Trigger Warning / Content Disclaimer

From the outside, people always ask the same two questions about toxic and abusive relationships:

This is one of those stories that makes those questions impossible to answer — until you hear Meghan tell it.

In this no-holds-barred second part of a two-part survivor series on the When Dating Hurts podcast, Meghan pulls back the curtain on the insidious control, the twisted attraction, and the psychological prison that keeps intelligent, strong women trapped in dangerous dating relationships.

You’ll hear how narcissism, substance abuse, and escalating violence can create a nightmare that looks completely different from the inside. Meghan answers the questions everyone wants to ask — honestly, painfully, and without sugarcoating.

This is real. This is raw. This is why we do the show.

Thank you, Meghan, for trusting us with your story so others can finally understand.

Hosted by Bill Mitchell

🎧 Listen to Part 2 now

Thank you for listening to WHEN DATING HURTS,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trigger Warning / Content Disclaimer

From the outside, people always ask the same two questions about toxic and abusive relationships:

This is one of those stories that makes those questions impossible to answer — until you hear Meghan tell it.

In this no-holds-barred first part of a two-part survivor series on the When Dating Hurts podcast, Meghan pulls back the curtain on the insidious control, the twisted attraction, and the psychological prison that keeps intelligent, strong women trapped in dangerous dating relationships.

You’ll hear how narcissism, substance abuse, and escalating violence can create a nightmare that looks completely different from the inside. Meghan answers the questions everyone wants to ask — honestly, painfully, and without sugarcoating.

This is real. This is raw. This is why we do the show.

Thank you, Meghan, for trusting us with your story so others can finally understand.

Hosted by Bill Mitchell

🎧 Listen to Part 1 now

Thank you for listening to WHEN DATING HURTS,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trigger Warning / Content Disclaimer

In this powerful episode of When Dating Hurts, we interview Abe, now 20 years old. Before diving in, we strongly recommend listening to episodes 310 and 311 where Abe’s mother, Heather, shares her own harrowing story of serial narcissistic abuse, near-fatal domestic violence, and survival at the hands of her ex-husband Rick. Abe was also repeatedly emotionally and physically abused by Rick during those years.

Abe bravely opens up about his experience starting at age seven and lasting until he was thirteen. He paints a vivid picture of daily abuse in a home where a child feels powerless — and reveals how his own actions played a key role in helping his mother survive.

Heather and Rick were both deep in active addiction throughout this nightmare. While many assume drugs caused the abuse, Heather has always been clear: drugs do not cause narcissistic abuse or domestic violence — they make it far more dangerous and deadly. This episode drives that truth home through a child’s eyes.

In this episode you’ll hear:

It is nothing short of a miracle that both Heather and Abe are alive today.

If you or someone you love is trapped in narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, toxic relationships, or addiction-fueled trauma, this story delivers raw hope, validation, and proof that recovery and freedom are possible.

Perfect for anyone searching:

💬 Share this episode with any survivor, friend, or family member who needs to hear they are not alone and it’s never too late to rebuild.

Don’t miss this unforgettable journey from rock bottom to redemption.

Thank you,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me:

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

Thank you,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story with us, please email me at [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trigger Warning / Content Disclaimer: This raw, true survivor story contains explicit details of heavy drug use, narcissistic abuse, physical violence, and attempted murder. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

Heather bravely steps forward to share her unfiltered journey in this two-part series. Many assume drugs were the root of her nightmare — but Heather makes one thing crystal clear: drugs do not cause abuse; they only make abuse far worse.

She knows this truth from painful, firsthand experience.

In Part 2, you’ll hear about:

• Growing up with narcissistic parents who shaped her early trauma

• A string of emotionally and physically abusive boyfriends

• Her dangerous marriage to a violent ex-husband who nearly ended her life

It’s nothing short of a miracle that Heather is still here today.

Despite the years of manipulation, control, beatings, and terror, Heather fought her way back to the strong, authentic woman she was always meant to be. Her greatest lifeline? Herself — and her son, Abe. Together, this mother-son duo refused to give up. They saved each other, broke the cycle, and are now both thriving in freedom and healing.

If you or someone you love is trapped in narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, toxic relationships, or battling addiction-fueled trauma, Heather’s story will give you hope, validation, and proof that recovery and freedom are possible.

Perfect for anyone searching:

• Narcissistic abuse recovery stories

• Domestic violence survivor interviews

• Escaping abusive relationships with children

• Healing from narcissistic parents

• Drug addiction and intimate partner violence

• Real stories of surviving attempted murder

💬 Share this episode with any survivor, friend, or family member who needs to hear they are not alone and that it’s never too late to rebuild.

Don’t miss this powerful conclusion of Heather’s journey from rock bottom to redemption.

Thank you,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me:

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

Thank you,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story, please email me at [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather's Powerful Survivor's Story: Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Drug Addiction & Attempted Murder – Part 1 of 2

Trigger Warning / Content Disclaimer: This raw, true survivor story contains explicit details of heavy drug use, narcissistic abuse, physical violence, and attempted murder. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

Heather bravely steps forward to share her unfiltered journey in this two-part series. Many assume drugs were the root of her nightmare — but Heather makes one thing crystal clear: drugs do not cause abuse; they only make abuse far worse. She knows this truth from painful, firsthand experience.

In Part 1, you’ll hear about:

• Growing up with narcissistic parents who shaped her early trauma

• A string of emotionally and physically abusive boyfriends

• Her dangerous marriage to a violent ex-husband who nearly ended her life

It’s nothing short of a miracle that Heather is still here today.

Despite the years of manipulation, control, beatings, and terror, Heather fought her way back to the strong, authentic woman she was always meant to be. Her greatest lifeline? Herself — and her son, Abe. Together, this mother-son duo refused to give up. They saved each other, broke the cycle, and are now both thriving in freedom and healing.

If you or someone you love is trapped in narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, toxic relationships, or battling addiction-fueled trauma, Heather’s story will give you hope, validation, and proof that recovery and freedom are possible.

Perfect for anyone searching:

• Narcissistic abuse recovery stories

• Domestic violence survivor interviews

• Escaping abusive relationships with children

• Healing from narcissistic parents

• Drug addiction and intimate partner violence

• Real stories of surviving attempted murder

💬 Share this episode with any survivor, friend, or family member who needs to hear they are not alone and that it’s never too late to rebuild.

Part 2 is published too — don’t miss this powerful conclusion of Heather’s journey from rock bottom to redemption.

Thank you,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Diane Mueller is a leading naturopathic doctor with dual doctorates in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture & Oriental medicine.

As a best-selling author, international speaker, and founder of the acclaimed sexuality education center MyLibidoDoc.com, she has helped thousands of women and couples reclaim their confidence, libido, and relationships.

She hosts The Libido Lounge podcast — the #1 podcast for couples in long-term relationships — with over 33,000 dedicated followers. Every episode delivers practical, science-backed advice on intimacy, desire, and emotional healing tailored specifically for partners who want deeper connection after years together.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Diane Mueller shares compassionate, expert guidance on how to truly heal once an abusive relationship appears to be over. Listeners will discover:

Whether you’re navigating life after narcissistic abuse, emotional trauma, or simply ready to date again with confidence, this episode of The Libido Lounge gives you the roadmap to move forward stronger, healthier, and ready for real love.

Thank you,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello, it's Bill Mitchell, your host of WHEN DATING HURTS.

Here's what I'd like for you to do:

I am inviting you, our WHEN DATING HURTS listeners, to contribute a 2-3 minute audio recording of your survivor story (or your thoughts about dating abuse or domestic violence) to be included in a future episode.

This initiative is specifically for those of you who may not want to do a full interview, but wish to share your dating abuse or domestic violence experiences.

Who can participate? You! What should you share?:

• Survivors: Whether you are currently free from abuse or in the midst of working your way out, we want to hear your story.

• Friends and Family: Those who have witnessed the journey of a survivor. Or, maybe you want to share your point of view. Your words can save someone listening to what you share.

• Podcast Listeners: If you have been helped by WHEN DATING HURTS, and you wish to share their thoughts, we would love to hear from you.

There are no strict categories; you can share a story, a current situation, or just whatever is on your mind.

Your submission process is very easy:

1. Record: Simply use the voice memo app on your phone and record your thoughts.

2. If you make mistakes: Don't worry. We all make mistakes. Simply take a pause and restart your thoughts. I will be happy to edit and bring out the best version of your story. Your willingness to join is what is most important.

3. Anonymity: To ensure your privacy and safety, all stories need to remain anonymous. If you mention names, please create those names.

4. Send: Use the "share" button in your voice memo app to email the file to [email protected]. I will take it from there.

Our goal:

We want to encourage listeners who live in unhealthy relationships to find safe ways to break free. You can help!

We want to remind listeners, worldwide, they are not alone. Speaking together, we can make life better for thousands.

By sharing your perspective, you could be providing the motivation another listener needs to work to save their own life. Your words are powerful.

Thank you

Thank you for listening and subscribing to the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Now you can be part of our growing community by telling the world the truth about dating abuse and domestic violence.

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why this interview matters

In this powerful stalking interview, Texas divorce lawyer and former Associate Judge Michele Locke breaks down exactly how stalking works, how it escalates into domestic violence, and what legal tools actually protect victims — especially during and after divorce.

We sat down with Michele for her popular Friday Instagram Live (every week at 4 PM Texas time). What started as a focused discussion on stalking quickly expanded into critical territory: coercive control, emotional abuse, physical danger, and the hidden legal realities of divorcing an abusive partner.

Michele Locke’s credentials

• Practicing Texas divorce attorney

• Former Associate Judge in Texas

• Recognized expert on family law and domestic violence cases

Special thanks to Michele Locke for this raw, no-fluff interview. We’re already planning her next return — she always delivers game-changing insights.

Want to watch the full Instagram Live?

This episode is for anyone dealing with stalking, domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, or an abusive divorce. You are not alone — and there are real legal strategies that work.

🎧 Listen / Watch now

Thank you for listening,

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello, it's Bill Mitchell, your host of WHEN DATING HURTS.

Here's what I'd like for you to do:

I am inviting you, our WHEN DATING HURTS listeners, to contribute a 2-3 minute audio recording of your survivor story (or your thoughts about dating abuse or domestic violence) to be included in a future episode.

This initiative is specifically for those of you who may not want to do a full interview, but wish to share your dating abuse or domestic violence experiences.

Who can participate? You! What should you share?:

• Survivors: Whether you are currently free from abuse or in the midst of working your way out, we want to hear your story.

• Friends and Family: Those who have witnessed the journey of a survivor. Or, maybe you want to share your point of view. Your words can save someone listening to what you share.

• Podcast Listeners: If you have been helped by WHEN DATING HURTS, and you wish to share their thoughts, we would love to hear from you.

There are no strict categories; you can share a story, a current situation, or just whatever is on your mind.

The submission process is very easy:

1. Record: Simply use the voice memo app on your phone and record your thoughts.

2. If you make mistakes: Don't worry. We all make mistakes. Simply take a pause and restart your thoughts. I will be happy to edit and bring out the best version of your story. Your willingness to join is what is most important.

3. Anonymity: To ensure your privacy and safety, all stories need to remain anonymous. If you mention names, please create those names.

4. Send: Use the "share" button in your voice memo app to email the file to [email protected]. I will take it from there.

Our goal:

We want to encourage listeners who live in unhealthy relationships to find safe ways to break free. You can help!

We want to remind listeners, worldwide, they are not alone. Speaking together, we can make life better for thousands.

By sharing your perspective, you could be providing the motivation another listener needs to work to save their own life. Your words are powerful.

Thank you

Thank you for listening and subscribing to the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Now you can be part of our growing community by telling the world the truth about dating abuse and domestic violence.

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of my interview with Nichole Schmidt, the Mother of Gabby Petito.

Most of you remember the Gabby Petito story as it unfolded on national news across this country.

When the reports said this young woman, traveling in a van out west with her boyfriend, had not been heard from for days, I admit I thought he probably killed her. Unfortunately, my intuition was correct.

I wanted to speak with Gabby's parents right away, but guessed it would never happen. But now it did.

In two episodes, I speak with Gabby's mother, Nichole Schmidt, on the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast.

QUICK NOTES:

• You will hear us mention a documentary in our chat. It is the 2025 Gabby Petito documentary you can see on Netflix. It is worth your time.

• Also, Gabby's parents were divorced when she was very young, but they stayed in close touch in an amicable fashion. Gabby's mother and father married others, and all four parents are involved in the Gabby Petito Foundation.

The Gabby Petito Foundation is driving real change in the fight against domestic violence and missing persons. Inspired by Gabby's legacy, their mission is to take action on the front lines, partnering with organizations and equipping communities and first responders with the tools, training, and support they need to prevent and respond collectively to violence, and to protect those at risk.

Gabby Petito Foundation

Gabby's Blog

Get Involved with Gabby Petito Foundation

Thank you for listening and subscribing to the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast.

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

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