Why Smart People Stay in Toxic Relationships (And How to Break Free)

Most people don’t think they’re in a toxic relationship… until it’s too late.In this episode, Todd sits down with Dr. Brooke Jones to unpack what really defines a toxic or abusive relationship—and why even smart, self-aware people end up stuck in them.Resource Mentioned:https://youtu.be/dNvt_zSiIkg?si=4d3ZYPqn1ZXwSYL7This isn’t just about obvious abuse. It’s about the subtle patterns: Love bombing that feels like “real love”  Control disguised as care  Walking on eggshells and calling it normal  The cycle of staying, hoping, and repeating You’ll learn how to: Spot the difference between dysfunction and abuse  Recognize manipulation, control, and narcissistic behavior  Evaluate your current relationship honestly  Know when it’s time to leave—and how to do it safely  Break the cycle so you don’t repeat the same mistakes If you’ve ever ignored your gut, justified bad behavior, or found yourself in the same kind of relationship more than once… this episode is for you.👉 Resources mentioned: Power & Control Wheel (domestic violence tool)  StrongerWomen.com for support and guidance Dr. Brooke Jones is the founder and CEO of Stronger Women, where she helps survivors of domestic violence rebuild their lives with strength, clarity, and faith. With years of hands-on experience working with women in crisis, she specializes in identifying abusive patterns, guiding emotional healing, and equipping women to move forward safely and confidently. To support the UnYoked Podcast and to help others... PLEASE subscribe and rate.. right now. And if this resource is helpful, please tell a friend. Support the showThe UnYoked Podcast NetworkWhat is the UnYoked Podcast?The UnYoked Podcast is a specialized ministry outreach of UnYoked Living, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We provide raw, honest, and scripturally grounded blueprints for believers navigating the painful debris of an unexpected marriage breakdown. We firmly teach that while your marriage may have been unyoked, your life can remain powerfully yoked to Jesus Christ.Who is Todd Turner?Your host, Todd Turner, is an author, coach, and transparent voice who speaks directly from lived experience. Rather than recycling secular, bitterness-driven relationship advice, Todd guides brokenhearted Christians with a unique mix of hard-hitting practical wisdom and absolute biblical alignment, showing you how to turn profound trauma into a true redemptive transformation.Why Should You Subscribe?Healing isn’t a single event; it’s a daily walk. Subscribing to the network ensures you carry a community of truth, prayer, and recovery guidance directly in your pocket. Join thousands of other intentional believers who refuse to let divorce define their future, and instead choose to build a vibrant new baseline anchored fully on God’s word.