Bitch Is A Bad Word: A Domestic Violence Podcast on Healing and Empowerment

TRIGGER WARNING: Please be advised that this episode contains discussions of suicide, suicidal ideation, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support. Help is available. You can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.

In this powerful episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, we sit down with Jenn Higgins, the visionary founder behind Anyways Socks, a company born out of resilience, humor, and healing. Jenn opens up about surviving domestic abuse, finding her voice, and creating a brand that celebrates individuality and strength — anyway you are.

We dive into:

• Jenn’s journey through survival and entrepreneurship
• How she turned pain into purpose with Anyways Socks
• The role of creativity and humor in the healing process
• Why building a business as a survivor is an act of resistance
• Her message for anyone navigating abuse or identity rediscovery

This candid Bitch Sesh isn’t just about socks — it’s about survival, self-expression, and socking it to domestic abuse!

Whether you're a survivor, creator, advocate, or simply love a good comeback story, this episode is for you.

Support and Visit ANYWAY SOCKS

If you are interested in coming on Bitch Sesh, please email us at [email protected], call or text us at (331) BITCHES, or DM us on our Instagram (instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod) or TikTok (tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword) pages.

If you like, please leave us a review and subscribe to our channel!

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 episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, host Lindsay sits down with Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and author Carla Litto to unpack the psychology behind narcissistic and emotionally abusive relationships.

Carla, author of Outsmarting Egomaniacs: How to Respond to Narcissists and Master Manipulators, explains how Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can show up in intimate relationships — and what survivors can do to protect themselves.

With compassion and clinical expertise, Carla breaks down the red flags of manipulation, gaslighting, trauma bonding, and coercive control, offering actionable tools to help survivors regain clarity, confidence, and control.

🎙️ In this episode, we cover:

• How BPD and NPD appear in toxic or abusive relationships
• Understanding emotional dysregulation, projection, and trauma bonding
• Practical ways to recognize and respond to manipulation and gaslighting
• Why survivors second-guess themselves — and how to rebuild self-trust
• Key insights from Outsmarting Egomaniacs by Carla Litto

Whether you're recovering from narcissistic abuse or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you the knowledge and power to move forward.

• #NarcissisticAbuse #EmotionalAbuseRecovery #BPDRelationships #NPD #Gaslighting #TraumaBonding #CoerciveControl #OutsmartingEgomaniacs #CarlaLitto #BitchIsABadWordPodcast

Visit Carla's website

Purchase Carla's book, Outsmarting Egomaniacs

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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Bitch Sesh are up-close & personal conversations with current victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence sharing their stories.

In this compelling inaugural episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word: "Bitch Sesh", Lindsay engages in a candid conversation with "G", a courageous wife and mother currently navigating the complexities of a verbally abusive relationship characterized by gaslighting and coercive control. "G" reached out feeling isolated, seeking a platform to share her story—a narrative that resonates with many yet often remains unheard. For security, we do not feature "G"'s image.

This episode delves into:

- The insidious nature of gaslighting and its impact on self-perception

- Understanding coercive control and its manifestations in intimate relationships

- The emotional toll of verbal abuse and strategies for coping

- Recognizing the signs of emotional manipulation and reclaiming autonomy

- The importance of sharing survivor stories to foster awareness and support

Whether you're currently in a challenging relationship, supporting someone who is, or aiming to understand the dynamics of emotional abuse better, "G"'s story offers valuable insights and hope.

If you are interested in coming on Bitch Sesh, please email us at [email protected], call or text us at (331) BITCHES, or DM us on our Instagram (instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod) or TikTok (tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword) pages.

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

If you like, please leave us a review and subscribe to our channel!

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This week on Bitch Is a Bad Word, actress, singer, author, and podcaster Bethany Joy Lenz joins us for a powerful, no-holds-barred conversation about surviving a cult — all while starring on one of TV’s most iconic teen dramas, One Tree Hill.

Bethany opens up about her upcoming memoir, her journey of breaking free from coercive control, and how reclaiming her faith helped her heal from spiritual abuse and toxic relationships. She shares how being in the public eye shaped her recovery and how she's using her platform to empower others.

🎙️ In this episode:

• What it was like to be in a cult while starring on a cult-favorite TV show
• Escaping spiritual manipulation and finding her own truth
• Understanding the difference between intuition and trauma responses
• Healing from abusive relationships and psychological control
• Why storytelling and visibility matter in recovery

Whether you're a lifelong One Tree Hill fan, a survivor of spiritual or emotional abuse, or someone seeking truth and healing, Bethany’s story will resonate deeply.

#BethanyJoyLenz #SurvivingACult #CoerciveControl #SpiritualAbuse #OneTreeHill #TraumaHealing #ToxicRelationships #Memoir2025 #BitchIsABadWordPodcast

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

Visit Joy's linktr.ee/bethanyjoylenz to PURCHASE:

- Joy's book Dinner For Vampires: Life On A Cult TV Show (While In An Actual Cult)

- Listen to Joy on the ONE TREE HILL podcast Dramaqueens

- Subscribe to Joy's print magazine MODERN VINTAGE

- And so much more!

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more. And if you get a post-purchase survey, let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.

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Season 2 of Bitch Is A Bad Word brings a whole new vibe. Lindsay is back—solo and ready to introduce you to your new besties—with a fresh lineup of besties with all the letters (aka licensed pros), survivor voices, and real women who’ve been through it all and aren’t afraid to talk about it. Each week, you’ll meet someone who gets it—who’s lived it—and who’s here to help you feel seen, less alone, and a little more powerful than you did before.

New this season: Every episode ends with something for your Bestie Toolkit—a mindset, a mantra, a truth bomb, or a practical tool to carry with you as you heal and grow. Plus, we’re introducing Bitch Sesh, a new weekly segment where Lindsay reads DMs and invites listeners on the show to chat about their real stories—your stories! These raw, intimate conversations are all about building a supportive, healing community.

Key Topics Covered:

• Healing from domestic violence
• Survivor stories and empowering advice
• Therapists, Lawyers and experts offering insight and guidance
• Self-care, mental health, and building resilience
• Practical tools for emotional growth

Follow & Connect:

• Join the conversation on Instagram
• Access exclusive content and early episodes on Patreon
• Share your story for Bitch Sesh via DM, email, text/line and get featured on the show! 

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

This podcast is for you if you're asking questions such as:

• Am I in an abusive relationship?
• What are the five (5) signs of emotional abuse?
• How do I know if I'm being emotionally abused by my husband / wife / partner?
• Am I in a toxic relationship?
• How do I tell if I'm in a domestic abusive relationship?
• What are signs of narcissistic abuse?
• What are the red flags of emotional abuse?
• Am I thinking of calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)?
• What is the effect on my children of living in an abusive house?
• Will I lose my children if I report my abusive husband / wife / partner?
• How to escape an abuser with your children?

Bitch 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 two survivors of Domestic Abuse.

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Welcome back, besties! This week on Bitch Is a Bad Word, we’re joined by Anne Blythe — founder of Betrayal Trauma Recovery and author of Trauma Mama Husband Drama.

Anne helps us unpack the often-invisible signs of emotional abuse, betrayal trauma, and covert control in intimate relationships. With compassion and clarity, she explains how abuse can be hidden behind charm, confusion, and manipulation — and how to finally name what’s really happening.

Her illustrated book may look playful, but it delivers powerful insights for adults trying to make sense of confusing, harmful relationships. If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself, wondered if your relationship is abusive, or struggled to explain the pain you're feeling, this episode will help you see the truth — and start healing.

🎙️ In this episode:

• What betrayal trauma really is — and how it affects survivors
• How to recognize covert emotional abuse and psychological manipulation
• Why naming the abuse is the first step to freedom
• How Anne uses simple language and imagery to explain complex trauma
• Support and resources through Betrayal Trauma Recovery

📘 Learn more about Anne’s book: Trauma Mama Husband Drama

🌐 Visit: www.btr.org

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

#EmotionalAbuse #BetrayalTrauma #CovertAbuse #AnneBlythe #BetrayalTraumaRecovery #DomesticAbuseAwareness #TraumaRecovery #BitchIsABadWordPodcast

About Anne Blyth & BTR.org:

Anne Blyth is the founder of BTR.org, a coaching and education platform created to help women rebuild their lives after abuse. Through personal finance, emotional support, and survivor advocacy, Empowered Worth is a lifeline for those ready to reclaim their future.

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In this powerful episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, we sit down with Anne Wintemute, Co-Founder and CEO of Aimee Says — the world’s first AI-powered companion created specifically for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, including narcissistic abuse, emotional abuse, and psychological manipulation.

Anne shares her inspiring journey from founding a nationally recognized micro school to becoming a fierce advocate for survivor safety, children’s rights, and building systems that hold abusers accountable.

We explore how Aimee, the trauma-informed AI tool, offers survivors a safe, judgment-free space to process abuse, plan for safety, and rebuild their lives after intimate partner violence (IPV). Anne opens up about the real-life inspiration behind Aimee, and how technology can be a lifeline for those navigating trauma.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

• How AI can support survivors of domestic abuse
• Understanding narcissistic abuse and psychological control
• Navigating the emotional and legal aftermath of DV
• Empowering women through trauma-informed tech
• Why systems must believe and support survivors

Whether you're a survivor, therapist, ally, or just curious about how AI is reshaping trauma recovery, this is a must-listen.

#DomesticAbuse #NarcissisticAbuse #AIForGood #SurvivorSupport #PsychologicalAbuse #AnneWintemute #IntimatePartnerViolence #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #TraumaRecovery #AimeeSays

About Aimee Says:

Aimee is more than just a tool—she’s a trauma-informed digital ally that helps survivors find clarity, safety, and validation. Co-founded by Anne Wintemute and Steven Nichols, Aimee was created to amplify survivor voices in a world that too often silences them.

Follow & Connect:

• Learn more: aimeesays.com

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Hey, besties! Are you stuck in a toxic relationship and asking yourself, “Is this really domestic violence?” This episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word is for you.

We sit down with Dr. Amber Wardell, PhD, author of Beyond Self-Care: Potato Chips, to unpack the truth about emotional abuse, gaslighting, and narcissistic abuse. Together, we explore how manipulation, trauma bonding, and coercive control can trap victims in harmful cycles — and what it takes to break free.

Whether you’re seeking DV support, recognizing red flags in your relationship, or starting your healing journey, this episode will help you name what’s happening, reclaim your voice, and start building the life you deserve.

🎙️ In this episode:

• Signs of emotional and narcissistic abuse
• What gaslighting really looks like in relationships
• Understanding trauma bonding and why it’s so powerful
• Why real self-care goes deeper than surface-level advice
• How to start healing from domestic violence with clarity and strength
• 
  

📘 Learn more: Beyond Self-Care: Potato Chips by Dr. Amber Wardell

#DomesticAbuse #EmotionalAbuse #Gaslighting #NarcissisticAbuse #TraumaBonding #HealingFromAbuse #AmberWardell #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #BeyondSelfCare

Visit Amber: https://amberwardell.com/

Purchase Amber's book: Beyond Self-Care Potato Chips

Follow Amber:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensible_amber/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensible_amber
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Amberwardell

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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***Give yourself the ultimate in sleep comfort with a 40% Discount from Cozy Earth

Visit CozyEarth.com and use my exclusive code BESTIES for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and

more. And if you get a post-purchase survey, let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.

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In this episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, we’re breaking down reactive abuse, toxic conflict cycles, and how to handle high-conflict personalities with one of the world’s top experts: Bill Eddy.

Bill is a lawyer, therapist, and co-founder of the High Conflict Institute, with decades of experience helping people navigate manipulation, emotional abuse, and high-conflict legal disputes. He’s also the author of essential reads like High Conflict People in Legal Disputes and The Future of Family Court.

🎙️ In this episode, we cover:

• What reactive abuse really means — and why it’s often misunderstood
• How to identify and manage high-conflict personalities
• Strategies to protect yourself from manipulation, blame-shifting, and legal warfare
• Tools for conflict resolution that support your emotional safety and mental health

If you’ve ever been accused of being the problem after reacting to abuse, or you’re stuck in a toxic cycle with someone who thrives on chaos, this episode will give you clarity, language, and real-world tools to take back your power.

#ReactiveAbuse #HighConflictPersonalities #BillEddy #EmotionalAbuse #ToxicRelationships #LegalAbuse #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #ConflictResolution #SurvivorSupport #HighConflictInstitute

Listen to Bill's Podcast It's All Your Fault

Follow Bill on Instagram @highconflictinstitute

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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Healing after divorce and domestic abuse isn’t easy — but it is absolutely possible. In this episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, we’re joined by the no-nonsense, deeply wise Kate Anthony — author of The D Word, host of The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast, and creator of Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Kate brings honesty, humor, and hard-earned insight to help women navigate the emotional chaos of leaving toxic relationships, rebuilding self-worth, and making empowered decisions. Whether you’re in the middle of a breakup, stuck in indecision, or ready to reclaim your life after abuse or divorce, Kate is your no-BS bestie who tells it like it is — and helps you find your way forward with strength.

🎙️ In this episode:

• What to expect emotionally after leaving an abusive relationship
• Tools to move through divorce with clarity and confidence
• The real meaning of “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”
• How to rebuild self-trust, identity, and personal power
• Kate’s unique blend of tough love and real-world support
• 
  

Whether you’re newly separated or years out, this conversation will inspire, educate, and empower.

#DivorceRecovery #DomesticAbuseSurvivor #KateAnthony #ShouldIStayOrShouldIGo #TheDWord #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #ToxicRelationshipRecovery #DivorceSupport #EmotionalHealing

FOR OUR LISTENERS: Get Kate Anthony's 7-Step Divorce Mindset Reset (8 Episode Podcast Bundle + Worksheets) FOR FREE!

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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