In this episode, Behk and LAH banter for a bit about things like being 40 and recouping from a night out at the club, the gorgeous Tennessee weather, but most importantly why they want to replay Reshea’s incredible story. Reshea is a survivor who escaped an abusive and toxic marriage to a military husband, all while contending with societal pressures and a misplaced belief in superficial standards of partner acceptability.

Discussions in the episode include:

• Meet Reshea
• Growing up under societal pressures
• Falling into the toxic marriage trap too young
• The military marriage dynamic
• The turning point and escaping abuse
• Unpacking the healing process
• Message to listeners

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Narcissists, Gaslighters, and Cheaters, Oh My! If Reshea's story resonated with you, please share this episode with others who may find it valuable. Stay tuned for more stories of resilience and empowerment in future episodes, and remember that you have the strength to overcome challenges and live a life true to yourself.

Meanwhile, we support our troops and know that this story is not a reflection of all those who serve.

We are not doctors or therapists, and you should not take our opinions as medical advice.

Content Warning: This episode discusses various forms of domestic violence, infidelity, sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. 

If you feel like you may be a victim of domestic violence of any type or in any way please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for confidential and free 24/7/365 support.

Have a story you would like to share? Please fill out our form.

Would you like to help support the show more? Donate or subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive content.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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

Melanie had a good heart, a good home, and a man named James who saw both as an opportunity.

In this episode, Melanie takes us through the relationship that started on a dating app and ended with her finally — finally — going no contact. James moved in within a year, brought his kids, and proceeded to contribute absolutely nothing. No money. No help. No accountability. Just alcoholism, narcissism, and the particular audacity of a man who had made himself very comfortable in someone else's life.

COVID lockdown trapped them together. That's when things got really bad.

Not familiar with the term hobosexual? Allow us. A hobosexual is someone who pursues relationships specifically to avoid being homeless or financially responsible for themselves. James was a hobosexual. A textbook one.

Melanie got out. Here's how she did it.

Narcissists, Gaslighters, & Cheaters, Oh My! — real folks, real stories, survival & healing.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of toxic abuse, narcissistic abuse, alcohol abuse, financial abuse, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don't have to figure it out alone. Call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential support — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's a judgment-free call.

Behk and LAH are not doctors or therapists. Nothing shared on this podcast should be taken as medical or professional advice.

Have a story you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it. Submit yours here.

If this show has meant something to you, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content — every bit helps us keep the curtain rising.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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

Jena escaped a cult. And then she married Dick.

In part two of Jena's story, we pick up where we left off — with a woman who had already survived the unsurvivable, finally feeling like she'd found something safe. Dick seemed like everything she needed: comforting, strong, gentle. It took time for the mask to slip. It always does.

What followed was a different kind of control — quieter than the cult, more personal, and in some ways harder to name. Coercive, insidious, and aimed directly at the parts of her that were already broken.

This episode also gets into something Jena feels strongly about — why being called strong makes her want to scream. It's one of the most honest things you'll hear on this show.

Jena has a peaceful life now. Here's what it took to get there.

Narcissists, Gaslighters, & Cheaters, Oh My! — real folks, real stories, survival & healing.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of toxic abuse, narcissistic abuse, spousal abuse, rape, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence of any kind, you are not alone. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for free, confidential support — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Behk and LAH are not doctors or therapists. Nothing shared on this podcast should be taken as medical or professional advice.

Have a story you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it. Submit yours here.

If this show has meant something to you, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content — every bit helps us keep the curtain rising.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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

Jena didn't just survive a toxic relationship. She survived an entire world built around one.

In this episode, Jena takes us inside the cult she grew up in — a rigid, controlling religious community that started in Southern California and convinced over 400 members to pack up their lives and relocate to White House, Tennessee. Behind the doctrine of perfection and blind obedience was something far darker: sexual abuse, underage marriage, and generations of cover-ups protected by the very people who were supposed to keep her safe.

Jena got out. And then she made sure they couldn't hide anymore.

This is a story about surviving the unsurvivable, fighting for justice when the system wasn't built for you, and what it takes to reclaim your life after it was never really yours to begin with.

This one is heavy. It is also one of the most important episodes we've ever recorded.

Narcissists, Gaslighters, & Cheaters, Oh My! — real folks, real stories, survival & healing.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of toxic abuse, narcissistic abuse, child abuse, rape, religious abuse, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

If this episode brings up anything difficult, please reach out. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 — free, confidential support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Behk and LAH are not doctors or therapists. Nothing shared on this podcast should be taken as medical or professional advice.

Have a story you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it. Submit yours here.

If this show has meant something to you, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content — every bit helps us keep the curtain rising.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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

Some cycles don't break on their own. Stephanie decided she would be the one to break hers.

In this episode, Stephanie opens up about growing up in the shadow of her parents' own unhealed trauma — and how that pain trickled down into her relationship with her sister, her sense of self, and everything she swore she'd do differently. This is a story about what it looks like to consciously choose a different path for the next generation, even when the one you came from is all you've ever known.

Stephanie is doing it for her son. And this episode is for everyone who has ever looked at their childhood and decided — not on my watch.

In Stephanie's own words:

"Being a guest on this podcast was a transformative experience. What I didn't expect was how much it would impact my relationship with my mom. Listening to the episode together allowed her to hear my perspective without interruptions or rebuttals — just listening for the sake of understanding. Since then, when old behaviors resurface, we simply say 'podcast,' and it helps us reset. This experience has not only helped me heal but also strengthened our relationship in ways I never imagined."

Narcissists, Gaslighters, & Cheaters, Oh My! — real folks, real stories, survival & healing.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of toxic abuse, narcissistic abuse, child abuse, rape, suicide, animal abuse, gun violence, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you love is struggling and it feels like too much to carry alone, please reach out. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — free, confidential support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You matter, and help is there.

Behk and LAH are not doctors or therapists. Nothing shared on this podcast should be taken as medical or professional advice.

Have a story you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it. Submit yours here.

If this show has meant something to you, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content — every bit helps us keep the curtain rising.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Amanda, a remarkable individual who emerged triumphant despite growing up in the deep rural South with disturbingly toxic parents. From a young age, Amanda faced the harsh realities of child abuse, and neglect, while witnessing unimaginable scenarios that no child should endure.

As we explore Amanda's narrative, we unravel the layers of her resilience and strength. Her teenage years were marred by the deep-seated scars of abuse, leaving her caught in the clutches of a broken foster care system. However, Amanda's story is not one of defeat; it's a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

• DHS and the broken foster care system
• Meeting her soulmate
• Her and her husband's loving parenting style
• A healing and brighter future despite it all

Tune in as Amanda shares her journey of survival, resilience, and ultimately triumph. Through her narrative, we gain insights into the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences and the importance of support systems in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.

In this emotionally charged episode, we navigate through the darkest corners of Amanda's past to discover the shining beacon of hope that guided her toward healing and self-discovery. Prepare to be moved as we witness the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and find inspiration in Amanda's unwavering determination to build a brighter future.

Content Warning: This episode discusses various forms of toxic abuse, narcissistic abuse, child abuse, rape, gun violence, kid kidnapping, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

We are not doctors or therapists; you should not take our opinions as medical advice.

Have a story you would like to share? Please fill out our form.

Would you like to help support the show more? Donate or subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive content.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda, a remarkable individual who emerged triumphant despite growing up in the deep rural South with disturbingly toxic parents. From a young age, Amanda faced the harsh realities of child abuse, and neglect, while witnessing unimaginable scenarios that no child should endure.

As we explore Amanda's narrative, we unravel the layers of her resilience and strength. Her teenage years were marred by the deep-seated scars of abuse, leaving her caught in the clutches of a broken foster care system. However, Amanda's story is not one of defeat; it's a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

• Meet Amanda
• Ruthless, icy, and selfish Mother
• Mentally unwell and inconsistent Father
• Growing up in the deep rural South
• DCS and the broken foster care system
• Meeting her soulmate
• A healing and brighter future despite it all

Tune in as Amanda shares her journey of survival, resilience, and ultimately triumph. Through her narrative, we gain insights into the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences and the importance of support systems in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.

In this emotionally charged episode, we navigate through the darkest corners of Amanda's past to discover the shining beacon of hope that guided her toward healing and self-discovery. Prepare to be moved as we witness the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and find inspiration in Amanda's unwavering determination to build a brighter future.

Content Warning: This episode discusses various forms of toxic abuse, narcissistic abuse, child abuse, rape, gun violence, kid kidnapping, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

We are not doctors or therapists; you should not take our opinions as medical advice.

Have a story you would like to share? Please fill out our form.

Would you like to help support the show more? Donate or subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive content.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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

Seven years. One man who would. not. leave.

In this episode, Cheryle introduces us to Xanax Chad — a man who showed up in her life, made himself completely at home, and treated every attempt she made to get him out like a personal challenge. What started as a situationship turned into seven years of emotional drain, unkindness, and the slow, exhausting work of trying to reclaim her own life from someone who had no interest in giving it back.

Cheryle calls him a parasite. After this episode, you will too.

Narcissists, Gaslighters, & Cheaters, Oh My! — real folks, real stories, survival & healing.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of toxic abuse, narcissistic behavior, child abuse, sexual abuse, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don't have to figure it out alone. Call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential support — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's a judgment-free call.

Behk and LAH are not doctors or therapists. Nothing shared on this podcast should be taken as medical or professional advice.

Have a story you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it. Submit yours here.

If this show has meant something to you, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content — every bit helps us keep the curtain rising.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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

Hey NGC family — it's Behk & LAH, and we have some news.

We're taking a little holiday hiatus to recharge, eat too much, hug our people, and collect even more unhinged stories to bring back to you in January. Because trust us — what's coming in the new year is going to make you gasp, cackle, and question everything.

We cannot say thank you enough. Your messages, your reviews, your own stories shared with us — they're the whole reason we keep pulling back the curtain. You make this show worth making.

We'll be lurking on social media during the break, so come find us @ngcompod on Instagram and Facebook. And then come January? We'll be back, curtain up, ready to get into it.

Have the most beautiful holiday season. You deserve it. 💜

Oh my. We'll see you in the new year.

— Behk & LAH

Behk and LAH are not doctors or therapists. Nothing shared on this podcast should be taken as medical or professional advice.

Have a story you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it. Submit yours here.

If this show has meant something to you, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content — every bit helps us keep the curtain rising.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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

Nancy grew up with a toxic mother and lost her father to suicide. She built a beautiful life anyway.

In this episode, Nancy takes us through the kind of childhood that leaves marks — and the long, nonlinear journey of deciding those marks don't get to be the whole story. She talks about setting boundaries with her mother, finding unexpected light in unexpected places, and the moments of validation that arrived later in life than she expected but meant everything when they did.

This is a story about what's possible when you refuse to let your worst chapters define you.

Narcissists, Gaslighters, & Cheaters, Oh My! — real folks, real stories, survival & healing.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of toxic abuse, narcissistic abuse, suicide, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

If this episode brings up anything around suicide or loss, please reach out. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — free, confidential support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You matter, and help is there.

Behk and LAH are not doctors or therapists. Nothing shared on this podcast should be taken as medical or professional advice.

Have a story you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it. Submit yours here.

If this show has meant something to you, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content — every bit helps us keep the curtain rising.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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