What happens when the person you love and trust with your dreams turns out to be a master manipulator? How do you escape when your abuser is not only charming and powerful, but also an award-winning reality tv producer who knows how to shape narratives both on and off the screen?

In this gripping episode, Lisa Phillips welcomes Jane Doe, a devoted mother and accomplished professional, who bravely shares her harrowing journey through the labyrinth of coercive control. Jane reveals how her abuser, a celebrated producer with accolades and industry connections, used his expertise in storytelling, image management, and influence to isolate her, erode her self-worth, and ultimately weaponize the legal system against her.

Jane’s story exposes the chilling reality of psychological abuse that leaves no visible scars but inflicts deep wounds. She recounts how her partner’s charm quickly turned to control: love-bombing, social isolation, financial dependence, and relentless gaslighting. But the abuse didn’t end at home. When Jane tried to break free, her ex leveraged his resources and reputation to manipulate the courts, painting her as unstable and unfit, and orchestrating a campaign that ultimately separated her from her children.

Lisa and Jane discuss the urgent need for legal reforms to recognize coercive control as a form of domestic violence, and the devastating impact when abusers exploit their power and the justice system to continue their reign of control. Jane’s resilience and determination to end the cycle of trauma for her family are a testament to the strength of survivors everywhere.

This episode is a call to action: to support survivors, challenge the systems that enable abusers, and demand accountability, no matter how powerful the perpetrator.

“From now on…we are the light, the beacon of warmth, of clarity, to help anyone to navigate this battlefield.” 

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of psychological, financial, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as family separation. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Jane Doe:

Jane Doe is, foremost, a devoted mother committed to ending intergenerational trauma in her family. She is also an award-winning academic, athlete, and artist with a passion for outdoor adventure, meditation, and prayer.  A Digital Producer and Designer by professional trade. A recovering codependent and domestic violence survivor. Her recent experience within the criminal and legal system have been a rollercoaster of disappointment and victory. Driven by a desire to empower others, Jane is deeply committed to raising awareness about the insidious nature of coercive control abuse, advocating for accountability, justice and supporting survivors on their healing journey. 

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at [email protected]. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)

If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).

PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.