Predatory stalking is the most dangerous and deliberate form of stalking. In this episode, we discuss stalking rooted in entitlement, power, and control where the behavior is intentional from the beginning.

Victims are often strangers, and stalking may involve surveillance, targeting, and information-gathering that can escalate into sexual violence. We explain why this type of stalking must always be taken seriously and why survivors’ instincts are critical to safety.

This episode centers accountability, affirms survivor experiences, and underscores that predatory stalking is never about attraction it is about power and control.

Understanding this pattern helps survivors trust their instincts and prioritize safety.

Stalking Risk Profile. (n.d.). Types of stalking. https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/what-is-stalking/types-of-stalking

Host: Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net

Episode 4: The Incompetent Suitor

The incompetent suitor is a type of stalker whose behavior is often minimized as awkwardness, misunderstanding, or “not knowing better.” In this episode, we explore stalking driven by loneliness or desire, where the goal is access not connection.

We discuss why repeated advances after rejection are harmful, how distress is often ignored or dismissed, and how social pressure frequently shifts responsibility onto the victim. The episode also addresses disability and neurodiversity with care making clear that understanding context never excuses harm.

This conversation reinforces that discomfort is a valid boundary and that survivors are not responsible for educating others at the expense of their safety.

Understanding this pattern helps survivors trust their instincts and prioritize safety.

Stalking Risk Profile. (n.d.). Types of stalking. https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/what-is-stalking/types-of-stalking

Host: Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net

Episode 3: The Intimacy-Seeking Stalker

Intimacy-seeking stalking is often misunderstood and dangerously romanticized. In this episode, we examine stalking that arises from loneliness, fixation, and a false belief that a relationship exists or is destined to exist despite clear lack of consent.

Victims are usually strangers or acquaintances, and in some cases the behavior is fueled by delusional beliefs, such as erotomanic thinking. We discuss why unwanted pursuit is not affection, how fantasy replaces reality, and why consent is always required for connection.

This episode challenges cultural myths that excuse obsession and reinforces that survivors are never responsible for managing someone else’s beliefs or emotions.

Understanding this pattern helps survivors trust their instincts and prioritize safety.

Host: Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net

Episode 2: The Resentful Stalker

Resentful stalking is driven by anger, perceived injustice, and a desire for revenge. In this episode, we explore how individuals who believe they have been mistreated or humiliated may use stalking as a way to “even the score.”

Unlike rejected stalking, victims are often strangers or acquaintances rather than former partners. We discuss how resentful stalkers frequently present themselves as the true victim and justify their behavior as retaliation or self-defense, even when it causes fear and harm.

This episode helps listeners recognize how resentment can escalate into control, why fear becomes a source of power for the stalker, and why feeling wronged never justifies abuse.

This episode supports survivor awareness and safety planning. Stalking is never justified and is never the survivor’s fault.

Host: Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net

Episode 1: The Rejected Stalker

Rejected stalking often occurs after the end of a close relationship and is one of the most common and misunderstood forms of stalking. In this episode, we explore how stalking can emerge when a former partner, family member, or close acquaintance refuses to accept separation or rejection.

Listeners will learn how rejected stalking is driven by attempts to regain control either through reconciliation, retaliation, or emotional manipulation and why this behavior can feel confusing and unpredictable for survivors. We discuss the push–pull dynamic that often alternates between affection and anger, and why continued contact after boundaries are set is never about love.

This episode is designed to help survivors and communities recognize early warning signs, trust their instincts, and understand that rejection never causes abuse. Stalking is a choice and responsibility always lies with the person engaging in the behavior.

Host: Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net

Jessica Lynn McCallop-McClellan is an inspirational speaker, (Jessica Lynn Speaks Life), She’s been an impactful keynote speaker at many women’s events and inspirational movements. She is also the Founder and President of 501c3, nonprofit organization, Giving Hope & Help Inc, founded in 2013. One of her purposes is to speak for the voiceless and inspire others to find their voice and use it for change. She is a “Voice for the Voiceless”, survivor and advocate for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, education and cancer support advocate, humanitarian, philanthropist, voice for equality and justice/Founder and Administrator of the Black, Brown and White UNITE for CHANGE Facebook Group, as well as the radio/internet talk show host of Jessica Lynn Speaks Life, on KUAW Radio Station and Co-host for radio talk show: Sister Circle Prayer Warriors on Gospel 1590 AM. Jessica has been featured in media, podcasts, magazines, and television many times for the difference and impact she and the organization are making in the community and across the globe. https://givinghopeandhelp.org/ OUR MISSION Giving Hope & Help is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports domestic violence survivors, provides essential resources to end period poverty, empowers college bound and non-traditional students and inspires cancer patients, lifting all those we serve to live their best life. OUR VISION Giving Hope & Help values and acts upon the opportunity to provide hope and help for every person to pursue happiness, health, wealth and education via the avenues, fundraisers and support offered by the organization. OUR WORK Advocate for domestic violence awareness to encourage all to stand up, speak up and STOP domestic violence. Support DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS & the shelters in which live with year round collections and annual drives of sanitary napkins, tampons and new children and women’s packaged underwear. The feminine products also support natural disaster survivors and benefit those in need of feminine care across the globe. GH&H has shipped feminine care to Cambodia, Nairobi-Kenya, Haiti, Mexico and are currently supporting 131 girls in Limiru Kenya for one year with funding for feminine care and underwear for girls. LOVE Bags 4 Cancer Donation & Delivery Events to uplift hospitalized MALE & FEMALE cancer patients in honor of Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day. The LOVE Bags are hand delivered to the patients at their hospital bedside. A portion of the proceeds benefits the American Cancer Society-Kansas City. Over four hundred hospitalized cancer patients have been inspired and uplifted with the hand delivered LOVE Bags 4 Cancer since Feb. 2015. Education Is Your Passport Program and Annual Scholarship to benefit low income, College bound high school seniors. To date GH&H has awarded 35 scholarships since the 2015 program launch. The program will expand in 2019 to award low income current year high school graduates and single parents full ride scholarships to the Metropolitan Community Colleges: Penn Valley and Maple Woods.

Hosts: MaryAnne Metheny, and Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net

lesnorman.com

Radio/Podcast Host, Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Cable TV MLB Analyst, Life/Executive Coach, Former MLB Player, Husband, and Father Les Norman has a passion for people. He finds human beings utterly fascinating, loves sharing their stories-the REAL ones-with the world on his radio show and podcast, "Breakin' the Norm". He is also driven to help create passionate servant leaders in business, assist others to establish their own personal brand, and lead men to be the best they can be through life and executive coaching. One of his greatest rewards is to see others live joyfully and be successful! Les grew up without much in life. An abusive childhood could have left him broken, but he used the wrong road map to find the right places. He often heard phrases like "You'll never make it." or "You're not good enough.", but instead of believing the negative voices, it pushed him to become driven to achieve the success he wanted to. He learned what true joy is through faith and family. And most importantly, he used his gift of encouragement to help others in life. He's had a remarkable ride. Earning a Jr. Olympic Gold Medal. Playing Major League Baseball. Cliff jumping into the wild ocean in Venezuela. Sitting in a volcanic hot tub in Costa Rica. And even winning on the hit game show, "Wheel of Fortune"!! But with all those cool experiences, the best one of all...being husband to his bride and best friend of 26 years, Kristin, and being baseball coach and dad to amazing sons Mack (22) and Tayt (18)!

Hosts: MaryAnne Metheny, and Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Volunteers are community volunteers, just like you, who stand up and speak out to help children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Jackson County CASA recruits, trains, and supports these CASA Volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who are in the Jackson County Family Court system until they have a safe and permanent home.

Jackson County children thrive when they have a consistent caring adult in their life to make sure their voices are heard. Discover how your support helps provide a CASA Volunteer for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Guests:

Sarah Ginther, Manager of Guardians ad Litem

Tiana Griffin, Manager of CASA Pro Bono Attorney Program

Invest in a child's life. Change yours.

To Donate to CASA:

https://my.onecause.com/fundraiser/organizations/08a8154c-42cd-4d0e-9690-e63239d3c08e/fundraisers/fundraiser:27ac0fc2-70c3-4b35-8883-dc497745080b

Advocating Justice: The Legal Battle

Welcome to Illuminating Hope, a podcast of Hope House. In the series Advocating Justice: The Legal Battle, we dive into the legal battles that shape the fight for domestic violence survivors. In each episode, we bring you powerful conversations with the legal teams, court advocates, and changemakers working tirelessly to bring justice, protection, and hope to survivors of domestic violence.

From the courtroom to policy changes, from survivor rights to legal strategies, we uncover the critical role the justice system plays in breaking cycles of abuse. Whether you’re a survivor, advocate, or someone passionate about justice, this podcast series will empower and inform you."

Justice isn’t just about the law—it’s about giving survivors a voice, protection, and a future.

Hosts: MaryAnne Metheny, Ilene Shehan and Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net