What if the thing that makes you lovable is the very thing an abuser uses to trap you?

In this unforgettable episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, I sit down with Leslie Morgan Steiner—author of the New York Times bestseller Crazy Love, TEDx speaker, and former editor at Seventeen to unravel how a smart, successful Harvard grad found herself isolated, gaslit, manipulated, and eventually beaten by the man she thought was her soulmate.

From the subway where they met to the final brutal assault that nearly ended her life, Leslie walks us through how emotional abuse creeps in slowly, how it’s disguised as love, and how even the strongest women can get stuck in the cycle. It wasn’t weakness that kept her there—it was love, loyalty, shame, and a belief that she could save him.

We talk about the psychological warfare behind domestic violence, the myths we’re sold about being “the strong woman behind a troubled man,” and the cultural pressure to nurture—even when it costs us everything.

Leslie’s story is one of survival, awakening, and ultimately reclaiming power. If you’ve ever been told you’re too emotional, too loyal, or too forgiving—this conversation will change the way you see yourself, and the way you define love.

Inside This Episode:

• What love bombing really feels like

• Why even educated, empowered women stay

• How abusers isolate you and erode your reality

• The link between childhood trauma and toxic partners

• The final choice that saved her life-and what it cost

• Why abuse is never about intelligence or self-worth

• How to trust yourself again, even after the unthinkable

About Leslie Morgan Steiner:

https://www.lesliemorgansteiner.com/

Leslie is a bestselling author, speaker, and domestic violence survivor whose TEDx talk “Why Domestic Violence Victims Don’t Leave” has over 17 million views. Her memoir Crazy Love is a raw, intimate account of falling for and escaping a man who nearly killed her. Today, she’s a fierce advocate for survivors, a voice for women who’ve been silenced, and proof that life after abuse is not only possible, it is powerful.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

Follow: Instagram TikTok

Subscribe: Newsletter

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

What if your body knew the truth before your brain could catch up?

In this riveting episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, I sit down with Kelly Sutliff, a trauma-informed psychotherapist, domestic abuse survivor, and founder of Kelly’s Canines—a nonprofit providing canine support for survivors of trauma. Despite her professional training, Kelly found herself entangled in a high-speed relationship with a pathological abuser who manipulated, gaslit, drugged and assaulted her behind closed doors.

Here’s the most chilling part: her abuser once told her she’d “end up on TV”—for his murder, the one he planned to stage and blame on her. But the plot twist? She ended up on TV for surviving his abuse. Kelly’s story was later featured on the true crime docuseries Toxic: Secrets Behind the Mask, exposing the calculated manipulation, coercion, and psychological warfare she endured.

We unpack what it means when your intuition speaks, why smart and strong women get targeted, and how shame keeps us stuck in silence. Kelly’s story is raw, brave, and necessary—and it’s going to change the way you think about trauma, red flags, and trusting your gut.

Inside This Episode:

• The difference between red flags and pink flags—and why they matter

• How abusers fast-track relationships to gain control

• Why even trained professionals can fall for manipulators

• What it means to be love-bombed, gaslit, and stalked

• How to break free, especially when kids are involved

• Why trauma-informed therapy is non-negotiable for real healing

About Kelly Sutliff:

Kelly is a licensed psychotherapist, survivor, and co-founder of Kelly’s Canines, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing trauma-informed canine companionship to abuse survivors. She brings deep clinical knowledge, lived experience, and fierce compassion to every conversation—especially this one.

Visit Kelly at www.kellysutlifflpc.com

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!

-----

Support our SPONSORS

Reality isn’t always what it seems…. it’s what you make it.

PREORDER "THE LIGHTRUNNER" , Ally Walker’s (SONS OF ANARCHY) debut thriller!!! Comes out on Amazon and Barnes and Noble June 6th but is Available for preorder NOW! Go to www.allywalkerofficial.com for more info.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

Follow: Instagram TikTok

Subscribe: Newsletter

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

What if the chaos you’re in feels familiar—because it is?

In this validating and unflinching episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, I’m joined by somatic trauma expert Phoenix Gould for a conversation that will hit home for anyone who’s ever loved someone who flipped from warm to cruel in seconds—and made you feel like it was your fault.

We explore the terrifying emotional terrain of narcissistic relationships, especially for women conditioned in childhood to tolerate emotional abandonment. Phoenix shares how our nervous systems respond in survival mode, why basic kindness can feel revolutionary, and what it really means to practice self-love when leaving isn’t yet an option.

Inside This Episode:

• Why stonewalling and the silent treatment feel so familiar

• The biological reason your brain can’t “think clearly” in the relationship

• What happens when a narcissist senses they’re losing control

• How to hold space for shame without letting it define you

• Whether healing is even possible while you’re still with them

About Phoenix Gould:

Phoenix is a somatic trauma educator and therapist who helps survivors of abuse reclaim their bodies, boundaries, and sense of self. Her work centers on nervous system repair, radical self-compassion, and empowering women to break generational patterns.

For Radical Self-Love Coaching, Find Phoenix:

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phoenixcorecoaching/

WhatsApp: +1 780-268-9888

Or Email Her: phoenix@phoenixcore.ca

We've got your back, Besties!

You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!

-----

Support our SPONSORS

Reality isn’t always what it seems…. it’s what you make it.

PREORDER "THE LIGHTRUNNER" , Ally Walker’s (SONS OF ANARCHY) debut thriller!!! Comes out on Amazon and Barnes and Noble June 6th but is Available for preorder NOW! Go to www.allywalkerofficial.com for more info.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

Follow: Instagram TikTok

Subscribe: Newsletter

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

What if healing didn’t come in a bottle—but in a mushroom grown from the dirt?

In this powerful episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, I’m joined by Tracey Tee, founder of Moms on Mushrooms, to talk about motherhood, microdosing, and the kind of healing no one teaches us—especially not in a doctor’s office. We talk about how psilocybin is helping women process trauma, release rage, and get clarity on the choices that actually serve them.

Tracey breaks down what it means to be whole in your pain, why community is essential when you're waking up, and how mushrooms help moms stop people-pleasing and start listening to their gut—even when it goes against everything we've been told.

Inside This Episode:

• Why crying for five days doesn’t mean it’s not working—it means it is

• What Big Pharma won’t tell you about emotional processing

• How to “two sleeps” your way out of a fight with your ex

• What psilocybin can do that SSRIs never could

• Why you don’t have to respond to every message from your narcissist co-parent

• What it looks like to take radical responsibility for your own healing

• How Moms on Mushrooms is building community off social media and outside the algorithm

About Moms on Mushrooms:

Founded by Tracey Tee, Moms on Mushrooms is a digital community and education platform for mothers exploring microdosing, plant medicine, and personal transformation. With courses, peer support, and private forums, M.O.M. offers a grounded space to heal, connect, and reclaim your story—one dose at a time.

Visit them at https://www.momsonmushrooms.com/

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!

-----

Support our SPONSORS

Reality isn’t always what it seems…. it’s what you make it.

PREORDER "THE LIGHTRUNNER" , Ally Walker’s (SONS OF ANARCHY) debut thriller!!! Comes out on Amazon and Barnes and Noble June 6th but is Available for preorder NOW! Go to www.allywalkerofficial.com for more info.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

Follow: Instagram TikTok

Subscribe: Newsletter

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

What if you could take the chaos of your divorce and build something that actually works—for you?

In this empowering episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, I’m joined by Alex and Amanda, certified mediators and co-hosts of the Dirty Laundry Podcast. These two brilliant Canadians specialize in helping women navigate the legal minefield after leaving abusive relationships—and today, they're breaking down how to build a post-separation plan on your own terms.

We dive deep into the realities of self-representation, family court, and co-parenting with a high-conflict or abusive ex. Whether you're knee-deep in legal drama or just trying to figure out your next step, this episode is packed with clarity, strategy, and truth.

Inside This Episode:

• Why mediation might be your best move after leaving an abuser

• How to “Frankenstein” your divorce using the right experts at the right time

• What the courts don’t tell you about parenting plans

• Alternatives to hiring a shark lawyer (and why you might not need one)

• What every woman should know before walking into family court

About Dirty Laundry:

Alex and Amanda are certified mediators and hosts of the Dirty Laundry Podcast, a must-listen for anyone navigating toxic exes, legal chaos, and the healing that comes after. They bring sharp insight, deep empathy, and a much-needed dose of realness to the family law space.

FOLLOW Dirty Laundry:

Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast

YouTube @DirtyLaundryPodcast

You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!

-----

Support our SPONSORS

Reality isn’t always what it seems…. it’s what you make it.

PREORDER "THE LIGHTRUNNER" , Ally Walker’s (SONS OF ANARCHY) debut thriller!!! Comes out on Amazon and Barnes and Noble June 6th but is Available for preorder NOW! Go to www.allywalkerofficial.com for more info.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

Follow: Instagram TikTok

Subscribe: Newsletter

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

In this honest and uplifting episode of Bitch is a Bad Word, Jenn from Single Mom Society breaks down the myths around single motherhood — the struggles everyone talks about, but also the hard-won freedoms that come from walking away from toxic relationships. If you’ve ever felt trapped or doubted your choice to leave, this one’s for you.

We’re talking about the tough realities of child support, toxic exes, and parenting solo — but also the powerful freedom of setting your own rules, cooking what you want for dinner, and living without fear. Jenn shares what it really means to be brave enough to leave and reclaim your life, even when it gets harder before it gets better.

You’ll learn:

• Why single motherhood isn’t just struggle — it’s strength and freedom
• How leaving toxic relationships can open new emotional and practical doors
• The myth of “it’s easier to stay” — and why bravery is your superpower
• Navigating the challenges of parenting solo without losing yourself
• How to find community and support 24/7 when you need it most

This episode is perfect for listeners looking for:

• Empowerment in single motherhood
• Healing from toxic relationships
• Real talk about parenting solo
• Stories of bravery and freedom
• Support and connection anytime, anywhere

About Jenn:

Jenn is the founder of Single Mom Society, a vibrant community and resource hub where single moms can connect 24/7 with other women who get it — and find expert guidance to thrive. Jenn’s mission is to uplift, empower, and remind every single mom she’s not alone. Listen to the Single Mom Society Podcast here!

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!

-----

Support our SPONSORS

Reality isn’t always what it seems…. it’s what you make it.

PREORDER "THE LIGHTRUNNER" , Ally Walker’s (SONS OF ANARCHY) debut thriller!!! Comes out on Amazon and Barnes and Noble June 6th but is Available for preorder NOW! Go to www.allywalkerofficial.com for more info.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

Follow: Instagram TikTok

Subscribe: Newsletter

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

Can you be raped by your own partner? Yes. And too many survivors don’t even realize it until it’s too late.

In this explosive episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, civil attorney Jessica Pride joins me to call it what it is: sexual assault within a relationship is still sexual assault. We’re tearing down the myths that say consent is automatic once you’re married, dating, or committed—and exposing the legal system survivors can actually use to fight back.

If you’ve ever had that gut feeling—“this doesn’t feel right”—but didn’t have the words, this episode is for you.

Inside This Episode:

• What sexual assault by an intimate partner can actually look like
• Why survivors often don’t recognize it as abuse
• Legal options beyond criminal court—including civil lawsuits
• How to reclaim power, resources, and safety after trauma
• The truth about consent, control, and coercion in relationships

About Jessica Pride:

Jessica is a fierce advocate and nationally respected civil attorney fighting for survivors of sexual violence in the San Diego area. Through bold legal action and public education, she helps survivors take back their power—and their peace.

https://www.pridelawfirm.com/

She has also founded the newly opened Sirona Healing Center, a center and place of recovery for victims of sexual assault, in San Diego, CA.

https://sironahealing.com/

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!

-----

Support our SPONSORS

Reality isn’t always what it seems…. it’s what you make it.

PREORDER "THE LIGHTRUNNER" , Ally Walker’s (SONS OF ANARCHY) debut thriller!!! Comes out on Amazon and Barnes and Noble June 6th but is Available for preorder NOW! Go to www.allywalkerofficial.com for more info.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

Follow: Instagram TikTok

Subscribe: Newsletter

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

In this revealing episode of Bitch is a Bad Word, Cory Ann shares her intense story of falling for a charming stranger on a dating app — only to find herself trapped in a toxic relationship marked by manipulation, trauma bonding, and emotional abuse. If you’ve ever wondered how something that starts so hopeful can turn so dark, this episode is for you.

We explore the subtle warning signs of domestic violence, the pressure to say “I love you” too soon, and the dangerous transformation of charm into control. Cory Ann opens up about recognizing abuse, breaking free from trauma bonds, and reclaiming her strength and voice. It’s honest, insightful, and essential listening for anyone navigating or supporting someone through abusive relationships.

You’ll learn:

• How to spot the early red flags in dating and relationships
• The psychology behind manipulation, love bombing, and trauma bonding
• Why victims often feel trapped even when they know something’s wrong
• Practical steps toward healing and empowerment after emotional abuse
• How to rebuild trust and boundaries in yourself and your relationships

This episode is perfect for listeners looking for:

• Awareness about dating abuse and toxic relationships
• Guidance on recognizing and escaping emotional manipulation
• Stories of survival and healing from trauma bonds
• Support for survivors and those who love them
• Empowerment to reclaim your life and voice after abuse

About Cory Ann:

Cory Ann is a courageous survivor and advocate who shares her experience to shed light on the complexities of dating abuse and emotional trauma. Through her story, she inspires others to recognize the signs, break free, and rebuild their lives with resilience and self-worth.

You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!

-----

Support our SPONSORS

Reality isn’t always what it seems…. it’s what you make it.

ORDER "THE LIGHTRUNNER" , Ally Walker’s (SONS OF ANARCHY) debut thriller!!! Out NOW on Amazon and Barnes and Noble! Go to www.allywalkerofficial.com for more info.

"Impossible to put down"

- Katey Sagal, actress

"Propulsive, thoughtful, incisive"

- Sarah Wayne Callies, actress

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

Follow: Instagram TikTok

Subscribe: Newsletter

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