What happens when your partner controls every dollar you spend, monitors your bank account, or sabotages your ability to work? This is financial abuse — one of the most powerful tools an abuser uses to trap you in a relationship.

Produced in partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline for National Financial Abuse Awareness Day, this episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word dives deep into how financial control works, why it’s so effective, and how survivors can begin to break free.

Lindsay sits down with survivor, activist, and educator Neisha Himes , who bravely shares how her partner used money to isolate her, limit her choices, and make leaving feel impossible. From being denied access to her own paycheck to having every purchase questioned, Neisha’s story shows how financial abuse often hides in plain sight — and why it’s just as damaging as physical violence.

Trigger Warning: For those who have experienced or witnessed abuse our conversation could be triggering. We want you to take care of you. If you need to step away or pause the episode please do so. If you need support and want to talk to a live advocate please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or chat live at thehotline.org.

Inside this episode:

• What financial abuse really looks like (beyond “he won’t let me spend money”)
• How abusers use money to keep you trapped — even after you leave
• Small, strategic steps to regain control of your finances safely
• Why secrecy, isolation, and shame make financial abuse so hard to spot
• Resources from The Hotline to help you protect yourself

About Neisha:

Neisha Christine Himes is an award winning and nationally recognized activist and motivational speaker. After leaving a 5 year long abusive and toxic relationship, Neisha decided to use her harrowing experience to help other domestic violence survivors. She began telling her story through her gift of spoken word poetry—performing at open mics and various events where she met and bonded with other survivors.

She also volunteered at a local domestic violence shelter where she created a journaling group to encourage self-expression and healing through writing. She later became certified as a Human Trafficking Victim Advocate with the Virginia Beach Justice Initiative (n/k/a FreeKind). Then in 2016, Neisha founded G.R.O.W. (Girls Recognizing Our Worth) Foundation to assist survivors with rebuilding their lives after abuse. The non-profit organization has since helped countless survivors get back on their feet and provided them hope in their journey towards restoration.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why can’t I leave? I don’t have my own money,” this episode is for you.

Disclaimer: This episode is sponsored by the National Domestic Violence Hotline to shine a light on lesser-known, yet pervasive, forms of abuse. The views and opinions expressed reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of The Hotline or their funders, including the Department of Health and Human Services.

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📞 If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.

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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 safely

Dr. 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 #domesticabuseawareness

B!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.

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In this powerful and emotional episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, survivor and advocate Lynn shares her harrowing journey through childhood trauma, reproductive coercion, intimate partner violence, emotional abuse, and sexual assault—including surviving strangulation and rape.

Lynn bravely recounts her experience growing up with a compulsive gambler father, enduring multiple abusive relationships, and navigating the life-threatening consequences of reproductive coercion before eventually escaping a cycle of violence and finding healing. She also explains how trauma bonding, coercive control, and systemic failures kept her trapped—and how she finally broke free.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses childhood trauma, domestic abuse, reproductive coercion, strangulation, sexual assault, and emotional abuse.

Topics Covered:

- The psychological and financial impact of compulsive gambling

- How trauma bonding keeps survivors in abusive relationships

- What reproductive coercion really looks like (and why it’s rarely prosecuted)

- The terrifying warning signs of strangulation and intimate partner rape

- Why love bombing and control often hide behind “soulmate” language

- Breaking generational trauma and healing through therapy and advocacy

Lynn is now a speaker and advocate affiliated with the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Storyteller Collective and Advisory Council. Connect with her via Instagram or LinkedIn.

We’ve got your back, Bestie. And your second (or third) act.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

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In this powerful and emotional podcast episode, Lindsay welcomes advocate and survivor Courtney Gilmartin to unpack the insidious nature of coercive control, post-separation abuse, and the long game survivors must play to reclaim their lives.

Courtney shares her deeply personal story of entering an abusive relationship at 19, marrying young, and eventually recognizing the subtle but devastating patterns of emotional, psychological, and financial abuse she endured. Though never physically attacked in a traditional sense, Courtney powerfully illustrates how intimidation, surveillance, isolation, sabotage, and manipulation are all forms of DV.

The conversation dives into:

- How abusers maintain control post-divorce through litigation, parenting schedules, and even children’s clothing.

- Why strategic emotional detachment and planning are essential before leaving.

- The importance of journaling, building a trauma-informed support team, and understanding the legal system’s limitations.

- The psychological warfare abusers wage through child custody manipulation, withholding support, and weaponizing family court.

- How to protect your kids and maintain your sanity while navigating high-conflict co-parenting.

- Why survivors need to stop blaming themselves and start reclaiming their narratives.

Courtney also provides tactical guidance for survivors still inside abusive relationships, including:

- The power of documenting abuse

- How to prepare for a safe and strategic exit

- What to prioritize in custody agreements

- Why small wins in family court can shift the power dynamic

Throughout the episode, Lindsay and Courtney bond over shared experiences, emphasize the importance of support networks, and remind listeners that leaving is just the beginning of a longer battle — but one worth fighting.

We’ve got your back, Bestie. And your second (or third) act.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

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What happens when you accidentally launch a podcast about narcissistic abuse and end up becoming a lifeline for survivors around the world?

In this unfiltered episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, Lindsay sits down with the OG, Brandon Chadwick, host of the Narcissist Apocalypse podcast. What started as a comedy experiment turned into six years of holding space for survivors of narcissistic and emotional abuse, giving them a platform to reclaim their stories and heal out loud.

Brandon shares what he’s learned from thousands of survivor conversations: the patterns, the red flags, the trauma bonds, and the slow unraveling of reality that keeps people stuck for years. He opens up about the responsibility of telling these stories, the healing power of community, and why your voice — yes, yours — matters more than you know.

Whether you’re in it, out of it, or trying to make sense of what the hell just happened, this episode is your validation, your compass, and your reminder: you’re not crazy, you’re not alone, and you can get free.

Inside This Episode:

• Why narcissistic abuse is so hard to recognize (even for smart, strong people)
• How the trauma bond keeps survivors hooked
• The role of storytelling in healing and reclaiming your identity
• What Brandon has learned from thousands of survivor interviews
• How to support someone in a toxic relationship without pushing them away
• The difference between trauma dumping and trauma processing
• What healing actually looks like (spoiler: it’s not linear)

About Brandon:

Brandon is the creator and host of Narcissist Apocalypse, a podcast and support community helping survivors of narcissistic, emotional, and domestic abuse share their stories, access resources, and find community. His work has helped thousands of people feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal.

Bestie Freebie:

Join Brandon’s support group for survivors at community.narcissistapocalypse.com — a safe, private space to connect, learn, and grow with others who get it.

We’ve got your back, Bestie

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What if the success you’ve been chasing isn’t what you actually want anymore?

In this bold and enlightening episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, Lindsay sits down with career strategist and reinvention expert Daisy Swan to talk about what happens when the ladder you’ve been climbing suddenly feels like it’s up against the wrong wall.

From Wall Street burnout to Malibu surfing, Daisy has helped thousands of women navigate the messy, beautiful space between who they were and who they’re becoming. Together, Lindsay and Daisy break down the “midlife wakeup,” how to reclaim your voice after decades of overachieving, and why giving yourself permission to want something else is the first step to getting it.

This episode is your permission slip to pivot, your reminder that you’re not too late — and a masterclass in trusting yourself to build a life you actually love.

Inside This Episode:

• What a “midlife wakeup” really feels like (and why it’s not a crisis)
• How ambition can evolve — and why that’s not failure
• The quiet grief of outgrowing a version of yourself
• Why women often wait too long to prioritize their own desires
• The power of curiosity, creativity, and reinvention
• How to get unstuck and move toward what you actually want next
• Why it’s okay to outgrow your dream — and how to dream again

About Daisy:

Daisy Swan is a career strategist, reinvention coach, and longtime meditation teacher helping people find clarity, direction, and fulfillment in work and life. Known as “The Los Angeles Career Counselor,” she specializes in helping high-achieving women navigate transitions, break through burnout, and build careers aligned with who they are now.

Bestie Freebie:

Explore more of Daisy’s work, coaching, and reinvention resources at daisyswan.com

We’ve got your back, Bestie. And your second (or third) act.

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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 abuse
• How repeat offenders manipulate court systems to continue their abuse
• Understanding trauma bonding and why survivors sometimes doubt themselves
• The crucial role of breaking silence in survivor healing and community safety
• Peer support as a powerful tool beyond therapy
• The story behind Open Voices, a peer support app born from lived experience
• Steps survivors can take to protect themselves and rebuild their lives

About 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.

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So you're still toeing the line, trying to "be reasonable" for court, still hoping you can co-parent with someone who thrives on chaos. This week on Bitch Is a Bad Word, Jackie Miller - divorce strategist, high-conflict coach, and professional BS caller - joins Lindsay to break down the narcissist's post-separation playbook.

We’re talking:

• Why co-parenting with a narcissist is a setup
• The power of DNE: Do Not Engage
• How to stop taking the bait-and recognize when you’re being master baited
• What a trauma bond actually is (yes, it's chemical)
• The narcissist's favorite trick: overexplaining, guilt, and control
• And how to re-engineer your dynamic so you stop playing a game you can’t win

Jackie brings her signature truth bombs, strategy, and one-liners that will make you laugh while calling you in.

If you're in the fight of your life and trying to keep your sanity, this episode is your blueprint.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

And listen to Jackie's podcast OUT OF CRAZYTOWN: DIVORCING A NARCISSIST

Because they know your buttons. But this week, you’re unplugging the whole damn panel.

We've got your back , Besties!

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What happens when a mother drops her daughter off at school—and never sees her again? In this gut-wrenching episode of Bitch Sesh, Lindsay sits down with “M,” a doctor, mother, and fierce advocate who dropped her daughter off at school one morning and never saw her come home. It’s been 262 days. No warning, no goodbye. Just a so-called “temporary” custody order that became a silent sentence. From lost milestones to supervised calls, M shares her story of post-separation abuse, litigation trauma, and relentless love. This is a call for family court reform and a voice for silenced mothers

We unpack the truth behind family court trauma, post-separation abuse, and the terrifying reality so many protective mothers face. M's story is a powerful call to action and a heartbreaking reminder that this system is failing the very people it claims to protect.

Inside This Episode:

• What happens when a six-year-old is taken without notice or legal grounds
• Why “temporary” custody orders often last for years
• Parenting through supervised calls—and losing milestones to silence
• How the courts weaponize protective mothers and reward abusers
• The quiet epidemic of litigation abuse and coercive control
• The grassroots movement demanding family court reform

About M:

M is a physician, a mother, and a survivor. She’s part of the National Safe Parents Coalition and an advocate for reforming the family court system. Her story is both a warning and a rallying cry for every mother told to stay quiet, and every child caught in the middle.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

We see you. We believe you. We've got your back, Bestie.

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What 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 leave
• How to outsmart a narcissist without sinking to their level
• Why abuse often escalates when you’re pregnant or financially vulnerable
• The heartbreaking moment a narcissist starts targeting the kids
• How to protect your child emotionally when the manipulation flips on them
• The top 5 tactics narcissists use during divorce and how to prepare for them
• Why leaving a narcissist is like launching a business and how to lead it like a CEO
• A free resource from Victoria: Five Things Every Woman Should Know Before Divorcing a Narcissist

About 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.

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