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

By Lindsay Abernathy | Domestic Violence SurvivorSociety & Culture True Crime Relationships

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

February 25, 2025Dr. Drew on Codependency, Narcissism & Addiction
In this insightful episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, we’re joined by the legendary Dr. Drew Pinsky — addiction medicine specialist, TV host, and renowned expert on mental health and relationships.

With over 30 years of experience in psychiatric hospitals and rehab centers (Loveline, Celebrity Rehab, and beyond), Dr. Drew explores the deep connection between codependency, narcissism, trauma, and addiction. He explains how unresolved trauma often leads us into toxic, one-sided relationships — and how to break free from the cycles that keep us stuck.

🎙️ In this episode:
How codependency and narcissistic abuse are often linked
The emotional and neurological roots of addiction and trauma
Why some people are drawn to toxic or high-conflict relationships
Tools to recognize unhealthy relational patterns
How to start healing from codependency and rebuilding self-worth

If you've ever struggled in love, lost yourself in someone else, or want to understand the deeper layers of your relationship dynamics, this conversation with Dr. Drew is a must-listen.

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

#DrDrew #Codependency #NarcissisticAbuse #AddictionRecovery #TraumaHealing #ToxicRelationships #MentalHealthAwareness #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #RelationshipPatterns #HealingAfterAbuse

FOLLOW Dr. Drew @drdrewpinsky

LISTEN to DR. DREW on one of his podcasts:
Ask Dr Drew
The Dr. Drew Podcast
The Adam and Drew Show

WATCH Dr. Drew's new series on Lifetime:
Health Uncensored

READ Dr. Drew's books:
“The Mirror Effect: How Celebrity Narcissism is Seducing America” (NYT Bestseller)
“Cracked: Putting Broken Lives Together Again”
“It Doesn’t Have to be Awkward, Dealing with Relationships, Consent, and Other Hard-To-Talk-About Stuff.” (a teen guide to consent co-written with his daughter, Paulina)
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1 hr 2 min
February 18, 2025Verbal Abuse - The Abuse You Can't See
Verbal abuse doesn’t leave bruises — but it leaves deep emotional scars. In this episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, we unpack the truth about verbal abuse in relationships: how it works, why it’s so hard to identify, and the serious impact it has on your confidence, self-worth, and mental health.

Verbal abuse is often minimized as “just words,” but make no mistake — it’s a form of emotional and psychological abuse that can be just as harmful as physical violence. If you've ever second-guessed the way you’re being spoken to, or wondered, “Is this really abuse?” — this episode is for you.

🎙️ We cover:
The signs of verbal and emotional abuse
How gaslighting and name-calling wear you down
Why verbal abuse is so often dismissed — and how to fight back
How to reclaim your voice, your clarity, and your power

You’re not imagining it. You’re not overreacting. And you’re definitely not alone. It’s time to call it what it is — and heal.

#VerbalAbuse #EmotionalAbuse #PsychologicalAbuse #ToxicRelationships #Gaslighting #DomesticAbuseAwareness #HealingFromAbuse #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #InvisibleAbuse #ReclaimYourPower

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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59 min
February 11, 2025Trauma Bonds, Toxic Traits & Breaking Free w/ Dr. Nadine Macaluso
Meet your new bestie in healing — Dr. Nadine Macaluso (aka Dr. Nae)! In Episode 5 of Bitch Is a Bad Word, we sit down with licensed psychotherapist, trauma bond expert, and author of Run Like Hell, Dr. Nae, to talk all things narcissistic abuse, toxic relationships, and breaking free from the patterns that keep us stuck.

Once married to the infamous “Wolf of Wall Street,” Dr. Nae turned her own survival story into a powerful mission: to help others recognize and escape trauma bonds. Her insight as both a clinician and survivor makes this a raw, real, and deeply empowering conversation.

🎙️ In this episode:
What trauma bonding really is—and why it’s so hard to break
How to identify narcissistic abuse and coercive control
Dr. Nae’s personal journey from survival to empowerment
Tools to help you escape toxic relationships and start healing
Highlights from her new book Run Like Hell

If you're ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start reclaiming your power, this episode is for you.

#NadineMacaluso #DrNae #TraumaBonding #NarcissisticAbuse #ToxicRelationships #RunLikeHellBook #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #HealingFromAbuse #SurvivorStories #EmotionalAbuse

PURCHASE Dr. Nae's book Run Like Hell: A Therapist's Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds: https://a.co/d/hy83xNF
VISIT Dr. Nae's Website: https://drnae.com/about-dr-nadine-macaluso/

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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58 min
February 04, 2025Trauma Bond - Why It's So Hard To Leave
Why do we stay in toxic relationships — even when we know we should leave? In this episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, we dive deep into the psychology of the trauma bond — the emotional trap that keeps survivors stuck in cycles of abuse, manipulation, and fleeting affection.

We break down the highs and lows of abusive dynamics, the addictive pull of intermittent reinforcement, and why leaving can feel impossible, even when it’s what you want most. This is a judgment-free conversation filled with real talk, lived experience, and the tools you need to start recognizing the pattern — and reclaim your power.

🎙️ In this episode:
What a trauma bond is and how it forms
How manipulation and emotional abuse create psychological dependency
The role of intermittent reinforcement in keeping you hooked
Why leaving is hard — and how to break free, step by step
Support for survivors who are still in it, or just getting out

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I leave?” — this episode is for you.

#TraumaBond #ToxicRelationships #WhyWeStay #EmotionalAbuse #IntermittentReinforcement #CycleOfAbuse #SurvivorSupport #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #HealingFromAbuse #BreakTheCycle

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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1 hr 3 min
January 28, 2025Carbon Copies - Unpacking Patterns in Relationships
Ever feel like you're dating the same toxic person over and over? In Episode 3 of Bitch Is a Bad Word, we dive into the uncomfortable truth about repeating relationship patterns and why certain red flags feel eerily familiar.

From defending the indefensible to the emotional fog of the "narc vault" (those memories we tend to ignore), we break down the habits and hidden trauma that keep us stuck in cycles of toxic love and narcissistic abuse. If you're tired of attracting the same emotionally unavailable or manipulative partners, this episode is for you.

🎙️ In this episode:
Why we’re drawn to familiar red flags
How narcissistic traits sneak into our relationships
The importance of recognizing your own patterns
Personal stories and practical tools to help you break the cycle
A roadmap to healthier, more fulfilling love

You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. And you’re not stuck. Let’s rewrite your story — together.

#RelationshipRedFlags #BreakTheCycle #ToxicRelationships #NarcissisticAbuse #EmotionalHealing #SelfWorth #DatingPatterns #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #TraumaRecovery #RewriteYourStory

Let us know your thoughts—what patterns have you noticed? Reply to this email or DM us on social!

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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51 min
January 21, 2025Breaking Our Silence - Reclaiming Our Voice After Ignoring All the Red Flags
In this powerful episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, Lindsay and Makaira get real about the red flags, first fights, and early warning signs so many survivors miss in the moment.

They share personal stories of painting red flags green, staying silent to keep the peace, and holding on to the belief that love could fix them. Together, they unpack why it’s so easy to ignore the signs—and what it takes to finally hear your gut.

This episode is for anyone who's ever questioned their instincts, stayed too long, or felt ashamed for not seeing it sooner. You’re not alone—and it’s not your fault.

🎙️ In this episode:
Early emotional abuse red flags and why they’re hard to spot
Why survivors often feel responsible for the other person’s healing
The emotional cost of staying silent and second-guessing yourself
How to begin reclaiming your voice and trusting your instincts again
Real survivor stories and raw, supportive conversation

This is your sign to stop doubting yourself. Breaking the silence is where healing begins.

#RedFlagsInRelationships #ToxicLove #EmotionalAbuse #SurvivorStories #TrustYourInstincts #AbuseAwareness #RelationshipRedFlags #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #HealingAfterAbuse #ReclaimYourVoice

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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54 min
January 21, 2025Meet Your New Besties - Two Moms. One Purpose. Breaking the Silence on Abuse
Welcome to Episode 1 of Bitch Is a Bad Word — the podcast for survivors, by survivors. Meet Lindsay and Makaira, two badass moms with 8 kids between them, zero fancy degrees, and a whole lot of lived experience. They’re here to be your best friends through the hardest parts of healing from domestic abuse, narcissistic relationships, and emotional trauma.

In this powerful pilot episode, they share their personal journeys, what inspired them to start this podcast, and what you can expect in future episodes — including real survivor stories, expert interviews, and honest conversations about recovery, empowerment, and reclaiming your voice.

🎙️ In this episode:
Who Lindsay and Makaira are and why they’re speaking out
The raw reality of surviving abuse and manipulation
What to expect from this podcast: support, humor, healing
A welcome into a growing community of resilient women and allies

Whether you’re a survivor, an ally, or just beginning to ask the hard questions, this is your invitation to join a community built on truth, strength, and sisterhood.

#DomesticAbusePodcast #SurvivorStories #BitchIsABadWord #HealingAfterAbuse #NarcissisticAbuse #EmotionalAbuseRecovery #WomenSupportingWomen #PodcastForSurvivors #EmpowermentPodcast #AbuseAwareness

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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1 hr 2 min

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

From the publisher's feed

Bitch Is A Bad Word is a real, raw, and unapologetic domestic violence podcast that digs deep into healing, reclaiming power, and rewriting the rules after toxic relationships, domestic violence,…