🔥 Forged by Fire: Emily's Journey

You may know her from The Walking Dead, but actress and advocate Lindsay Abernathy faced a real-life apocalypse that no script could prepare her for. In this powerful episode, Lindsay opens up about surviving years of domestic abuse—both inside the relationship and long after it ended through relentless post-separation abuse. Now the host of the acclaimed podcast Bitch Is a Bad Word, Lindsay uses her voice to shatter stigma and empower survivors to reclaim their stories. We dive into how she went from TV screens to trauma recovery, the psychological warfare of leaving an abuser, and what true healing actually looks like on the other side. This conversation is raw, real, and necessary. If you’ve ever felt isolated in your experience or unsure if you could survive what feels unsurvivable—Lindsay is living proof that you can. 🎙️ Learn more about Lindsay’s community on Patreon and why reclaiming the word “bitch” is part of taking your power back. Bitch is a Bad Word Podcast Bitch is a Bad Word Community   **DISCLAIMER:**   THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE OR A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE GUIDANCE OF A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. EACH INDIVIDUAL’S CIRCUMSTANCES ARE UNIQUE, AND ANYONE SEEKING LEGAL ADVICE SHOULD CONSULT A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, PLEASE REACH OUT TO A LICENSED THERAPIST OR COUNSELOR.  

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Hope Rose—a movement born from one woman’s battle through the family court system and the fire of custody struggles. Her story is one of turning deep pain into undeniable purpose. Together, we explore 10 transformative ways you can start taking back control, even in the face of chaos. From mindset shifts to daily practices, we unpack simple but powerful tools that help you make meaningful changes and start designing a future you're proud of. If you're ready to rise, this conversation will light the way. Hope Rose Website Hope Rose Instagram A Transformed Life Podcast Recommended Reading: (earns commissions) The Belief Equation The Source Atomic Habits Let Them Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself Other items mentioned: Magnesium Soak Mendi Device My favorite Journal

Leaving a narcissistic, addicted, and high-conflict partner isn’t just a breakup—it’s a battle for survival. In this episode, I sit down with Emily, a survivor who endured a brutal divorce and custody fight against a mentally unstable and addicted ex. She shares her raw, unfiltered journey from the depths of magical thinking to the reality of fighting for her child’s safety, testifying in court, and losing everything—only to discover true freedom on the other side. We dive into: 🔥 Breaking free from the illusion that things will get better 🔥 The lowest point and how she clawed her way out 🔥 The shift from victim to survivor and learning to self-advocate 🔥 Fighting for custody, documenting abuse, and keeping her child safe 🔥 Finding financial freedom after losing everything 🔥 Rebuilding her life, career, and relationships with a new, fearless mindset Emily’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and ultimate victory. If you’re in the trenches of a high-conflict divorce or still tangled in a legal battle, this episode is your battle cry. You can get through this—and come out stronger than ever. Tune in now, and let’s navigate the road to freedom together. 🎧✨ #OutOfCrazyTown #DivorcingANarcissist #SurvivorToThriver

In this episode, Anne Wintemute, CEO and co-founder of Aimee Says, unveils a groundbreaking AI tool designed to revolutionize how victims and survivors of domestic abuse navigate their journeys to safety and recovery. Anne shares the powerful story behind Aimee Says and its mission to help survivors communicate effectively, document critical information, strategize for the future, and validate their experiences. Tune in to learn how this cutting-edge technology is empowering individuals to break the cycle of abuse and reclaim control over their lives. Don’t miss this inspiring and eye-opening conversation! Aimee Says   **DISCLAIMER:**   THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE OR A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE GUIDANCE OF A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. EACH INDIVIDUAL’S CIRCUMSTANCES ARE UNIQUE, AND ANYONE SEEKING LEGAL ADVICE SHOULD CONSULT A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, PLEASE REACH OUT TO A LICENSED THERAPIST OR COUNSELOR.  

In this episode, we explore "The Belief Equation" by Dr. Peter Salerno, author of The Belief Equation and The Nature and Nurture of Narcissism. Dr. Salerno breaks down the powerful formula T+E = Beliefs, where our thoughts plus emotions shape the beliefs we hold about ourselves and the world around us. Often, abuse and trauma leave us with limiting beliefs that keep us from living a joyful, fulfilling life. Dr. Salerno explains how understanding and transforming these beliefs can help us reclaim the life we deserve. Tune in to learn how to rewire your mindset and embrace the future you were meant to live. The Belief Equation Nature and Nurture of Narcissism Dr. Salerno's Website Dr. Salerno's Instagram DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS STATED ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE SPECIFIC TO YOUR SITUATION.     

Dr. Chrisitne Cocchiola and Amy Polacko discuss their new book, Framed, which shares stories that are five-alarm warnings from real women around the world. These two authors are survivors of domestic abuse themselves and wrote this book to expose the atrocities of the family court underworld and provide women with validation and education as well.  Pre-order the book NOW! Available Oct. 1st.  Barnes & Noble Amazon Dr. Cocchiola's Website Amy Polacko's Website DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS STATED ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE SPECIFIC TO YOUR SITUATION.   

Dr. Caroline Giroux, MD, a Professor of Psychiatry at UC Davis, is a renowned expert in trauma treatment. She provides valuable insights into the tools and strategies we can incorporate to build resilience after enduring narcissistic abuse. Dr. Giroux delves into the common traps and pitfalls encountered when navigating post-separation abuse and offers guidance on how to protect ourselves from the manipulative tactics of abusers designed to leave us debilitated by stress and anxiety. By understanding these dynamics, we can better equip ourselves to recover and thrive despite the challenges posed by our abusers. About Dr. Caroline Giroux An Essay on Journaling by Dr. Caroline Giroux Dr. Caroline Giroux's Blog-33 Secret Joys DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS STATED ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE SPECIFIC TO YOUR SITUATION.  

Julie Myers was head coach of the women's lacrosse team at the University of Virginia for 31 years. One season, she received a call that one of her players, Yeardly Love, had been killed by her ex-boyfriend. Julie Myers is now the CEO of One Love, a foundation that was founded to honor the tragic death of Yeardley Love by engaging young people through compelling, relatable films and honest conversations around healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors. Listen in to find out more about the tragic death of Yeardly Love and how her family turned her tragedy into an opportunity to teach youth about unhealthy relationships. Get in touch with a peer advocate by texting LOVEIS or 22522 Live discreet confidential chat service The Story Behind One Love Join One Love One Love Instagram One Love Twitter (X) One Love TikTok One Love Facebook One Love YouTube Escalation Workshop Buy One Love Merchandise DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS STATED ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE SPECIFIC TO YOUR SITUATION.   

Vanessa Reiser, LCSW, talks about her new book "Narcissistic Abuse" A Therapist's Guide to Escaping and Healing from Toxic and Manipulative People. We dive into how narcissists operate and how to identify their dangerous behaviors, as well as the Cult tactics they use to establish mind control over their victims. Vanessa Reiser - Instagram Vanessa's Book Vanessa Reiser - Facebook Tell A Therapist Vanessa's Run to Raise Awareness about Narcissistic Abuse Vanessa Reiser - Tik Tok DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS STATED ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE SPECIFIC TO YOUR SITUATION.   

Dr. Christine Cocchiola, a leading expert on coercive control, joins me again to discuss the tragic abuse coercive controllers exert on their children and how protective parents can navigate this difficult situation.  Dr. Cocchiola also has fantastic resources for protective parents, coaches, advocates, and attorneys.  This is a must-listen episode for many parents who are co-parenting with a coercive controller.   Dr. Cocchiola's Website Perfect Prey Podcast Protective Parenting Program Where is Your Line? Love is not Control Coach and Ally Training Dr. Cocchiola Instagram FRAMED Book. Subscribe to find out more DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS STATED ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE SPECIFIC TO YOUR SITUATION.