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

In this episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, Stephanie Strickland shares a story so many women will recognize—even if they don’t yet have the words for it.

She thought she had the life she wanted: a husband, a home, a child. But behind closed doors, things weren’t adding up. Her husband controlled the money, twisted the truth, and left her questioning her own reality. There were no bruises. But there was damage.

Stephanie takes us through the confusing fog of emotional manipulation, financial control, betrayal, and isolation. She opens up about the terrifying moment she realized she was not safe, and how long it took her to finally break free.

If you’ve ever felt like something was wrong but couldn’t quite explain it—this episode is for you.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: Topics include emotional manipulation, control, trauma bonds, heartbreak, and toxic relationship dynamics.

📞 If you or someone you know is in danger, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

Stephanie Strickland is a Dallas, Texas native, an award-winning and best-selling author, and a sought-after motivational speaker. Stephanie is a survivor of domestic violence who passionately spends her time advocating for victims and survivors of abuse. When she is not busy writing award winning books, and appearing on podcasts, she is sharing her inspiring story with others at speaking events.

Stephanie believes that by openly sharing her life, removing her mask, and walking in her truth Stephanie is showing women you don’t have to live in the shame of your past. Through her encouraging words Stephanie is showing us how to overcome our insecurities, our fears and seek the life God has promised us. She continuously demonstrates how living a life with self-acceptance, patience and faith can lead to a life that is thriving and fulfilling.

Stephanie is a God believer and is highly active in her church, where she is a facilitator over a women’s class, and is a part of many other ministries. To connect with Stephanie please see the links below.

www.stephaniedstrickland.com

Instagram - @iamsdstrickland

Facebook - @StephanieDStrick

WHAT YOU'LL HEAR

- The subtle signs that something wasn’t right

- How abusers weaponize religion and family expectations

- What it feels like to question your own memory

- Financial control and secret spending

- How to finally listen to your gut—and act on it

- The truth about abuse that leaves no physical scars

Stephanie’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and waking up to the truth.

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In this episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, we speak with Sara Davison—divorce coach, author, and survivor—about something many people face but don’t know how to name: being stuck in a relationship that slowly chips away at your confidence, independence, and sense of self.

Sara explains how control can look like love, how you start ignoring red flags, and how to finally break free—even when you still care about the person. This episode is for anyone feeling confused, trapped, or like they’ve “lost themselves” in a relationship.

You don’t need bruises to be in danger. If you're constantly questioning yourself, feeling small, or walking on eggshells—this is your sign.

• How control and manipulation can feel like love
• Why you might stay even when you know something’s wrong
• How to get clarity when you're emotionally overwhelmed
• The truth about trauma bonds and emotional confusion
• Steps to let go of someone who keeps hurting you
• What a healthy relationship actually looks and feels like

Sara brings wisdom, warmth, and actionable advice for anyone trying to navigate a breakup—or even just trying to see clearly.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: Topics include emotional manipulation, control, trauma bonds, heartbreak, and toxic relationship dynamics.

📞 If you or someone you know is in danger, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

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📱 Call or Text: (331) BITCHES

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LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

- Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bitch-is-a-bad-word/id1780948251

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- Website: caliber-studio.com/bitchisabadword

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What happens when leaving the abuse is only the beginning?

In this gripping episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word, Vicki shares her 21-year journey of surviving an abusive marriage, fighting through endless family court battles, and protecting her children while rebuilding her life from scratch.

From being told “you’ll have no one and nothing” to watching her ex sabotage finances, drag her through years of litigation, and weaponize custody, Vicki explains how abuse doesn’t end when you walk out the door — it often continues in the courtroom.

She opens up about:

- What it’s really like to spend years and millions fighting in family court

- How abusers use money and legal systems as weapons

- The emotional toll of being gaslit, shamed, and silenced

- Why leaving takes more than courage — it takes support and strategy

- The turning point when she realized she already had the strength to get free

- If you’ve ever thought:

- “Why is my divorce taking years?”

- “Why does my ex keep dragging me back to court?”

- “How do I protect my kids when the abuse won’t stop?”

— this episode will help you feel seen, validated, and less alone.

📞 If you or someone you know is in danger, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

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In this powerful episode of B!tch is a Bad Word, host Lindsay sits down with Dr. Christine Cocchiola—researcher, advocate, and expert in coercive control—to expose the form of domestic abuse that leaves no bruises but devastates lives. Together, they unpack how coercive control erodes autonomy, uses children as weapons, and creates “death by a thousand paper cuts” for survivors.

Dr. Cocchiola shares insights from decades of research and lived experience, explaining why survivors often blame themselves, how abusers manipulate family court and parenting, and what protective parents can do to help their children heal. From understanding trauma bonds to recognizing reactive abuse, this conversation offers validation, clarity, and practical tools for anyone trapped in the cycle of psychological control.

About Dr. Christine Cocchiola:

Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW is a Coercive Control Educator, Researcher & Survivor. She is a college professor teaching social work for the last 20 years and a social justice advocate for a local domestic violence agency, since the age of 19. Her expertise is in the areas of coercive control and the traumatic experiences of adult and child victims, diligently supporting these vulnerable populations. Dr. C., a Founding Member of the International Coercive Control Conference and a Board Member of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, has supported codifying coercive control, writing numerous policy briefs supporting these efforts.

Guest Information:

Website - https://coercivecontrolconsulting.com/

Instagram - @dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol

Twitter - @coercivecontrol

If you’ve ever questioned whether words, manipulation, and control “count” as abuse, this episode is your answer. You’re not crazy—and you’re not alone.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

This episode is for anyone who has asked:

- signs of a controlling relationship

- how to know if my relationship is abusive

- emotional abuse in relationships

- when love feels like control

- why does my partner put me down

- gaslighting and manipulation in relationships

- trauma bonding explained

- am I the problem in my relationship

- co-parenting with a toxic ex

- raising kids with an abusive partner

- why leaving an abuser is so hard

- what is coercive control in relationships (paired with plain terms)

- feeling broken but no bruises

- how to heal from an abusive relationship

- my partner calls me names — is it abuse?

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

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In this raw and emotional episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, survivor Loren Gray shares her powerful story of escaping a covertly abusive relationship while raising a young child. Loren’s story sheds light on the often-missed signs of coercive control, financial abuse, emotional manipulation, and the deep trauma that can exist even without physical violence.

What begins as a seemingly perfect relationship quickly spirals into isolation, financial control, sexual coercion, and deep emotional harm—all under the guise of love and support. Loren explains how abuse doesn't always look the way we expect, and how victims can lose their voice long before they recognize they're being silenced.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of emotional abuse, sexual coercion, postpartum trauma, gaslighting, and parenting while surviving domestic violence.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

Why coercive control is more dangerous than it looks

What financial abuse really looks like in a relationship

Navigating new motherhood while being isolated by a partner

How abusers use "protection" and “fixing” as manipulation

The moment Loren realized she was no longer herself—and how she began to reclaim her power

Finding healing and purpose through sharing her story

Loren’s strength and vulnerability shine through as she describes what it took to escape, heal, and build a new life for herself and her child.

If you’ve ever typed into Google:

“he changed after I got pregnant”

“controlling partner during pregnancy”

“abuse while pregnant”

“relationship changed after baby”

“felt trapped during pregnancy”

...this episode is for you

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

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

ABOUT LOREN

Loren Greye is an author, solo mother, and creative healer helping women turn their after into their most powerful chapter yet.

After experiencing emotional abuse and the collapse of the life she thought she’d have, Loren rebuilt everything—from the inside out. Through writing, motherhood, and intentional inner work, she found her way back to herself.

Now she helps other women do the same. Whether through reflective journaling, storytelling, or creative tools that support emotional recovery, Loren’s work guides women in processing their pain, reclaiming their voice, and designing a life that feels aligned and fully their own.

• Instagram (handle: @lorengreye.after)
• Amazon: Till Death We Do Not
• Amazon: In This Body

5-day journal: Awaken The Knowing

coercive control survivor

financial abuse in relationships

emotional abuse and gaslighting

postpartum and domestic violence

sexual coercion in marriage

parenting through trauma

escaping emotional abuse

motherhood and abuse

Loren Gray survivor story

real stories of domestic abuse

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What if the person you love slowly takes away your freedom — not with fists, but with control over your money, your choices, and your self-worth?

In this episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word, Jared Melo shares his story of how emotional manipulation and financial control kept him trapped in a toxic relationship. From paychecks being taken, to credit ruined, to being told he was “crazy,” Jared walks us through the everyday red flags survivors often miss until it’s too late.

We unpack:

• How abusers control money to keep you stuck (“I’ll take care of the bills, don’t worry about it”)
• Why financial abuse often doesn’t look like abuse at first
• The shame and silence survivors feel when they can’t leave
• The turning point when Jared realized this wasn’t “love,” it was control
• How rebuilding self-trust and community helped him escape

This episode is for anyone who has ever asked themselves:

• “Why can’t I leave if he doesn’t hit me?”
• “Is it normal for my partner to take my paycheck?”
• “Am I crazy, or is this actually abuse?”

“signs of controlling partner”

“is it abuse if my husband controls the money”

“how do I leave a toxic marriage with no money”

“my wife controls everything I buy”

“financial abuse in marriage examples”

“how to tell if I’m being gaslit”

“emotional abuse signs in relationship”

If that’s you — you’re not alone. You’re not crazy. And there is a way out.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

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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

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

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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

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

Follow: Instagram TikTok

Subscribe: Newsletter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.