Emotional Abuse Is Real

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On today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome two very special guests: Sarah Jacobs, Esq. and Jamie Berger, Esq. of Jacobs Berger, LLC. If you’re a longtime listener to “Emotional Abuse Is Real,” then you’ll likely recognize these names. Sarah and Jamie are my first-ever returning guests after appearing on the podcast in late November 2023. As you may remember, they are family law attorneys based in Morristown, New Jersey, who specialize in high-conflict divorces involving narcissistic abusers.

For their second appearance on the podcast, Sarah and Jamie Berger delved into the more intricate aspects of domestic violence, and how to advocate for clients who feel the court system doesn’t protect them. 

Topics covered on this episode also include: 

• Understanding the nuances of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse
• Setting boundaries
• Co-parenting with an abusive ex-partner
• Advocacy resources

Listen to Sarah and Jamie's November 2023 appearance on the podcast here.

Connect with Sarah and Jamie:
Jacobs Berger website
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

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If you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.

You can also drop me a line at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts!

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We’re back! I hope you all had a lovely summer and that you’re looking forward to delving into several new stories on the podcast.   

I’m so excited to share my chat with my guest, Lisa*, with you today. Despite caring for a toddler and a newborn, she found a way to leave her narcissistic husband and start her life over again. Like so many who have appeared on this podcast, she is an inspiration to the countless others out there listening. 

*Name changed to protect the survivor's privacy.

Support the show

Get my free download, "Discover Your Brand Voice in 3 Easy Steps"
Follow me on Instagram
Listen to the podcast on YouTube
Please support the show by buying me a coffee!
You can also reach me through my professional website

If you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.

You can also drop me a line at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Podcasting resources:
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“Emotional Abuse Is Real” is still on its August hiatus, but I have another bonus episode for your listening pleasure today: My second guest appearance on Krista Dykes' podcast "Secret Mom Hacks."

This time around, we're discussing what it's like to parent a neurodivergent child -- and I have plenty of firsthand experience with that!

Don't forget to check out Krista's appearances on "Emotional Abuse Is Real" from back in June. You can listen to her episodes here and here.

Hope you enjoy, and I'll be back in September with all new episodes of "Emotional Abuse Is Real"

Connect with Krista and the "Secret Mom Hacks" podcast:
Website
Instagram

Support the show

Get my free download, "Discover Your Brand Voice in 3 Easy Steps"
Follow me on Instagram
Listen to the podcast on YouTube
Please support the show by buying me a coffee!
You can also reach me through my professional website

If you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.

You can also drop me a line at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Podcasting resources:
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“Emotional Abuse Is Real” is still on its August hiatus, but I have a special bonus episode for your listening pleasure today. A couple of weeks ago, I appeared as a guest on Krista Dykes' podcast "Secret Mom Hacks" where we discussed all things breastfeeding -- the good, the bad, and the ugly.

You may remember Krista from when she appeared on "Emotional Abuse Is Real" back in June.  Check out her episodes here and here.

Hope you enjoy, and I'll be back in September with all new episodes of "Emotional Abuse Is Real"

Article referenced in the episode: "The First Weeks of Parenthood Aren't Pretty (Despite What Instagram Says)"

Connect with Krista and the "Secret Mom Hacks" podcast:
Website
Instagram

Support the show

Get my free download, "Discover Your Brand Voice in 3 Easy Steps"
Follow me on Instagram
Listen to the podcast on YouTube
Please support the show by buying me a coffee!
You can also reach me through my professional website

If you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.

You can also drop me a line at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Podcasting resources:
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Today’s episode was originally going to feature another emotional abuse survivor sharing her story. But, unfortunately, this person asked me to hold the episode for the time being because she’s still experiencing threats from her narcissistic abuser. I completely understand where she’s coming from, so I agreed to her request.
 
The podcast is taking a brief hiatus in August, but I promise I’ll be back with all new episodes in September.

The good news is that you won’t be completely bereft of new content: I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be dropping some bonus episodes of my guest appearances on another podcast throughout August -- so make sure you're subscribed wherever you get your podcasts!

Thanks so much for listening, have a lovely rest of your summer, and I’ll see you in September!

Support the show

Get my free download, "Discover Your Brand Voice in 3 Easy Steps"
Follow me on Instagram
Listen to the podcast on YouTube
Please support the show by buying me a coffee!
You can also reach me through my professional website

If you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.

You can also drop me a line at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Podcasting resources:
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The podcast's dedicated series on MLMs and toxic health and wellness groups wraps up with a cautionary tale from an anonymous listener.

In today's episode, Sarene narrates Nella's* account of her time in an MLM. Joining an MLM seemed an almost natural progression for Nella after she grew up around Avon and Tupperware parties. But like so many others before her, Nella eventually woke up to the business’ predatory recruiting and pressure-filled tactics.

*Name changed to protect the former MLMer's privacy
  
The Anti-MLM Coalition

Support the show

Get my free download, "Discover Your Brand Voice in 3 Easy Steps"
Follow me on Instagram
Listen to the podcast on YouTube
Please support the show by buying me a coffee!
You can also reach me through my professional website

If you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.

You can also drop me a line at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Podcasting resources:
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On today’s episode, Sarene welcomes Kim Peirano, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine who has firsthand experience of emotional abuse and coercive control in health and wellness groups. As you’ll hear during our conversation, an organization she initially thought was a meditation school, turned out to be a cult.

Dr. Kim also shares a multitude of tips on how to spot cult-like situations as well as ways to keep yourself safe when exploring alternative health options.

Connect with Dr. Kim
Coaching website
Coaching Instagram
Coaching TikTok

Acupuncture website
Acupuncture Instagram

Support the show

Get my free download, "Discover Your Brand Voice in 3 Easy Steps"
Follow me on Instagram
Listen to the podcast on YouTube
Please support the show by buying me a coffee!
You can also reach me through my professional website

If you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.

You can also drop me a line at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Podcasting resources:
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On today’s episode, we’re talking more about emotional abuse in multi-level marketing companies with my guest, Luana Barajas. Luana lives in Southern California, she’s a mom to three kids, works full-time as a middle school teacher, and recently published her debut novel, V. 

As a Latina in a predominantly white MLM, Luana experienced not only the typical predatory behavior of MLMs but also performative allyship toward BIPOC consultants following the murder of George Floyd. This blatantly racist behavior drove her to quit the company once and for all.

"I've Given Up on Making New Friends," by Sarene Leeds for thegirlfriend.com
 
Connect with Luana:
Personal Instagram
Author Instagram
Buy her book, V

Support the show

Get my free download, "Discover Your Brand Voice in 3 Easy Steps"
Follow me on Instagram
Listen to the podcast on YouTube
Please support the show by buying me a coffee!
You can also reach me through my professional website

If you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.

You can also drop me a line at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Podcasting resources:
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On today’s episode, I’m continuing my series on emotional abuse in multi-level marketing companies with my guest, Rachel Goldberg. Rachel is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in the Los Angeles area, and as you’ll hear throughout our conversation, she has a lot of experience working with women, especially new moms, who have been lured in by MLMs. Rachel offers a clinical perspective from all sides of the MLM pyramid, as she’s worked with clients who have both “failed” and “succeeded” in their MLM journeys.

Connect with Rachel

Support the show

Get my free download, "Discover Your Brand Voice in 3 Easy Steps"
Follow me on Instagram
Listen to the podcast on YouTube
Please support the show by buying me a coffee!
You can also reach me through my professional website

If you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.

You can also drop me a line at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Podcasting resources:
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Riverside for remote video and audio recording

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For the second episode in my series dedicated to MLMs and toxic health and wellness groups, I’m thrilled to welcome Lily Thrope to the podcast. Lily is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in New York City, specializing in disordered eating and body image.

When she was in college, Lily fell into a group that she now calls a “yoga cult.” While the group Lily joined wasn’t a multilevel marketing business per se, you’ll discover through our conversation that it held a lot of similar qualities to MLMs and cults. Fortunately, Lily had a good friend who helped her spot the red flags in this group, and she eventually walked away. Now, Lily is here to discuss her own healing journey and her role as a therapist who helps others heal as well.

Connect with Lily:
Instagram
Website
Email: [email protected]

Full Soul Nutrition website

Support the show

Get my free download, "Discover Your Brand Voice in 3 Easy Steps"
Follow me on Instagram
Listen to the podcast on YouTube
Please support the show by buying me a coffee!
You can also reach me through my professional website

If you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.

You can also drop me a line at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Podcasting resources:
Buzzsprout for podcast hosting and analytics
Riverside for remote video and audio recording