Strong Enough

What happens when the life you thought you knew turns out to be built on secrets?

This week on Strong Enough, Claudia King sits down with author Venus Morris Griffin to talk about her new memoir, The Other Side of Perfect: A True Story of Love, Lies, and Learning to Forgive.

Venus shares what inspired her to finally tell the full story of her marriage, the devastating discovery that her husband had been living a double life, and what it was like to watch the future she thought she had disappear as he ultimately went to prison.

But this conversation is about much more than betrayal.

Venus and Claudia talk about what happens after the crisis, when the headlines fade and you are left to figure out who you are, how you rebuild, and whether forgiveness is possible without excusing what happened. Venus opens up about moving forward, creating a new life for herself and her family, and learning that healing does not require pretending the past never happened.

This is an honest conversation about betrayal, survival, forgiveness, identity, and finding the courage to build a life that looks very different from the one you originally imagined.

Learn more about Venus and The Other Side of Perfect at VenusMorrisGriffin.com.

Topics include: betrayal trauma, infidelity, marriage, forgiveness, resilience, healing after betrayal, starting over, family trauma, surviving adversity, rebuilding your life, women’s stories, memoirs, and personal growth.

Strong Enough

@strongenoughpod

[email protected]

strongenoughpod.com

What does it take to break cycles of domestic violence, generational trauma, and silence?

On this episode of Strong Enough, Claudia King is joined by author Rae Cline to discuss her powerful debut novel, Precious Ugly, available August 18, 2026. Set in 1985 Appalachia, the novel follows Clementine, a resourceful thirteen-year-old girl living in a van with her abusive, alcoholic father, a charismatic preacher who promises a miracle. As Clementine fights to protect herself and her mother, she must determine whether that promised miracle will save her or destroy her.

Rae shares the inspiration behind Clementine and explains how fiction can illuminate the complicated realities of domestic violence, poverty, addiction, coercive control, and generational trauma. Claudia and Rae also discuss the many ways abuse affects victims and survivors, including the lasting damage caused when children are forced to carry the consequences of adults’ choices.

Rae also introduces the Warm Words Project, her grassroots, community-based outreach initiative supporting people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. Through practical resources, personal connection, and judgment-free kindness, the project demonstrates how small acts of compassion can help someone feel seen during one of the most difficult moments of their life.

This is a conversation about survival, storytelling, empathy, and the courage it takes to imagine a life beyond abuse.

Connect with Rae Cline:

Website and Precious Ugly ordering information: RaeCline.com

Precious Ugly, published by 7.13 Books, will be available August 18, 2026.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit TheHotline.org.

Strong Enough

@strongenoughpod

[email protected]

strongenoughpod.com

In this episode of Strong Enough, Claudia King is joined by Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee, the creators and hosts of The Murder Sheet podcast, to examine the shocking murders of Spencer and Monique Tepe.

Spencer and Monique were devoted parents building a life together when they were found murdered inside their Columbus, Ohio, home. Their two young children were discovered unharmed inside the residence. As investigators began piecing together surveillance footage, vehicle data, ballistic evidence, and the couple’s history, the case led them to Monique’s former husband, Michael David McKee.

McKee, who has pleaded not guilty, is charged with four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary. Monique and McKee had been briefly married more than a decade before the killings and reportedly separated after approximately eight months.

Claudia, Áine, and Kevin discuss who Spencer and Monique were, what is currently known about the night they were killed, and how investigators identified McKee as the accused suspect. They also examine reports that he may have visited the area near the Tepe home weeks before the murders, raising disturbing questions about possible stalking, surveillance, and whether that earlier visit could have been a “dry run.”

How did the killer enter a home with no obvious signs of forced entry? Was the family being watched? And why can an abusive former partner remain dangerous years, or even decades, after a relationship ends?

This conversation goes beyond the evidence in one developing criminal case to explore coercive control, fixation, stalking, separation violence, and the lasting danger some survivors face long after they believe they have escaped.

Michael David McKee is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Listen to The Murder Sheet on Spotify

Listen to The Murder Sheet on Apple Podcasts

Follow The Murder Sheet on Instagram

Keywords: Spencer Tepe, Monique Tepe, Tepe murders, Michael McKee, The Murder Sheet, Áine Cain, Kevin Greenlee, Claudia King, Strong Enough Podcast, Columbus Ohio murders, Ohio true crime, domestic violence, stalking, coercive control, separation violence, ex-husband accused of murder, aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, true crime podcast, criminal investigation, surveillance footage, ballistic evidence, intimate partner violence

#StrongEnoughPodcast #TheMurderSheet #SpencerTepe #MoniqueTepe #MichaelMcKee #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #DomesticViolenceAwareness #StalkingAwareness #CoerciveControl #IntimatePartnerViolence #ColumbusOhio

Strong Enough

@strongenoughpod

[email protected]

strongenoughpod.com

What does the badge really cost?

Police officers train for danger. They expect difficult calls. But nothing truly prepares them for the emotional weight of losing a fellow officer, witnessing unimaginable tragedy, or carrying years of cumulative trauma.

In this episode of Strong Enough, host Claudia King, a former police officer, certified domestic violence expert, and legal analyst, is joined by Captain Kory Flowers, a 27-year law enforcement veteran currently serving in Vice Narcotics. As former squad mates, Claudia and Kory share an honest conversation about the realities of policing that few people ever see.

Together, they discuss:

How officers process trauma after critical incidents and line-of-duty deaths

Why policing is unlike any other profession

The importance of empathy and seeing people as individuals instead of stereotypes

The impact of social media on public perception of law enforcement

Why trusted friendships and a strong support system can save careers and lives

Whether you wear a badge, love someone who does, or simply want a deeper understanding of the people behind the uniform, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and hope.

Because none of us, police officers included, were meant to carry life's hardest moments alone.

Kory Flowers is a 27-year veteran Captain with the Greensboro Police Department. Captain Flowers trains law enforcement officers nationwide on various subversive criminal groups, leadership, tactical communication, and has written articles and conducted podcasts for publications including Police One, Police Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and National Public Radio. He is a frequent guest on numerous law enforcement podcasts, and is a guest television host on On Patrol Live.

Strong Enough

@strongenoughpod

[email protected]

strongenoughpod.com

When unimaginable tragedy strikes, some people choose to turn their pain into purpose.

In this powerful episode of Strong Enough: Survivor Stories, host Claudia King sits down with Kristi Gonçalves, mother of murdered University of Idaho student Kaylee Gonçalves, and Tracie Brocco, Executive Director of the Kaylee Gonçalves Foundation dba Murder Has a Name. Kristi and Steve Gonçalves, alongside Tracie and others, launched this foundation to help fill a gap in funding DNA testing in criminal cases.

Together, Kristi and Tracie share the remarkable story of how a friendship formed through heartbreak, the mission behind their newly launched nonprofit, and their determination to help bring justice to families still searching for answers.

They discuss why DNA evidence has become one of the most powerful tools in modern criminal investigations, how forensic genealogy and advanced DNA testing are helping solve cold cases across the country, and why so many cases remain unsolved simply because funding is unavailable.

This conversation goes beyond the headlines of the Idaho Four murders to explore victim advocacy, the lasting impact of violent crime on families, and how communities can help ensure every victim's story is heard.

In this episode:

• The creation of the Kaylee Gonçalves Foundation / Murder Has a Name

If you're interested in true crime, victim advocacy, forensic science, criminal investigations, or the ongoing pursuit of justice, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

#KayleeGoncalves #IdahoFour #UniversityOfIdaho #BryanKohberger #DNAEvidence #ForensicGenealogy #ColdCase #TrueCrimePodcast #VictimAdvocacy #JusticeForVictims #MurderHasAName #StrongEnoughPodcast

Strong Enough

@strongenoughpod

[email protected]

strongenoughpod.com

What happens when leaving an abusive marriage means risking the loss of your family, your faith community, and the people you thought would stand by you?

In this powerful episode of Strong Enough: Survivor Stories, I sit down with private investigator and domestic violence survivor Loren Vellucci to discuss her journey through an abusive marriage, the challenges of navigating deeply held religious beliefs, and the painful reality of family members who refused to support her decision to leave.

Loren shares how faith was sometimes used as a weapon against her, the emotional toll of spiritual pressure and victim-blaming, and the courage it took to choose safety and freedom despite criticism from those closest to her. Together, Loren and I explore the intersection of domestic violence, religious trauma, coercive control, family dynamics, and survivor resilience.

This episode offers hope, validation, and insight for anyone struggling to leave an abusive relationship or heal from the wounds left behind, even when you don't have the support of those seemingly closest to you.

Topics discussed:

If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse, know that you are not alone. Your story matters, and healing is possible.

Strong Enough

@strongenoughpod

[email protected]

strongenoughpod.com

Nicole Arbour joins Strong Enough: Survivor Stories for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about the trauma and abuse she endured at the hands of other celebrities that she barely even knew.

From public lies and a relentless smear campaign designed to silence and destroy her reputation, to the hush money deal sent to her after years of pressure, Nicole shares how she refused to stay quiet and chose to protect her truth instead.

This episode dives deep into the emotional and psychological toll of betrayal by high-profile figures, the pain of having your experiences dismissed and twisted, and the strength it takes to stand up when powerful people try to rewrite your story. Nicole opens up about the lasting impact of this abuse, how it compounded her existing trauma, and the resilience she found in refusing to sign away her voice. 

We also discuss women supporting other women (#GOTEAM) and new merch that Nicole will soon have available where net proceeds will be donated to organizations that help women through stalking and harassment. 

If you've ever been targeted, gaslit, or pressured to stay silent after speaking your truth, especially when money, influence, and fame are involved, this episode will resonate deeply. Nicole's story is a raw reminder that survivors don't have to accept hush money or back down. You are strong enough to reclaim your narrative and heal on your own terms.

Tune in for an honest discussion on trauma recovery, setting boundaries against abuse of power, and why speaking out matters—even when the cost feels enormous.

Guest Bio: Nicole Arbour is a Canadian comedian, singer, actress, former NBA cheerleader, and bold content creator known for her viral videos and unapologetic truth-telling. Through chronic pain, industry battles, and a public ordeal with Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO, she continues to use her platform to expose what she's experienced and encourage other survivors to find their strength.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of trauma, emotional and psychological abuse, smear campaigns, and the pressure of hush money offers.

Strong Enough

@strongenoughpod

[email protected]

strongenoughpod.com

When is your relationship truly a problem, and what can you do to fix it or realize it's time to walk away? In this episode of Strong Enough, author and licensed professional therapist Kate King discusses all things toxic relationship: from when to know if your relationship really is toxic, or if you're simply using yet another "buzz word" to describe something that has room to heal. Kate and I also chat about family relationships, and why it's not just okay, but highly recommended, to set boundaries and create space in toxic familial relationships. Kate also shares about her new book, Mend or Move On. Relationships are meant to nourish us―but what happens when they cause harm instead? In Mend or Move On, Kate offers a bold, compassionate guide to breaking free from toxic dynamics and reclaiming a life rooted in self-respect and happiness.

So, if you've been feeling like some of your relationships are pushing past their expiration date, this episode can help you figure out if it's really time to move on or if there could be a chance to put things back together and rediscover a place of healthiness and happiness in your relationship.

About Kate:

Kate King is a multi award-winning author with nearly twenty years of clinical experience as a licensed professional counselor and board-certified art therapist. Her unique approach to inner work and personal growth expertly integrates science, psychology, creativity, and spirituality. With Kate's groundbreaking books, readers learn to heal trauma, transform relationships, reclaim personal power, and radically improve life. Kate is a big fan of feeling inspired, exploring nature, creating with vivid color, and building a meaningful life with her family in Denver, Colorado.

theradiantlifeproject.com

Strong Enough

@strongenoughpod

[email protected]

strongenoughpod.com

When it comes to intimacy, have you ever felt like you aren't normal? Maybe you've experienced trauma, and that's left you with shame, embarrassment, and fear. Now, it feels easier to just go through the motions, forgetting about any enjoyment for yourself, because you don't think you're worth it, or you're too embarrassed to discuss the topic with your partner.

Leah Carey is a Relationship and Intimacy Coach who specializes in helping people release the fear and shame so they can reclaim their power when it comes to intimacy. Leah experienced abuse as a child and the devastation of losing her mother to cancer. She decided it was time to heal: learn that she was worthy and deserving of good things. She took quite the path to find healing, and now she helps other people release the barriers that prevent them from feeling whole when it comes to intimacy.

From her website, leahcarey.com:

Growing up, my father’s abuse taught me two things: 1) I was undesirable in every way, and 2) since I was never good enough, I was the problem.

It took me 42 years, a lot of heartache, and so much unpleasurable s*x to realize that being a “good girl” who doubted her worth wasn’t actually working. When my mother passed away from cancer, I was devastated. But she was also the final tether to the old story of myself as the “good girl.” With both my parents gone, I could finally find out who I am.

I got rid of everything but the essentials, threw all my possessions in the car, and drove away from the familiar life I had known. I planned to spend a year traveling the United States in search of adventure and the next place I wanted to live.

What I found was a s*xual awakening and healing I could have never known was coming. I sought out s*xy experiences I’d never allowed myself to have before, took classes on consent, boundaries, s*xual communication, and more.

I stared straight into the face of the beast and dared to ask: “Am I really broken? Is it true that I’m undesirable? Am I actually meant to go the rest of my life without pleasure or true companionship?”

The answer to every one of those questions came back loud and clear: NO.I no longer believe that “good girls” are quiet and docile and take care of everyone else’s needs before their own.
I learned how to embrace my true s*xual identity, and I can guide you to do the same.

Strong Enough

@strongenoughpod

[email protected]

strongenoughpod.com

Have you ever had what you thought was a fantastic idea, but you let fear and insecurity convince you it wasn't so fantastic? One day, Christina Collura decided to create what she thought was a simple educational toy for her autistic son. It was a huge hit, and she thought maybe she should let others have access to her new creation. But then, fear crept in and convinced her that no one else would find it as useful as she did. However, with the help of her trusted support system, she had the courage and confidence to build Creative Beginning, the company that now provides education toys that provide specialized educational approaches for children and adults all over the world.

Christina will share why educational empowerment for all and inclusivity are at the center of her mission, and she'll talk about her work to ensure all children have access to appropriate learning tools that will help them succeed. While Christina has a special place in her heart for helping those with autism, she has found her educational toys are benefitting children and adults of all ages and backgrounds!

Don't let fear and insecurity stop you in your tracks. Your dreams are within your reach!

From Christina's LinkedIn:

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in education, my journey as an Elementary School Teacher at the Toronto District School Board has been deeply enriched by my role as CEO and Founder of Creative Beginning. At the heart of my mission is the empowerment of every child through specialized educational approaches, leveraging my expertise in special education and kindergarten pedagogy. Our team at Creative Beginning, fortified by my recent certification as a Certified Autism Resource, is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that honors diverse learning needs. My entrepreneurial spirit and passion for nurturing young minds are at the core of my professional ethos, aligning seamlessly with the values and mission of both my ventures.

https://www.creative-beginning.com/

Strong Enough

@strongenoughpod

[email protected]

strongenoughpod.com