Almost Oblivious

In this honest episode, Autumn shares her personal experience with an abusive partner who twisted the truth and claimed to be the victim. She breaks down the manipulation tactic known as DARVO, highlights the damage it causes, and provides practical tools for those navigating similar experiences.

This episode is a reminder that your story matters—even when someone else tries to steal it.

DARVO:

• Deny the behavior

• Attack the victim’s credibility

• Reverse the Victim and Offender

  
  

  🔗 Resources:

  • The Hotline - Domestic Violence Resources

  • Center for Institutional Courage – DARVO Info

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In this special episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker is joined by licensed professional counselor Isaiah from Therapy Today to dive into the mental health side of healing after abuse. Together, they explore the emotional toll of toxic environments, how survivors can begin to rebuild their self-worth, and why therapy—whether trauma-focused or not—can be an essential part of the journey.

Isaiah offers practical advice on setting healthy boundaries, breaking unhealthy relationship patterns, and supporting loved ones who have left abusive situations. Whether you're in the process of healing or supporting someone who is, this episode offers guidance, validation, and hope.

Guest Info:
Isaiah, LPC, is the voice behind Therapy Today, where he brings professional insight to everyday mental health struggles.

Follow Therapy Today Here:

https://www.youtube.com/@Therapy2Day

https://www.instagram.com/therapy.2day

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📢 Share this episode to help break the silence and broaden the conversation.⁠⁠

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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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Healing after abuse is not a straight road — and if you’ve ever felt like you were “going backward,” this episode is for you.

In this honest and vulnerable solo episode, Autumn opens up about why she missed last week’s show and shares her ongoing struggle with severe back pain, medical frustration, and the very real truth that healing—whether physical or emotional—is rarely neat or predictable.

She dives into her journey, including moments of PTSD, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts that still creep in years after escaping an abusive relationship. This episode is a powerful reminder that setbacks do not erase progress and that healing happens in layers.

Whether you're still in a situation, freshly out, or years into your healing journey, you’ll find comfort, validation, and truth in this week’s message: You are not behind. You are healing, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Resources:

📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline (USA)24/7 free & confidential support for anyone experiencing abuse🔗 ⁠www.thehotline.org⁠📱 Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233)📲 Text: “START” to 88788

• PTSD & Trauma Recovery Resources:

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD: National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov

  • American Psychological Association – Understanding Trauma: https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma

🎧 Listen, Follow & Share: Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.👉 Follow us @AlmostObliviousPodcast📢 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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When we talk about domestic violence, we often leave someone out of the conversation—men.

In this eye-opening episode of Almost Oblivious, we confront the stigma, silence, and stereotypes that keep so many male victims from speaking out. Abuse doesn’t discriminate—and yet, male victims are often met with disbelief, shame, or mockery when they try to seek help.

💔 1 in 4 men experience physical violence from a partner.
💬 Many never say a word.
📉 Limited resources. Deep-rooted stigma. Real pain.

It’s time we stop asking why they stayed—and start asking how we can support them.

This episode includes:
🔹 Eye-opening statistics
🔹 Common forms of abuse men face
🔹 Barriers to seeking help
🔹 A call for better resources & compassion for ALL survivors

Resources:

📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline (USA)
24/7 free & confidential support for anyone experiencing abuse
🔗 www.thehotline.org
📱 Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
📲 Text: “START” to 88788

📞 Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women
Specialized support for both male and female victims
📱 Call: 888-7HELPLINE (888-743-5754)

🌐 1in6
Support for men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault
🔗 www.1in6.org

🌐 Men’s Advice Line (UK-Based)
Confidential support for men experiencing domestic abuse
🔗 www.mensadviceline.org.uk

🌐 MaleSurvivor
Resources, forums, and peer support for male survivors
🔗 www.malesurvivor.org

• 1 in 4 men experience some form of physical violence by an intimate partner:
  Black, M.C., et al. (2011). National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 Summary Report.
  🔗 CDC NISVS 2010 Report (PDF)

• Nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an impact:
  Smith, S.G., et al. (2017). NISVS: 2015 Data Brief – Updated Release.
  🔗 CDC NISVS 2015 Brief (PDF)

• 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner:
  Black, M.C., et al. (2011). NISVS: 2010 Summary Report.
  🔗 CDC NISVS 2010 Report (PDF)

🎧 Listen, Follow & Share:
Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.
👉 Follow us @AlmostObliviousPodcast
📢 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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Living with someone who has narcissistic traits — whether it's a partner, a parent, or someone else close to you — can feel like constant emotional warfare. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker shares practical, solution-based strategies to help reduce conflict and protect your mental and emotional peace when leaving isn’t yet an option.

Drawing from recent training with Stepping Stones of Life and personal experience, this episode offers clear communication tools, boundary-setting techniques, and calming responses that can help you survive day to day — and remind you that you are not alone.

⚠️ Please note: These strategies are meant to help mitigate, not eliminate, the effects of narcissistic abuse. If your safety is at risk or you feel overwhelmed, you do not have to navigate this alone.

🛠️ In This Episode:

• Understanding narcissistic behavior and common patterns

• Ground rules for emotional protection

• Real-life examples of communication shifts to reduce conflict

• The Grey Rock Method

• Why these tools won’t always work — and why that’s not your fault

• A reminder: You deserve peace, and help is available

📚 Resources & Support:

• The Grey Rock Method- https://psychcentral.com/health/grey-rock-method

• Stepping Stones of Life – https://steppingstonesoflife.org/

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline
  📞 Call 800-799-SAFE (7233)
  💬 Or text "START" to 88788

  🌐 www.thehotline.org

  
  

• Love Is Respect – Especially for younger victims or those unsure🌐 www.loveisrespect.org

  
  

• Almost Oblivious Community on Facebook – Connect with others and share your story

  
  

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REWIND Listen! This is episode 5 & 6 from the beginning of Almost Oblivious!

In this two-part episode, we dive into the complex dynamics of trauma bonding. Starting with love bombing and exploring what this looks like and how abusers create powerful emotional dependencies. Join me as we navigate the stages of this bond, unraveling why it's so hard to break free and how understanding these patterns can be the first step toward healing. In part 2, we dive deeper into the emotional and psychological complexities that keep survivors tied to abusive relationships. We unpack the intricate cycle of manipulation, the devastating effects of gaslighting, and the layered impact of repeated love bombing. This episode provides insights into breaking free from the toxic bonds and offers hope for those seeking to reclaim their lives. Whether you're a survivor, a supporter, or someone wanting to learn more, this episode sheds light on one of the most challenging aspects of abuse.

Resources:

⁠https://health.clevelandclinic.org/gaslighting⁠

⁠https://www.verywellmind.com/gaslighting-examples-7567491⁠

⁠https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7683637/#:~:text=According%20to%20Heim%20et%20al,to%20the%20feelings%20of%20others⁠.

⁠https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327080#long-term-effects⁠

⁠https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/what-is-love-bombing⁠

⁠https://health.clevelandclinic.org/love-bombing⁠

⁠https://www.thehotline.org/resources/signs-of-love-bombing/⁠

⁠https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/love-bombing

Join Our Facebook Group Here: ⁠⁠Almost Oblivious Community⁠

🎧 Don't forget to share, rate, and review to help us break the silence on domestic violence.

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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Before there was romance, there was friendship—the kind built on late-night talks, inside jokes, and unconditional support. In this special episode, Autumn Baker and her husband Zack sit down to share how their marriage grew from years of best-friendship, trust, and shared adventures.

From goofy moments over Goldfish crackers to an ice cream shop proposal at Bruster’s, their story is full of love, laughter, and healing. Tune in as they reflect on how building a solid friendship first laid the foundation for the safe, healthy love they share today. 🍦❤️

Join Our Facebook Group Here: ⁠Almost Oblivious Community

🎧 Don't forget to share, rate, and review to help us break the silence on domestic violence.

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, host Autumn Baker explores one of the most invisible and damaging aspects of abuse: shame. From how abusers weaponize shame to how it silences survivors, Autumn breaks down the emotional barriers that keep victims stuck — and explains what it takes to break free.

You’ll hear why shame lingers long after the abuse ends, how it affects healing, and what we can do — individually and as a community — to dismantle it. This episode is for survivors, supporters, and anyone seeking to understand the deeper psychological wounds of abuse.

We’re also excited to announce the launch of the Almost Oblivious Facebook Community Group — a safe, judgment-free space to connect, learn, and heal. 🎉

Facebook Group Here: Almost Oblivious Community

🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

• • Therapy Resources: Psychology Today’s Therapist Finder (⁠https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists⁠)
  • Need Immediate Support? Call or text the 988 Lifeline for emotional crisis help. For domestic abuse support: The National Domestic Violence Hotline 📞 1-800-799-7233 | 💬 Text “START” to 88788 | 🌐 ⁠⁠https://www.thehotline.org⁠
  • Love Is Respect – A project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline focused on teens and young adults
  • Brené Brown – Daring Greatly and I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t)

  • Brown’s work on shame, vulnerability, and resilience is foundational. Her research shows how shame affects behavior, connection, and healing.

  • Quote used: “Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.”

🎧 Don't forget to share, rate, and review to help us break the silence on domestic violence.

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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Today on Almost Oblivious, we’re tackling one of the most subtle — and most damaging — forms of emotional abuse: gaslighting.
Gaslighting is a targeted form of psychological manipulation that causes you to doubt your memories, emotions, and sanity. But knowledge is power, and we’re shining a bright light on these dark tactics in this episode.

We’ll break down:

• What gaslighting really is (and what it isn’t)

• How it shows up in relationships, workplaces, families, and more

• Psychological effects gaslighting has on survivors

• Real-life examples you might recognize

• How to recognize the signs and begin trusting yourself again

• Practical steps for protecting yourself and healing

  
  

You are not crazy. You are not broken. You are not alone.

🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Free Downloadable Checklist: "Am I Being Gaslit?"

  https://www.almostobliviouspodcast.com/episodes/episode28-gaslighting-the-invisible-weapon

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

What happens when the person who was supposed to love and protect you… is the one who hurt you most?

In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores the often-unspoken reality of parental abuse and its lasting effects on adult children. We unpack the emotional, psychological, and even physical toll of growing up in a toxic or abusive household and the complex grief that comes with realizing your parent was your abuser.

This episode validates the pain of survivors while offering hope, healing, and the reminder: You were never the problem.

You’ll learn:

• What parental abuse can look like (even without physical violence)

• Why emotional wounds often go unrecognized

• How parentification, gaslighting, and control impact adult survivors

• Why setting boundaries with family can be so difficult—and so necessary

• Resources and tools to help you reclaim your voice and begin healing

Whether you're estranged from a parent or just beginning to question your upbringing, this episode is for you.

🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Book: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1626251703

• Book: Toxic Parents by Dr. Susan Forward
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0553381407

• Therapist Directory (Trauma-Informed):
  https://www.psychologytoday.com
  (Filter for trauma-informed care or inner child work)

• Support Groups:

  • https://www.adultchildren.org (Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families)

  • Reddit Community: r/raisedbynarcissists

    
    

• Need Immediate Support?
  Call or text the 988 Lifeline for emotional crisis help.
  For domestic abuse support: The National Domestic Violence Hotline
  📞 1-800-799-7233 | 💬 Text “START” to 88788 | 🌐 https://www.thehotline.org

🎧 Don't forget to share, rate, and review to help us break the silence on domestic violence.

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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