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In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn dives into an often-overlooked consequence of domestic violence: how abuse seeps into the workplace, derails careers, and forces survivors to rebuild from setbacks. She shares her own (vague) experience with losing a job due to her situation, and walks listeners through:
The many forms workplace abuse can take (from harassment to retaliation)
Real-life survivor scenarios and how abuse impacted their work lives
Career setbacks survivors commonly face (gaps in work history, loss of confidence, economic abuse)
Strategies for rebuilding: resume framing, exploring trauma-informed employers, networking, and community resources
Legal protections and “safe leave” laws (federal and state-level) — with the crucial advice: check your own state laws
Words of hope: your career may have been disrupted, but it can be rebuilt on your terms
Listeners will have a better understanding of how DV affects professional life — and actionable tools to move forward.
Also, the episode ended up not being longer than anticipated. :)🔗 Resources:
Hotlines & National Support
National Domestic Violence Hotline — Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788
The Hotline
The Hotline (website) — live chat, local provider directory, safety planning, resources
The Hotline
NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (for New York listeners) — call 800-942-6906 or text 844-997-2121
Domestic Violence Prevention Office
Legal / Employment Protections & Information
U.S. Department of Labor — employment law FAQs and worker resources
DOL
“4 Types of Employment Laws That Can Help DV Survivors at Work” — examples of state protections & safe leave laws
DOL Blog
Washington State Domestic Violence Leave Act — job-protected leave, safety accommodations
Washington Labor & Industries
Oregon’s domestic violence worker protections (reasonable accommodations, leave, confidentiality)
Oregon
Domestic violence leave laws by state (overview/comparison)
Paycor
Maryland “Domestic Violence & Your Job” — info on FMLA, safe leave, unemployment after DV
Maryland People's Law Library
Statistics & Research
Survivors lose 8 million days of paid work per year in the U.S. due to DV. That’s equivalent to over 32,000 full-time jobs.
The Hotline+2Center for Domestic Peace+2
Between 21% and 60% of survivors lose their jobs due to abuse-related reasons.
dvptxk.org+2Center for Domestic Peace+2
In a survey, 83% of survivors reported their partner disrupted their employment or caused them to lose opportunities
IWPR
In research, 8.5% of people with DV experience reported losing a job because of the abuse.
PMC
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In this short episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn shares space to process the collective heaviness following the recent tragedy in our country. Violence—no matter where it happens—leaves behind shock, grief, and trauma. Autumn offers reminders for coping in difficult times: unplugging from social media, stepping back from the 24/7 news cycle, grounding in the present moment, and leaning on community for support.
This episode is a reminder that we were never meant to carry trauma alone. Healing begins when we pause, breathe, and care for ourselves and each other.
🔗 Resources:
www.psychologytoday.com
National Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
💬 Text “START” to 88788
🌐 thehotline.org
24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and resources.
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Dial 988 for immediate support, available 24/7.
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline – Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with crisis counselors for stress, trauma, and grief.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine – Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HELPLINE” to 62640 for mental health support.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat at rainn.org for confidential support (helpful if trauma was triggered by past violence).
Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text.
🌍 For listeners outside the U.S.: Please look up your local crisis hotline number, or check this international directory: findahelpline.com.
🎧 Listen, Follow & Share: Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
👉 Follow us @AlmostObliviousPodcast on IG or FB
📢 Share this episode to help break the silence and broaden the conversation.
Almost Oblivious Community on Facebook – Connect with others and share your story
If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!
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In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores how creative outlets can become powerful tools for healing after trauma and abuse. From art and journaling to faith, movement, volunteering, and trying new experiences, Autumn shares both research and personal stories of how creativity can help survivors rediscover their voice, purpose, and joy.
You’ll hear about:
Art as therapy: how expression through color, shape, or collage can give emotions a safe outlet.
Journaling: prompts and practices to untangle thoughts and track healing progress.
Faith and spirituality: grounding practices that offer hope and connection.
New experiences: how classes like singing, cooking, or photography can unlock joy.
Exercise and movement: the research-backed benefits of biking, yoga, and other forms of physical activity for trauma recovery.
Volunteering and purpose: how giving back, speaking out, and creating Almost Oblivious became transformative parts of Autumn’s own healing journey.
This episode encourages survivors to explore creative paths that fit their lives, reminding each listener that healing is not about perfection — it’s about rediscovery.
🔗 Resources:
Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497
van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.
Malchiodi, C. A. (2015). Creative Interventions with Traumatized Children. Guilford Press.
American Psychological Association. (2011). The Exercise Effect: Evidence on the Mental Health Benefits of Exercise. APA Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/exercise
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2022). The Importance of Community and Purpose in Recovery. https://www.nami.org
🎧 Listen, Follow & Share: Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
👉 Follow us @AlmostObliviousPodcast on IG or FB
📢 Share this episode to help break the silence and broaden the conversation.
Almost Oblivious Community on Facebook – Connect with others and share your story
If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!
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Instagram: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Facebook: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Abuse doesn’t end when the relationship does. Its impact lingers—sometimes for years—reshaping the way survivors see themselves, others, and the world around them. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores the long-term effects of abuse on mental health, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the invisible wounds survivors carry long after leaving.
We are also sharing exciting personal news—Zack and I are expecting our first child! With pregnancy and managing narcolepsy, the episode schedule may shift, but my passion for sharing survivor-centered conversations remains stronger than ever.
This episode covers:
How abuse rewires the brain and nervous system.
The connection between trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and complex PTSD.
Invisible wounds: shame, guilt, and self-blame.
How trauma shows up in the body and relationships long-term.
Paths to healing: therapy, community, grounding, and self-compassion.
A short guided reflection for survivors.
💙 Whether you’re a survivor yourself, a loved one, or simply someone who wants to understand more, this conversation is here to remind you: you are not broken, and healing is possible.
🔗 Resources:
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). (n.d.). Domestic violence and mental health statistics. Retrieved from https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS
Reports that approximately 64% of women and 15% of men who experience domestic violence develop symptoms of PTSD.
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (2014). Long-term mental health effects of intimate partner violence. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4282026/
Highlights increased risks of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among survivors of long-term abuse.
American Psychological Association (APA). (2023). The lasting impact of trauma. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma
Discusses how trauma rewires the brain and nervous system.
Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books.
Foundational text on complex PTSD and how prolonged trauma shapes mental health.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/trauma-violence
Explains the connection between trauma, physical health, and mental illness.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). The gut-brain connection. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection
Outlines how trauma and stress can trigger digestive issues.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2018. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240022256
Global statistics on abuse and its long-term health consequences.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
💬 Text “START” to 88788
🌐 thehotline.org
24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and resources.
🎧 Listen, Follow & Share: Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
👉 Follow us @AlmostObliviousPodcast on IG or FB
📢 Share this episode to help break the silence and broaden the conversation.
Almost Oblivious Community on Facebook – Connect with others and share your story
If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!
AlmostObliviousPodcast.com/contact
Instagram: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Facebook: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Abuse is surrounded by harmful myths — ideas like “if it was really that bad, they would just leave” or “abuse only happens in certain kinds of relationships.” These misconceptions silence survivors, excuse abusers, and keep too many people stuck in unsafe situations.
In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn unpacks some of the most common myths about abuse and replaces them with the reality survivors live every day. From the dangers of leaving, to abuse beyond the physical, to the stigma male victims face, this conversation is all about truth, awareness, and breaking down barriers.
If you’ve ever heard these myths — or maybe even believed them yourself — this episode will help you see the bigger picture.
🔗 Resources:
🎧 Listen, Follow & Share: Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
👉 Follow us @AlmostObliviousPodcast on IG or FB
📢 Share this episode to help break the silence and broaden the conversation.
Almost Oblivious Community on Facebook – Connect with others and share your story
If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!
AlmostObliviousPodcast.com/contact
Instagram: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Facebook: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Leaving an abusive relationship is one of the hardest — and most dangerous — steps a survivor can take. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, I share some of my personal journey of leaving, blending my own story with the emotional realities, safety concerns, and aftermath that so many victims face.
From the quiet moments before the decision, to the day I walked out, to the unexpected emotional crash afterward — this is a raw, honest look at what leaving really feels like from the inside.
Whether you’re a survivor, supporting someone you love, or simply wanting to understand, I hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone, and there is life and healing on the other side.
🔗 Resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788🌐 www.thehotline.org
🎧 Listen, Follow & Share: Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
👉 Follow us @AlmostObliviousPodcast on IG or FB
📢 Share this episode to help break the silence and broaden the conversation.
Almost Oblivious Community on Facebook – Connect with others and share your story
If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!
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Instagram: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Facebook: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Have we been trained to overlook the signs that someone isn’t safe or manipulative? Or worse—what if we’ve never been taught what healthy love and relationships actually look like?
In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we explore the differences between red flags and green flags—not just in romantic relationships, but in friendships, family dynamics, and everyday connections.
You’ll learn how to:
Identify red flag behaviors like control, love bombing, and guilt-tripping
Understand the psychological reasons why red flags can feel “normal”
Recognize green flag qualities like emotional safety, consistency, and respect
Compare real-life examples of toxic vs. healthy dynamics
Rebuild your internal radar for healthy relationships—even if you’ve never seen them before
Whether you're just starting to heal or you're trying to unlearn old patterns, this episode will help you redefine what safe, healthy, and mutual love actually looks like.
Because peace isn’t boring—it’s just unfamiliar.
🔗 Resources:
🎧 Listen, Follow & Share: Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
👉 Follow us @AlmostObliviousPodcast on IG or FB
📢 Share this episode to help break the silence and broaden the conversation.
Almost Oblivious Community on Facebook – Connect with others and share your story
If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!
AlmostObliviousPodcast.com/contact
Instagram: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Facebook: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
A question many survivors wrestle with — especially after betrayal, emotional harm, or abuse. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker dives deep into what science, psychology, and personal experience say about real change.
We explore the difference between remorse and reform, the neuroscience of behavior, and why real transformation requires more than just words. Autumn also speaks directly to critical issues like physical abuse, infidelity, and narcissistic traits — offering grounded, trauma-informed guidance to anyone stuck between hope and reality.
Some things are forgivable.Some are survivable.But not everything deserves a second chance.
If you’ve ever asked, “Should I stay?” or “Can they really change?” — this episode is for you.
🔗 Resources:
Roberts, B. W., et al. (2020). “A Systematic Review of Personality Trait Change Through Intervention.” Psychological Bulletin.
Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Transtheoretical Model of Change
Kolb, B., & Gibb, R. (2011). Brain Plasticity and Behavior.
National Domestic Violence Hotline – www.thehotline.org
NCADV (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) – www.ncadv.org
🎧 Listen, Follow & Share: Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
👉 Follow us @AlmostObliviousPodcast on IG or FB
📢 Share this episode to help break the silence and broaden the conversation.
Almost Oblivious Community on Facebook – Connect with others and share your story
If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!
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In this survivor story, we hear from Tracey, who grew up under the control of a narcissistic and emotionally abusive mother — a kind of abuse that’s often hidden behind smiles, church functions, and perfect family photos. From subtle manipulation to overt guilt-tripping, this story explores how emotional abuse from a parent can shape your self-worth, relationships, and sense of reality.
As the survivor begins to set boundaries and ultimately go no contact, the manipulation escalates — but so does their decision. This episode offers a raw, honest look at the grief of choosing peace over family and the courage it takes to break free from generational cycles.
If you've ever been made to feel small, guilty, or like you're “too sensitive” by a family member, this episode is for you.
⚠️ Trigger warning: emotional abuse, narcissistic manipulation, parent-child estrangement.
You are not alone. You are not crazy. And you are worthy of peace.
🔗 Resources:
🎧 Listen, Follow & Share: Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
👉 Follow us @AlmostObliviousPodcast on IG or FB
📢 Share this episode to help break the silence and broaden the conversation.
Almost Oblivious Community on Facebook – Connect with others and share your story
If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!
AlmostObliviousPodcast.com/contact
Instagram: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Facebook: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Episode had been re-drafted at the survivor's request. The episode is now able to be re-released.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse, including physical violence, gun violence, rape, kidnapping, and emotional trauma. Listener discretion is advised.
In this powerful episode of Almost Oblivious, we share the courageous story of a survivor who endured the unimaginable but found the strength to break free. They open up about the reality of living with abuse, the struggles of leaving, and the resilience it takes to rebuild a life after trauma.
This episode is a raw and honest look at survival, healing, faith and hope. Whether you’re a survivor, know someone who is, or simply want to better understand the complexities of domestic abuse, this story will leave an impact.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to a trusted friend, a local domestic violence organization, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. You are not alone.
Tune in now and join the conversation. 💜
For more information please check out our website!
AlmostObliviousPodcast.com
If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!
AlmostObliviousPodcast.com/contact
Instagram: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
Facebook: @AlmostObliviousPodcast
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