WHEN DATING HURTS

This is part two of a two-part story. Kelsey thought Corey was the one. He was a talented artist with a following who bought his works. There were warning signs she though odd, but she decided to overlook them in favor of keeping the relationship moving. When something abusive happened, she felt each one was an isolated incident. This is a story about a caring woman and her narcissistic partner. There is no physical nor sexual abuse in this narrative, but that doesn't mean it would never lead to these. This is Kelsey's story. It's one where we see how she enabled him to do whatever he wanted. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story. Kelsey thought Corey was the one. He was a talented artist with a following who bought his works. There were warning signs she though odd, but she decided to overlook them in favor of keeping the relationship moving. When something abusive happened, she felt each one was an isolated incident. This is a story about a caring woman and her narcissistic partner. There is no physical nor sexual abuse in this narrative, but that doesn't mean it would never lead to these. This is Kelsey's story. It's one where we see how she enabled him to do whatever he wanted. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I was recently interviewed by a podcast entitled "Persistence U" by Lizbeth Meredith. Persistence U covers all manner of survivor stories. Take a listen when you have time. Here is my interview with the host, Lizbeth Meredith. Once you have heard it, I hope you felt rewarded for listening to our interview. It is a mix of my daughter's tragedy, but also life-saving advice on how to be a survivor and break free from an abuser. There is nothing like regaining your freedom. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abigail was 18 when she met him. She was taken by the idea that he played in a very well-known Seattle band. The idea that he wanted to pay attention to her thrilled Abigail. By the way, this man was 28. See how a young woman who trusted someone she didn't know well was lured into a hyper-unhealthy relationship. She learned the hard way about what can happen. We can each learn from her. Abigail had not intended to take her story to the world until she heard the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast. We thank her for choosing to tell us what happened. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I was urged to run this episode again. IT'S THAT POWERFUL! So, it's back once more! One of our well-informed WHEN DATING HURTS listeners sent me an email with a list of things you must do before leaving your abuser. In this episode, you will hear the kinds of items a domestic violence counselor will tell you while figuring out your escape plan to safety. This is a short episode, but one of our most valuable. Have a pen and paper handy so don't miss a thing. Share this episode with friends and family who should hear it. You never know when someone is suffering in an unhealthy relationship today and needs to start preparing for a safe escape. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are so few instances when a man has come forward to tell his story of marital abuse. In this case, he was almost murdered. That is why we decided to reprise this story. It is so compelling. We apologize for some of the buzzing on this track, and we hope it does not interfere with your listening to it. J.D. McCabe maintained a loving relationship with his wife for nearly twenty years before their marriage, family, and world began to crumble. Their foundation had been rooted in "trust is the bedrock of a healthy relationship". Indeed, Erin had always claimed that things wouldn’t — couldn’t — work without trust. But Erin became suspicious of his every move. His phone calls, texts, and work emails were turned into proof of infidelity, drug addiction, and a network of lies on his part. She enlisted her mother in her efforts, and together they forged the words of family, trust and honesty beat him into the ground. Their accusations accumulated, twisting reality, and eventually resulting in J.D.'s involuntary hospitalization. Listen to J.D.'s story. You will not be able to guess where it goes or how he survived. You can read J.D. McCabe's full story in his memoir, "The Third Gift: My Dance with the Devil (and Her Mother)" NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living in Ontario, Canada a few years ago, Maggie and her husband were wondering what was going on with Alyssa. They saw bothersome warning signs around her, but Alyssa's parents were at a loss trying to figure out exactly what was going on. Alyssa had dropped out of many school activities, she stopped interacting with friends, she changed the way she dressed, and her marks dropped. She had already suffered from anxiety, but it seemed to be getting worse. A breakthrough came when two of Alyssa's friends contacted Maggie. What they explained was alarming, but it led to bringing Alyssa back. She was caught in an unhealthy relationship with a guy named Tim. This is a dating abuse and violence story. Quite a good one to share with high school and college students. See how Alyssa's friends bravely took steps to save their friend. Hear how Maggie and her husband took charge and brought Alyssa back safely. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With survivor stories, it is so disturbing to hear what one person has done to another person. In these stories, it is always an ongoing pattern or campaign. It’s never just one instance or one awful act. In this episode, we speak with Josephine. She will tell us about childhood abuse, intimate partner, violence, psychological abuse, sexual assault, and even reproductive coercion. We want to thank Josephine for showing such courage and coming forth to tell us her story. Her life has taken her down many paths where she was taken full advantage of by predators of every kind. It is our hope, and I’m certain the hope of our listeners, that she has found peace and healing at this time. We know a multifaceted abusive past never fully fades away. But Josephine has found ways to use it to help others, and I am sure she is also helping herself. We want to thank her for her honesty, her spirit, and this selfless gift she has given us. This is Josephine’s story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is Hera’s story. On Oct. 20, 2012, Hera McLeod’s ex-boyfriend murdered her 15-month-old son. He killed him to get more than $500,000 in life insurance. Few of our episodes have more twists and turns than this one. You will not be able to guess what Hera discovered about her psychopath ex-boyfriend. He was a predator beyond our wildest nightmares. You need to hear this one. Today, Hera McLeod is a Washington, DC-based writer, speaker, and civil rights activist. She is known for speaking out against the silence on topics such as civil rights for women and children, domestic violence, and Family Court reform. She has published op-ed pieces in The Washington Post, The Seattle Times, and The New York Times. Hera has made several television appearances on The Today Show, Crime Watch Daily, and DC news affiliates for CBS, ABC, and Fox. While Hera felt an overwhelming sense of relief as she heard Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Randy I. Bellows announce that her ex-boyfriend would never again walk free, she also was aware that full justice hadn’t been served that day. Hera felt that day wasn’t just about justice for her son, Prince, it was about obtaining a piece of justice and peace for all of us. When the judge announced the verdict after more than two hours of thorough explanation, the courtroom erupted. There were tears of joy, and then family and friends hugged her. You will see how a predator will speed up a relationship as a means of coercive control. In this case, things became as awful as one can imagine. Hera McLeod’s memoir, Defying Silence: A Memoir of a Mother's Loss and Courage in the Face of Injustice is available everywhere. She says it includes the kind of information she wish she had heard before she ever met her ex-boyfriend. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of our two part interview with Kathleen. She will tell us about more than one ill-fated relationship with the men she dated. With the last one, she became pregnant. That is when all of his abusive behavior, selfish style, and narcissistic personality was on full display. We will see the many times she gave second chances to her boyfriend, Al. But, no matter what she tried, he never found it within himself to come around and support her. Kathleen deserves our respect for being a great mother while attempting to maneuver around her boyfriend. Adversity made her stronger. And, her advice about watching out for "love bombing" demands we pay attention. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of our two part interview with Kathleen. She will tell us about more than one ill-fated relationship with the men she dated. With the last one, she became pregnant. That is when all of his abusive behavior, selfish style, and narcissistic personality was on full display. We will see the many times she gave second chances to her boyfriend, Al. But, no matter what she tried, he never found it within himself to come around and support her. Kathleen deserves our respect for being a great mother while attempting to maneuver around her boyfriend. Adversity made her stronger. And, her advice about watching out for "love bombing" demands we pay attention. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, we examine 10 classic warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. We also take another look at "The Template Every Abuser Follows". Then we talk about the many differences between a healthy and an unhealthy relationship. Within this episode, we describe what dating abuse and domestic violence are. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This time, I am interviewing Brandon Chadwick, the esteemed host of Narcissist Apocalypse podcast. Narcissist Apocalypse is a raw and unfiltered podcast that gives a voice to survivors of domestic violence. Brandon Chadwick has been interviewing guests since 2019. Specifically, interviewing survivors of narcissistic and domestic violence abuse. Brandon has published over 250 survivor stories. He has interviewed subject matter experts, therapists, lawyers, domestic violence advocates, and domestic violence counselors. Brandon's approach has been to be "real" and that means "not clinical". You will experience his unique approach in this interview. We wholeheartedly welcome Mr. Brandon Chadwick to the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We reprise a previous episode that deserved to be heard once more for the warning signs that this survivor missed, and the lessons she learned the heard way. Karen Widdoss is a courageous survivor of a murderous assault she suffered when she was a young teen.  In the summer of 1994, her ex-boyfriend attacked her and nearly took her life. How she managed to hold onto her life is a miracle.  Karen has added her voice to survivors of violent crimes by speaking out about her experience so no other woman would ever suffer as she has.  In this episode, we talk about "Karen’s Law" which dramatically changes the way parole board hearings are handled. "Karen's Law" was passed on November 25, 2020 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Karen Widdoss has continually used her tragedy to dramatically help others in need.  NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story My conversation with Charlee touches on areas we have not visited previously. She was born a twin to a mother who disliked children. Her twin brother might have had it worse because her mother hated men. It is debatable who made Charlee's younger years more miserable: her mother, her alcoholic, father, her sexual predator, stepfather, or her brother. By the time Charlee reached her teens, she realized she was a lesbian. And that took her to places she had never imagined. This story touches upon quite a lot of emotional abuse. In part two, there was also financial abuse mixed in. This is Charlee's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story My conversation with Charlee touches on areas we have not visited previously. She was born a twin to a mother who disliked children. Her twin brother might have had it worse because her mother hated men. It is debatable who made Charlee's younger years more miserable: her mother, her alcoholic, father, her sexual predator, stepfather, or her brother. By the time Charlee reached her teens, she realized she was a lesbian. And that took her to places she had never imagined. This story touches upon quite a lot of emotional abuse. In part two, there was also financial abuse mixed in. This is Charlee's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part story from Sarah, who lives in Australia. Sarah and her siblings grew up in New Zealand under the tyrannical reign of a merciless stepfather. This man ruled their home with an iron fist that was directed mostly at Sarah's mother. For ten years, they needed to be on guard from his abusive behavior. Her mother bore the brunt of his emotional and physical abuse. It was fortunate her mother survived. When she was old enough to be on her own, Sarah moved away to Australia and married a man who embodied the strength she thought was needed in a husband. They had three children, but she found no power in her life. She was strictly a support person for this man who was emotionally and verbally abusive to her. That marriage failed. One of Sarah's daughter's, Charlotte, the middle child, was quite strong willed. When Charlotte was in her late teens, she met a man and had a baby with him. There were warning signs in plain view, but these were dismissed by Charlotte. That relationship carries on even today and is a constant worry for Sarah. We thank Sarah for asking to tell her multi-generational story of abuse. There is much to be heard and learned in this narrative. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story from Sarah, who lives in Australia. Sarah and her siblings grew up in New Zealand under the tyrannical reign of a merciless stepfather. This man ruled their home with an iron fist that was directed mostly at Sarah's mother. For ten years, they needed to be on guard from his abusive behavior. Her mother bore the brunt of his emotional and physical abuse. It was fortunate her mother survived. When she was old enough to be on her own, Sarah moved away to Australia and married a man who embodied the strength she thought was needed in a husband. They had three children, but she found no power in her life. She was strictly a support person for this man who was emotionally and verbally abusive to her. That marriage failed. One of Sarah's daughter's, Charlotte, the middle child, was quite strong willed. When Charlotte was in her late teens, she met a man and had a baby with him. There were warning signs in plain view, but these were dismissed by Charlotte. That relationship carries on even today and is a constant worry for Sarah. We thank Sarah for asking to tell her multi-generational story of abuse. There is much to be heard and learned in this narrative. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part three of a three-part story. Julia is an Argentinian woman. As a child, she dreamt of coming to the US to further her education and experience all she had seen on TV and read in books. He path was to become a hard-working au pair as a way to financially make ends meet. She also loved children of all ages. For a while, everything fell into place. She tried dating sites and met American men. One stood out as a man she could imagine marrying one day. He took his time before he showed his true self. That's when his control tactics kicked in and everything went horribly wrong. You will see how easily we can become duped by a narcissist — no matter where in the world we come from. They are practiced individuals who take their time to get to know us before they strike. Julia's story has taken three episodes to tell properly. It's a powerful narrative to share with high school and college students. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a three-part story. Julia is an Argentinian woman. As a child, she dreamt of coming to the US to further her education and experience all she had seen on TV and read in books. He path was to become a hard-working au pair as a way to financially make ends meet. She also loved children of all ages. For a while, everything fell into place. She tried dating sites and met American men. One stood out as a man she could imagine marrying one day. He took his time before he showed his true self. That's when his control tactics kicked in and everything went horribly wrong. You will see how easily we can become duped by a narcissist — no matter where in the world we come from. They are practiced individuals who take their time to get to know us before they strike. Julia's story takes three episodes to tell properly. It's a powerful narrative to share with high school and college students. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices