Content warning: This episode discusses domestic and family violence, emotional abuse and mental health.

Married at First Sight Australia bride Katie joins me on Pop Therapy for a revealing conversation about gaslighting, emotional abuse, toxic relationships and life after MAFS. From her own experience of public rejection and manipulation to building a community that empowers women to recognise red flags and reclaim their self-worth, Katie has plenty to say about the behaviours we excuse, the boundaries we struggle to hold and why it's so difficult to see people for who they really are.

Katie came ready to challenge some uncomfortable truths, and she certainly challenged me. Her perspective on manipulation and the stories we tell ourselves about other people's behaviour, sparked a frank and thought-provoking conversation.

Having wrestled with my own discomfort around the allegations against former The Bachelor star Sam Wood, someone I thought I knew, Katie gave me plenty of food for thought. Why do we overlook red flags? How do we reconcile the version we've been shown with a very different reality? And how might this explain Sam's continued social following?

From reality TV and public personas to emotional resilience, healing and finding your voice, this is an honest conversation about the things we don't always want to confront.

Listen to Pop Therapy wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full conversation on YouTube.

Connect with Katie
Instagram: @itswildbykatie

Website: www.itswildbykatie.com

Connect with Pop Therapy
Instagram: @jana.firestone
TikTok: @janafirestone
YouTube: Pop Therapy Podcast
Website: www.janafirestone.com

Domestic & Family Violence Support - Australia

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au

Safe Steps (Victoria): 1800 015 188 | safesteps.org.au

Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au

MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 | mensline.org.au

If you're in immediate danger, call 000.