Content Warning: This episode includes personal accounts of coercive control, emotional abuse, intimidation, and fear within a relationship.

Understand coercive control relationships and the quiet patterns of emotional abuse hiding in plain sight. This episode explores some of the hidden patterns of emotional and psychological abuse, why they’re so hard to recognize, and how awareness can become a path back to safety. 

Self-defense instructor Lisa sits down with Karin, a survivor of a long-term coercive control relationship, for a deeply honest, illuminating conversation. Together, they unpack how control took root, how it escalated over time, and how Karin ultimately found her way out.

This is not a sensational story. It’s a listening story — one meant to give language to experiences many people feel but struggle to name.

Whether you’re questioning a relationship, supporting someone you love, or seeking to understand the quieter forms of abuse that often go unseen, this episode offers insight, validation, and a reminder: control is not love — and safety is possible.

Self Defense Resources

• Diamond Defense
  https://diamonddefense.com/resources
• Domestic Violence Hotline (in the United States)
  1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
  thehotline.org
• Relationships Australia Victoria RAV — What is Coercive Control? (Article)
  https://www.relationshipsvictoria.org.au/news/what-is-coercive-control/ 

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com/

💎Have a story you want to share on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] 

💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Special Thanks
Ann Cobb, Kelley Ogden, Karin

Music

Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime

Title: Fighter; Artist: Christy Panchal Composers: Klotz Christina Elyse Panchal (ASCAP: 1020882000) 50%, Carrozza Gregory Joseph (BMI: 00528390441) 50%
https://melod.ie/track-details/3300-fighter

Title: A Change in the Weather Artist: Cookie Cartel Composers: Ancheta Mary Beth (SOCAN: 263187068) 50%, Kearley Dan William (SOCAN: 441100030) 50%
https://melod.ie/track-details/2443-a-change-in-the-weather

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/

Think self-defense is only for the strong or the fearless? Think again. In this episode, Lisa breaks down reality-based training, martial arts options, and the truth about awareness, boundaries, and using your voice as your first weapon. Perfect for anyone ready to feel safer, more grounded, and more confident — no matter your size, age, or starting point.

Self Defense Resources
https://diamonddefense.com/resources

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com/
💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Special Thanks
Ann Cobb, Kelley Ogden

Music
Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime

Title: Fighter; Composer: Christy Panchal
https://melod.ie/track-details/3300-fighter 

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/

What do a race car driver, a wolf man, and a maybe–sex-cult recruiter have in common? They each taught a hard-earned lesson in intuition, boundaries, and the courage to walk away. Co-host Kellie turns three wild dating tales — Race Car Driver Man, Wolf Man, and Possible Sex Cult Recruiter Guy — into modern parables on red flags, boundaries, and self-trust. With co-host Lisa, they explore how paying attention and setting boundaries can help keep you safe — with humor, vulnerability, and a little courage thrown in.

NSFW: sexually explicit content, profanity

Self Defense Resources
https://diamonddefense.com/resources

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com/
💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Special Thanks
Ann Cobb, Kelley Ogden

Music

Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime


Title: Fighter; Composer: Christy Panchal
https://melod.ie/track-details/3300-fighter

Title: Sneaking Around Composer: Andy Scott
https://melod.ie/track-details/1115-sneaking-around 

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and violence with mentions of survival strategies and evidence preservation. Listener discretion is advised. 

Lisa breaks down “Active Compliance” — survival through instinct, awareness, and evidence preservation. Learn the ALERT system and real tactics for staying safe, empowered, and fiercely alive. 

The information shared is for general awareness only, not legal or medical advice, and not a guarantee of safety or outcome. Throughout this episode, we may refer to the perpetrator as he or him for clarity. We acknowledge that anyone of any gender can commit acts of violence. 

Sexual Assault Resources
Have you or someone you love been sexually assaulted or abused? 
National Sexual Assault Hotline – 800-656-4673

https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/

Self Defense Resources
https://diamonddefense.com/resources

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com/
💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Special Thanks
Ann Cobb, Kelley Ogden, Martha

Music
Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime

Title: Fighter; Composer: Christy Panchal
https://melod.ie/track-details/3300-fighter

Title: Tranquility Within Composer: Justin Fitzgerald
https://melod.ie/track-details/2474-tranquility-within

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/

Content Warning: This episode contains a story referencing attempted sexual assault.

In Distraction Techniques, actor Martha recounts an unsettling encounter that escalated quickly — and the split-second decisions that helped her stay safe. Lisa and Kellie break down her story, sharing strategies anyone can use to spot warning signs and protect themselves in vulnerable moments.  

Sexual Assault Resources

National Sexual Assault Hotline

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for confidential support at 800-656-HOPE that's 800-656-4673. You can also visit RAINN.org. 

https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/

Self Defense Resources
https://diamonddefense.com/resources

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com/
💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Guest Storyteller
Martha

Special Thanks
Ann Cobb, Kelley Ogden

Music
Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime

Title: Fighter; Composer: Christy Panchal
https://melod.ie/track-details/3300-fighter

Title: Subtle Pursuit Composer: Kevin Smithers
https://melod.ie/track-details/969-subtle-pursuit

Title: Tranquility Within Composer: Justin Fitzgerald
https://melod.ie/track-details/2474-tranquility-within

Sound Effects
SoundSnap (pro subscription)

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/

In this episode of Diamond Defense, Lisa and Kellie explore how destination — where you’re headed, how you move, and the energy you project — can be a powerful tool for self-defense. Guest Jessica shares two gripping stories from her time in Paris, when trusting her instincts and using her voice helped her escape being followed. Learn how awareness, confidence, and purpose can shift the balance of power and keep you safe, whether you’re traveling abroad or moving through everyday spaces.

Self Defense Resources
https://diamonddefense.com/resources

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com/
💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Guest Storyteller
Jessica

Special Thanks
Ann Cobb, Kelley Ogden

Music
Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime

Title: Fighter; Composers: Klotz Christina Elyse Panchal
https://melod.ie/track-details/3300-fighter

Title: On The Dot; Composers: Nesci Daniel Joshua 50%, Ellery Michael Brandon 50%
https://melod.ie/track-details/5479-on-the-dot

Pixabay

Title: Emotional Love – Romance in France; Artist: Sonican
Emotional Love - Romance in France | Royalty-free Music - Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-emotional-love-romance-in-france-313445/

Sound Effects
SoundSnap (pro subscription)

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/

Diamond Defense Podcast: Confidence

Confidence isn’t just a feeling—it’s action. Join Lisa and Kellie in Episode 2 of the Diamond Defense Podcast as we continue the conversation about women's self-defense & ways to keep ourselves from being targeted for attack. Our guest, Kelley shares a Chicago street story and shows how trusting your instincts (and your little monster) can keep you safe.

Self Defense Resources
https://diamonddefense.com/resources

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com
💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes

Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Guest Storyteller
Kelley

Special Thanks
Ann Cobb, Kelley Ogden

Music
Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime

Title: Fighter; Composers: Klotz Christina Elyse Panchal
https://melod.ie/track-details/3300-fighter

Title: Time; Composers: Suokas Sergey
https://melod.ie/track-details/2040-time

Sound Effects
SoundSnap (pro subscription)

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/

In our debut episode, we dive straight into the power of awareness and storytelling with a compelling feature of Aniko’s journey. She shares how real-life experiences with danger shaped her instincts and approach to staying safe, proving that our greatest challenges often teach us the most important lessons.

Co-hosts Lisa and Kellie also explore what makes self-defense so much more than just techniques — it’s about confidence, community, and trusting your gut. Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek at Diamond Defense’s new short film, “Three Things,” on female self-defense, along with actionable tips to stay ready and aware in your own life.

Don’t miss this unforgettable story and the lessons it brings. Listen now!

Self Defense Resources
https://diamonddefense.com/resources

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com/
💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Guest Storyteller
Aniko

Special Thanks
Aniko, Ann Cobb, Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark, Kelley Ogden

Music
Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime

Title: Fighter; Composers: Klotz Christina Elyse Panchal
https://melod.ie/browse#download-track/3300

Title: Restless Quarantine; Composers: Kop Jan P Pieter
https://melod.ie/library#download-track/2858

Sound Effects
SoundSnap (pro subscription)

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/

Real stories. Real strategies. Real strength.

More than fighting back — the Diamond Defense Podcast is about moving through the world with awareness, confidence, and strength. Join co-producers, co-hosts, and friends Lisa, a self-defense instructor, and Kellie, a storyteller, as they share real-life experiences, practical strategies, and empowering conversations that help women stay safer without living in fear. Each episode features a guest storyteller sharing their experience related to their safety. 

💎Learn more at https://diamonddefense.com/

💎If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review it — help everyone shine stronger!

Show Notes

• Co-Host and Co-Producer: Lisa
• Co-Host and Co-Producer: Kellie

Special Thanks

• Kelley Ogden, Ann Cobb

Music

• Music courtesy of Melodie Music.
• Melodie Music Subscription: Pro Plan, Lifetime

Title: Fighter; Composers: Klotz Christina Elyse Panchal

https://melod.ie/browse#download-track/3300 

💎Discover more at https://diamonddefense.com/