Surviving Toxic Relationships Podcast with The Matadoras

What happens when you know something is wrong in your relationship, but you keep convincing yourself that everything is fine?In this episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, Deana sits down with Marcelle LeBlanc, known as the Conversation Architect, to talk about why so many women struggle to identify what they truly want, speak up about what they need, and have the difficult conversations they have been avoiding.Marcelle shares her own story of discovering on her ninth wedding anniversary that her husband had taken his girlfriend to the British Virgin Islands. When he was caught, he never came home. Marcelle was left to dismantle the life they had built together, including dealing with the financial hardship and debt he left behind.That devastating experience eventually forced Marcelle to examine a much deeper question: Why had she spent so many years living according to other people's expectations instead of asking herself what she wanted?Through her work with thousands of women, Marcelle began noticing a pattern. Many women recognize that something is wrong in their relationships long before they are willing to admit it. Instead of treating their concerns as important information, they explain them away, minimize their needs, hope things will improve, or remain silent because speaking up feels too frightening.In this conversation, Deana and Marcelle discuss:Why women can be incredibly confident professionally but struggle to communicate their needs in relationshipsHow people-pleasing and inherited expectations can keep women disconnected from what they actually wantWhy resentment grows when small disappointments are never addressedHow to prepare for difficult conversations without losing your message in emotionWhy phrases like "you always" and "you never" can derail communicationWhat your partner's response to an honest conversation can revealWhy speaking up in a toxic relationship can feel especially dangerousHow starting with small conversations can help you develop the confidence to address bigger issuesAnd why it is never too late to begin working on yourselfSometimes the goal of an honest conversation isn't to save a relationship. Sometimes the conversation gives you the information you need to understand the relationship you're actually in.If you've been telling yourself that you're asking for too much, that you should just be grateful, or that what you're experiencing is "normal," this conversation may help you begin asking a different question:What do I actually want?You are not alone. You are not crazy. You are deeply loved.Connect with Marcelle LeBlanc:One Key Conversationhttps://onekeyconversation.com/Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Leaving a toxic relationship is hard enough. Add divorce, finances, children, custody, and the legal system, and it can quickly become overwhelming.In this episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras, we sit down with San Francisco divorce attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist Diana Romanov, creator of Divorce Like a Boss, to talk about what you need to know before filing for divorce, especially when you’re dealing with a toxic or high-conflict partner.Drawing from 15 years of experience in family law, as well as her own experience leaving a toxic relationship, Diana shares practical steps you can take to prepare and protect yourself before emotions and conflict take over.We talk about why it’s so important to know what YOU want before walking into an attorney’s office, how to gather financial records and important documents, why consulting with more than one divorce attorney can matter, and the warning signs that may indicate a spouse is hiding money or assets.Diana also shares her perspective on custody and high-conflict divorce, the emotional toll these battles can take on parents, and why getting the right emotional support early in the process is so important. Plus, we discuss a mistake many people don’t think about until it’s too late: what you post on social media during a separation or custody case can potentially be used against you.We also turn the conversation toward prevention. What should couples talk about BEFORE marriage? Diana explains why conversations about debt, money, financial expectations, honesty, and even prenuptial agreements shouldn’t be considered unromantic. They may reveal important things about the person you’re planning to build a life with.If you are contemplating divorce, preparing to leave a toxic marriage, navigating a high-conflict separation, or simply want to understand how to protect yourself before a relationship reaches that point, this conversation is filled with practical information and encouragement.Because sometimes loving with your eyes wide open means asking the difficult questions before you ever need the answers.In this episode:• What to do before filing for divorce• How to financially prepare for leaving a toxic marriage• Divorcing a narcissistic or high-conflict spouse• Financial abuse and potentially hidden assets• Choosing the right divorce attorney• Custody and co-parenting concerns• Social media mistakes during divorce• Prenups, debt, and financial transparency before marriage• Finding the emotional support you need while leaving• Rebuilding your life after a toxic relationshipYou are not alone. You are not crazy. You are deeply loved.This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Laws and individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation.Ways to connect with Diana Romanov: https://www.youtube.com/@Diana-RomanovDiana Romanov's Websitehttps://www.youtube.com/@Diana-RomanovSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

What happens when the person you trust most is secretly battling addiction?In this deeply moving episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, Deana and Lizzie sit down with bestselling author S.E. Tschritter to discuss her heartbreaking yet hope-filled journey after her husband—a pastor—relapsed into alcoholism, was diagnosed with stage-four cancer following a drunk driving accident, and ultimately asked her to write his story.Together they explore:Living with a spouse struggling with addictionWhy loving someone with addiction is so complicatedThe grief of broken trustFaith during unimaginable lossShame inside Christian marriagesWhy leaving isn't always as simple as people thinkHow God can redeem even the darkest storiesFinding healing after addiction and lossIf you've ever loved someone battling addiction—or wondered how to balance grace with healthy boundaries—this conversation will encourage and challenge you.Learn more about S.E. Tschritter and her books below.Her next book, a romantic suspense entitled The Lakeshore's Secret, releases October 6, 2026.The Lakeshore's Secret: https://www.amazon.com/Lakeshores-Secret-S-Tschritter-ebook/dp/B0GXLK7VKC/ref=sr_1_1?The Prodigal's Son: Crackhead to Jesus Freak https://www.amazon.com/Prodigals-Son-Crackhead-Addiction-Recovery/dp/B0G6TFPRTRRead more at https://loveunedited.com or Linktr.ee/LoveSamEvans.If this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.You are not alone. You are not crazy. You are deeply loved.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Who were you before the relationship changed you?In this honest conversation, Lizzie, Deana, and special guest Jennifer discuss what happens when years of people-pleasing, survival, and emotional abuse slowly erase your sense of identity. Together they share personal stories of rediscovering forgotten dreams, preferences, confidence, and joy while offering hope for anyone wondering who they are after a toxic relationship.Whether you're still healing or beginning to reinvent your life, this episode reminds you that losing yourself does not have to be the end of your story.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

If you've left a toxic relationship but still feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, or like your nervous system is always on high alert, you're not imagining it.In this powerful conversation, Lizzie and Deana sit down with breathwork pioneer Jon Paul Crimi to explore how trauma can become stored in the body—and why healing isn't always about talking through your past.Jon Paul shares his remarkable personal journey through addiction, recovery, and emotional healing after discovering conscious connected breathwork through his friend, Matthew Perry. Together they discuss:• Why trauma can stay trapped in your nervous system • The surprising connection between anxiety and stored emotional pain • How breathwork differs from box breathing and meditation • Why you may still feel "stuck" long after leaving a toxic relationship • The science behind nervous system regulation • How emotional healing can help you rebuild confidence and self-worth • Why healing is about more than simply "letting it go"Whether you're recovering from narcissistic abuse, emotional manipulation, chronic anxiety, or simply longing for deeper healing, this conversation offers hope and practical insight.Connect with Jon Paul Crimi: https://breathewithjp.comIf this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs hope today.You are not alone. You are not crazy. You are deeply loved.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Is your partner struggling with addiction, narcissistic behaviors, or both? How can you tell the difference, and more importantly, how do you begin healing?In this powerful conversation, we welcome Dr. Sarah Michaud, a clinical psychologist with more than 30 years of experience specializing in addiction and codependency. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal recovery journey, Dr. Michaud shares practical insights into the similarities between addiction and narcissism, why both can leave partners questioning their reality, and how codependency quietly develops over time. Together we discuss:• The overlap between addiction and narcissism• Why partners often feel "crazy"• Supporting versus enabling• Codependency and losing yourself• Boundaries that protect your well-being• Why you cannot change another person• Trusting your instincts when something feels wrong• Beginning your own healing journeyWhether you're living with an addict, recovering from a toxic relationship, or trying to understand confusing behaviors in someone you love, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope.Remember:You are not alone.You are not crazy.You are deeply loved.You can find Dr. Sarah Michaud:Dr. Sarah Michaud's Websitehttp://www.youtube.com/@leavingcrazytownSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this Behind the Mic episode, Lizzie and Deana share a personal update about everything that's been happening behind the scenes.From winning the Selah Award and attending the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference to meeting with publishers, redesigning their books, expanding into coaching and speaking, and preparing for significant life transitions, this episode offers an honest look at what it means to follow God's leading even when the future isn't fully clear.Lizzie also shares her decision to leave a long career in education and the faith required to step into a new season, while Deana reflects on the importance of trusting God's timing and embracing life's transitions.If you're navigating uncertainty, considering a major life change, or wondering what comes after healing, this conversation is for you.Thank you for walking this journey with us.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

What happens when childhood sexual trauma silently shapes every relationship, every decision, and every belief about your worth?In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, Tiffany Brearton shares her deeply personal story of childhood sexual abuse, shame, exploitation, toxic relationships, and the long road to healing.Tiffany opens up about how trauma affected her self-worth, why so many survivors struggle with relationships, and the freedom she found through faith, counseling, community, and God's healing grace.In this episode:• Childhood sexual abuse and trauma• Shame, secrecy, and emotional healing• How trauma impacts adult relationships• Human trafficking and exploitation awareness• Why survivors often feel "too far gone"• The power of safe community• Faith-based healing and restoration• Practical first steps toward recovery• Finding freedom from the lies of the pastIf you have experienced abuse, betrayal, trauma, or deep shame, this conversation offers hope that healing is possible and your story is not over.You are not alone.You are not crazy.You are deeply loved.To connect with Tiffany Brearton, learn more about her ministry, or explore her books and resources, you can find her here:Website:  https://www.tiffanybrearton.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybrearton/Book on Amazon:  From Stilettos to Grace. https://a.co/d/0hQDzVLLSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

What happens when the relationship you've been fighting to save turns out to be something entirely different than you believed?In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras, Heather Justice shares her personal story of emotional abuse, trauma bonding, narcissistic manipulation, and the shocking discovery that changed everything.After two and a half years of an on-again, off-again relationship, Heather uncovered an expunged felony record that forced her to confront the reality she had been unable to see clearly.Together we discuss:• Trauma bonding and emotional addiction• Breadcrumbing and intermittent reinforcement• Why survivors struggle to leave• Hidden red flags in toxic relationships• Narcissistic abuse and manipulation• Loneliness inside a relationship• Faith, healing, and recovery• Rediscovering your identity after abuse• How God can bring beauty from painful seasonsHeather also shares her devotional resource designed to help survivors heal through biblical truth, prayer, and rediscovery.If you've ever wondered:"Why couldn't I leave?""Why did I keep going back?""How did I miss the warning signs?"This episode is for you.You are not alone. You are not crazy. You are deeply loved.Connect with Heather Justice using the links below:Website:  http://heathernjustice.com/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hnjustice?si=hrhrK9dOZ2vk7KTtBook on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bKemytSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

At 63 years old, David Nassif unexpectedly lost his job after nearly two decades with the same company. Faced with the possibility of financial collapse, he chose to rebuild instead of giving up.Six years later, he had achieved financial freedom and created a simple one-page framework to help others avoid the mistakes he made.In this powerful conversation, David shares practical financial wisdom for anyone facing a major life transition, especially women navigating gray divorce, financial abuse, job loss, or the challenge of starting over later in life.Together we discuss:• Rebuilding after financial devastation • The emotional impact of losing your identity • Why many people feel trapped financially • Faith, perseverance, and resilience • The importance of financial education • Simple investing principles anyone can understand • Hope for those starting over after 50This episode is a reminder that your story isn't over, and it is never too late to build a stronger future.To learn more about David Nassif and download his free One Page Wealth Compass, visit:  https://onepagewealthcompass.com/Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

This conversation originally aired during our 2025 Breaking the Chains… Escaping Abuse telesummit with financial coach Suzanne Skolian, where we discussed one of the most overlooked forms of abuse: financial control.Financial abuse rarely begins with obvious manipulation. Often, it starts slowly through secrecy, monitoring, “allowances,” restricted access to accounts, damaged credit, or being made to feel incapable of surviving independently. Over time, money becomes more than a financial issue—it becomes a tool of fear, dependency, humiliation, and control.In this episode, we discuss: the hidden warning signs of financial abuse  how toxic partners use money to create dependence  the emotional and spiritual toll of financial control  credit destruction and economic sabotage  practical steps toward rebuilding independence safely  resources available for women trying to leave abusive situations  why financial abuse keeps so many women trapped longer than people realize Suzanne Skolian of Grace Financial Coaching shares practical financial guidance for women navigating difficult transitions, including budgeting, rebuilding credit, emergency planning, financial literacy, and understanding available support systems. If you have ever felt trapped, ashamed, financially dependent, or afraid of starting over, this conversation was created to remind you that you are not weak, and you are not alone.Because you are not alone. You are not crazy. And you are deeply loved.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Many women do not realize they are experiencing financial abuse until they try to leave the relationship and suddenly discover they have no access to accounts, damaged credit, overwhelming debt, or no safe financial path forward.In this deeply personal conversation, Lizzie and Deana discuss the hidden red flags of financial abuse inside toxic relationships, including:financial control and surveillancehidden debt and secret credit cardsshame around spending moneybeing monitored through banking apps and technologylosing access to passwords and accountsbankruptcy, damaged credit, and starting overfear of leaving because of financesgray divorce and midlife financial abuserebuilding after financial devastationpractical wisdom for creating a safe financial exit planBoth Lizzie and Deana share personal experiences of financial abuse, bankruptcy, damaged credit, and the emotional toll that financial control takes on women trying to survive toxic relationships.We also discuss the difference between healthy financial hardship and financial abuse, and why emotional safety, accountability, and transparency matter deeply in healthy relationships.If money has been used to shame you, monitor you, silence you, or control you, we want you to know that you are not weak, and your future is not over.Scripture:Galatians 5:1 — “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”Because you are not alone.You are not crazy.And you are deeply loved.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Have you ever looked back on a relationship and wondered… “How did I miss the red flags?”In this deeply honest conversation, Lizzie and Deana unpack the emotional, psychological, and spiritual reasons people stay in toxic relationships longer than they expected. From trauma bonds and manipulation to confusion, shame, love bombing, and slowly adapting to unhealthy patterns, this episode explores why the warning signs often don’t feel obvious until much later.If you’ve struggled with self-blame after betrayal, emotional abuse, narcissistic relationships, or manipulation, this episode is for you.In this episode:Why toxic relationships slowly train you not to trust yourselfHow confusion becomes part of the trauma bondWhy charm can hide a lack of characterThe emotional aftermath of “coming out of the fog”Faith-based healing after betrayal and manipulation7 ways to give yourself grace while rebuilding self-trustHow to stop blaming yourself for missing the signsThis conversation is part one of a healing series designed to remove shame, create awareness, and help survivors rebuild confidence after toxic relationships.Scriptures referenced:Proverbs 27:12Romans 8:1Psalm 34:18Joel 2:251 Corinthians 14:33If this conversation resonated with you, share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more faith-based conversations on healing, discernment, toxic relationships, and emotional recovery.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Why does betrayal cut so deeply—and why do so many people stay stuck for years, even decades?In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dr. Debi Silber, founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute, to unpack the science and psychology behind betrayal trauma—and what it really takes to heal.Dr. Debi shares her groundbreaking research across 100,000+ people and reveals:✔ Why betrayal is a distinct type of trauma (not all trauma is the same) ✔ What Post-Betrayal Syndrome is—and how it may be affecting your body ✔ The 5 proven stages of betrayal recovery ✔ Why most people get stuck in Stage 3 (and don’t even realize it) ✔ How betrayal impacts your trust, identity, and nervous system ✔ Why repeating toxic relationship patterns happens ✔ What true healing actually looks like (and how to get there)This conversation is especially powerful for anyone navigating:Narcissistic abuseInfidelity or double livesEmotional manipulationTrauma bondingChronic stress or unexplained health issuesIf you’ve ever felt like: “I should be over this by now… but I’m not” —you are not alone, and there is a path forward.Healing is possible. But it requires more than just “moving on.”You can reach Dr. Debi here:   https://thepbtinstitute.com/Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

What if the relationship you thought was “just difficult”… was actually harmful?In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras, we sit down with licensed therapist and trauma specialist Zulma Williams, founder of Dragonfly Therapy Services, to unpack the hidden reality of emotional abuse, gaslighting, and toxic relationship cycles.Zulma shares her personal story of surviving a narcissistic and abusive relationship—and why so many strong, intelligent women don’t recognize abuse until they are deeply affected.We dive into: • The subtle ways abuse begins (and why it’s easy to miss) • Emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse that doesn’t leave visible scars • Gaslighting and how it makes you question your reality • Why women stay—and why it’s NOT what people think • The cycle of abuse (and why it feels impossible to leave) • How trauma, anxiety, and depression are connected to toxic relationships • A powerful step-by-step exercise to challenge negative thoughtsZulma also shares how she rebuilt her life after abuse, overcame breast cancer, and found healing, purpose, and peace—proving that it’s never too late to start over.If you’ve ever felt: • Like you’re “walking on eggshells” • Confused, anxious, or emotionally drained • Like you’re the problemThis conversation is for you.You are not crazy.You are not alone.You are deeply loved.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who may need this message.Connect with Zulma: Links & Resources:https://dragonflytherapyservices.net/https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapisthttps://open.spotify.com/show/62zkFh5mzb5mkScrew0HCX?si=1LoBTAUuT7qXBRkbmYDgTA&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&nd=1&dlsi=cb49a17d12904ab0Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Are you going through a difficult season… or is something deeper happening in your relationship?In this episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras, we continue our Love With Eyes Wide Open series by unpacking one of the most confusing and important questions many women face.Sometimes conflict, stress, and outside pressures can make a relationship feel overwhelming. But how do you know if what you’re experiencing is temporary… or part of a harmful pattern?We walk through 5 clear signs to help you discern the difference, including:• Effort vs. resistance to change• Safety vs. fear• Growth vs. repeated harm• Identity vs. losing yourself• Conviction vs. confusionIf you’ve ever questioned your reality, felt like you were walking on eggshells, or wondered if you’re the problem… this conversation is for you.We also share powerful reflection questions to help you process what you may be experiencing and begin to move toward clarity and truth.If this message resonates, please share it with someone who may need it. Your support helps this reach others who are quietly searching for answers.You are not crazy.You are not alone.You are deeply loved.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Can you forgive someone and still walk away?In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, we sit down with award-winning author Eva Marie Everson to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in relationships: forgiveness vs. reconciliation.Through personal stories, biblical insight, and themes from her upcoming novel Miss Beth Betancourt, Eva shares:Why forgiveness does NOT always mean restoring the relationshipHow to set healthy, God-honoring boundariesWhat toxic relationships look like in families, workplaces, and lifeThe emotional and spiritual cost of holding onto bitternessHow healing actually happens over timeThis conversation is for anyone who has ever asked:“Why can’t I just move on?”“Am I wrong for setting boundaries?”“What does God really expect from me in toxic relationships?”Plus, hear about Eva’s new book releasing May 12, filled with rich storytelling, faith, and even Southern recipes passed down through generationsGiveaway: Listen to the episode and enter to win a free copy of her book by visiting her website (linked below) and mentioning this podcast.https://evamarieeversonauthor.com/Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras, we sit down with Diane McDowell, creator of the Brain to Heart Code, to uncover why so many emotionally intelligent women still feel unsafe in love—even in healthy relationships.If you’ve ever: Overreacted and didn’t know why  Felt triggered by something small  Struggled with people pleasing or weak boundaries  Attracted the same unhealthy relationship patterns …this episode will change how you understand yourself.Diane explains the concept of the “brain hijack”—when your nervous system mistakes safety for danger—and how this subconscious wiring impacts your relationships, reactions, and ability to set boundaries.We also dive into: Why disconnection is NOT a communication issue  The truth about boundaries (and why most people get them wrong)  How people pleasing is actually self-abandonment  The difference between your emotions and someone else’s “emotional dumping”  Practical tools to regain control and rebuild emotional safety This conversation is for anyone ready to break toxic cycles, reclaim their voice, and build healthier, more grounded relationships—from the inside out.🔗 Connect with Diane McDowell:Website: https://www.powerfulquestionscoaching.comMini Course: https://www.powerfulquestionscoaching.com/the-brain-to-heart-mini-courseSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, we sit down with trauma support specialist and reclamation coach Ashana Kaiulani to unpack what toxic relationships really do to your identity, self-worth, and ability to receive love.We dive into:Why toxic relationships make you feel unlovableThe truth about “reactive abuse” and self-blameHow trauma rewires your identity and behaviorsWhy you can’t “think” your way into healingThe role of safe relationships in true recoveryHow to soften without losing your boundariesThis is not just about surviving—it’s about reclaiming who you are.Listen now and take your first step back home to yourself.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with someone who needs this.Relevant links for Ashana’a information: https://linktr.ee/ashanak https://www.youtube.com/@WayHomeWellnesshttps://www.instagram.com/wayhomewellness/Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Codependency, toxic relationships, healthy boundaries, and emotional healing are at the center of this powerful conversation with boundaries coach Barb Nangle, founder of Higher Power Coaching and host of Fragmented to Whole.After decades of therapy and personal development, Barb hit a codependent breaking point at age 52. What followed was a life-changing journey through 12-step recovery, where she began to understand patterns of people pleasing, rescuing, and losing herself in relationships.In this episode, Barb shares:What codependency actually looks like in real lifeWhy focusing on others causes you to lose yourselfHow ignoring your own needs becomes a patternThe difference between being “nice” and being kindWhy charm can be misleading in relationshipsHow toxic behavior creates confusion, not always chaosWhat healthy boundaries actually look like in practiceHow boundaries lead to healthier communication and intimacyWhat a truly healthy relationship feels likeWhy it is never too late to change your patternsWe also discuss the emotional confusion that comes from being with someone everyone else sees as “a nice person,” and how that can cause you to question your own perception.If you have ever ignored red flags, overfunctioned in relationships, or felt like you lost yourself trying to make things work, this conversation will give you language, perspective, and hope.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Moral injury is one of the most misunderstood forms of trauma—and it may explain why so many women leaving toxic or abusive relationships still feel broken, ashamed, or beyond forgiveness.In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, we sit down with Navy Chaplain and combat veteran Dr. Larry Brant, who has spent decades helping individuals heal from PTSD, spiritual trauma, and moral injury.Together, we explore:What moral injury actually is (and how it’s different from PTSD)How toxic relationships and spiritual abuse create deep identity woundsWhy many women feel “unforgivable” after abuseHow faith is often twisted to control and silenceThe critical role of safe, non-judgmental support in healingWhy “just pray more” is not enoughA real pathway to restoration, healing, and hopeIf you’ve ever felt: ✔️ Like something is deeply wrong with you ✔️ Spiritually confused after a relationship ✔️ Ashamed of what you tolerated or experienced ✔️ Disconnected from your faith or identityThis conversation will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface—and why healing is possible.Dr. Brandt’s book: Restoring the Broken https://a.co/d/0eXHyJ6HSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Why do women stay in toxic relationships? In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, Nikki Allen shares her personal story of emotional abuse, physical violence, trauma bonding, identity loss, and the long journey toward healing and self-love.Nikki is the author of Loved You, Hated You, a bold novel inspired by real-life heartbreak. What began as a song became a screenplay and then a gripping work of fiction rooted in betrayal, emotional captivity, and the power of choosing yourself. In this conversation, Nikki opens up about abusive relationship patterns, why women stay, how childhood wounds can shape adult relationships, what healing really looks like, and how healthy love can feel unfamiliar after toxic love.We also talk about:toxic relationships and emotional abusetrauma bonds and why leaving is so harddomestic violence and reactive abuseself-worth after abusetriggers in healthy relationshipsboundaries, healing, and self-lovehow creativity can help process heartbreak and traumaNikki’s book Loved You, Hated YouIf you have ever asked yourself, “Why did I stay?” or struggled to trust healthy love after surviving abuse, this episode is for you.Find Nikki Allen and her work at NikkiAllen.comSubscribe for more conversations on toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, healing, boundaries, faith, and emotional recovery.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Can scripture be misused in marriage?In this honest and faith-centered conversation, Lizzie and Deana explore a difficult but important topic many Christian women quietly wrestle with: what happens when Bible verses are quoted without context and used to justify control, silence, or emotional harm.This episode discusses spiritual confusion in marriage, the misapplication of scripture, and the difference between biblical submission and spiritual manipulation.Many women have been told to submit more, pray more, endure more—yet instead of finding peace, they experience guilt, confusion, and spiritual fog.Lizzie shares personal experiences from a spiritually abusive marriage, while Deana discusses how spiritual confusion can develop when isolated verses are used without the full context of scripture.This conversation is not about attacking marriage or promoting divorce. Marriage is sacred and covenant matters deeply. Instead, this discussion seeks to bring clarity, discernment, and healing to women who may feel spiritually trapped or confused.Topics discussed in this episode:• Spiritual confusion in Christian marriages • When scripture is used to justify control • The difference between submission and manipulation • Misapplied Bible verses in toxic relationships • How spiritual abuse creates guilt and confusion • The role of discernment in faith and relationships • Why endurance is not always holiness • Questions women can ask when seeking clarityIf you’ve ever wondered:“Am I sinning if I leave?” “Is this conviction from God… or pressure from someone else?”This episode invites you to explore those questions prayerfully and thoughtfully.Because loving with eyes wide open means we seek truth, peace, and discernment.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

What if your burnout, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, or confusion isn’t a hormone problem… but a coercive control problem?In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, we sit down with naturopathic physician, author of The Pink Canary, and host of The Pleasure Principles, Dr. Jordin Wiggins.Jordin works with high-achieving women who appear successful on the outside but are secretly struggling in sexless marriages, emotionally abusive relationships, or rebuilding after divorce.In this conversation, we discuss:• What coercive control actually looks like • Why “super traits” make women more vulnerable to abuse • The connection between toxic relationships and sexual dysfunction • Why traditional therapy often misses power dynamics • Why abuse escalates after separation • How burnout, binge eating, libido loss, and anxiety may be trauma responses • Why “hurt people hurt people” can excuse abuseDr. Wiggins shares her personal story of unknowingly being in an abusive relationship, the medical symptoms she developed, and how awareness changed everything.If you have ever felt confused, blamed yourself, or wondered why nothing you tried “fixed” the relationship, this episode is for you.Because sometimes the problem isn’t you. It’s the system you’re living in.Links to Dr. Wiggins’ book, podcast, and quizzes are below.(Supertraits Quiz) https://form.typeform.com/to/p9OQD3F5?typeform-source=www.upwork.com(Website) https://www.thepleasurecollective.com/Subscribe for more faith-centered conversations on discernment, emotional health, and healing from toxic relationships.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

What if boundaries aren’t rejection… but stewardship?Many Christian women struggle to set boundaries because they fear being unloving, unforgiving, or “not submissive enough.” But boundaries are not walls. They are not punishment. They are protection.In this episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships and the Love With Eyes Wide Open series, Lizzie and Deana unpack the biblical difference between boundaries and emotional walls — and why discernment and boundaries must work together.You’ll hear:• Why people-pleasing leads to resentment • The difference between faith-based boundaries and fear-based walls • How spiritual manipulation distorts Scripture • What healthy boundaries actually sound like in real life • Why boundaries require follow-through • When a silent exit plan may be necessary • How to stop feeling guilty for protecting your peaceIf you’ve ever asked: Am I overreacting? Is it unchristian to protect myself? Why do I feel guilty when I say no?This conversation will help you move forward with clarity, courage, and Christ-centered wisdom.Because discernment recognizes truth. Boundaries protect the peace that follows. Resources Mentioned: Love With Eyes Wide Open: Teaching Our Daughters to Recognize Red Flags and God’s Voice in Relationships: https://amzn.to/45VZISD Coming soon: When Something Feels WrongFollow Surviving Toxic Relationships for more faith-based conversations on emotional health, toxic relationship patterns, and spiritual discernment.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Divorce doesn’t have to be a battlefield.In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, Lizzie and Deana sit down with divorce mediator and communication strategist Elizabeth Merrill, founder of Open Space Mediation. Liz shares her personal journey through a high-conflict marriage, emotional abuse, and the moment her children helped her find the courage to leave.Together, they unpack the hidden emotional and financial costs of litigation, how fear and misinformation keep women stuck, and why mediation can sometimes create healthier outcomes for families navigating separation.If you’re facing a toxic relationship, high-conflict divorce, or wondering how to protect your peace while making wise legal decisions — this conversation offers clarity, education, and hope.In this episode, we talk about:-Narcissistic abuse patterns and fear tactics in divorce-Why many women stay longer than they want to-The emotional brain vs logical decision-making during separatin-Mediation vs litigation: cost, conflict, and co-parenting outcomes-Communication tools for calmer, more productive conversations-How education reduces fear in high-conflict situationsWhether you're considering divorce, supporting a friend, or healing after a toxic relationship, this episode brings practical insight and compassionate perspective.You can reach Liz Merrill https://www.openspacemediation.com Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

What is discernment, and how do Christian women recognize red flags while still leading with faith, wisdom, and peace? In this first episode of the Love With Eyes Wide Open podcast series, Lizzie and Deana talk about biblical discernment, Christian relationship advice, guarding your heart, parenting with spiritual wisdom, and how to recognize toxic relationship patterns before heartache begins.This faith-centered conversation explores how spiritual sensitivity, observation over time, and listening for God’s voice help women and mothers guide themselves and their daughters toward healthy, Christ-centered relationships. Lizzie and Deana share personal experiences, lessons learned from past marriages, and practical encouragement for parents raising daughters in today’s world.If you are a Christian woman seeking clarity, wisdom, and discernment in relationships, this episode will help you slow down, notice patterns, and choose peace over pressure. And for Christian mothers who desire to guide their daughters with faith and wisdom, this conversation offers encouragement and practical insight to help you model discernment, recognize red flags early, and teach the next generation how to build Christ-centered relationships.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Trauma. Addiction. Toxic relationships. Shame. Mindset renewal.In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, we sit down with Rose Ann Forte, international bestselling author and creator of the Choose Freedom program—a faith-forward, neuroscience-backed approach to overcoming life-interfering behaviors.Rose Ann shares her personal journey through a toxic marriage, substance use as coping, CPTSD, and deep spiritual confusion—and how renewing her mind through Scripture paired with neuroscience transformed her life. As a former C-suite executive and church leader, Roseanne brings wisdom, compassion, and clarity to conversations many women of faith struggle to have out loud.In this episode, we explore:Why faith alone without mind renewal can keep people stuckHow trauma, addiction, and toxic relationships share similar brain patternsWhat cognitive dissonance looks like in relationships and substance useHow gratitude and awareness literally rewire the brainWhy labels and shame prevent healing for many womenHow boundaries restore agency and self-respectWhat “renewing the mind” looks like in real life, not theoryThis conversation is for women who love God but feel trapped in patterns they can’t break—and are ready to experience freedom without shame.🔗 Learn more about Roseanne Forte & the Choose Freedom program:https://www.choosefreedom.todaySupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Narcissistic abuse. Gaslighting. Coercive control. Legal abuse. In this episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, we sit down with Skye Bellarmine, author of the Breaking Solace trilogy, to talk about surviving 20 years of narcissistic abuse, the moment she realized she wasn’t “crazy,” and the practical steps that helped her leave, heal, and rebuild.Skye shares how narcissists weaponize reputation (“she’s too sensitive,” “she’s brain damaged”), how they use financial control, and why survivors often feel hypervigilant even after the relationship ends. We also unpack gray rock, the role of faith during separation and divorce, and Skye’s powerful tool: writing your “20 reasons why” so you don’t get pulled back into doubt and love-bombing.You’ll hear:What a narcissistic rage looks like (and why it feels unreal)How gaslighting erodes self-trust—and how to protect yourselfWhy narcissists drag out divorces and use courts to punish (“legal abuse”)Why building a tribe matters (attorney, support, trusted friends)How trauma bonds and love-bombing keep people stuckWhy telling your story (writing/podcasting/journaling) helps survivors come back to themselvesGuest: Skye Bellarmine — author of Breaking Solace & Escaping SolaceSkye's Website: https://www.skyebellarmine.comSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Conflict doesn’t mean failure, it means information.In this powerful conversation, Dr. Jen Fry explores why self-advocacy, boundaries, and conflict resolution are essential skills, especially for women navigating toxic relationships, people-pleasing patterns, and emotional burnout.Women are often taught to avoid conflict at all costs, but avoidance comes with a price: anxiety, resentment, loss of self-trust, and damaged mental health. Dr. Fry introduces the concept of micro advocacy—small, intentional acts of self-advocacy that build confidence, self-worth, and emotional resilience over time.Together, we unpack:-Why conflict is a learned skill, not a personality flaw-How setting boundaries protects mental health-Why your first no is often the easiest one-How conflict reveals the depth (or limits) of relationships-Practical steps for navigating toxic relationships safelyWhy teaching children conflict resolution is essential for healthier communitiesThis episode is for anyone ready to stop shrinking, start speaking, and learn how to navigate conflict in a way that leads to personal growth, clarity, and empowerment.This video explores conflict as a teachable skill rather than something to be feared, challenging societal conditioning that encourages women to prioritize peace and silence at the expense of their well-being. Dr. Jen Fry discusses why engaging in conflict is crucial for mental health, contributing to personal growth and self improvement. She introduces micro-advocacy as a way to build confidence and highlights that effective conflict resolution is key to healthy relationships.Find Dr. Jen Fry at: https://jenfrytalks.comSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this powerful story, a teenager’s quick thinking after a devastating car crash leads to a startling discovery—one that forces him to confront years of emotional abuse, silence, and buried truth.In this episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, we sit down with Steve Eichenblatt, attorney and author of Pretend They Are Dead, to explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the quiet ways it shapes identity, relationships, and self-worth. At just sixteen years old, Steve witnessed a horrific accident and realized the severely injured man he helped save was his biological father—the same father who had abandoned him years earlier.That single moment reopened a lifetime of unresolved pain, emotional neglect, and fear-based control. Like many survivors of childhood trauma, Steve learned early how to survive by staying silent. For decades, he carried this experience alone, unaware of how deeply it influenced his relationships, marriages, and sense of self.This conversation highlights what it truly means to overcome a victim mentality. It is a testimony of self-improvement and personal growth, rooted in the conscious decision to stop living defined by past wounds. Steve shares how healing required accountability, vulnerability, faith, and the courage to confront what was hidden.This episode serves as a reminder that trauma does not have the final word. Moving beyond survival is possible—and choosing healing is always allowed.You are not crazy. You are not alone. And growth can begin, even after years of silence.Thank you for our special guest, Steve Eichenblatthttps://www.stevenscotteichenblatt.com/You can find a copy of his book using the link below:Pretend They Are Dead: A Father's Search for the Truth:  https://bit.ly/4ad8VIFSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

This episode is for anyone who has ever asked: “Why am I still paying the price for someone else’s abuse?”In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, hosts Deana and Lizzie sit down with Joni Woods, a certified life coach, culture strategist, and founder of Journey Coaching, to discuss what happens after you leave a toxic or narcissistic relationship—especially when the family system turns against you.Joni shares her deeply personal story of surviving narcissistic abuse, navigating a contentious divorce, and enduring the devastating aftermath when her ex-husband passed away and his family turned their anger toward her and her children. What followed was court battles, emotional trauma, and the painful reality of watching her children suffer collateral damage from unresolved bitterness and manipulation.Together, we explore:How narcissistic abuse impacts children long after a relationship endsWhy toxic family systems often protect the abuserThe emotional intelligence skills survivors need to heal and lead their families forwardHow to communicate boundaries without guilt or fearRecognizing when you’re staying out of fear instead of safety or truthWhat it looks like to parent through trauma with honesty and resilienceIf you are a survivor of emotional abuse, narcissistic relationships, or family trauma—and you’re trying to protect your children while rebuilding your life—this conversation will leave you feeling seen, validated, and empowered.You can find Joni Woods and her work through the link below.https://journeylifecoaching.life/Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, with Deana and Lizzie sit down with Brooke DeBoer, author of Living the Free Life and a life coach whose journey from bullying and emotional abuse to healing and freedom is both deeply personal and incredibly inspiring.Brooke shares how years of peer bullying, emotional trauma, unhealthy relationships, and limiting beliefs shaped her self-worth—and how faith, counseling, self-care, and mindset work helped her break free. From childhood bullying and emotionally abusive relationships to becoming a confident woman, coach, and published author, Brooke offers hope for anyone who feels stuck, unseen, or trapped by their past.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How bullying and emotional abuse impact adult relationshipsWhy limiting beliefs keep women stuck in toxic patternsThe connection between trauma, faith, and self-worthHow religious pressure can become a form of emotional controlPractical steps to heal, rebuild confidence, and live freeWhy choosing yourself is often an act of faithIf you’ve ever struggled with:Low self-esteem after bullyingEmotional abuse or manipulationFear of leaving a toxic relationshipReligious guilt keeping you stuckFeeling “unlovable” or not enoughThis episode will remind you: healing is possible, freedom is real, and your past does not define your future.🔗 Guest Resources:🌐 Website: https://thebrookdeboer.com📘 Book: Living the Free Life (available on Amazon & audiobook platforms)Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this gripping episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships with Deana and Lizzie sit down with Ken Childs, a veteran Los Angeles private investigator whose 25-year career includes celebrity cases, criminal investigations, and exposing double lives.Ken opens up about the rise of online deception, emotional cheating, and how narcissists use manipulation and control to hide their true selves. He shares insider tips on:How private investigators uncover hidden relationships and fraud.Why online “truth finder” apps often miss the real story.How to recognize early warning signs and trust your instincts.Simple steps to protect your identity, safety, and peace of mind in today’s digital dating world.If you’ve ever questioned someone’s truth—or your own intuition—this episode will open your eyes.Kenneth Childs, PI:https://licensed-investigator.com LinkedIn Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this deeply personal episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, Lizzie shares her full story—one that spans faith, marriage, motherhood, religious abuse, emotional control, and survival.From marrying young with the belief that God had ordained the relationship, to enduring years of infidelity, manipulation, and spiritual coercion, Lizzie opens up about what it means to love God deeply while living in a marriage that slowly eroded her safety, identity, and voice.She shares the realities of:Religious abuse and misused ScriptureEmotional control and walking on eggshellsStaying “for the children” while losing yourselfThe moment fear became undeniable—and survival became necessaryRebuilding life as a single mother of fourDiscovering that not all abuse looks the same, even years laterFinding clarity, community, and healing after toxic relationshipsThis episode also honors the power of motherhood, the long road of family healing, and the courage it takes to break generational cycles so that the next generation can live with discernment, freedom, and truth.If you have ever questioned your faith because of a toxic relationship, felt torn between obedience and safety, or wondered if God could still redeem your story—this episode is for you.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Episode 81:  If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book—or wondered if it’s too late—this inspiring episode is for you.In this powerful conversation on Surviving Toxic Relationships, hosts Deana and Lizzie talk with Terry Whalin—author, editor, literary agent, and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing—about how midlife can become the perfect time to tell your story, share your testimony, and transform your pain into purpose through writing.Terry has written more than 60 books and worked with over 50 magazines, giving him a unique perspective on both sides of the editorial desk. Together, they explore how to publish your first book, how to choose between traditional, self, and hybrid publishing, and what it really takes to bring your story to life.If you’ve come out of a toxic relationship, survived trauma, or simply feel called to write and leave a legacy—this episode will give you clarity, courage, and practical steps to begin.In this episode, you’ll learn:The three main publishing paths—and how to choose the right one for your goalsWhy midlife is the perfect time to write your story or memoirHow to start with a strong book proposal that opens doorsCommon publishing myths that keep writers stuckHow to use magazine writing and short stories to build your credibilityFaith-based encouragement to turn your healing journey into purposeSpecial Resources Mentioned:Free book proposal guide: BookProposals.wsTerry’s book 10 Publishing Myths with $200 in bonuses: PublishingOffer.comSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Welcome to Surviving Toxic Relationships, a faith-based podcast created for women who are healing, rebuilding, and reclaiming their voice after emotional and relational abuse.Hosted by Lizzie and Deana—two women whose lives unexpectedly intersected through a shared past—this podcast offers honest conversations about manipulation, gaslighting, betrayal, trauma bonding, and the long road to recovery. Our goal is not to diagnose or label, but to bring clarity, truth, and hope to women navigating the aftermath of toxic relationships.Each episode creates a safe space for reflection, discernment, and spiritual renewal—reminding listeners that healing is possible, boundaries are biblical, and your story is not over.If you’re learning to trust again, rediscover your worth, and walk forward in faith after relational trauma, you’re in the right place.You are not alone—and healing begins here.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this deeply personal episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, Lizzie opens up about how the holidays can feel different—lonelier, quieter, or unexpectedly emotional—especially after walking through heartbreak, divorce, or the loss of family traditions.Midlife brings new realities: children growing up, parents passing on, relationships ending, and identities shifting. What once made the season magical—the gatherings, the laughter, the sense of belonging—can now stir up grief, longing, or uncertainty about where we fit.Through her own story of midlife change, divorce, and rediscovering faith, Lizzie offers encouragement for women who find the holidays bittersweet. She reminds us that we can grieve what’s gone, honor what was, and still find comfort and meaning in what remains.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why the holidays often trigger grief after toxic relationships or lossHow to handle loneliness when family traditions or roles changeThe emotional shift from being “the one who made the magic happen” to finding peace in stillnessFaith-based encouragement for navigating change and rediscovering yourselfWays to rebuild new traditions with grace and self-compassionEven when your world feels different, peace is still possible. Healing doesn’t mean pretending—it means allowing yourself to feel, to grow, and to find joy again.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

The holidays can intensify toxic family dynamics, emotional labor, grief, and high-conflict co-parenting. For many women, this season brings pressure to perform, suppress pain, and hold everything together.In this episode, Lizzie and Deana talk honestly about why the holidays feel so heavy for women navigating emotionally unsafe relationships and life transitions. We discuss guilt, boundaries, caregiving overload, and why real self-care is not selfish—it’s protective.This episode offers permission to say no, leave early, grieve what’s changed, and guard your heart without shame. If the holidays are hard this year, you are not alone—and you are not doing them wrong.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

What if the greatest pain in your life was also the beginning of your purpose?In this powerful episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, hosts Deana and Lizzie welcome Dr. Wole (Oluwole) Babatunde—a physician, psychiatrist, author, and faith leader whose extraordinary story proves that resilience and divine purpose can rise from even the darkest valleys.In this deeply moving episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships with Deana and Lizzie, we meet Dr. Wole (Oluwole) Babatunde—a man whose life is a living testimony of faith, discipline, and healing after loss.Orphaned as a child in Nigeria, Dr. Wole faced profound grief and adversity. Yet through unwavering faith, purpose, and resilience, he chose not to be defined by tragedy but transformed by it. His message of “Adapt and Advance” challenges us all to turn pain into power, heartbreak into healing, and trials into triumphs.Dr. Wole’s book, Adapt and Advance: A Faith-Based Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Trials into Triumphs, introduces his transformative M.A.P.L.A.M.P. framework — Meaning-Making, Action, Planning, Learning, Alliance Formation, Mission, and Prayer — a spiritual and practical roadmap for anyone seeking to rebuild after trauma, loss, or toxic relationships.🎧 Listen in to discover: -How faith and emotional discipline create lasting resilience -The power of reframing pain through meaning-making -Why compassion and service are the ultimate forms of healing -How to keep walking forward—no matter the fire you faceDr. Wole’s story reminds us that while grief may visit, grace always remains.Connect with Dr. Wole Babatunde: 🌐 Website: oluwolebabatunde.com 📘 Book: Adapt and Advance on Amazon ▶️ YouTube: @OluwoleBabatunde1870 📘 Facebook: Oluwole Babatunde 💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Wole Babatunde✨ If you’re struggling to find hope, this episode will remind you: You can cry. You can rest. But don’t stop walking forward.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

What happens when the pain and exhaustion isn’t “in your head” — but everyone tells you it is?In this powerful and validating episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, Lizzie and Deana talk with Tami Stackelhouse, founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute and host of The Fibromyalgia Podcast.Tami shares her deeply personal journey from being dismissed and misdiagnosed to finally understanding her chronic pain, and how trauma, stress, and fibromyalgia can feel like an invisible toxic relationship with your own body. She opens up about the emotional impact of medical gaslighting, mental health struggles, and the long road to reclaiming your power and trusting your body again.You’ll learn how to:✨ Recognize the signs of medical gaslighting✨ Understand the link between trauma, depression, and chronic pain✨ Advocate for yourself after misdiagnosis✨ Practice self-compassion and emotional healing✨ Find validation and community through awareness💜 Watch if you’ve ever felt dismissed, gaslit, or unseen — by others or by your own body.🎧 Guest: Tami Stackelhouse📚 Author, Fibromyalgia Coach & Founder, International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute🔗 Learn more: fibromyalgiapodcast.comFibromyalgia Podcast®International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, LLCGet FREE fibromyalgia books and resources hereSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

Have you ever worked for a fear-based leader, a toxic bully boss, or someone in authority who used intimidation and harassment instead of emotional maturity? In today’s eye-opening conversation, Kate Lowry, CEO Coach and Author of "Unbreakable: How to Survive Under Fear Based Leaders"  breaks down why so many leaders behave more like emotionally reactive children than competent adults — and how their lack of emotional intelligence can create abusive, chaotic workplaces.Kate explains the shocking truth: many leaders are not actually adults emotionally.They operate from fear, insecurity, and power struggles — the same way a child does when they feel out of control. Think: “a five-year-old with car keys.”This episode teaches you how to understand and navigate the behavior of fear-based, toxic leaders by becoming the grounded emotional adult in the room. You’ll learn how to recognize their emotional limitations, help them name their feelings, interrupt their intimidation patterns, and protect yourself from their bullying tactics.If you’ve ever been belittled, humiliated, micromanaged, or made to feel “less than” by a boss who used fear instead of leadership — this conversation will validate your experience and give you tools to reclaim your power.What You’ll Learn:• Why fear-based leaders rely on control, intimidation, and emotional manipulation• How toxic bosses use bullying behavior when they lack emotional intelligence• Why emotionally immature leaders behave like children in adult bodies• How to identify a leader’s emotional limitations before they hurt you• How to stay grounded and emotionally regulated around abusive authority figures• Why being “the adult” protects your confidence and career• How to guide leaders toward better behavior without being their doormat• Why supported leaders rely on the emotionally mature people around themIf you’ve ever whispered to yourself:“I want to be the adult here… but why is my boss acting like a child?”— this episode will feel like someone finally turned on the lights.Check out Kate's book here!   https://a.co/d/6V16oL2Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

After a 25-year marriage ended suddenly, emotional-wellbeing expert and artist Elizabeth Jane turned heartbreak into a mission: to help others climb out of the quicksand of grief, reclaim self-worth, and rebuild a full life. In this episode Elizabeth shares practical, bite-sized tools that helped her move from shock → survival → reinvention — plus mindset shifts every woman leaving a long relationship needs to hear.In this episode we cover: • Quick presence tools to stop the “should’ve / could’ve / would’ve” spiral. • The ABCs of healing: Acknowledge → Boundaries → Conversation. • How finding small daily practices (10 things that lift you) pulls you out of   grief. • Reframing blame: “People did stuff to us — the perpetrator is responsible.” • Forgiveness vs. trust — why forgiveness can free you even when trust must be rebuilt. • Why rediscovering yourself is the real “gift” divorce can give.Grab Elizabeth’s book and art: https://a.co/d/4tG7WCy Follow Elizabeth: https://elizabethjane.com.au/ Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this powerful episode, Lizzie and Deana speak with Tracy DeTomasi, CEO of Callisto, a groundbreaking nonprofit using secure technology to connect survivors of serial predators—without forcing them to go public.Tracy shares how the Callisto Vault platform empowers survivors to safely report, match with others harmed by the same perpetrator, and make informed choices about next steps. The conversation dives deep into the psychology of grooming, the myths around “risk reduction,” and how shifting the focus from “don’t get assaulted” to “don’t assault” changes everything.In this episode: • How trauma-informed technology is changing survivor advocacy • What “Callisto Vault” does and how it protects privacy • The difference between minimizing risk vs. blaming victims • How grooming happens at any age—and how to recognize it • Why we need to hold perpetrators accountable, not survivors💡 Learn more about Callisto: https://www.projectcallisto.org  💬 Share this episode to help raise awareness — someone you know may need this resource.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this raw & honest episode, Lizzie opens up about her courageous journey of leaving a toxic relationship and rebuilding her life from the ground up. She shares how healing isn't a single dramatic moment, it's a process that unfolds in stages, with every step leading toward self-discovery and empowerment. From surviving emotional turmoil to stepping into a season of reinvention, Lizzie reflects on the power of community support, the importance of self care, and how she's transforming her pain into purpose.   As she transitions from her teaching career to a life filled with travel and helping others heal, Lizzies story serves as an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to start over.  Tune in if you’re ready to:Break free from toxic cycles and reclaim your identityLearn how to heal at your own paceFind hope in reinvention and personal growthBe inspired by someone who turned trauma into transformation✨ “My healing was survival.” “This is your time.”Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this deeply moving and insightful episode, relationship and self-love coach Jonathan Aslay shares his powerful journey of healing after the tragic loss of his son. Through vulnerability and wisdom, Jonathan explores how grief can become a catalyst for growth, why self-worth is non-negotiable in midlife, and how to build meaningful, lasting relationships rooted in authenticity—not just chemistry.Whether you're navigating midlife dating, recovering from emotional loss, or seeking deeper self-understanding, this episode offers tools and heartfelt truths to help you embrace self-love, develop emotional resilience, and reconnect with purpose.What you'll learn:How grief can lead to profound self-discoveryWhy self-esteem is essential for healthy relationshipsHow midlife challenges can become pathways to empowermentThe impact of attachment styles and self-image on datingWhy building love on friendship creates deeper connectionCheck out Jonathan's Book: "What the Heck is Self Love Anyway?" https://a.co/d/08975RRChapters:00:00 – Opening Reflections: Self-Love and Grief02:44 – Rediscovering Identity Through Personal Loss05:53 – Grief as a Catalyst for Self-Love08:43 – Why Self-Worth Matters More Than Ever in Midlife11:43 – Personal Growth: The Foundation of Healthy Love14:32 – Midlife Dating & Self-Perception in a Filtered World24:41 – Friendship First: A New Model for Relationships28:00 – The Power of Emotional & Heart-Based Connection30:53 – Understanding Attachment Styles & Inner Needs35:52 – Choosing Empowerment Through Radical Self-Love39:20 – Closing Thoughts: You Are Worth the JourneySupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this inspiring episode, Deborah Weed opens up about her powerful transformation—from a high-achieving corporate career to becoming the founder of the Self-Worth Initiative and the Quills Up Movement. 💫After a life-altering health crisis, Deborah began to reframe her understanding of value, moving from external validation to embracing her intrinsic worth. She shares how a simple 1943 copper penny sparked a personal revolution, leading her to create tools, stories, and a musical called Paisley to help women—especially in midlife—reclaim their creativity and self-worth.✨ What you'll learn in this episode:The difference between self-esteem and self-worthWhy creativity is a powerful force for healing and transformationHow women can advocate for themselves in a broken healthcare systemThe emotional cost of disappointment vs. fearWhy community and connection are non-negotiables for true resilience🔑 Whether you're navigating midlife, recovering from burnout, or searching for a deeper sense of meaning—Deborah’s wisdom will remind you: You are valuable, even when the world tells you otherwise.Deborah WeedFounder of the Self-worth Initiative, LLCCreator of Paisley The Musicalhttp://www.selfworthinitiative.nethttp://www.paisleysfashionforest.comhttps://deborahweed1.hopp.to/amazon👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more soul-nourishing conversations.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this powerful episode, Lizzie and Deana dive deep into the roots of codependency, how it’s shaped by childhood trauma, and why it often leads to low self-esteem and toxic relationship patterns. Through raw, relatable stories and hard-earned insights, they unpack how codependency shows up in everyday life — from constantly putting others first to struggling with setting boundaries.You’ll learn why self-care isn’t selfish, how to stop minimizing harmful behavior, and the importance of building a supportive circle while healing. If you're ready to start recognizing red flags, reclaim your voice, and rebuild your confidence — this conversation is for you.👉 Topics Covered:The link between codependency and childhood traumaWhy codependents often struggle with boundaries and self-worthHow to spot and shift toxic relationship dynamicsSteps to begin healing and personal growthThe power of community and small wins on the path to recovery💬 “It starts with recognizing you matter — and your needs are valid.”🔖 Don’t forget to follow, rate & review if this episode resonates — and share with someone who needs to hear it.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

 Am I the Toxic One? | Surviving Toxic Relationships with Lizzie & DeanaAre you the toxic one... and don’t even know it?In this eye-opening episode of Surviving Toxic Relationships, Lizzie and Deana turn the mirror inward to explore a question many avoid: Could we be contributing to the toxicity in our relationships?Together, they unpack the subtle but critical differences between toxic behaviors and trauma responses, and how unresolved trauma might be driving harmful patterns. This isn’t about blame—it’s about self-awareness, accountability, and growth.Through candid conversation and practical tools like journaling and self-assessment strategies, Lizzie and Deana guide you on how to:Recognize toxic traits in yourself and othersUnderstand the root causes (like fear of abandonment)Take actionable steps toward healingBuild support systems that uplift your journeyStop repeating toxic cycles—and start rewriting your storyWhether you’ve asked yourself “Am I the toxic one?” or just want to create healthier relationships, this episode is your roadmap to transformation.🔍 Key Takeaways:Toxic behavior often stems from unhealed traumaSelf-reflection is essential for personal growthAccountability is the first step toward lasting changeSupport systems and journaling can accelerate healingYou can change—and the desire to do so is your greatest strength Hit play to reflect, reset, and rise above the toxicity—starting with you.Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share if this episode resonates. Your journey matters, and we’re right here with you.Support the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help. 

In this powerful and compassionate episode, Lizzie and Deana dive deep into the emotional complexities of leaving toxic relationships. They explore the internal battles many face—fear, guilt, and trauma bonds—and how these emotions can make leaving feel even more difficult than staying.Through real talk and heartfelt insights, they shed light on:Why the fear of the unknown often feels safer than taking the leap,How guilt and shame can sabotage healing,And most importantly, the critical role of community support in navigating this painful transition.Whether you're considering leaving, in the process, or supporting someone who is—this episode offers a grounded, honest, and hopeful roadmap forward.🔑 Key TakeawaysLeaving a toxic relationship brings both relief and fear—both are normal.Emotions are temporary; healing is possible.Supportive community is essential to break free and stay free.Trauma bonds can keep you attached even when you want out.Feelings of guilt and regret are common—but not facts.Staying rooted in truth is your greatest weapon.The fear of change can be deceivingly comfortable.Documenting your "why" can keep you strong during weak moments.It's okay to feel awkward and unsure in the beginning.Healing is not linear—be patient and kind to yourself.❤️ Connect & ShareIf this episode resonates with you or someone you love, please:💬 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🔁 Share this episode with a friend or support group📲 Follow the show for more honest conversations and healing insightsSupport the show🎙️ Stay Connected with Us! 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @survivingrelationships12 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: @survivingtoxicrel 🌐 Visit our website: Looking to be a guest or host a guest for your podcast?https://www.joinpodmatch.com/deanalizzieContact us anytime at our email:  [email protected] 📘 Join our Facebook community: Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadoras: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678Disclaimer:  The views expressed by our guests are their own, and this show is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy, medical, or professional advice, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you need personalized support, please reach out to a licensed professional. If you’re in crisis or immediate danger, please call 911 for help.