Beyond the Monsters

Darlene Lekowski was sexually abused by two of her older brothers beginning at just 7 years old, carrying the trauma in silence for more than five decades while building a life that looked perfect from the outside. She shares the long-term reality of sibling sexual abuse, PTSD, perfectionism, fear of abandonment, and what happens when trauma is buried instead of healed. After finally confronting one of her brothers, he responded by suing her for defamation, forcing her into a two year legal battle where she was made to relive the abuse publicly in court.Darlene breaks down the family dynamics that kept her silent, the threats and manipulation used against her as a child, and the emotional toll of protecting everyone else while destroying herself in the process. She talks about raising children while carrying hidden trauma, how PTSD showed up throughout her life, and the moment she realized surviving wasn’t the same thing as healing. After winning the lawsuit and being validated by a jury, she began rebuilding her life, writing her book Shattering Silence, and speaking publicly to help other survivors break the shame and secrecy surrounding sibling sexual abuse, trauma, and family betrayal.Darlene’s Links:darlene-lekowski.com https://www.instagram.com/darlenelekowskihttps://www.facebook.com/darlenelekowski“Shattering Silence” book https://a.co/d/003yCIaBResources:RAINN24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline 1-800-656-HOPEhttps://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/Crisis Text Line741741Beyond the Monsters Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topic: sibling sexual trauma and abuse (SSTA), childhood trauma, family abuse, PTSD recovery, sexual abuse awareness, court traumaIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hope’s estranged husband murdered their two young children in an act of filicide after being granted unsupervised custody, despite clear warning signs of instability, prior abuse, and escalating mental health concerns. Just before their deaths, he made suicidal and homicidal statements, was hospitalized, and still walked out of court with 50/50 custody. Hope’s story exposes the reality of how quickly systems can fail, how mental health is misunderstood in legal settings, and how lethal risk is often missed until it’s too late.Hope shares what led up to that moment, including years of coercive control, psychological abuse, gaslighting, and physical violence that she kept hidden while trying to survive and protect her children. She breaks down the timeline of events, the court decisions, and the warning signs that were overlooked, while also speaking to the unimaginable reality of losing both of her children and what it means to live after that level of loss.Hope’s Links:Fill out the link to pass The Alec and Lydia Act!https://rallystarter.com/rally/2948/please-pass-the-alec-and-lydia-act-in-the-arizona-senatehttps://www.instagram.com/hope_in_the_painhttps://www.tiktok.com/@hope.in.the.painhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Hope-In-The-Painhttps://linktr.ee/hopeinthepain Voices Against Filicide - Hope’s Podcasthttps://tr.ee/4zExkNUIYi Resources:Crisis Text Line741741Beyond the Monsters Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topic: filicide, family court failure, coercive control, domestic violence (DV), custody system failure, true crimeIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess Patz was 18 when she entered an abusive relationship that quickly escalated from love bombing into domestic violence, coercive control, and manipulation. The first physical assault happened during her first pregnancy, followed by years of emotional abuse, gaslighting, sexual assault, and financial control that caused her to question her own reality. She breaks down what intimate partner violence actually looks like behind closed doors, including how someone can be conditioned to stay, how abuse escalates over time, and how early warning signs are often missed or dismissed. After leaving, she was pulled into a 10 year custody battle where family court systems failed to recognize patterns of abuse, allowing continued exposure for her children. During that time and years after, her body began to break down with severe health complications, including recurrent pulmonary embolisms, chronic pain, autoimmune disease, and eventually a stroke that forced her to relearn how to walk. Jess shares the reality of post separation abuse, child custody in abusive relationships, and how trauma doesn’t just stay mental, it shows up physically in ways that can change your life. She is now a speaker, advocate, and TEDx presenter using her story to raise awareness about domestic violence and its long term impact.Jess’ Links:https://www.instagram.com/_jesspatzhttps://www.tiktok.com/@_jesspatzhttps://www.jesspatz.comResources:Crisis Text Line741741National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233Find local resources: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Centerhttps://dvsacenter.orgBeyond the Monsters Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonstershttps://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topic: DV, coercive control, family court system, SA, trauma recovery, narcissistic abuse, autoimmune disease, lupus, stroke recovery, chronic illnessIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean Tobias Ambriz joined the Army at 18 and was deployed to Afghanistan early in his military career, where he was unexpectedly assigned as a combat medic in an active war zone. With accelerated training, he was responsible for treating wounded soldiers during intense firefights, navigating Taliban ambushes, sniper fire, and life-or-death decisions in the mountains.He describes being surrounded during combat, running toward gunfire to reach injured soldiers, and working through mass casualties with limited medical supplies. He also speaks on how experiences like his are often overlooked, as attention is typically focused on special operations forces, despite conventional Army units facing the same level of danger and loss. The trauma of war, loss of fellow soldiers, and repeated exposure to combat carried into multiple deployments, PTSD, and the long-term reality veterans face after surviving combat. Sean’s links:https://www.instagram.com/chief_pinkmisthttps://www.seantobiasambriz.comResources:Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSDhttps://www.ptsd.va.govBeyond the Monsters Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonstershttps://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topic: combat medic, Afghanistan war, military PTSD, war trauma, Army veteranIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jori lost her fiancé to an overdose after trying to save him from a hidden addiction to pills that began before they met. Kyle came into her life on New Year’s Eve and quickly became someone she saw a future with, outgoing, magnetic, and deeply loved by everyone around him. As their relationship grew, so did the life they were building together, but behind it, he was quietly battling a pill addiction. It quickly turned into the reality of loving someone struggling with substance abuse, relapse, and the cycle of recovery attempts that didn’t last. Jori found herself questioning the signs of addiction in real time, trying to make sense of behavior changes, secrecy, and the emotional weight of being in a relationship affected by addiction.After losing her fiancé to an overdose just eight months after having their son, Jori was left navigating grief, trauma, and the lasting impact of sudden loss. She was now facing life without her partner and the father of her child, a loss that reshaped everything moving forward. She shares what it’s really like to love someone through addiction, the moments that don’t make sense at the time, and the ones that stay with you long after they’re gone. She also opens up about the loss of her best friend in a car accident she witnessed at 10 years old, a moment that stayed with her and shaped how she processes grief, trauma, and emotional attachment.Jori’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/jorikinneyJori’s Podcast - Shattered Silence:https://www.youtube.com/@ShatteredSilencePodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shatteredsilencepodhttps://linktr.ee/shatteredsilencepodResources:Crisis Text Line741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Beyond the Monsters Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonstershttps://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: addiction, overdose, grief, relationships, mental health, loss, trauma healing, substance abuseIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tressa was 21 years old when she attended a company party expecting a normal night with coworkers. Within minutes of taking a shot, she began to lose control of her body. She was drugged, taken out of the bar, carried to an apartment, and left alone with a man she had never met. What followed was hours of rape and violent assault that resulted in severe, permanent physical injuries and long-term medical complications that still impact her life today.In the aftermath, Tressa was forced to repeatedly recount what happened to law enforcement, medical staff, and investigators while navigating an invasive forensic exam and a system that questioned her account. She shares the reality of what happens after rape, including the physical trauma, the psychological impact of sexual assault, and the way these cases are handled behind the scenes. More than two decades later, Tressa is now working with state and federal lawmakers to reform the sex offender registry, using her experience to advocate for change and bring awareness to the long-term impact people live with after sexual violence.Resources:RAINN24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline 1-800-656-HOPEhttps://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/Crisis Text Line741741Suicide and Crisis Lifeline988SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Beyond the Monsters Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonstershttps://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: violent crime, date rape drug, sexual assault (SA), true crime, victim advocacyIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ember grew up surrounded by manipulation, addiction, and instability that shaped her life long before she had the ability to understand or escape it. With a father in and out of prison for organized crime and a mother struggling with severe alcoholism, she was forced into survival mode early. By her teenage years, she was already raising her younger sister while navigating emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and constant instability. The environment she was raised in shaped how she viewed love, trust, and safety, making her vulnerable to repeated patterns of manipulation in adulthood. As an adult, those patterns escalated into domestic violence, coercive control, and a situation where she was held in a motel for weeks under psychological and physical abuse. She eventually escaped by using the same manipulation tactics she was raised around. Even after getting out, the cycle didn’t immediately end. She continued to encounter people who exploited her trust, including someone she lived with for years who was secretly struggling with addiction and deception. Ember is now in the process of rebuilding her life, setting boundaries, and working in crisis support to help others, while actively breaking the patterns she was conditioned to accept.Ember’s links:https://www.instagram.com/survivorsalchemyResources:Crisis Text Line741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonstershttps://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: human trafficking, domestic violence, trauma recovery, narcissistic abuse, coercive control, childhood traumaIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony was once a talented BMX athlete with a promising future before addiction took over his life in his early twenties. What followed was a rapid descent into homelessness, drug addiction, and eventually prison. But prison became the turning point that forced him to confront everything he had been running from and rebuild his life from the inside out.After his release, Tony returned to BMX racing, competing professionally and eventually coaching at the Olympic level. He went on to become a nationally recognized speaker and the founder of multiple addiction treatment centers dedicated to helping people stabilize during the earliest and most dangerous stages of recovery. His work is built on a simple belief: people are not defined by their worst chapter, and with the right tools, accountability, and support, transformation is possible. Tony’s links:https://www.instagram.com/tonymhoffmanwww.tonyhoffmanspeaking.comResources:Crisis Text Line741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonstershttps://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: addiction recovery, prison transformation, recovery story, substance abuse, personal growthIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A birthday celebration with friends, music, THC, and psychedelic mushroom tea quickly turned into something terrifying. Within days, Shannon began experiencing drug-induced psychosis. Music felt like it was speaking directly to her, television shows appeared filled with hidden messages, and everyday sights like billboards and street signs started to feel like coded signals guiding her through a test she believed she had to pass. As severe sleep deprivation set in, paranoia intensified and reality blurred. Friends became threats, strangers felt dangerous, and the streets of Orlando became a maze of symbols she believed would determine whether she lived or died. For nearly a week she wandered through this altered reality experiencing psychosis, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts, convinced she was trapped in a world designed to punish or test her. After being hospitalized and treated, Shannon slowly returned to reality. Her story reveals how quickly the mind can fracture under trauma, substances, and lack of sleep, and why conversations about mental health and psychosis recovery matter more than people realize.Shannon’s links:https://www.instagram.com/shannifiedResources:Crisis Text Line741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Beyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: Drug-Induced Psychosis, Mental Health Crisis, Psychedelic Experience, Mental Health Recovery, Trauma HealingIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 24 years old, Martin made a decision that would change multiple families forever. After a day of heavy drinking, he got behind the wheel on New Year’s Eve and caused a fatal DUI crash that left two women dead and another man seriously injured. He was sentenced to 17 and a half years in prison, day for day. What followed was not a story about excuses. It was a story about accountability, addiction, guilt, shame, and what happens when you are forced to confront the irreversible consequences of drunk driving.While incarcerated, Martin earned his GED, completed a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, and became a certified alcohol and drug counselor. Today he speaks at high schools, colleges, DUI victim impact panels, and law enforcement conferences about alcohol abuse, recovery, reckless choices, and the ripple effect of one night that cannot be undone. This conversation dives into addiction, incarceration, forgiveness, trauma, and the difference between guilt and shame.Martin’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/martinllockettmartinlockett.comMartin’s Books:Prison to Purpose Pipeline: How one sentence led to a life of servicehttps://a.co/d/04fk1tojMy Prison Life: A Blogger's Insights from the Insidehttps://a.co/d/0dl1fAnyResources:Crisis Text Line741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline1-800-662-HELP (4357)Stop High-Risk Impaired Drivinghttps://www.responsibility.org/high-risk-impaired-drivingBeyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A former tennis pro turned forensic psychic medium, Nichole Duncan, shares how a remote viewing session cracked open an entirely new reality. What began with scientific curiosity about telepathy and intuition led to verified details in missing persons cases, homicide investigations, and human trafficking work. From describing evidence later confirmed by law enforcement to navigating strict ethical boundaries around spiritual consent, she explains how mediumship intersects with criminal cases without replacing investigative process. She breaks down what remote viewing actually is, how intuitive impressions form, and why evidence should be a byproduct of connection rather than the goal.The conversation moves into near-death experiences, life review, intuition, and what may happen in the moments before impact during sudden death. Chell shares her own experience the night her husband died and asks the questions many survivors quietly carry: Can they hear us? Do they suffer? Are we ever alone? From meditation and grounding to telepathic communication and signs from loved ones, this discussion explores grief, spiritual connection, trauma, and the possibility that consciousness continues beyond the body.A special additional conversation released outside our regular Wednesday schedule.Nichole’s links:https://www.nicholeduncanintuitive.comhttps://www.instagram.com/nicholeduncanintuitivehttps://www.tiktok.com/@nicholeduncanintuitiveBeyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topic: Psychic Medium, Remote Viewing, Near Death Experience, Spiritual Communication, Intuition and Trauma, Consciousness After DeathIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lori was finishing a work project in her mother’s quiet home when a violent home invasion began with men kicking in the front door. Within seconds she was running upstairs toward her firearm, calculating escape routes in real time, and opening fire as armed intruders stormed the hallway. When her gun malfunctioned and one of the intruders returned fire, everything shifted in an instant. One bullet tore through her body, ruptured her intestine, destroyed blood vessels, and ultimately led to a below the knee amputation. She was resuscitated three times, airlifted to a trauma center, and placed on life support for two weeks after a random gang related armed robbery changed everything.A former criminal justice professional with a 20 year career in law enforcement, Lori shares the mindset that shaped her split second decisions, the psychological aftermath of violent crime, survivor’s guilt, PTSD, and the reality of navigating the justice system while learning to walk again with a prosthetic. From elderly parent care and rising crime rates to firearm safety, self defense preparedness, and trauma recovery, this conversation explores what it means to survive a near fatal shooting and rebuild after catastrophic trauma.Lori’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/lorisolvupLori's Vigilant Living - Your High-Five Guidehttps://www.facebook.com/lorisolvupResources Lori mentioned:Dr Bohdi Sanders, author The Stoic Mindset, etc.https://thewisdomwarrior.comAlain Burrese, Enjoy Life Safelyhttps://www.enjoylifesafely.comBeyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topic: armed robbery, attempted murder, violent crime survival, true crime, amputation recoveryIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris spent 23 years in law enforcement, 18 of them in K9, but nothing prepared him for bonding with the dog no one else wanted. Tambo had cycled through handlers, labeled aloof and difficult, until the two recognized something familiar in each other. What followed was an explosive detection career, a devastating cancer diagnosis, emergency surgery costing over $10,000, and a prognosis of just weeks to live. Instead of accepting an expiration date, Chris chose to fight, documenting Tambo’s chemotherapy journey, partnering with Project K9 Hero, and turning a silent working dog into a symbol of resilience for families facing cancer.As Tambo defied hemangiosarcoma and stood before the Philadelphia Eagles stadium filled with fans on Sunday Night Football, something deeper unfolded. A fractured father son relationship began to heal, a new generation witnessed cycles being broken, and a “forgotten” K9 became the bridge between grief, redemption, and legacy. Chris and Tambo’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/k9_tamboProject K9 Hero:https://projectk9hero.orgBeyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topic: police dog, K9 handler, K9 unit, explosive detection dog, terminal diagnosisIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Hurley shares a life shaped by institutional betrayal, childhood abuse, and a family court system that protected power over truth. After discovering his identity had been legally altered as a child and surviving physical abuse in his own home, Paul later fought a seven-year custody battle when his children were removed from him under false allegations. He uncovers how a police department, CPS worker, psychologist, and judge failed to contact him after his children were sexually abused in their mother’s home, choosing instead to restrict his parental rights while minimizing consequences for the offender.As he battles corruption in Smith County, Texas, Paul simultaneously investigates his father’s murder, infiltrating motorcycle clubs to expose drug trafficking activity involving individuals connected to the sheriff’s office. From wrongful arrest and supervised visitation to courtroom retaliation and systemic coverups, this story exposes the intersection of family court corruption, law enforcement misconduct, and the psychological toll of being labeled dangerous while fighting to protect your children. What happens when the system designed to protect families becomes the weapon used against them?Paul’s Links:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12877863/?ref_=ext_shr_lnkhttps://www.instagram.com/actorpaulhurleyResources:Crisis Text Line741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline1-800-662-HELP (4357)RAINN24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline 1-800-656-HOPEBeyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: Family Court, Court Corruption, Custody Battle, Parental Rights, Institutional Betrayal, Undercover Investigation, True Crime, Organized CrimeIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Nae (Nadine Macaluso) speaks from lived experience about what coercive control actually looks like behind wealth, power, and public spectacle. Known to the world as the real-life wife portrayed in The Wolf of Wall Street, she unpacks the psychological mechanics woven throughout the story, explaining how trauma bonding, intimidation, manipulation, and addiction shaped daily life inside the relationship. What many viewers recognized as chaos or entertainment is reframed as part of a sustained pattern driven by fear, intermittent affection, and a profound power imbalance that slowly erodes identity and safety.Now a licensed therapist, Dr. Nae explains why leaving is rarely simple, why survivors stay longer than they ever planned, and why the most dangerous moment is often the decision to go. She breaks down post-separation abuse, power-based retaliation, and the myths that fuel victim blaming, while offering hard-won insight on planning safely, trusting your body when your mind is confused, and rebuilding after years of survival mode.Dr. Nae’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/therealdrnadinehttps://www.tiktok.com/@drnaelmfthttps://www.facebook.com/drnaelmfthttps://www.youtube.com/@TheRealDrNadinehttps://drnae.comRun Like Hell by Nadine Macalusohttps://a.co/d/1lgb7jLResources:National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233Text BEGIN to 88788Crisis Text Line741741Beyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: coercive control, trauma bond, leaving abuse, post separation abuse, domestic violence (DV), therapistIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kitty shares how the family court system used parental alienation claims and court-ordered reunification therapy to forcibly remove children from their protective parent and place them with their abusive parent, exposing a devastating pattern of institutional failure. After marrying a man with sole custody of two young boys, concerning behavioral changes and SA disclosures emerged following court-ordered visitation with their biological mother. Counselors, forensic interviews, and law enforcement became involved, with professionals acknowledging abuse had occurred, yet prosecutors declined to move forward. What followed was years of ignored testimony, sealed records, institutional silence, and a family court system that failed to protect children who spoke up.As the case escalated, the court labeled the protective parents as alienators and ordered placement in a court-mandated reunification camp that forcibly removed the boys from their home and isolated them from their support system. Kitty shares the psychological and physical toll of prolonged legal trauma, coercive control disguised as treatment, judicial overreach, financial devastation, and the long-term impact on children subjected to court-sanctioned separation. This episode exposes systemic family court failures and the path that led Kitty to advocacy and legislative efforts aimed at protecting children from institutional and legal abuse.Kitty’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/georgiaprotectiveparentshttps://www.facebook.com/Georgiaprotectiveparentshttps://x.com/gaprotectvprntsEmail: [email protected]:Crisis Text Line741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline 1-800-656-HOPEBeyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topic: family court, coercive control, reunification therapy, reunification camp, institutional failure, systemic traumaIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Larissa survived an attempted murder by a former partner who had spent months isolating, controlling, and manipulating her under the guise of protection and faith. She recounts how what appeared stable and safe escalated into coercive control, sexual violence, stalking, and a near-fatal shooting that led to the amputation of several fingers.In the aftermath, Larissa navigates the psychological recovery that follows surviving extreme violence. She speaks to what it takes to escape, what happens after you do, and how healing is built slowly through reclaiming identity and self trust. Larissa's Links:http://www.larissaslovenotes.comhttps://www.instagram.com/ann_ri3Resources:National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233Text BEGIN to 88788Crisis Text Line741741Beyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topic: attempted murder, domestic violence (DV), coercive control, survivor story, stalkingIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kyleigh shares the continuation of her story, detailing the escalation of domestic violence, coercive control, emotional abuse, and psychological manipulation within her marriage. The pattern includes physical assault, sexual boundary violations, gaslighting, intimidation, and explicit threats tied to military careers and reputation. Alongside the violence, Kyleigh describes repeated infidelity, secret relationships, deleted messages, inappropriate emotional and sexual boundaries with other women, and chronic deception. Betrayal by trusted friends, minimization of harm, blame shifting, and isolation compound the abuse and reinforce forced silence.As the relationship continues, Kyleigh explains how ongoing cheating, emotional neglect, body shaming, and intimidation severely impacted her mental health. Following a catastrophic knee injury, dependence and vulnerability intensified the power imbalance, leading to abandonment, control, and further psychological harm. Even during periods of academic achievement, military advancement, and professional growth, manipulation and instability persisted. Kyleigh’s account highlights trauma bonding, intermittent reinforcement, and the progressive erosion of identity that can occur in abusive relationships marked by both violence and infidelity.Kyleigh’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/kyleighraexohttps://www.tiktok.com/@kyleighraexohttps://www.facebook.com/kyleighrae19Kyleigh’s Outfit:https://www.instagram.com/urbanecollectivellcResources:National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233Text BEGIN to 88788Crisis Text Line741741Beyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: Domestic violence, Coercive control, Emotional abuse, Infidelity/Cheating, Trauma bondingIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kyleigh’s story begins in Eastern Iowa, moving through foster care in early childhood before being adopted at a young age. Inside that adoptive home, she describes years of SA, physical abuse, neglect, and adults who prioritized image over child safety. As a teenager, after a report was finally taken seriously, Kyleigh was removed by authorities and placed back into the system, moving through temporary placements before transitioning into independent living.Adulthood did not bring immediate stability. Kyleigh describes marrying young while trying to escape having no family foundation, only to find herself in a relationship that escalated to domestic violence. The military later became a turning point, first through the National Guard and then active duty service, including Hurricane Harvey response and deployment to Afghanistan. Her story traces how childhood trauma, domestic violence, housing insecurity at different points in life, and military service intersect without a simple cause-and-effect narrative.Kyleigh’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/kyleighraexohttps://www.tiktok.com/@kyleighraexohttps://www.facebook.com/kyleighrae19Kyleigh’s Outfit:https://www.instagram.com/urbanecollectivellcResources:National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233Text BEGIN to 88788Crisis Text Line741741RAINN1-800-656-HOPEBeyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: foster care, failed adoption, domestic violence, military service, childhood traumaIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What began as a marriage marked by love bombing, manipulation, and emotional volatility escalated into a custody battle rooted in coercive control, deception, and credible allegations of sexual harm. Indee describes years of psychological abuse, isolation, and intimidation, including being physically restrained, gaslit, and threatened into silence. As she attempted to leave, the abuse intensified, evolving into legal retaliation, false narratives, and a calculated effort to maintain power through the family court system. The unraveling of her ex-husband’s lies revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that family members had long concealed, leaving Indee to fight alone to protect her child.This episode exposes how coercive control does not end when a relationship does, but often resurfaces through custody disputes, institutional failures, and court-sanctioned access to children. Indee shares the psychological toll of trauma bonding, suicidal crisis, and complex PTSD, alongside the exhausting reality of self-representation in court while facing a manipulative abuser. Her story underscores the dangers of dismissing survivor testimony, the consequences of silence within families, and the urgent need for trauma-informed custody decisions.Indee’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/simplyindeehttps://www.tiktok.com/@indeefieldsResources:National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233Text BEGIN to 88788SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Crisis Text Line741741Beyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: Coercive control, Custody abuse, Narcissistic abuse, Parental alienation, Family court traumaIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessica Buchanan never imagined that a career rooted in service would lead her into one of the most extreme survival situations imaginable. A former schoolteacher turned humanitarian aid worker, she was kidnapped while working in Somalia and held captive for 93 days in the desert. What began as a mission driven by responsibility, purpose, and service became a fight for survival involving armed captors, ransom negotiations, physical illness, psychological terror, and the constant uncertainty of whether she would live to see another day. Her story exposes the hidden risks faced by humanitarian workers, the failures of institutional duty of care, and the devastating consequences of ignoring intuition.What ultimately carried Jessica through captivity was not blind optimism or belief alone, but a disciplined inner survival strategy. Drawing from spirituality, memory, ritual, and mental control, she created structure where none existed and meaning where despair could have taken over. Her rescue by U.S. special operations forces marked the end of captivity but not the end of the trauma. Returning home meant rebuilding identity, navigating PTSD, motherhood after survival, betrayal by systems meant to protect her, and the long process of surviving survival. Jessica’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/jessicacbuchananhttps://linktr.ee/jessbuchananhttps://www.jessbuchanan.comHer Book “Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six”:https://a.co/d/2oFjqwHBeyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: Humanitarian worker kidnapping, Surviving captivity and hostage trauma, PTSD after extreme trauma, Intuition and survival psychology, Life after survival traumaIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick experienced childhood sexual abuse that began when he was around five years old by his first best friend. This was a case of peer-on-peer sexual abuse, a form of childhood sexual assault that is often misunderstood, minimized, or overlooked despite its long-term psychological impact. At that age, he did not have the developmental ability to consent, understand, or stop what was happening, while fear, confusion, and secrecy became his primary survival responses. What occurred was not experimentation, but abuse, shaped by power, confusion, and trust violations that a child cannot navigate.As he grew older, the unresolved effects of childhood sexual abuse surfaced through anger, addiction, and struggles with trust and identity. Living with a lifelong degenerative hearing loss and tinnitus added another layer of isolation and difference during critical developmental years. Healing did not begin until adulthood, when sobriety, therapy, and accountability allowed him to accurately name what happened and confront its impact without allowing it to define him. By speaking openly, he helps illuminate how early sexual trauma and unaddressed disability can shape a life, and how breaking secrecy can be a meaningful step toward reclaiming agency.Nick’s Links:https://linktr.ee/nickmiddaughwww.nickmiddaugh.comCharacter Is Destinynickmiddaugh.substack.comNick’s essay he read an excerpt from:https://open.substack.com/pub/nickmiddaugh/p/005-violation-the-forge-opens?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=webBeyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: childhood sexual abuse (CSA), addiction & alcoholism, mental health, degenerative hearing loss & tinnitusIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Mabry was 21 years old when a catastrophic car crash during his senior year of college killed a close friend and ultimately led to the amputation of his leg. What followed were years of surgeries, chronic pain, phantom limb pain, and the psychological impact of limb loss that no one prepared him for. On the outside, his life appeared extraordinary, including Hollywood film and television appearances, major network shows, and access to elite spaces like the Playboy Mansion. Beneath that surface, unresolved trauma, grief, and physical pain quietly fueled a growing struggle with addiction and substance use disorder.His unraveling came through relapse, loss, and the moment his own child recognized what he could no longer deny. Recovery required accountability, trauma therapy, and long term sobriety rather than image or success. Today, John speaks openly about addiction recovery, amputation, grief, and rebuilding life after trauma.John’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/johnmabryconnectshttps://www.youtube.com/@johnmabry_speakerhttps://www.johnmabryconnects.comhttps://linktr.ee/johnmabryResources:SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Celebrate Recoveryhttps://celebraterecovery.comAmputee Coalitionhttps://amputee-coalition.orgBeyond the Monsters’ Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: medical trauma, leg amputation survivor, addiction, car crash, chronic painIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlet McKenzie shares the moment her attempt to leave a controlling relationship escalated into something far more devastating. After enduring coercive control, surveillance, isolation, and retaliation, her child was taken without a warrant or court order following false allegations. What followed was a fight against a system that ignored due process, dismissed evidence, and repeatedly failed to protect families while prioritizing procedure over truth. Her story exposes how power, control, and retaliation can extend beyond relationships and into institutions meant to protect children. Rather than staying silent, Scarlet turned survival into advocacy. As a mother and child welfare reform advocate, she speaks openly about family court trauma, CPS overreach, generational harm, and the long psychological impact of forced separation. Her experience sheds light on how survivors are often punished for leaving, how children are caught in the middle, and why accountability and reform are urgently needed.Scarlet McKenzie’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/scarletmckenziehttps://www.tiktok.com/@scarlet_mckenziehttps://linktr.ee/professionalbrathttps://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/scarletmckenzie/run-this-backhttps://music.apple.com/us/album/run-this-back/1835128990?i=1835128991Resources:National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233Text BEGIN to 88788National Coalition for Child Protection Reform (NCCPR)https://nccpr.orgBeyond the Monsters’ Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: Child custody removal, False CPS reports, Domestic violence retaliation, Family court trauma, Coercive controlIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jes lost her fifteen-year-old son, Rayce, to a baseball-sized brain tumor that no one knew was there, a loss that unfolded in a matter of hours and changed the course of her life forever. She grew up in a small town in Utah and lost her mother to cancer at thirteen, an early grief that quietly shaped how she learned to survive, adapt, and care for others long before she became a parent. As an adult, Jes built her life around her three children, immersing herself in the demanding world of competitive youth sports, where teams became extended families and weekends revolved around tournaments, travel, and shared routines. That sense of closeness would later become both a lifeline and a source of unimaginable heartbreak.In the hours leading up to Rayce’s death, normal life unraveled: emergency rooms, unanswered questions, organ donation decisions, and the impossible task of telling his younger siblings their brother wasn’t coming home. Jes speaks openly about the shock, anger, and disorientation that followed, and the long road of learning how to survive grief without letting it define her entire identity. Her story is not about finding neat explanations, but about continuing to show up for her children, honoring Rayce’s life, and choosing to keep moving forward even when nothing makes sense.Jes’ Links:https://www.instagram.com/jes.marie18https://linktr.ee/jes.marie18Resources:Bereaved Parents of the USA (BPUSA)https://bereavedparentsusa.orgMISS Foundationhttps://www.missfoundation.orgGriefSharehttps://www.griefshare.orgBeyond the Monsters Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonstersDisclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.Topics: child loss, grief, bereaved parent, healing, parenting after lossIf you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kristi and Katrina are two mothers bound by the unthinkable loss of their sons during the height of the fentanyl crisis. Their stories trace long, complex journeys through addiction, grief, survival, and the systems that repeatedly failed their children. From early trauma, mental health struggles, and substance use to the devastating reality of fentanyl exposure, their paths reveal how addiction does not begin in isolation and does not end with a single decision. Their experiences challenge the myths around weed, recovery timelines, and personal responsibility while exposing the gaps in treatment, prevention, and support for families.What emerged from their shared loss was purpose. Kristi and Katrina speak openly about parenting through addiction, loving without enabling, surviving unimaginable grief, and choosing to recover out loud. Their voices confront stigma, normalize grief, and demand accountability from systems that prioritize punishment over care. DK805Podcast’s Linkshttps://www.youtube.com/@DK805Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/dk805podcasthttps://dk805podcast.comhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dk805-podcast/id1833586069https://open.spotify.com/show/5yAuLfqgs3CTu4YMHXhdm6?si=4a66d9946b47450aResources:Crisis Text Line741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two decades of silence shaped how KJ learned to hide her pain, but speaking her truth became the only way forward. She grew up inside a volatile home where emotional harm, physical fear, and childhood sexual trauma were ignored, minimized, or treated like her fault. As she tried to survive the chaos around her, she carried flashbacks, chronic pain, shame, teen pregnancy stigma, and years of being told she was too sensitive or dramatic, even when she was begging for help. Her story moves from a childhood where no one protected her to the moment she finally found safety, stability, and love outside the home that broke her. Through motherhood, therapy battles, chronic illness, and rebuilding her identity from the ground up, KJ created Mend in Lines as a place for anyone who has been silenced to feel seen. Her episode brings forward family trauma, childhood abuse, teen motherhood, medical invalidation, chronic pain, and the long road from being completely alone to realizing she was worth saving. Kj’s Socialshttps://www.youtube.com/@Kj_Mendinlineshttps://www.instagram.com/kj_mendinlineshttps://www.tiktok.com/@kj_mendinlinesResources:Suicide and Crisis Lifeline988Crisis Text Line741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline 1-800-656-HOPEhttps://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)https://www.nsvrc.orgBeyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Terry survived a targeted shooting by his girlfriend’s ex who believed killing him would bring her back. Nineteen bullets hit his car and four struck his chest, leaving him dying in the front seat while trying to call 911 to say goodbye to his daughter. When his heart stopped, he found himself in the same dark mental space he had been living in for years, followed by a sudden pull into a bright tunnel that showed him a clear review of his life and the intentions behind it.Coming back changed everything. He woke in the hospital with holes in his lungs, a ventilator in his throat, and a certainty that his mindset, his reactions, and his purpose had to shift. Terry let go of resentment, forgave the man who shot him, repaired fractured relationships, and built daily habits around accountability, gratitude, and calm. His experience now guides how he moves through the world and how he helps others who feel stuck in the same darkness he once lived in.Terry’s Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/mrtmadondohttps://www.tiktok.com/@mrtmadondoBeyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chell opens up about the early years that shaped her entire life: her biological father shooting her mother, growing up in a violently abusive home, and being placed into group homes and foster care after her mother chose an abusive partner over her safety. Those years were marked by racism inside the household, constant fear, sexual violence, and the reality of being a child no one protected.As she moves into her teens and early adulthood, Chell describes patterns of abuse repeating through toxic relationships, the exhaustion of raising a baby alone while going through nursing school, and the heartbreak of losing the one person who truly showed her love. Grief, anxiety, addiction, and betrayal from people in positions of trust continued to shape her twenties, leaving her to navigate motherhood and trauma with no roadmap.Resources:Suicide and Crisis Lifeline988Crisis Text Line741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)RAINN24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline 1-800-656-HOPEhttps://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sana shares what it was like growing up in a culture where arranged marriage was expected and how it led her into years of emotional shutdown, loneliness, and survival-mode living. She opens up about the pressure to please her family, the guilt she carried for wanting more, and the moment she realized the life she was living was slowly erasing her identity. Her story brings forward the quiet battles women face when cultural expectations, marriage, motherhood, and personal truth collide. Sana explains how numbing her pain, hiding behind perfection, and trying to hold a family together on her own pushed her into a breaking point that changed everything.Her transformation began when she turned toward therapy, self-help, and spirituality, rebuilding her confidence piece by piece and repairing her relationship with her family through honesty and accountability. Sana shares how choosing herself reshaped her future, opened the door to a healthier life for her children, and inspired her to become a coach for women who feel trapped by expectation or fear. Her story proves that empowerment is possible at any stage of life and that reclaiming your voice can change everything.Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natasha J. Layton grew up inside the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), a closed polygamist cult where Warren Jeffs dictated every part of family life and enforced a strict hierarchy. As 1 of 20 siblings in a household built around a father with multiple wives at the same time, Natasha shares the pressure, physical abuse, fear, and isolation that shaped childhood in a high control religious community. She describes the emotional and psychological toll of growing up in a system rooted in control, obedience, and spiritual manipulation. Girls were raised to submit and serve, while boys were raised under strict obedience to priesthood leaders.Natasha also opens up about losing 5 brothers to suicide and the grief that followed her long after leaving the FLDS, while navigating her own suicide attempts and the darkness she carried for years. She speaks about the deep generational trauma, the silence surrounding mental health, and the lack of support families received inside a group that punished vulnerability. Her story brings needed attention to cult recovery, suicide prevention, and the hidden pain carried by survivors who grew up in high demand religious environments. Natasha’s voice is a reminder of how important it is to break cycles that were designed to keep people trapped and to tell the truth even when it hurts.Natasha’s Socialswww.instagram.com/natashajlaytonwww.tiktok.com/@natashajlaytonwww.facebook.com/share/178BB9xFnM/?mibextid=wwXIfrThe Survivors Podcastthesurvivors.netwww.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcastwww.tiktok.com/@thesurvivorspodcastwww.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannelResources:RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline 1-800-656-HOPEhttps://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)https://www.nsvrc.orgCrisis Text Line741741Suicide and Crisis Lifeline988SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reunification therapy became the most frightening part of Moriah’s fight for her children, but her story begins much earlier inside Bill Gothard’s teachings and the strict religious environment she was raised in. Growing up under the same ideology highlighted in “Shiny Happy People,” she was taught to obey without question, suppress her instincts, and surrender her identity. Those beliefs shaped her entire childhood and set the stage for the covert narcissistic abuse she later endured in her marriage.After escaping, Moriah found herself up against a family court system that protected her abuser and punished her children for telling the truth. At one point, her kids were even forced into a reunification camp, cut off from their safe parent and pressured to silence their fears. Moriah sheds light on how parental alienation claims, court-appointed evaluators, and high-control therapeutic programs are being used to benefit abusers and financially exploit families. Her story highlights the corruption surrounding reunification practices, the deep wounds caused by religious trauma, and the lasting impact of growing up in a system that teaches children to erase themselves to survive.Moriah’s Links:https://www.healingispossible.org/aboutResources:National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233thehotline.org24/7 Crisis Line 988National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)https://nrcdv.org/contact-us?utm_source=chatgpt.comBeyond the Monsters Socials:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Key opens up about the hidden weight men carry and the silence that has cost too many lives. He shares the losses that shaped him, the friends he loved who died by suicide, and the moment he found himself staring at a gun on the table after betrayal trauma shattered everything he thought was real. His story exposes what loneliness truly feels like when pain gets loud, cold, and blinding, and why men so often hide their suffering behind humor, hard work, or quiet perseverance. Through statistics, personal history, and raw honesty, he brings needed attention to the fact that 75-80% of suicides are men and that 14% of men report having no one to talk to.This conversation becomes a lifeline for anyone who has ever felt like a burden or believed they had to carry everything alone. Jonathan talks about the moments that kept him alive, the people who showed up, and the purpose he eventually found in helping others stay in the fight. He shares how grief can travel with you without defining you, how presence can save a life, and why asking a man if he is okay might be the most important question you ever ask. His message is simple and powerful. You are not weak for hurting. You are not alone for struggling. You matter, and someone will sit with you in the dark until the light comes back.Jonathan’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cloudsoverjax/Resources:Suicide and Crisis Lifeline988Crisis Text Line741741SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acasha shares her harrowing journey through a decades-long abusive relationship that began when she was just 17. What started as teenage infatuation with a charming partner turned into years of manipulation, control, and isolation. She opens up about emotional and financial abuse, his double life, and the terrifying reality of living under constant threats. After their divorce, the violence intensified as stalking, assault, and coercion became part of her daily existence while she fought to protect her children and survive.Her story exposes the psychological toll of domestic violence, trauma bonding, and the complex process of breaking free from an abuser. It reveals how years of fear and control can reshape a person’s sense of safety, and how healing begins when survival turns into self-empowerment. Acasha’s journey is a raw and powerful reminder of the strength it takes to rebuild your life after being broken down by someone who once promised to love you.Domestic Violence Resources:The National Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-799-7233thehotline.orgNational Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)nnedv.orgNational Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)1-717-461-3939Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denny Giamazzo opens up about a childhood shaped by neglect, abuse, and survival. From being left alone for days while his mother battled addiction and worked as a sex worker to rebuilding his life after foster care, loss, and service as a combat veteran, his story shows what it means to turn pain into purpose. After years of physical abuse and being taken from his home, Denny entered foster care and finally experienced what safety and love could feel like. He shares the devastating loss of his mother to AIDS and his foster mom to a sudden heart attack, along with the lasting impact of trauma that defined how he saw himself and the world around him.As a young adult, Denny joined the military and served in Afghanistan, facing the violence of war and the emotional battles that followed. He speaks candidly about PTSD, compartmentalizing pain, and how his unresolved childhood trauma carried into adulthood, marriage, and relationships. Through therapy, reflection, and brutal honesty, Denny is learning to heal, trust again, and redefine what strength really means. This episode explores childhood abuse, foster care, military trauma, and the lifelong journey of recovery and self-acceptance.Denny’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/dennygiamazzo‘Wired For Action: TRAUMA. WAR. RESILIENCE.’ By Denny GiamazzoAvailable NOW!https://a.co/d/buR5KZdBe The Standard Podcasthttps://www.bethestandardpodcast.comhttps://www.instagram.com/bethestandardpodcasthttps://www.tiktok.com/@be.the.standardResources:Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline1-800-422-4453https://www.nctsn.orgAdult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA)ascasupport.orgVeterans Crisis LineDial 988 then press 1 or text 838255SAMHSA National Helpline1-800-662-4357Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angelina opens up about the moment CPS removed her children due to domestic violence, meth addiction, and a life spiraling out of control. Determined to break the cycle she was born into, she reflects on how a strict Catholic upbringing, childhood abandonment, and never being allowed to express feelings shaped the path that led to alcohol misuse, military trauma, and a dangerous relationship that fueled her addiction. From becoming a teen mom to serving in the Army and deploying to Afghanistan, she spent years trying to hold everything together while losing herself in the process.This emotional episode explores PTSD, homelessness, relapse, and the heartbreaking decision to relinquish parental rights. Through therapy, domestic violence shelters, and recovery programs, Angelina fought her way back and rebuilt her life with support, purpose, and newfound strength. Now over three years sober, she is reunited with her daughter, a proud grandmother, and pursuing a career in social work to help others heal from addiction, trauma, and abuse. Her story shows that even after losing everything, recovery and redemption are possible.Resources:National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233thehotline.orgSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline (SAMHSA) 1-800-662-435724/7 Crisis Line 988Women Veterans Call Center855-829-6636RAINN 1-800-656-4673Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walking Tall shares their story of surviving years of extreme physical and sexual abuse inflicted by their stepfather, who targeted them from early childhood. In their small Texas town, religious extremism, white supremacy, and corruption created an environment where children were not protected. Their home became a place of drugs, violence, and child sexual exploitation, while teachers, relatives, and pastors ignored clear signs of danger. When their mother finally tried to expose the truth and escape, she was found dead with injuries that contradict the official claim of suicide. The truth was buried and the people who could have protected them turned away.After a near death motorcycle accident that resulted in a profound spiritual encounter with their mother, Walking Tall chose to transform their suffering into purpose. They are now an Indigenous healer and sound practitioner using ancestral wisdom and embodied healing to help others reclaim their lives after trauma. Their story shows the courage it takes to break generational cycles, honor truth in the face of denial, and create a life defined by healing and love instead of violence and silence.Walking Tall's Socials and Websiteshttps://www.instagram.com/walkingtall888www.chiefwalkingtall.comhttps://taplink.cc/chiefwalkingtallhttps://openmypro.com/doctor/7TgPeYOTtWghkk6kx2w0uO22yD73Resources:RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline 1-800-656-HOPEhttps://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)https://www.nsvrc.orgCrisis Text Line741741The National Child Abuse Hotline800-422-4453https://childhelphotline.org/ChildhelpPrevention education and child abuse intervention serviceshttps://www.childhelp.org/Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny survived what most people never do. A random knife attack outside a bar left him with life-threatening internal injuries, months in the hospital, and the devastating news that his firefighting career and active life were over. He fought his way back through recovery and found purpose again.Then a car crash left him paralyzed from the waist down. In an instant he was facing a spinal cord injury, a wheelchair, new trauma, and the emotional battle of rebuilding his future all over again. Danny talks about surviving violent crime, living with disability, navigating depression and chronic pain, and finding strength through fatherhood and adaptive sports. Today he plays wheelchair softball, wheelchair basketball, handcycling, and sit skiing. His story proves resilience is not a single comeback. It is choosing to keep going every time life hits harder.Danny's Socialshttps://www.tiktok.com/@danimal1518https://www.facebook.com/daniel.mila.9https://www.instagram.com/milaman15https://www.instagram.com/milamonster15Resources:Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundationhttps://www.christopherreeve.orgEducation, peer support groups, and SCI resourcesParalysis Resource Center: 1-800-539-7309Kelly Brush Foundationhttps://kellybrushfoundation.orgGrants for adaptive sports equipment including sit-skisHigh Fives Foundationhttps://highfivesfoundation.orgSupports people with life-changing injuries through adventure sportsUnited Spinal Associationhttps://unitedspinal.orgAdvocacy, grants for accessibility, wheelchair sports opportunitiesMove Unitedhttps://www.moveunitedsport.orgFind adaptive sports programs nationwideBeyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grace Stuart opens up about her harrowing journey through domestic violence and the psychological manipulation that kept her trapped for years. From the early “glimpses” of control and gaslighting to the trauma bond that blurred love and survival, Grace shares how her abuser used charm, addiction, and coercive control to isolate and dominate her. She speaks candidly about sexual coercion, emotional abuse, and the illusion of “potential” that keeps so many survivors from recognizing danger until it’s too late.Now an advocate for survivors and educator on abuse awareness, Grace exposes the tactics of narcissistic partners, the impact of addiction and trauma bonding, and the courage it takes to leave. Her story is a powerful reminder that abuse thrives in silence and that sharing our stories can help others recognize the signs, break the cycle, and reclaim their voice.Grace’s Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/gracee__elizabethhhttps://linktr.ee/gracestuart01Grace’s Podcast - Why She Stayedhttps://www.instagram.com/whyshestayedpodcasthttps://tr.ee/QrEH4OI5sWResources:National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.)https://www.thehotline.org1-800-799-7233 Text “START” to 88788Find local resources: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Centerhttps://dvsacenter.orgU.S Department of Justice’s Legal Assistance for Victims Programhttps://www.justice.gov/ovw/legal-assistance-victims-programResources for assistance - financial, housing, necessities, food, etc.https://www.findhelp.orghttps://www.domesticshelters.orgBeyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah shares the heartbreaking story of her son, Logan, whose lifelong battle with mental illness and psychosis ended in tragedy. From her experience as a teen mom navigating life alone and the challenges she faced during pregnancy, to Logan’s early struggles with voices and night terrors, Sarah opens up about grief, mental health, and the stigma surrounding suicide loss. Her story is a raw reflection on healing, motherhood, and the enduring bond between a parent and child.Through her honesty, she sheds light on the silent pain so many families face and the importance of compassion, awareness, and acknowledging grief without judgment. This conversation reminds us that even in the depths of loss, love still finds a way to speak.It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Devinehttps://a.co/d/f0pMKu3Mental Health Resources:Crisis Text Line741741Suicide and Crisis Lifeline988SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters*Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After surviving a brutal sexual assault in 2011, Angelique refused to let her story end in silence. In this raw and powerful episode, she opens up about the day she was attacked by a serial rapist in Gainesville, Florida — the fight for her life, the trauma that followed, and the system that failed to deliver justice. Angelique speaks openly about the trauma of sexual violence, the realities of victim-blaming, and the deep cracks within a legal system that too often protects offenders over survivors. She exposes how rape kits sit untested, how alcohol and advocacy collide in spaces meant to be “safe,” and how many survivors are left without justice or support.But this isn’t just a story of what was taken; it’s about what she built after. Angelique found sobriety, purpose, and a mission to create trauma-informed, survivor-centered spaces where healing is possible. Her voice has become a force in sexual assault awareness and survivor advocacy, challenging the culture of silence and calling out the systems that need to change. Colorado’s Rape Kit Backlog Gofundmehttps://gofund.me/50413c11 Resources:RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline 1-800-656-HOPEhttps://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/ NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)https://www.nsvrc.org Crisis Text Line741741 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline988 SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)  Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters *Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After being medically discharged from the Air Force due to Crohn’s disease, Destynie’s life was turned upside down. Crohn’s disease (a chronic, debilitating autoimmune disorder) took away her career and nearly took her life. What followed was a decade-long battle not only with her own body but with the military healthcare system and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that were supposed to protect her.Destynie opens up about losing over 60 pounds in nine months, facing multiple hospitalizations and surgeries, and enduring years of pain while fighting for proper medical recognition. She shares how the system dismissed her suffering, how she learned to advocate for herself, and what it took to finally be heard.This episode shines a light on the realities of living with severe Crohn’s disease, the failures of veteran healthcare, and the strength it takes to keep fighting when your illness—and the system—try to silence you. Crohn’s Disease & Autoimmune Support:Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCF)https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org Global Healthy Living Foundation – IBD Supporthttps://ghlf.org  Veteran Advocacy & Legal Aid Resources:Disabled American Veterans (DAV)https://www.dav.org National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)https://www.nvlsp.org Wounded Warrior Project – Benefits & Advocacyhttps://www.woundedwarriorproject.org Veterans Legal Institutehttps://www.vetslegal.com  Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters *Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lee Alexander shares his powerful journey from military service to surviving the unseen battles that followed. A U.S. Navy veteran who later served in the Army National Guard, Lee spent years deployed in the Middle East and Mogadishu, Somalia, working as a criminal investigator aboard the USS Ranger. After injuries forced him to leave active duty, he grappled with PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and the silence surrounding mental health in the armed forces.When the Humvee carrying the soldier who replaced him hit an IED, killing everyone inside, Lee was consumed by guilt — struggling with nightmares and the feeling that he had no right to speak about his pain. He opens up about the night he almost ended his life, the friend whose unexpected text saved him, and the importance of connection and support for veterans who often suffer in silence.Writing became his turning point. What began as private notes evolved into poetry and fiction that helped him heal. Today, Lee is a published author of a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired novel (The Fortuitous Few), a dark Victorian fantasy series (The Damien Blackwell Chronicles), and a poetry collection titled In the Obsidian Mirror, I Remain: Reflections of a Fractured Soul, which explores trauma, reflection, and recovery. His short story Writing in the Shadows was also recognized by Writer’s Digest.Now working in IT and military simulation training, Lee continues to advocate for veteran mental health, creative healing, and the power of storytelling.  Lee’s Websites and Social Media:https://shadowpagespressllc.comhttps://www.instagram.com/leea.writesStorytellers Convention: https://onceuponeverystorycon.com Lee’s Books:In The Obsidian Mirror, I Remain: Reflections of a Fractured Soul(Available on Amazon)https://a.co/d/gnqRHVY Shadows of the Past: The Damien Blackwell Chronicles - International Reader’s Choice Award (Available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble)https://a.co/d/g8HxubDhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadows-of-the-past-lee-alexander/1146110569?ean=9798991136006 Echoes of Dark and Light: The Damien Blackwell Chronicles(Available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble)https://a.co/d/2Ur1lGXhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/echoes-of-dark-and-light-lee-alexander/1147052734?ean=9798991136020 The Fortuitous Few(Available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble)https://a.co/d/78SrAsOhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-fortuitous-few-lee-alexander/1146878393?ean=9798991136082 Writing in the Shadows - Writer's Digest Annual Award Nomination   Veteran PTSD Resources:https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ptsd/next-step.asp Combat Call Center: (877)WAR-VETS PTSD Foundation of America -Veteran Line: (877)717-PTSDhttps://ptsdusa.org Mental Health Resources:Suicide and Crisis Lifeline988 SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)  Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters *Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura’s story is a haunting look at the hidden realities of domestic violence — and the systems that fail survivors. She opens up about falling in love with a man who slowly stripped away her confidence through manipulation, gaslighting, and control. What began as subtle red flags turned into emotional and physical terror, leaving her fighting to reclaim her sense of safety and self-worth. As a trained martial artist and health advocate, Laura reflects on the painful irony of being both strong and trapped as well as how abusers exploit empathy, guilt, and love to maintain power. Laura takes us through the aftermath, the failed trial that never gave her closure, the retraumatization within the legal system, and the painful silence from a community that protected her abuser. She discusses the generational patterns of abuse within her family, the importance of therapy, and the long journey of rebuilding trust in herself. Laura’s courage to speak out gives voice to countless survivors who were silenced by fear or disbelief. Her story is not just about violence; it’s about reclaiming autonomy, exposing injustice, and reminding others that healing begins when you finally refuse to be quiet. National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233Find local resources: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Centerhttps://dvsacenter.org U.S Department of Justice’s Legal Assistance for Victims Program: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/legal-assistance-victims-program Resources for assistance - financial, housing, necessities, food, etc.https://www.findhelp.orghttps://www.domesticshelters.org  Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters *Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melisa shares the heart-wrenching story of her ex-partner Alex’s motorcycle accident that left him quadriplegic after being struck by a Grubhub driver. In the aftermath, she faced not only the devastation of ICU visits and breaking the news to her daughter, but also the unraveling of family trust. As Alex’s girlfriend stepped in as his caretaker, Melisa describes how she cut him off from loved ones, took control through a secret marriage, power of attorney, and a new will, and left the family fighting for access, truth, and justice. This powerful conversation explores love, betrayal, and the painful reality of losing someone not just to tragedy, but also to deception and control. Justice for Alex and His Children Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567689483408 Flag to Remember Foundationhttps://flagtoremember.com/ Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters *Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Savannah, a police officer and military veteran, shares her story of sacrifice, betrayal, and survival. After giving up her entire life in Washington to move to Chicago for marriage, she quickly discovered her husband was not the man she thought he was. Once married, he became emotionally abusive and revealed struggles with cheating, drug addiction, and sex addiction, leaving Savannah to navigate devastating betrayal and the painful unraveling of the life she had built. Her journey reaches further back into a childhood shaped by domestic violence and family dysfunction, where she learned patterns that influenced her adult relationships and left her vulnerable to manipulation. Savannah reflects on how family betrayal, military service, and her role as a police officer all intersected with the trauma she carried—and how she found the strength to reclaim her boundaries, self-worth, and future. Her story exposes the realities of toxic family dynamics, generational trauma, and emotional abuse, while shining a light on the resilience it takes to heal, rebuild, and rise stronger. Savannah’s Book: In the Wake of Woundshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPRNYMZ6?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_9ANEMFQ0X0EZ1PNM0Q7T Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters *Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clair’s life began in chaos—raised by a father who fabricated shocking lies about his family being murdered and a mother who was later deported. Her childhood was marked by deception, abandonment, and the weight of secrets no child should carry. As she grew older, Clair uncovered more truths about her family’s past, while navigating the pain of loss, strained relationships, and the emotional toll of addiction.She shares what it was like to grow up with a mother battling alcoholism and a father whose life was cut short in a car accident when she was young. She reflects on the dark moments where she questioned whether life was worth continuing—and the resilience it took to keep going. Today, Clair is rewriting the narrative, determined to raise her daughter with honesty, empathy, and a safe space to express her emotions. Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters *Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After growing up in Trenton, New Jersey, Prince broke the cycle and built a life defined by discipline and service; first in the Army, then as a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer. Ten years into his career, everything changed when a drunk driver hit him, forcing an abrupt medical retirement.While facing the aftermath of the crash, Prince was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD. Instead of breaking, he rebuilt—returning to school, earning multiple degrees, and ultimately completing his doctorate in criminal justice. Today, he uses his lived experience and education to teach the next generation as a college professor, while continuing to speak openly about mental health, resilience, and overcoming trauma.Prince has transformed his pain into purpose advocating for mental health awareness in law enforcement and veteran communities while proving that it’s possible to rise from loss stronger than before. From losing the identity he once clung to, to finding purpose beyond the badge, his story is proof that resilience is possible even when the world falls apart. Prince’s Socials and Linkshttps://instagram.com/realprincebluehttps://x.com/realprinceblue3https://tiktok.com/@realprincebluehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/prince-blueEmail: [email protected] Real Time with Prince Blue Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@realprinceblue Black and Blue Lives Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-and-blue-lives/id1574245761    Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters *Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Misti Blu Day shares her powerful story of surviving both childhood trauma and life-threatening health battles. Growing up in a home marked by abuse, alcoholism, and trauma bonds, she learned early on what it meant to live in survival mode. Later in life, she faced congenital heart issues, dangerous arrhythmias, and multiple open-heart surgeries — first in 2011, again seven years later, and most recently just three years ago. She also lives with Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder, and Wolff–Parkinson–White Syndrome (WPW), a rare heart condition that causes abnormal rhythms. Her journey highlights the connection between trauma, chronic illness, and the fight to reclaim life after repeated medical emergencies. From navigating grief and gaslighting to waking up after open-heart surgery with a second chance, Misti’s story is one of raw honesty, resilience, and hope. This episode dives into themes of childhood abuse, trauma recovery, resilience, congenital heart disease, open-heart surgery, healing after medical trauma, PTSD, abuse survival, and overcoming adversity. Misti’s Socials and Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/mistibludayhttps://mistibludream.com/ Books:Botanical Rebellion: Apothecary Guide to Nature's Alchemyhttps://a.co/d/7kyZwn3 Garden of Bluhttps://a.co/d/5EUPCAZ Botanical Rebellion Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/botanical-rebellion/id1802984202  Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters *Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Hutchinson, executive producer of Sound of Freedom and founder of multiple child-rescue initiatives, exposes the hidden realities of human trafficking and child exploitation. He shares his firsthand experiences from undercover operations, detailing how traffickers target children, the signs families should recognize, and why awareness is the first step in prevention.Hutchinson also addresses the deep impact of trauma and the urgent need for meaningful healing. He discusses the role of psilocybin therapy and his retreat work, explaining how structured psychedelic experiences can help survivors, rescuers, and others carrying unresolved pain achieve breakthroughs in recovery.This conversation reveals both the darkness of trafficking networks and the hope found in innovative healing. Hutchinson’s perspective underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable children while also creating pathways for long-term restoration and resilience. Paul’s Socials and Websitehttps://liberating-humanity.comhttps://www.instagram.com/liberating.humanityhttps://www.youtube.com/@Liberatinghumanityhttps://www.tiktok.com/@liberating.humanityhttps://www.facebook.com/liberating.humanityhttps://x.com/Paulhutchinson ‘The Sound of Freedom: True Stories that Inspired the Film’ Book(Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble!)https://a.co/d/flncht7 Sound of Freedom moviehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CV3TMD6M/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r The Liberating Humanity PodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4X5cFDS0DlHCe3xhlr8yfB?si=a8fb6aea2c654679Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/liberating-humanity-real-heroes-real-stories-and/id1699211825 Child Liberation Foundationhttps://childliberation.orghttps://www.instagram.com/childliberationfoundationhttps://www.tiktok.com/@childliberationorghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9lTb0RGJKgR04ALjeYkrXAhttps://x.com/CLF_Org  Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters *Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.