WHEN DATING HURTS (Evergreen Podcasts)

This is part one of a two-part story with Julie, who lives in Brazil. Julie was in a toxic relationship for 20 years! Like many stories, we hear, she didn't recognize this as abuse because, although it seemed like it, he never actually hit her. She knows better now that it was abuse. Had he hit her, she feels she would have left this relationship a lot sooner. Many of us cannot understand how anyone could remain in this kind of a relationship, especially for 20 years. But abusive relationships are full of rewards and punishments that knock a person down and then pull a person up. This is trauma bonding. We thank Julie for sharing, because the more we know, the better we can stay out of abuse of relationships like this one. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 a two-part interview. My interview with Anna, who lives in Perth, Australia, had been in the works for nearly one year. But what motivated us to making our interview now was a case against her ex-partner which finally landed in a court room. Our interview was made only days after she testified as a witness against this serially abusive and violent man. Anna will also tell us about other abusive relationships. She found herself in. This will shine a bright light on many warning signs so you might want to take notes. This is Anna's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

On this special WHEN DATING HURTS episode, we include segments from some of our most remarkable moments in 2021. You will hear from survivors and domestic violence counselors whose insights help us better understand dating (and domestic) violence, how to detect it, how to cope, and ways to safely break free. It's worth your time if you know someone in or entering high school or college.   Soon, we will be uploading more segments from 2021— plus adding all-new interviews. If you haven’t yet, consider subscribing to the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast series. Reminder: the brand new audiobook version of the WHEN DATING HURTS book is now available on Amazon. And, you can learn more about what we are doing. Head to WhenDatingHurts.com.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

It was my great honor to speak with Maria Macaluso this time.  In January 1998, Maria joined the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, PA as the executive director. The Women’s Center is a domestic violence service.  Since 1976, the Women's Center has been a volunteer, community organization whose mission is: Freedom from Domestic Violence and other forms of abuse. Serving approximately 5,000 unique individuals every year, the Women's Center offers critical services that positively impact those affected by abuse. The list of services includes: • A 24-hour toll-free Hotline: 1-800-773-2424 • Assistance with filing Protection from Abuse Orders onsite at courthouse • Court accompaniment to Protection from Abuse Orders (PFAs), in the district court, and at preliminary hearings • Legal advocacy and options counseling. And a lot more… Maria and the Women’s Center of Montgomery County are proud (and so appreciative) of the 185 volunteers who tirelessly donate their time and talent to the cause. Their programs, policies and procedures reflect a strong commitment to empowering women.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Maureen Murray is not a "counselor" per se. Her task with Laurel House Domestic Violence Agency in Montgomery County, PA is teaching in the community (mostly with the school populations) educating students about healthy relationships, dating violence, or domestic abuse depending on the audience. The education Maureen dispenses also brings her teams into universities, police stations, corporate offices, and so on. This WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode touches on how to introduce students at the ninth and tenth grade levels to what is meant by a healthy (or an unhealthy) relationship. It’s within these early relationships that our young gain knowledge of how words and actions affect others. Many areas are covered in this invaluable episode. Please share with those you know who you feel need to hear this. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

The WHEN DATING HURTS audiobook will be coming out soon. We are in the final stages of editing.  On this podcast, you can listen to the first three chapters of WHEN DATING HURTS audiobook read by author Bill Mitchell. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Karen Widdoss is a courageous survivor of a murderous assault suffered when she was a young teen.  In the summer of 1994, her ex-boyfriend attacked her and nearly took her life. How she managed to hold onto her life is miraculous.  Karen has added her voice to survivors of violent crimes by speaking out about her experiences so no other woman would ever suffer as she has.  In this episode, we talk about "Karen’s Law" which dramatically changes the way parole board hearings are handled. "Karen's Law" was passed on November 25, 2020 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Karen Widdoss has continually used her tragedy to dramatically help others in need.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Katie Sanford is an educator with Laurel House, a comprehensive domestic violence agency in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.  Katie has been in prevention education for 3 years. She's worked with Laurel House for 2 years. She received her undergraduate degree in Sociology with a minor in Gender Studies from Bloomsburg University in PA—and is currently attending West Chester University (also in PA) to obtain her Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health. Katie’s core responsibility is talking with the community—mainly students ranging from middle school to college, about domestic violence. Her passion is to change behaviors and lessen the prevalence of dating violence in the future. I’m excited to have this opportunity to speak with Katie. What she knows will save the lives of our children.  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: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

WARNING: The descriptions of events in this episode can be triggering. I was contacted by Detective Kristine Holt (Texas) who is a loyal fan of the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast. In fact, she uses it for training. Besides a wealth of knowledge about handling "domestic" cases, she wanted to speak with us about a case she will never forget. The domestic violence abuse suffered for years by Lisa Waldon is straight out of a horror story. It is ghastly. For that reason, this episode comes with a warning that it might be too shocking for some listeners. I promised myself long ago, I would never look away from the realities of domestic violence. But the description of this case was often a struggle for me. Besides hearing a description of the vicious cruelty one person can put upon another, you will also experience the courage a woman had to save her children and herself. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Jen's friend, Mary, is serving a 15-year sentence in a state prison. How could this happen??? Q: Was Mary guilty of her crime?  A: Yes, she was.   Q: What was Mary's crime? A: While intoxicated, she ran over and killed a man riding his bike.   Q: Was Mary's abusive husband the real perpetrator of her crime.  A: Yes, I think he is.  In a multi-faceted interview, Jen talks about her friend, Mary, and what happened as result of decades of serious marital abuse by a predatory abuser (her husband).   What makes Jen's interview about Mary even more poignant? Jen is also survivor of abuse.   In one of our most-comprehensive WHEN DATING HURTS interviews to date, Jen gives insights you will want to write down and save. This interview adds testimony to why learning the warning signs is so important. You, and those you care about, have to get out of unhealthy relationships before they swallow you up and ruin your life. This is a cautionary tale. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

My three-part interview with Annie reveals a smart, innocent, creative, and fragile young woman giving her best to find a sustainable life. Her desire to share her successes and failures is on full display here. Annie takes us back to her childhood days moving from Wisconsin to Texas to Alaska and back to Wisconsin. Her father’s Air Force career makes the transfers necessary. Her biggest move was after college when she looked for work in Brooklyn, New York. Making friends was difficult, and loneliness was a constant. Her introspection allows an extraordinary view into the thought process of a woman working through a maze she thinks she created for herself. Annie describes intimate relationships that launch with hope, but in every instance, something gets in the way. The relationships which became abusive are where she shows us what she didn’t know, and here is where we can gain the most learning. Annie’s desire was to inform our audience about what can be going on in the mind of a person who doesn’t get the kinds of help she needed from childhood to adulthood. She was left to fend for herself. Annie is another courageous survivor who knows sharing a personal story can inform—and often free—another innocent victim or survivor. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Every survivor story comes with reasons to listen carefully and learn the many facets of dating and domestic violence. This story is certainly no exception. For those of you thinking domestic violence doesn’t happen to people like you, Jamie’s narrative stands as evidence to the contrary. She was a college graduate. A law school graduate. And then a prosecutor in a district attorney’s office near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. What is so ironic? She was the prosecutor of criminal cases oftentimes like what she was experiencing within her personal life at that time. And yet, she was not thinking of her difficulties as abuse. When she realized she was technically a domestic violence victim, she felt guilt and shame for not coming forth and taking the kinds of legal steps against her abuser she would have urged her clients to take. Jamie wants to underscore dating and domestic violence can—and does—happen to anyone in any profession. This is what finally helped her turn the corner on her shame. This interview is her way to reach out to the world and use her story to help shine the light of knowledge about abuse.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

I spoke with Nichelle Lynn-Hennigan who is a licensed professional counselor. She joined Laurel House five years ago as a master’s level clinical counseling intern. Today, she is a senior counselor. During her time with Laurel House, Nichelle has provided counseling services to the women and children in their shelter, and she covered their 24-hour hotline. Currently, Nichelle works out of three different Laurel House sites and oversees two of those locations. In addition to providing individual counseling, Nichelle also facilitates a weekly support group for survivors of domestic violence. Before coming to Laurel House, for over 12 years, Nichelle had been advocating in the crisis work field with survivors. She was also a hotline crisis worker with Women Organized Against Rape, a crisis worker with Lenape Valley Foundation, and a counselor with the Center for Family Guidance. Nichelle is a compassionate counselor whose hope is: "That one day all survivors of abuse will be able to find healing—and the tools to cope with the trauma they have endured." Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

"Ryan" volunteered to speak with us. We are so glad he did. What Ryan told us you will find stunning. This conversation will be remembered as one of the most-compelling interviews in the entire WHEN DATING HURTS series.  I knew some of Ryan's background, but I didn't know everything he had been through until we spoke. You will hear his story and learn from it. I gained such respect for Ryan's courage hearing his terrifying ordeal. See how someone who experienced concurrent nightmares was able to pull himself together and find a path to safety.  Be sure to share this with those who need to hear it. Each of us can learn from Ryan. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 one of a two-part story with Christy. Our interview with Christy demonstrates how hard this selfless woman tried to keep her marriage intact with barely any assistance from her narcissistic husband. Christy was consistently the best, most generous, wife and mother of three she could be. Her husband took full advantage of her with his power and control techniques. He took away most of her freedom in life. It took a strong will to break free. Be listening for the warning signs that could have steered Christy away from this terribly abusive man. Every survivor story is unique, but many of the warning signs in our survivor stories have similarities. Every one of our interviews illustrates the determination it takes to find freedom and restart a life. If you need to regain your freedom, start today. Seek assistance from a trusted friend, your church, your doctor, or domestic violence agencies in your area. Do something to save yourself. Abusive relationships are bound to get worse. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

The WHEN DATING HURTS podcast has covered many facets of the domestic violence issue. But this one is new.  Abusers often have patterns of violence towards all members of a household including children and pets. It’s difficult enough for the abused to find shelter for themselves. For that reason, many survivors stay in abusive homes for fear of subjecting their pets to continued abuse if left behind. And sometimes, it’s not only abuse, it’s torture or death. RedRover, established in 1987, sought to do something to bring animals out of crisis. We will talk about the work of this wonderful organization with Katie Campbell, RedRover’s Director of Collaboration and Outreach. Contact RedRover here. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 one of three parts with Sabrina. She met him in her freshman year of college. He was a senior. Was it love at first sight? Maybe for her. Not for him. Jake had other ideas.  This story is meant for parents with daughters in, or soon entering, college. It should be a time when they begin to take off in life and learn to find their way. But it be a time when they display their innocence and are easy prey for predators.  Sabrina was a trusting young woman who put her life in the hands of a man who knew how to manipulate her until she had no power at all. The more she gave the more he took.  We ask ourselves how these kinds of toxic/dangerous relationships take hold. We ask why a smart person doesn't just pick up and leave. This story will explain this from the POV of someone who still cannot understand how she had this happen to her. This is Sabrina's story. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 survivor story comes with warning signs about adult, profane language, hard, drug usage, violence, and descriptions of situations that might have a triggering effect on some listeners. The WHEN DATING HURTS podcast is showing how terrible dating abuse and domestic violence can get. This is part two of a three-part story. This story about Natalie will have a common theme: when we either do not know, or do not pay attention to, warning signs, we can be overtaken by abusive predators, whether they are men or women. These monsters want to control us for whatever ill-conceived uses they want to make of us. We will see how Natalie's relationship with her father set her on a path specifically with men, where she was seeking love but receive nothing that came close to it. But that didn't stop her from trying. Natalie is a brave person to come to us with this story. It is her hope we can learn from the mistakes she made. THE BOOK MENTIONED IN THIS STORY: When we recorded this story, the name, "Natalie", was a created name. If you follow the links below, you will find her actual name. "Pseudo" Pseudo is a 366-page graphic novel about Cat, Ted and Spider. If you'd like a signed second edition, please leave a note when you order. "Bad Boys" Bad Boys is a 399-page tragicomic and heroic graphic novel about finding the way back from trauma-induced numbness to an open heart. In a tangle of lovers, sectarian 12-step groups and cannabis, Cat and Ted hack the system and learn to move from a life of fear – to one of trust. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 the third in a three-part narrative with Dawn. This story necessitates trigger warnings due to its adult language, violence, a shooting, the use of drugs, and both emotional and physical abuse. Dawn was a skilled auto mechanic living in the Mid West. She moved to the west side of Chicago to work on cars at a family friend's shop. She was set up for success. A man she met in her apartment building became her boyfriend. From the start, everything felt right, but slowly the relationship took on a whole-new existence. You will see how Dawn tried to downplay her boyfriend's unhealthy behavior to her herself. That every time he was abusive was an aberration, or could be explained away. There are all kinds of warning signs Dawn looked past. She could have had a completely different reality in Chicago had she paid closer attention to what was going on. By the time we reach part three of this story, it is a miracle that Dawn survived. This is Dawn's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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.  It's early 2024, and I will give you my thoughts as WHEN DATING HURTS enters our fourth year speaking out to the world about dating abuse and domestic violence. This is from the heart. You will know what I am thinking. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Living in Ontario, Canada a few years ago, Maggie and her husband were wondering what was going on with Alyssa. They saw bothersome warning signs around her, but Alyssa's parents were at a loss trying to figure out exactly what was going on. Alyssa had dropped out of many school activities, she stopped interacting with friends, she changed the way she dressed, and her marks dropped. She had already suffered from anxiety, but it seemed to be getting worse. A breakthrough came when two of Alyssa's friends contacted Maggie. What they explained was alarming, but it led to bringing Alyssa back. She was caught in an unhealthy relationship with a guy named Tim. This is a dating abuse and violence story. Quite a good one to share with high school and college students. See how Alyssa's friends bravely took steps to save their friend. Hear how Maggie and her husband took charge and brought Alyssa back safely. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 one of a two-part story. Kelsey thought Corey was the one. He was a talented artist with a following who bought his works. There were warning signs she though odd, but she decided to overlook them in favor of keeping the relationship moving. When something abusive happened, she felt each one was an isolated incident. This is a story about a caring woman and her narcissistic partner. There is no physical nor sexual abuse in this narrative, but that doesn't mean it would never lead to these. This is Kelsey's story. It's one where we see how she enabled him to do whatever he wanted. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

Molly’s story is so much like others you might have heard. She met someone she really liked. He had some issues, but she wanted to continue with the relationship.   They met in college. They had little in common, but he was so different and exciting. He fit neatly in the category of a “bad boy”. Her parents and her brother thought he was bad news, but Molly carried on with this relationship. Molly felt she could make him better by loving him. She thought he was worth it. He used dominance over her. He told her how to act, how to dress, how to live. He also had a difficult time telling the truth. Add to that his jealous feelings about everything she did. Her friends could never understand what she saw in him, but she married him anyway. He did his best to portray himself as the victim — the person who gave up everything for her. Credit goes to Molly for sticking with this man in marriage as long as she did. She took him to marriage therapists which did little to solve a union that could never work. Breaking away was not easy but there is much to be learned in seeing how Molly did it.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Natalie puts her life on full display so others can learn from her missteps. In her late teens, she consistently overlooked warning signs that would have saved her from years trapped in a relationship that never felt right. Her first date with this person could have been enough, but eventually found herself in a marriage that was completely one-sided. Her power and control was being ceded from the start. The power in this interview is seeing how we sometimes put to the side our feelings and allow others dominance over us. You will learn how the passage of time made it increasingly more difficult for Natalie to break free. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

I read Janine Latus's 336-page book, "If I Am Missing or Dead", years ago. I finished it in two days. It was that compelling a read. I reached out to her many times since then, and she has always answered me. She is so special. Janine has been called "...the most compelling speaker on sexual assault and relationship abuse I've ever heard." I believe that is spot on.  Why is that? She knows it because she has lived it. Janine has come face to face with domestic abuse starting as a young girl. As much as she tried for this not to happen to her again later in life, she ended up in an abusive relationship that nearly cost her her life. The most-cherished person in Janine's life, her sister Amy, also fell prey to domestic violence. Amy trusted a man who took complete advantage of her. They way Janine tells this will take your breath away. Janine Latus has given countless speeches before diverse audiences. She is nationally-known as a powerful force for bringing lifesaving information to those who need it most.  Set aside an hour and listen to this episode with Janine Latus. I promise you it will be time invested wisely. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 in a three-part story. Danielle Patrice received very few breaks in life. Her parents divorced when she was young, and when she was in her early twenties, she lost her mother. Danielle was forced to figure out life by herself, and she did a magnificent job of doing so. A close male friend became her boyfriend. But, once his role changed, so did his handling of their relationship. In little time, he moved through the stages of abuse: emotional to physical. Danielle had no awareness of dating abuse warning signs, so she stayed with him as things became worse. The couple became married, and they had a son. Danielle had hope to create the traditional nuclear family she did not have growing up, but the relationship she was in had too many problems for this to reachable. Danielle’s story take time to tell. Therefore, it comes to you in three episodes. As with all our WHEN DATING HURTS interviews, there is much to be learned from those who have lived dating and domestic violence. Although Danielle’s narrative has many turns for the worse, it ends with her breaking free and writing a highly researched book that is now available. It is entitled, "Neuroscience: The Ecosystem of Domestic Violence”. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Patrisha McLean was married to a world-renowned singer for 29 years. It started as a fairytale relationship but devolved into a 24/7 nightmare. For 29 years! Like many survivors, it took Patrisha a long time before she recognized this as classic domestic violence. Getting out almost cost her life.  This episode teaches what can happen to anyone who doesn't know the warning signs. It also informs you on what to do when these red flags are detected. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 the first in a two-part story with Erin.  Erin was taken advantage of while she was suffering through a highly sensitive passage in her life. Charlie presented himself as the right answer at the right time.  Like many victims, she was an innocent, generous person. The kind of target predators are looking to lure straight into problematic relationships.  The warning signs of potential danger were there, but Erin didn’t interpret them. You will learn plenty from this powerful episode. You will see how difficult it is to break from an accomplished abuser. You need to hear Erin's story. Be sure you share this WHEN DATING HURTS episode with someone who's dating. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Dear Listeners, I was fortunate get time with Dr. Colleen Lelli. In this interview, she talks about her book, "Trauma Sensitive Schools - The Importance of Instilling Grit, Determination, and Resilience", which explains what can actually be going on within a student's mind caused by ongoing disruptions away from school. You will find Dr. Lelli's observations eye-opening. You will see what I mean.  Dr. Lelli has over 25 years of experience in the education field. Her research interests include: developing special education advocacy and support; enhancing preservice and in-service teachers’ knowledge of domestic violence; and growing teachers’ abilities to support the learning of those who have witnessed trauma. Dr. Lelli has published and presented while providing teachers and professionals key strategies that help support children of trauma to learn effectively while in the classroom. Dr. Lelli has served as co-president of the Board of Directors for The Laurel House domestic violence agency, and she is a board member of an agency representing sexual assault victims. In this conversation, Dr. Colleen Lelli gives us much to think about and apply. We are honored to have her thoughts here.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, domestic violence, alcoholism, and graphic violence. We are most fortunate to have this two-part conversation with Lt. Mark Wynn. This is part one.  Part quest for justice. Part journey towards healing. Decorated Nashville cop Mark Wynn wrestles with his own violent childhood while working to reform decades of domestic violence mishandling, cover-ups, and abuse from deep within law enforcement. The film, “This Is Where I Learned Not to Sleep”, follows the story of Lt. Mark Wynn. Mark is a retired Nashville police officer with 20 years on the force. After surviving and escaping a violent childhood home, Mark has gone on to be one of the foremost advocates for supporting families facing domestic violence in this country. Mark has trained police departments in all 50 states and 16 countries. His work is not only vital but imperative as family violence continues to increase. Domestic Violence cases have increased by 25 to 33 percent globally since the Covid pandemic began. This shadow epidemic hides behind closed doors, but we have an opportunity with this film to bring the issue to the fore and help Mark on his mission to save families. “As Mark Wynn’s story tells us, domestic abuse is a deeper root and normalizer of violence than all the wars combined. Ending it is a path to peace.”—Gloria Steinem Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Sebastian Soul has been a sought-after international dating coach for over a decade. He is also the host of two very different podcasts: the “Get Him Keep Him” podcast and the “Get Over Him” podcast.   In our two-part conversation, Sebastian and I took turns interviewing each other. The expectation was our final edited interview would appear on my podcast and his. I found Sebastian to be deeply knowledgeable and a font of insightful information about what’s really going on when two people are dating. He knew more about dating and domestic violence than I thought he would. I’m certain you will find listening to our interview will be useful in many practical ways. If you want to reach Sebastian, you can contact him through his website: GetHimKeepHim.com. His email is Sebastian@GetHimKeepHim.com.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 time, I speak with Tony Lapp, the Executive Director at Courdea. Tony is also an experienced trainer, educator, writer, and therapist. Courdea is serving the Philadelphia area by providing a thorough treatment program for abusers and harmful partners (who are mainly men—but can also be women). Courdea offers training, consultation, group therapy, trauma-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and independent general therapy.  This organization sprang forth from the idea of getting to the root of relationship abuse. It’s all about treating the person who is doing the hurting with respect and warmth. Courdea’s tagline is” “Helping people become safe partners”. You can contact Courdea today at https://www.courdea.org/ Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Barbra’s story takes time to tell. For that reason, it is presented to you in three parts. This is part three. Trigger Warnings due to graphic violence. Barbra Walker’s story of abuse comes with serious trigger warnings about its content and descriptions. There is much to be learned from listening to her telling of what happened, but it contains potentially distressing material. Ms. Walker had never told her entire story at one time until she contacted the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast and trusted us to bring it to you from beginning to end. Like so many dating and domestic violence narratives on this podcast, the story begins with dating someone who is quite appealing. These are some glimpses of what would later be identified as red flags, but in those early days these are overlooked, and the relationship continued. Barbra Walker’s ability to detail every facet of all that happened is remarkable. And our opinion of her as a survivor, a loving mother, and a loyal wife holds our highest admiration. It was an honor to meet her and carry her story forward to you. Barbra’s deepest wish: that her story will inform those who are at any stage in being lowered into the nightmare of dating and domestic violence. She hopes they will soon find ways out as she did—but with much less trauma. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

On June 3, 2005, Detective Jim McGowan contacted me with knowledge about what happened to my daughter. Earlier that day, he interviewed Kristin's murderer, her ex-boyfriend, Nick. From that time until now, Nick has remained incarcerated.  Over the years, I've gained invaluable insights from Jim on why abusers do what they do and why abused women stay in dangerous relationships. Jim shares this and more in this WHEN DATING HURTS episode.  This is a "must-listen-to" episode for parents, friends, and families of women who are, or might be, in dating relationships. I am certain this episode will save someone's life. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

You are about to hear part one of a two-part story with Alissa. This is a teen dating violence story. It does not include physical violence to any great degree, but it makes the point that a relationship can be quite abusive even without the presence of the physical part. This interview is one you might want to listen to with teens present, both in high school or college. You will hear about warning signs that were overlooked. Breaking up is the most dangerous time, especially when the abusive partner is highly controlling. Alissa is a true survivor, and a very fortunate survivor. Most stories like this have far different endings. This is Alissa's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 a two-part narrative. Let me say upfront that I totally admire this woman. This is a cautionary tale for parents and children. There is much to be learned as Cherice Bloom tells of years of abusive behavior while dating and being married to Cody (not his real name). Growing up, early family life offered little comfort. Cherice’s father’s job took him away from home most of the time. Her mother was schizophrenic, which created shocking upheavals for young Cherice.    Still in her teens, she was forced to flee her own home. During that time, she met a slightly older boy who swept her off her feet. She admits she was naïve and innocent, but he was not. Even in the earliest stages of dating, you will hear how unhealthy behavior crept in. Cherice was not aware that the warning signs she experienced would lead to all kinds of trouble. So, she stayed with Cody. Cherice Bloom overcame many hurdles placed in her path. You will learn how her journey made her strong. You will benefit greatly from hearing her tell it all for your benefit. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 one of a two-part narrative with Lucy. This story comes with content warnings about drug taking. Using drugs or misusing alcohol does not cause domestic violence, but it does allow abusive behavior to become more frequent and more destructive. Lucy contacted me wondering if what she experienced years ago was actually abuse. She is a high-energy woman with great ambition, but Lucy admits she was no saint. She made some mistakes and paid dearly for them by losing the career she wanted so badly. She allowed herself to be controlled by two different men who sized her up and took full advantage of her unselfish nature. Time and time again, she gave way to the toxic behavior put upon her. Parts of this story you probably will not relate to – especially the about drug taking – but still there's a lot to be learned. In Lucy's story, you will see how the jealousy became worse. Verbal digs she received grew sharper. The isolation from friends and family became greater. And bizarre behavior was more frequent. Breaking off the second relationship required many attempts in the second part of this story. Her narrative is filled with warning signs we should share with those we care about. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

Elizabeth Overstreet has been featured by ABC, CBS, NBC, The New York Times, and many other media outlets. She is a trusted love and relationship strategist. She says she, "Keeps things real". You will hear how she does it in this episode of the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast. Through her expert coaching and motivational speaking, Elizabeth is known for creating personalized, practical roadmaps to happier, more satisfying relationships with others—and yourself. Elizabeth is based in Raleigh, NC, Elizabeth partners with individuals, couples, and companies globally. Her website is: elizabethoverstreet.com.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Beth Sturman is the executive director of the Laurel House Domestic Violence Agency. She is also a dear friend of ours.  Laurel House is the largest DV agency in the Philadelphia area. I've known Beth for 15 years and she has explained what I needed to know to be able to speak out on the dating violence epidemic. I consider her a mentor and a friend.  What Beth discusses in this interview can save someone's life. You should listen to this. Then share it with those you care about.  Bill Mitchell NOTE:      If you want to share your story of abuse  on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com Thank you for listening to us,       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 a kind of bonus episode with Christy. We recorded parts one and two of her story. We edited them and figured that was that. But days later, Christy contacted me again wanting to tell of more incidents with her ex-husband. She also wanted to add more of her hard-earned advice. Our three interviews with Christy demonstrate how this selfless woman tried to keep her marriage intact with barely any assistance from her narcissistic husband. Christy was consistently the best, most generous wife and mother of three she could be. Her husband took full advantage of her with his power and control techniques. He took away most of her freedom in life. It took a strong will to break free. Be listening for the warning signs that could have steered Christy away from this terribly abusive man. Every survivor story is unique, but many of the warning signs in our survivor stories have similarities. Every one of our interviews illustrates the determination it takes to find freedom and restart a life. If you need to regain your freedom, start today. Seek assistance from a trusted friend, your church, your doctor, or domestic violence agencies in your area. Do something to save yourself. Abusive relationships are bound to get worse. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 a two-part story. In the story, Jill takes us back in time to the many setbacks she experienced as a child. This woman learned early in life how to use her inner strength, it was all she needed to survive. Listen to Jill's story, and you will experience a woman who found inner joy that has been a constant source of peace. She will give us great advice about being your own person and never putting up with someone who treats you badly. That means never giving an abuser a second chance. You should have a pen and paper ready because there will be plenty of great advice about handling abuse, and handling an abuser coming your way. Throughout Jill's story, you will sense her joy. It is real. And you can experience the same kind of joy when you regain your freedom if you are being abused. Also, here is a link to an episode we have run a couple of times. It is entitled "What You Should Do Before Leaving Your Abuser". Jill will mention this WHEN DATING HURTS episode during her interview. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 one of a two-part story. In the story, Jill takes us back in time to the many setbacks she experienced as a child. This woman learned early in life how to use her inner strength, it was all she needed to survive. Listen to Jill's story, and you will experience a woman who found inner joy that has been a constant source of peace. She will give us great advice about being your own person and never putting up with someone who treats you badly. That means never giving an abuser a second chance. You should have a pen and paper ready because there will be plenty of great advice about handling abuse, and handling an abuser coming your way. Throughout Jill's story, you will sense her joy. It is real. And you can experience the same kind of joy when you regain your freedom if you are being abused. Also, here is a link to an episode we have run a couple of times. It is entitled "What You Should Do Before Leaving Your Abuser". Jill will mention this WHEN DATING HURTS episode during her interview. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 a three-part story. This WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode comes with warnings about adult language. Lindsay is a podcast host. But not just any podcast host! Oh, no! Lindsay is on a mission. She aims to inform women about the multiple pitfalls of dating abuse and domestic violence on her "Bitch is a Bad Word" podcast. Lindsay is a force for good. A super heroine. She's an unstoppable voice who will give you straight talk about the realities of what can happen when you are unaware of abusive predators lurking behind attractive exteriors. He might look attractive, have money, be funny/smart, but what you see isn't always what you will be getting. Lindsay is here to smarten all of us up. Lindsay is speaking from experience. You'll see what I mean in this compelling episode on the WHEN DATIGN HURTS podcast. Here are ways to get in touch with everything Lindsay is doing: SUBSCRIBE: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@BitchIsABadWord INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword CONTACT: biabw@caliber-studio.com WEBSITE & MAILING LIST: https://www.caliber-studio.com/bitchisabadword NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • 10 WARNING SIGNS • 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 two one of a three-part narrative with Candi Rose. Candi Rose is her actual name. Her full name is Candace Rose. She was bullied in high school to the point where her mother moved her into a different school. There she fell in with the wrong crowd. Things became worse as she made a series of unfortunate decisions. Her lack of experience, wisdom, or good judgment landed her in jail as a convicted felon. Once released what did she do to make a living? She became a stripper. The twists and turns of Candi's life will have you tightly holding on. But, as with every survivor story, there is an abuse and there is as ascendence out to freedom and safety. To download Candi's free ebook, just click this link. This is Candi Rose's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

In 2015, I met with Carla Clanagan at many domestic-violence related events. Besides her limitless work in the domestic violence field, Carla was also the founder of "In His Eyes", an organization committed to helping women labeled as ex-offenders.  In 2017, Carla's daughter, Makenzie, was brutally attacked by an ex-boyfriend. She was fortunate to survive al that happened. After much rehabilitation, Makenzie is now using her tragedy to speak out on intimate partner violence.  Carla dedicated her life to helping young women stay safe from the epidemic we both know only too well as dating violence. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 one of a three-part story.  Holly wasn’t looking for a boyfriend the evening she met Phil. Soon after they met, she felt they might have a future together. Well, they did have a future. A horrific one. Sometimes abuse survivors display levels of loyalty that go beyond our imagination. This is one of those stories. We find ourselves pulling for Holly to stop the madness and break away from Phil. She goes quite far beyond that. She wanted this relationship to work, and Phil wanted to hang onto her and take her down with him. Holly had it in mind that whatever came their way, she was going to save both him and their relationship. Listen to this breathtaking story and see how she was fortunate to make it through this ordeal alive. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Part two of Meagan's story of abuse picks up immediately after she escaped certain death had she fallen from her fourteenth-floor apartment balcony. Her fall would have been precipitated by her boyfriend, Max.  She is not sure what o do about this abuser/boyfriend. Is he an unfortunate victim of himself, or a serial abuser bent on making her life a living Hell? Meagan is presented with a few chances to leave Max. But she wonders if a few facets of their relationship can be turned around, maybe it can become what she thought in the early days.  In this WHEN DATING HURTS episode, there are times when Meagan chooses to remain with Max over finding her own freedom. It's a vicious cycle many victims find themselves stuck in. She isn't sure whether to go to the police, call a domestic violence agency, or return home to endure further emotional and physical abuse from this man.  One morning, when Max was determining whether to kill her or let her live, it was time for her to decide her own fate.  This episode points out examples of abuse like "love bombing', "gaslighting", and more classic techniques worked to perfection by today's abusers. Be sure to listen to the end.  Bill Mitchell   WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode comes with content and trigger warnings: Domestic abuse, domestic violence, and graphic violence. The voice you hear on this WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode was created by artificial intelligence. It is not a real person's voice. The words spoken are a composite of beliefs and concepts expressed by dating and domestic abusers found within articles and interviews. They have been collected over nearly two decades. They have been reassembled as complete ideas and thoughts.   This episode illustrates how abusers portray themselves as victims. There is not one "portrait" that fits all abusers, of course, but many never take ownership of their words or actions, and they justify their abusive and destructive behavior.     Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Today, we are fortunate to have Sarah rejoin us on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. We are seeing a trend, which I like a lot. Survivors we have spoken with previously are returning and giving updates. You see, once a person has left an abusive relationship, some time later they understand more clearly what they had been enduring. For us, having them report back in is quite valuable. Their wisdom is lifesaving. In this episode, Sarah updates a toxic relationship with Johnnie (who popped up with text messages after six years of silence. That relationship is discussed in three previous WHEN DATING HURTS episodes. And for the first time, Sarah also discusses a relationship with another abusive man that was also unhealthy. It ended within the past year. Our thanks to Sarah for unselfishly adding to her story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

"Gabby" was in an abusive dating relationship when she was in her sophomore year at college. Even though she had dated a man for only two months, his power and control techniques were turned on "full strength". Gabby's story is a cautionary tale on what can happen when we don't know the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. She also sheds a bright light on dating apps; something parents and young adults who are dating need to take seriously. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Bianca contacted me wanting to share a situation her daughter, Gracie, experienced in high school. It was not in any way a romantic relationship, but had all the markings of an unhealthy relationship with Liz, another high school student. Gracie was lured into this abusive relationship during the high water days of Covid, when students needed to stay at home. So, getting access to school friends was limited. Time spent with Liz made it possible for her to manipulate Gracie until it became what could be termed “classic abuse”. This WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode demonstrates how students at the ninth and tenth grade levels can be taken advantage of if they are not introduced to the warning signs of unhealthy relationships. It is often within these relationships our young gain experience with how words and actions affect others. Gracie learned a tough lesson—as did her parents. Please share this episode with those you feel need to hear it. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

With survivor stories, it is so disturbing to hear what one person has done to another person. In these stories, it is always an ongoing pattern or campaign. It’s never just one instance or one awful act. In this episode, we speak with Josephine. She will tell us about childhood abuse, intimate partner, violence, psychological abuse, sexual assault, and even reproductive coercion. We want to thank Josephine for showing such courage and coming forth to tell us her story. Her life has taken her down many paths where she was taken full advantage of by predators of every kind. It is our hope, and I’m certain the hope of our listeners, that she has found peace and healing at this time. We know a multifaceted abusive past never fully fades away. But Josephine has found ways to use it to help others, and I am sure she is also helping herself. We want to thank her for her honesty, her spirit, and this selfless gift she has given us. This is Josephine’s story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 the first in a three-part narrative with Dawn. This story necessitates trigger warnings due to its adult language, violence, a shooting, the use of drugs, and both emotional and physical abuse. Dawn was a skilled auto mechanic living in the Mid West. She moved to the west side of Chicago to work on cars at a family friend's shop. She was set up for success. A man she met in her apartment building became her boyfriend. From the start, everything felt right, but slowly the relationship took on a whole-new existence. You will see how Dawn tried to downplay her boyfriend's unhealthy behavior to her herself. That every time he was abusive was an aberration, or could be explained away. There are all kinds of warning signs Dawn looked past. She could have had a completely different reality in Chicago had she paid closer attention to what was going on. By the time we reach part three of this story, it is a miracle that Dawn survived. This is Dawn's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

I was interviewed by Jerusha Mack from Halton Women's Place, which is located in Ontario, Canada. I felt our interview was so comprehensive, I wanted to share it with our "When Dating Hurts" listeners. Ms. Mack, a licensed teacher and a public education team lead on Halton's Violence Prevention and Community Education team, graciously said yes. Halton Women’s Place provides shelter and crisis services for physically, emotionally, financially, and sexually abused women and their dependent children. They are dedicated to ending violence against women and their children. Thanks to Jerusha Mack and Halton Women's Place for helping me bring this lifesaving information to you.  Bill Mitchell NOTE:        If you want to share your story of abuse    on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com Thank you for listening to us,         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 a short episode but it includes a couple of questions for you about dating violence. Plus, we added two more chapters from the WHEN DATING HURTS audiobook which will be released soon on Amazon and Audible. We are in final editing. I wish we could move faster. As we enter 2022, please think about putting a real emphasis on learning the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. You can google them online, or consider picking up a copy of the WHEN DATING HURTS book on Amazon. Not a big investment when it can make such a difference in someone's life.  If you know someone who's a survivor of dating (or domestic) violence, someone who wants to tell her (or his) story on this podcast, please contact me at BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 three parts with Sabrina.   She met him in her freshman year of college. He was a senior. Was it love at first sight? Maybe for her. Not for him. Jake had other ideas. This story is meant for parents with daughters in, or soon entering, college. It should be a time when they begin to take off in life and learn to find their way. But it be a time when they display their innocence and are easy prey for predators. Sabrina was a trusting young woman who put her life in the hands of a man who knew how to manipulate her until she had no power at all. The more she gave the more he took. We ask ourselves how these kinds of toxic/dangerous relationships take hold. We ask why a smart person doesn't just pick up and leave. This story will explain this from the POV of someone who still cannot understand how she had this happen to her.   This is Sabrina's story.   Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 in a two-part story.   At 16-years of age, Marie and a few high school friends went to a local university to hang out at some social events. That’s where she met Jake. Jake was a 21-year-old college student with aspirations of playing football. But injuries took that dream away from him. Instead, he used opioids and other means to deal with pain. In truth, he was addicted but said he had it under control. The Marie and Jake relationship “stuck”, and it lasted for years that included a list of red flags. While listening to Marie’s story, we find ourselves hoping she will see the light and direct her affections elsewhere. But it will take a long time for her to get there. In part two of her story, Marie speaks about an internship which allowed her to listen to highly dangerous domestic violence predators on probation. She gained powerful insights into the minds of abusers. Insights which helped her see Jake for who he truly was. In practical ways, this story describes red flags, drug abuse, dating abuse, coercive control, poor decision-making, and so many other missteps made (and consequences brought) in peoples’ lives. This is Marie’s story.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

The two episodes in this story come with content warnings.  You may find when listening to this story that the content is too intense for you. If that becomes the case, I strongly urge you: do not continue listening. The content and its descriptions tell of the intense emotional and physical abuse a husband put on his wife. I thought many times about following this story, but I promised myself years ago that listeners deserved the option of knowing about the worst of dating and domestic violence without looking the other way. Lisa Clayton is a hero in real terms.  She was so nice, sweet and innocent when she dated and married Josh Holden. Josh was, and remains today, a very sick-minded individual. He eventually held no conscience or barriers in what he would do to keep Lisa in line under his thumb.  The purpose of the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is to inform. You will find in this episode that warning signs that are overlooked will lead to the worst kinds of behavior when a relationship continues to be as unhealthy as it can get. In this story, Lisa Clayton gets to know the real Josh Holden. You will too. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 three parts with Paula. Our interview with Paula is strong and descriptive. You will immediately notice Paula's voice has been distorted so she could speak freely and cannot be recognized. We apologize that some parts may be difficult to understand. At the time of our interview, Paula was speaking from Melbourne, Australia. We spoke for 2 1/2 hours which has been edited into three parts of about 1/2 hour apiece. This will take you from the time she met John even though she knew a relationship with him would be problematic with his alcoholism. They married and had two children together. His behavior became worse. She did all she could to save the marriage, but, eventually, she had to flee with her two children. The story is challenging to listen to, but 1000 times more difficult to be the one who experienced it. We learn from survivors like Paula to trust our instincts, get out of unhealthy relationships early, take nothing for granted, and learn the warning signs of a potentially dangerous relationship. We appreciate this story that Paula brought to us on the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 a two part story with Teresa. Teresa's story includes many of the themes heard in other episodes of the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast. Like the many warning signs she did not heed. She is a quite generous, patient person, who finds herself locked into a relationship with a man who uses her in every way. You will hear how her husband, Aubrey, took full advantage of Teresa frequently, and yet her response was always to be unselfish, hoping if she treated him well, maybe he would come around. He never did. At this time, Teresa has taken what she's learned and is paying it forward to help today's survivors. This is Teresa's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

Blair wrote me and said, “The more I listen to your podcast the more I feel compelled to share.” Blair grew up, in her words, “Surrounded and molded by the dysfunction of my parents' volatile dynamic.” She describes that time in her life, and you will feel it. Later, she suffered dating abuse only days after graduating high school. She details what it was like and how it felt. Like most victims, she was lured into this with careful manipulation and grooming. It lasted five years. Like all "DV" survivors, when she hit her breaking point, only then did she realize and commit to breaking free. There’s much to be gained by listening to Blair's story. She is another heroic survivor who is shining a bright light on what domestic violence is—and how she reclaimed herself. Today, Blair lives in a happy and healthy relationship surrounded by her husband, her two adorable children, and her dogs. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 will be our third interview with Mindy. She is a survivor who first appeared in the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast 18 months ago. During our first interview together, Mindy used a created name (Becca). Back then, she had very recently broken away from her abuser of eight years. Mindy was determined to stay away from him, and a year and a half later, she is successful. Six months after our first interview, Mindy gave us her "progress report". She remained zero tolerance against any communications with this toxic man: a predator who had emotionally and violently abused her. Today, a year after her first progress report, Mindy is back with with us for another report. She is a happy person. She managed to see the importance of putting more emphasis on getting her personal life together. She doesn't feel she needs a partner to complete her life. Mindy represents a model case for moving on and doing her best to never look back. Her future is getting the attention now. Mindy has a new boyfriend today. It's still early, at the three months mark, but there are signs this new boyfriend, "Dustin", understands the importance of fairness in a relationship, and the need to be honest at all times. Be sure to share Mindy's interview with someone you feel needs to see what it's like to have your freedom back–on your own terms. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

We reprise a previous episode that deserved to be heard once more for the warning signs that this survivor missed, and the lessons she learned the heard way. Karen Widdoss is a courageous survivor of a murderous assault she suffered when she was a young teen.  In the summer of 1994, her ex-boyfriend attacked her and nearly took her life. How she managed to hold onto her life is a miracle.  Karen has added her voice to survivors of violent crimes by speaking out about her experience so no other woman would ever suffer as she has.  In this episode, we talk about "Karen’s Law" which dramatically changes the way parole board hearings are handled. "Karen's Law" was passed on November 25, 2020 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Karen Widdoss continuous to use her tragedy to dramatically help others in need.  NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 one of a two-part story with Claire. It comes with trigger warnings for its content and graphic descriptions. I was sent a link with a news segment from the West Coast. The newscasters were showing body cam footage of an intimate partner violence case that would later head into court. The footage was eerie to watch. It puts you right there outside of the building watching a man deny knowing anything had happened. But eventually, police find Claire in their apartment. Of course, an arrest follows. Had someone, a passerby, not called for the police, it's uncertain if Claire would have survived further bodily harm from this disgusting man. The predator who abused Claire had met a target he could manipulate, take complete of, and repeatedly injure. She thought she loved him, and she was prepared to do anything to save the relationship no matter now toxic it became. This is Claire's story. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 the second in a two-part story with Erin. Erin was taken advantage of while she was suffering through a highly sensitive passage in her life. Charlie presented himself as the right answer at the right time. Like many victims, she was an innocent, generous person. The kind of target predators are looking to lure straight into problematic relationships. The warning signs of potential danger were there, but Erin didn’t interpret them. You will learn plenty from this powerful episode. You will see how difficult it is to break from an accomplished abuser. You need to hear Erin's story.    Be sure you share this WHEN DATING HURTS episode with someone who's dating.    Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 a two-part story with Christy. Our interview with Christy demonstrates how hard this selfless woman tried to keep her marriage intact with barely any assistance from her narcissistic husband. Christy was consistently the best, most generous, wife and mother of three she could be. Her husband took full advantage of her with his power and control techniques. He took away most of her freedom in life. It took a strong will to break free. Be listening for the warning signs that could have steered Christy away from this terribly abusive man. Every survivor story is unique, but many of the warning signs in our survivor stories have similarities. Every one of our interviews illustrates the determination it takes to find freedom and restart a life. If you need to regain your freedom, start today. Seek assistance from a trusted friend, your church, your doctor, or domestic violence agencies in your area. Do something to save yourself. Abusive relationships are bound to get worse. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

Our guest is Dr. Diana Ponsky MD FACS, a double board certified in facial plastic and head and neck surgery, carrying certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. She has over 18+ years of experience in cosmetic surgery of the face. Dr. Ponsky has become drawn to humanitarian work. She’s performed free procedures for Face-to-Face — a charitable arm of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — in which she helped survivors of domestic abuse recover from facial injury. She will speak about this in our interview. In the past seven years, Diana has been able to grow her practice into one of the most successful in the area, serving upwards of 300 patients a year. In tandem with her work-life balance goals, the surgeon finds time to give back to her community through charitable healthcare and lessons she teaches at local high schools and Case Western Reserve University.  “I've had mentors and role models who’ve shown me that persistence and hard work are always admired," Dr. Ponsky says. "I want to continue to pay that forward by helping others and being an example to others."   It was a true honor to speak with Dr. Diana Ponsky. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

We met J R Waltemyer in the summer of 2019, and he remains a valuable contact for us at the Office of Victim Advocate (OVA) in Pennsylvania. OVA is the state agency with the authority and duty to advocate for the rights and needs of crime victims. OVA accomplishes their mission through victim services, which includes post-sentencing notifications of offender status and movements within the Department of Corrections and the parole system; restorative justice programs that promote resilience and healing; and they are currently developing new initiatives around crime prevention. OVA envisions a Pennsylvania in which justice thrives. They collaborate closely with fellow state agencies and community groups to develop and promote trauma informed programs. You will find this episode useful if you want to know how the system works to help all survivors of violent crimes.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

The two episodes in this story come with content warnings. You may find when listening to this story that the content is too intense for you. If that becomes the case, I strongly urge you: do not continue listening. The content and its descriptions tell of the intense emotional and physical abuse a husband put on his wife. I thought many times about following this story, but I promised myself years ago that listeners deserved the option of knowing about the worst of dating and domestic violence without looking away.   Lisa Clayton is a hero in real terms. She was so nice, sweet and innocent when she dated and married Josh Holden. Josh was, and remains today, a very sick-minded individual. He eventually held no conscience or barriers in what he would do to keep Lisa in line under his thumb.    The purpose of the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is to inform. You will find in this episode that warning signs that are overlooked will lead to the worst kinds of behavior when a relationship continues to be as unhealthy as it can get.  In this story, Lisa Clayton gets to know the real Josh Holden. You will too.   Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

"Rosy" is a listener from London, UK. She first came across our podcast when listening to an episode on the This Is Actually Happening podcast. It led to her listening to the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast and hearing interviews with abuse survivors. Rosy has spent most of her late 20's and early 30's recovering from the dating abuse she experienced. The WHEN DATING HURTS podcast has helped her in understanding her experiences. Rosy was in an abusive relationship (on and off) from the age of 19 until about 26. She found it hard to leave even after experiencing periods of happiness without him. Part of what kept her in the relationship was feeling unable to cut him off due to mutual friends, abandonment issues that stemmed from her childhood, and generally being subject to emotionally abusive tactics. This is Rosy's interview on WHEN DATING HURTS. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 one of two parts with Alexandra.  Her story follows along the path of many dating abuse victims. There were ample warning signs presented, but she didn't recognize them for what they were. And she stayed on a path that could have been her destruction. Taylor took advantage of Alexandra with every opportunity he created. When listening to this episode of the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, see how many red flags you can spot. It is good practice so you never fall prey to the various ways Taylor manipulated and compromised Alexandra. The relationship lasted only nine months, but for someone who is a victim, it can feel many times that.  Think about sharing this episode with your teenage children, a niece or nephew, anyone you feel would from hearing it. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

I was honored to appear on the Midday Show on WYPR which is hosted by Tom Hall. WYPR 88.1 FM is a local news station for NPR in Baltimore.  From WYPR's website: Tom's guest, is Bill Mitchell. For the past 16 years, he has been a passionate advocate for victims of domestic violence. He is the author of a book called When Dating Hurts: What We Learned About Dating Violence After Our Daughter’s Tragic Death, in which he shares the tragic story of his daughter Kristin's murder in a case of dating violence.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 in a three-part story. Danielle Patrice received very few breaks in life. Her parents divorced when she was young, and when she was in her early twenties, she lost her mother. Danielle was forced to figure out life by herself, and she did a magnificent job of doing so. A close male friend became her boyfriend. But, once his role changed, so did his handling of their relationship. In little time, he moved through the stages of abuse: emotional to physical. Danielle had no awareness of dating abuse warning signs, so she stayed with him as things became worse. The couple became married, and they had a son. Danielle had hope to create the traditional nuclear family she did not have growing up, but the relationship she was in had too many problems for this to reachable. Danielle’s story take time to tell. Therefore, it comes to you in three episodes. As with all our WHEN DATING HURTS interviews, there is much to be learned from those who have lived dating and domestic violence. Although Danielle’s narrative has many turns for the worse, it ends with her breaking free and writing a highly researched book that is now available. It is entitled, "Neuroscience: The Ecosystem of Domestic Violence”.     Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 one of a two-part story with Sarah. This story comes with warnings. There are of graphic descriptions of violence, use of adult language, and other disturbing depictions. So, please proceed carefully. Sarah lives in the Midwest. From the time she was young, she was denied attention from her parents. Her mother was alcoholic. Her father not only used drugs, he manufactured them. Sarah will tell us about this and a lot more. Life was not kind to Sarah as she advanced through high school and college. She was always generous to everyone, even when she should have walked away from them. Especially her boyfriends. You will hear about Johnnie. He was her savior at first but then her abuser. For six years. Watch for the warning signs as you listen to Sarah. The isolation from friends, the speeded it up parts of the relationship, the shaming and the misguided blaming. It is on full display her in part one. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 a two-part story from Sarah, who lives in Australia. Sarah and her siblings grew up in New Zealand under the tyrannical reign of a merciless stepfather. This man ruled their home with an iron fist that was directed mostly at Sarah's mother. For ten years, they needed to be on guard from his abusive behavior. Her mother bore the brunt of his emotional and physical abuse. It was fortunate her mother survived. When she was old enough to be on her own, Sarah moved away to Australia and married a man who embodied the strength she thought was needed in a husband. They had three children, but she found no power in her life. She was strictly a support person for this man who was emotionally and verbally abusive to her. That marriage failed. Sarah's daughter, Charlotte, the middle child, was quite strong willed. When Charlotte was in her late teens, she met a man and had a baby with him. There were warning signs in plain view, but these were dismissed by Charlotte. That relationship carries on even today and is a constant worry for Sarah. We thank Sarah for asking to tell her multi-generational story of abuse. There is much to be heard and learned in this narrative. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

J.D. McCabe maintained a loving relationship with his wife for nearly twenty years before their marriage, family, and world began to crumble. Their foundation had been rooted in "trust is the bedrock of a healthy relationship". Indeed, Erin had always claimed that things wouldn’t — couldn’t — work without trust. But Erin became suspicious of his every move. His phone calls, texts, and work emails were turned into proof of infidelity, drug addiction, and a network of lies on his part. She enlisted her mother in her efforts, and together they forged the words of family, trust and honesty beat him into the ground. Their accusations accumulated, twisting reality, and eventually resulting in Danny's involuntary hospitalization. Listen to J.D.'s story. You will not be able to guess where it goes or how he survived. You can read J.D. McCabe's full story in his memoir, "The Third Gift: My Dance with the Devil (and Her Mother)" Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 one of two parts. JaNae was studying to become a nurse. Tony was studying to be a doctor. To all who knew them, this looked like the perfect marriage of two smart professionals. Their parents were happy and proud of them. Nobody expected what was really happening in their “perfect world”. At home, when Tony couldn’t get his way or felt like dispensing some abuse, JaNae was bore the brunt of it. But she felt married for life and tried to get them to peace and maybe counseling. Nothing seemed like it was working. As time wore on, Tony described the pressure he was feeling in school. It made his time sharing in household duties negligible. His way of dealing with the stress was to play video games all evening and into the morning hours. JaNae carried the entire load of housework, and that’s while attending to her het own demanding studies. This story has several twists I never saw coming. I surmise you will feel the same way when you hear this two-part story. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 one of a three-part story. Julia is an Argentinian woman. As a child, she dreamt of coming to the US to further her education and experience all she had seen on TV and read in books. Her path was to become a hard-working au pair as a way to financially make ends meet. She also loved children of all ages. For a while, everything fell into place. She tried dating sites and met American men. One stood out as a man she could imagine marrying one day. He took his time before he showed his true self. That's when his control tactics kicked in and everything went horribly wrong. You will see how easily we can become duped by a narcissist — no matter where in the world we come from. They are practiced individuals who take their time to get to know us before they strike. Julia's story takes three episodes to tell properly. It's a powerful narrative to share with high school and college students. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 a two-part story. Deborah’s story takes us to places many of us have never been before. She spent time in the US Navy and then the US Army. We go to Virginia, California, Kentucky, and even Afghanistan before her return to the US. Before heading into Afghanistan with the US Army, Deborah meets Scott, who does a brilliant portrayal of being everyone’s best buddy while winning over Deborah’s heart. It here where warning signs are on full display but are unfortunately missed. Upon her return from Afghanistan, while in the US Army, Deborah, learns, she is pregnant with her first child. At this point, the relationship takes a major turn for the worse. This story shows how a covert narcissist can take on many disguises and fool many people. But when a narcissist is called out, or is not being obeyed, life can become turbulent and dangerous for the person being targeted. In this story, we see how Scott handles himself when Deborah is not compliant. We also learn how Deborah manages to keep her mind together when she is put to the test time and time again. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 episode comes with warnings about alcoholism, drug usage, violence and the use of profane adult language. This is three one of a three-part narrative with Candi Rose. Candi contacted us and asked to return to tell about the abuse she suffered. This interview took place about nine months after parts one and two. We appreciate her for wanting to rejoin us and fill in more about the dark days with Ashton. Candi Rose is her actual name. Her full name is Candace Rose. She was bullied in high school to the point where her mother moved her to a different school. There she fell in with the wrong crowd. Things became worse as she made a series of unfortunate decisions. Her lack of experience, wisdom, or good judgment landed her in jail as a convicted felon. Once released what did she do to make a living? She became a stripper. The twists and turns of Candi's life will have you tightly holding on. But, as with every survivor story, there is an abuse and there is as ascendence out to freedom and safety. To download Candi's free ebook, just click this link. This is Candi Rose's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 one of a two-part true dating abuse/violence story with Olivia Engstrom. Olivia was stretched to the limit by a man who swept her off her feet from the start. Never before had she felt so good about a guy—or about herself—as she did when dating him. That was his insidious scheme to capture her and keep her. At times, Olivia’s story will take your breath away. You will hear how this man speeded up every step of the dating process, so she felt she needed to either comply or lose him. He was the nicest guy when she followed his plans, but he became an angry, manipulative monster when she did not. You will hear how his family handled his misbehavior. At times, they berated him for his actions, but when the going got tough, they supported him against her. You will also listen to the many ways Olivia’s friends came to her side when she needed them. Olivia’s narrative will shine a light on what can happen when someone falls in love fast and cannot see what is right in front of her. There is much to be learned from this fast-paced story of love and abuse. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

I was delighted when I was contacted by "The Only One in the Room" podcast. Hosts Laura and Scott have a series that has earned national attention.  Getting onto this podcast series takes having a story they feel is worth their precious time and attention. The story of our family's journey after my daughter's tragedy gained us this opportunity.  This is quite a comprehensive interview. You will learn much about dating violence. If you know someone who is dating, I promise you this will be worth your time. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Sheri Kurdakul is a domestic abuse survivor. There is nothing typical about the abuse she suffered. Like many survivors of abuse, her story is challenging to listen to, but there is much to be learned from her. Most survivors I've met tell of frequent times they were on the receiving end of despicable abuse. But they also speak about the inventive ways they endured and eventually overcame those circumstances. This is one of those stories. At first, you might feel sorry for Sheri, but later you will come to admire and celebrate her courage and a desire to rise above.  This is Sheri's story. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 three of three parts with Sabrina.   She met him in her freshman year of college. He was a senior. Was it love at first sight Maybe for her. Not for him. Jake had other ideas. This story is meant for parents with daughters in, or soon entering, college. It should be a time when they begin to take off in life and learn to find their way. But it be a time when they display their innocence and are easy prey for predators. Sabrina was a trusting young woman who put her life in the hands of a man who knew how to manipulate her until she had no power at all. The more she gave the more he took. We ask ourselves how these kinds of toxic/dangerous relationships take hold. We ask why a smart person doesn't just pick up and leave. This story will explain this from the POV of someone who still cannot understand how she had this happen to her.   This is Sabrina's story.   Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 Lee Ann’s story part two of two parts. Our interview with Lee Ann, who lives in Florida, covers a lot of dating and domestic violence topics. You’ll hear about love bombing, overt narcissism, emotional and physical violence, and the rise and fall of a fortune made and lost. There is coercive control, deception, even degradation. You will also hear of the deaths of two ex-husbands. It’s all in this conversation. From living in a manor house with a housekeeper, to living on the run after calling in police to break up a domestic dispute, Lee Ann has seen it all. And she has experience at all.    And through it all, Lee Ann has been a determined survivor who found plenty of strength and she continues to recover. Lee Ann has never told her entire domestic violence story to anyone before.    This is Lee Ann’s story.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 one of a three-part story. This WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode comes with warnings about adult language. Lindsay is a podcast host. But not just any podcast host! Oh, no! Lindsay is on a mission. She aims to inform women about the multiple pitfalls of dating abuse and domestic violence on her "Bitch is a Bad Word" podcast. Lindsay is a force for good. A super heroine. She's an unstoppable voice who will give you straight talk about the realities of what can happen when you are unaware of abusive predators lurking behind attractive exteriors. He might look attractive, have money, be funny/smart, but what you see isn't always what you will be getting. Lindsay is here to smarten all of us up. Lindsay is speaking from experience. You'll see what I mean in this compelling episode on the WHEN DATIGN HURTS podcast. Here are ways to get in touch with everything Lindsay is doing: SUBSCRIBE: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@BitchIsABadWord INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword CONTACT: biabw@caliber-studio.com WEBSITE & MAILING LIST: https://www.caliber-studio.com/bitchisabadword NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • 10 WARNING SIGNS • 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 episode is a repeat of the first one in the series. I wanted to remind listeners why we created this podcast. I lost my daughter in 2005 when she was murdered by her ex-boyfriend after she was breaking up with him. Something like that stays with you for a lifetime. It was 17 years ago and feels like yesterday. Since 2005, I wrote a book about what happened with Kristin and gave it the same name as this podcast: WHEN DATING HURTS. That is also the name of all of the speeches I have given over the years. The WHEN DATING HURTS book came out as a paperback. Then an e-book. And lastly, an audiobook. The idea has always been that we learned many important insights about how to detect unhealthy relationships, and what to do to break free safely. We felt it our responsibility to share what we had learned.  So, therefore, the podcast series. The wonderful thing about podcasts is I can record one, edit it and share it all in the same day. I could not do that with a book.  I hope you listen to some of the episodes in this podcast series. There are 40 in all. I would love for you to share these with those you know who have children in high school or college. Consider this fact: one and three women will suffer serious physical harm from an intimate partner during their lifetimes. It typically happens between the ages of 16 and 24, but can happen to any woman at any age. It is shocking.  Thank you for listening to this. I hope you subscribe to this WHEN DATING HURTS series. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

You will find many lists of warning signs if you google them. You can also see a list of warning signs on the WhenDatingHurts.com website, if you like. Danielle's story has many warning signs of a toxic relationship that will show up throughout. Listen to her interview and learn where she made mistakes. Danielle's story underscores that breaking free is never easy. It can take multiple attempts. From the outside, it looks so obvious: Just break up. Get your stuff. And get out of there. Right? But it hardly ever happens that way. Lasting freedom takes time and patience. And it is all worth it. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 one of a two-part story My conversation with Charlee touches on areas we have not visited previously. She was born a twin to a mother who disliked children. Her twin brother might have had it worse because her mother hated men. It is debatable who made Charlee's younger years more miserable: her mother, her alcoholic father, her sexual predator stepfather, or her brother. By the time Charlee reached her teens, she realized she was a lesbian. And that took her to places she had never imagined. This story touches upon quite a lot of emotional abuse. In part two, there was also financial abuse mixed in. This is Charlee's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 story was first published a couple years back. I rereleased it because it's full of helpful information. Susan Saurman is a survivor on several levels. Abused by her father when she was young, she also needed to heal from the day he murdered her dear mother. This is part one of a two-part story that spans decades. Susan has not let anything deter her from her mission to use her family's tragedy to help others. My admiration for Susan is immense. We continue to stay in touch and we support each other. Susan's book, "The Courage I Learned ", is on Amazon. Susan is a survivor who has helped thousands of victims to become survivors. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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

Becca was coming out of a marriage that had lost all of its energy. She then thought she had found a guy who provided all she was missing.  For a while, he seemed to be "that guy", but when he showed his real self, he was more than she could handle. She never anticipated the trouble she was in for, and when things started to break loose, it was a turbulent storm. Hang in there throughout this two-part story with Becca. You will witness the warning signs she ignored on her way to a relationship that ended just weeks ago. A relationship she wishes she had never entered. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 in a three-part story. Sarah’s story of abuse starts off a bit slow but then it really gets rolling. It covers many of the warning signs (red flags) of what became an unhealthy relationship, and later, and awkward, disrespectful, one-sided, abusive marriage. Plus, there were children involved. Sarah somehow managed to stay true to herself. She never became as awful as the behavior that came her way from her husband.    There is so much to be learned in this heroic narrative about a young woman trying to make sense and live with someone when she was not prepared.    This is Sarah’s survivor story.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

Content/Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, domestic violence, alcoholism, and graphic violence. This is part one of a two-part narrative. What you hear on this WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode was created by artificial intelligence. It is not a real person's voice. The words spoken are a composite of beliefs and concepts expressed by dating and domestic abusers found within notes and interviews. They have been collected over nearly two decades. They have been combined to form complete ideas and thoughts.   The purpose of this episode is to illustrate how abusers often portray themselves as the victims. There is not one "portrait" that fits all abusers, of course. But let it be said that many never take ownership of their words or actions, and they justify any abusive and destructive behaviors.     Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 one of two parts.  Molly was so much like other survivors you might have heard in this podcast. She met someone she really liked. He had some issues, but she wanted to continue with the relationship. They met in college. They had little in common, but he was so different and exciting. He fit neatly in the category of a “bad boy”. Her parents and brother thought he was bad news, but Molly carried on with this relationship. Molly felt she could make him better by loving him. She thought he was worth it. He used dominance over her. He told her how to act, how to dress, how to live. He also had a difficult time telling the truth. Add to that his jealous feelings about everything she did. Her friends could never understand what she saw in him, but she married him anyway. He did his best to portray himself as the victim — the person who gave up everything for her. Credit goes to Molly for sticking with this man in marriage as long as she did. She took him to marriage therapists which did little to solve a union that could never work. Breaking away was not easy but there is much to be learned in seeing how Molly did it. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

On this informative episode of the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast series, we had the honor of speaking with Rosie Santulli. Rosie has been involved with the Women’s Center of Montgomery County for over ten years. The Women’s Center of Montgomery County is a domestic violence service near Philadelphia. After a long career as a research scientist in both academia and with Johnson & Johnson, Rosie felt it was time to rediscover herself. She had read a book entitled Half Time by Bob Buford. It focuses on transitioning in the second half of our lives. So, Rosie decided to transition her life from “Success to Significance”. Due to her passion for women’s issues, Rosie was drawn to the Women’s Center where she became a domestic violence hotline counselor. She soon moved into additional roles including: facilitating support groups, court accompaniment, outreach and education, peer counseling, and serving as a Board of Directors member. And finally, becoming the Co-President of the Women’s Center Board. Rosie feels the most gratifying aspect of her volunteer experience at the center is the growth and evolution of survivors who take that difficult first step to contact the center. Rosie is part of a team approach and has benefited from networking with amazing volunteers and staff who are integral in carrying out the mission of the center. The Mission is: Freedom from Domestic Violence and other Forms of Abuse. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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

There is little chance we will ever get an abuser to join us on this podcast and do a recorded interview. But, we have heard enough about the minds of abusers to have insights into what we would hear. It would be the justification of actions taken purely to gain control over another person. It would be a relentless pushback. That is what you will find in this episode. This episode, our fourth in this series, comes with content and trigger warnings: Domestic abuse, domestic violence, and graphic violence. The voice you will hear on this WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode was created by a computer program. It is not a real person's voice. The words spoken are a composite of beliefs and concepts expressed by dating and domestic abusers found within articles and interviews. They have been collected over nearly two decades. They have been reassembled as complete ideas and thoughts.   This episode illustrates how abusers portray themselves as victims. There is not one "portrait" that fits all abusers, of course, but many never take ownership of their words or actions, and they justify their abusive and destructive behavior.   NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 a three-part story. Holly wasn’t looking for a boyfriend the evening she met Phil. Soon after they met, she felt they might have a future together. Well, they did have a future. A horrific one. Sometimes abuse survivors display levels of loyalty that go beyond our imagination. This is one of those stories. We find ourselves pulling for Holly to stop the madness and break away from Phil. She goes quite far beyond that. She wanted this relationship to work, and Phil wanted to hang onto her and take her down with him. Holly had it in mind that whatever came their way, she was going to save both him and their relationship. Listen to this breathtaking story and see how she was fortunate to make it through this ordeal alive. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 a three-part story. Julia is an Argentinian woman. As a child, she dreamt of coming to the US to further her education and experience all she had seen on TV and read in books. Her path was to become a hard-working au pair as a way to financially make ends meet. She also loved children of all ages. For a while, everything fell into place. She tried dating sites and met American men. One stood out as a man she could imagine marrying one day. He took his time before he showed his true self. That's when his control tactics kicked in and everything went horribly wrong. You will see how easily we can become duped by a narcissist — no matter where in the world we come from. They are practiced individuals who take their time to get to know us before they strike. Julia's story takes three episodes to tell properly. It's a powerful narrative to share with high school and college students. dreamt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one in a three-part story. Sarah’s story of abuse starts off a bit slow but then it really gets rolling. It covers many of the warning signs (red flags) of what became an unhealthy relationship, and later, and awkward, disrespectful, one-sided, abusive marriage. Plus, there were children involved. Sarah somehow managed to stay true to herself. She never became as awful as the behavior that came her way from her husband. There is so much to be learned in this heroic narrative about a young woman trying to make sense and live with someone when she was not prepared. This is Sarah’s survivor story. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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 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 three of a three-part story. Julia is an Argentinian woman. As a child, she dreamt of coming to the US to further her education and experience all she had seen on TV and read in books. Her path was to become a hard-working au pair as a way to financially make ends meet. She also loved children of all ages. For a while, everything fell into place. She tried dating sites and met American men. One stood out as a man she could imagine marrying one day. He took his time before he showed his true self. That's when his control tactics kicked in and everything went horribly wrong. You will see how easily we can become duped by a narcissist — no matter where in the world we come from. They are practiced individuals who take their time to get to know us before they strike. Julia's story has taken three episodes to tell properly. It's a powerful narrative to share with high school and college students. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com 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