is “crazy” for feeling like court is the biggest abuser in the room.In this episode, we cover:How abusers flip the script and weaponize diagnoses, “parental alienation,” and your trauma responses in courtWhy family courts often give full custody to known violent offenders and strip safe, loving parents of their childrenHow gag orders, sealed records, fake experts and closed courts create an “abuse industry” worth billionsWhat “family court violence” is and why Dr. Lee calls it a public health emergencyThe impact on moms. financial ruin, health collapse, disability and increased risk of death after losing custodyPractical insight for protective parents walking into court after domestic violenceAbout Dr. Bandy X. LeeDr. Bandy X. Lee is a forensic psychiatrist and global violence expert who has spent 25 years working with violent offenders in maximum security settings and serving as an expert witness across the United States. She is the Chief Medical Officer of the Institute of Forensic Science and a leading voice on the intersection of psychopathy, coercive control, systemic abuse and family court. She writes and educates on “family court violence” and is organizing a landmark national conference to reform this system.Follow and connect:Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for full episodes and ad free optionsWatch full video episodes and clips on YouTubeJoin the Bestie Gang on Patreon for ad free listening, BTS, bonus content and our vetted private communityConnect with us on social to share your story, suggest guests and stay plugged into resources for survivors and protective parentsWe've got your back, Besties.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 www.thehotline.org-----Support Our Sponsor: TALKINGPARENTS APPThe #1 App For More Confident Co-ParentingClick to Learn More: https://talkingparents.com/biabwWe’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. 👉 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.

Unfortunately, and fortunately for the Bestie Gang listening, we are going to teach you some things in this episode that I desperately wish I had known sooner. That is the whole point of this show and Amy’s work: you cannot understand their behavior because you would never do it. You keep asking, “What is the point? Why would you do this? Why can’t you just be decent?” and none of it makes sense because you are not wired like someone who enjoys creating the most unsafe, emotionally brutal reality for the mother of their children.In this Bitch Sesh with therapist and narc-recovery expert Amy Watkins, LPC, we break down the post-separation mindf*ck, the breadcrumbs of decency, the mask they wear for the new supply, the way they tell the next one you are crazy while she drinks the Kool-Aid, and how you spiral back into self-doubt, body shame, and “am I the problem?” loops.We talk about the post-separation apocalypse and how to protect your peace when your ex wakes up every day seemingly asking, “How can I f*ck with her today?”Trigger Warning for SA survivors: We also go deep into Lindsay's own story, including SA I did not recognize as SA at the time, caretaking after harm, walking on eggshells in every area of life, and shrinking my needs until I stopped asking for anything because everything I loved was eventually broken or weaponized against me.In this episode, we get into:Post-separation abuse and why you do not even know you are in it until you are outHow abusers flip the script: “you are crazy, you are a bitch” to the new partnerGaslighting, confusion, and how constant reality-twisting can genuinely make you feel like you are going insaneWhy you keep asking “Am I the problem?” after behaving in ways you do not even recognizeSex as a way to stay out of trouble, sexual coercion in marriage or relationships, and why that is not a healthy dynamicFear as your first language: rehearsing basic needs, being terrified to ask for anything, and how that keeps you stuckHow unhealed childhood trauma makes toxic love feel like homeFor more on Amy Watkins, visit her at https://www.amywatkinsstudio.com/We've got your back, Besties.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 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.

In this raw and powerful episode, Lindsay sits down with CEO and survivor Chelsea Husum for a conversation that will stay with you long after it ends. Chelsea opens up about escaping toxic relationships that dimmed her shine, surviving rape and being left for dead in a foreign country, and the long road to rebuilding her identity, confidence, and sense of safety. Today, she’s a powerhouse in a male-dominated industry leading teams, holding boundaries like a boss, and proving your past is never your life sentence.Inside This Episode:• Toxic partners, gaslighting, trauma bonding & the cycle that hooks you• Why “boring” healthy love is actually the biggest green flag• Letting go of the “nice girl” and stepping into main-character energy• The real, messy work of healing after trauma and rebuilding your nervous system• Rewriting your story after the worst thing you’ve lived throughAbout Chelsea Husum:Chelsea is the CEO of a thriving construction company, a survivor, a truth-teller, and living proof that resilience is a superpower. Her story is a reminder that you’re not broken you’re just getting started baddie.Find out all about her new book, REAL VIBES ONLY here: https://chelseahusum.com/bookListen to her podcast Lip Service & LashesWe’ve got your back, Bestie!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 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.