Spill The Tea HSV

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber sit down with Tess of the *Half Serious Podcast* to discuss her motivation for creating a platform where individuals can use gallows humor to navigate and process difficult topics. Drawing from her background in law enforcement, Tess shares firsthand insights into the traumatic experiences she encountered and explains how gallows humor can serve as a protective coping mechanism for those exposed to intense situations. The conversation also explores domestic violence from a law enforcement perspective, including practical considerations for personal safety. Throughout the episode, Tess shares compelling and often shocking stories that highlight the realities behind her experiences, while also demonstrating how humor can coexist with heavy subject matter. **Trigger Warning:** This episode includes discussions of abuse and traumatic events. Please consider your mental and emotional well-being before listening.

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber sit down with Licensed Professional Counselor Suzanne Fortnum to explore why not being chosen can feel so deeply personal. Together, they unpack the internal shift toward self-blame and how we often interpret someone else’s inconsistency as a reflection of our own worth. The conversation dives into how being chosen can feel like validation rather than genuine connection—and how that mindset can lead us into unhealthy relationships. Suzanne also highlights the trap of “earning” love, explaining that the moment you begin striving for someone’s consistency or affection, you may already be abandoning yourself. Tune in for an insightful and eye-opening discussion you won’t want to miss.

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber discuss a cheating scandal that recently went viral in their community, highlighting the emotional toll of discovering a partner’s infidelity through social media—an experience Lauren speaks on from personal understanding. They also share a powerful story submitted by a TikTok follower who is taking her first courageous step toward healing. Her story sheds light on betrayal and emotional abuse, detailing how she was manipulated and deceived by a partner who, when confronted, responded with gaslighting and attempts to undermine her self-worth. Lauren and Amber emphasize an important message: no one deserves to be treated this way. This episode serves as a reminder that healing is possible, you are not alone, and there is strength in speaking your truth.

In this week’s episode, Lauren reflects on her recent trip to New York City and looks ahead to future travel plans with Amber. The conversation then shifts to a powerful listener-submitted story, sent in by a TikTok follower, detailing personal experiences with gaslighting, abuse, and narcissistic behavior. Lauren highlights the unfortunate reality that such experiences have become increasingly common, prompting a broader discussion about modern relationship dynamics. Lauren and Amber explore how shifting societal norms—particularly women’s financial independence—have influenced dating expectations. They discuss how many women are now prioritizing emotional compatibility, character, and mutual value in relationships, contributing to changing patterns in partnership and an ongoing conversation around male loneliness.

This week’s episode opens with Lauren walking Amber through a series of dating profiles from Memphis—an exercise that quickly highlights a broader reality: disappointing dating prospects aren’t limited to one city. The conversation then shifts to a powerful listener story about the unraveling of a long-term relationship. After discovering her husband’s affair with a coworker—who was also his employee and significantly younger—she was faced with both betrayal and denial, even in the presence of clear evidence. Although she initially considered working through the relationship, repeated infidelity ultimately led her to move on. Today, she is thriving and fully embracing a new chapter. Tune in to hear a story of resilience, growth, and reclaiming one’s life after heartbreak.

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber return with another entertaining update on Dick, as karma finally seems to be catching up with him. They also dive into a gripping story about a toxic relationship that ends in murder—one that remains an unsolved mystery to this day. Packed with shocking twists and questionable investigative decisions, this episode will leave you wondering how such a case could go unresolved. At its core, it’s a chilling reminder that love can have dangerous consequences. Who do you think is responsible?

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber share a powerful story submitted by a listener who hopes to remind women that they are not alone when facing domestic violence, even if it takes time to leave. She explains that abuse is not always visible, and when it isn’t, it can be especially difficult to seek help because others may not recognize that abuse is happening. The listener emphasizes that emotional and verbal abuse are valid and serious forms of domestic violence, and that no one should feel they have to wait until the situation escalates to physical harm before leaving. In her experience, her former partner frequently handled firearms in a threatening way, leaving her fearful for her safety. Despite the danger, fear kept her from leaving for a long time. Now free from that relationship, she is sharing her story to raise awareness and to encourage others who may be in similar situations to recognize the signs of abuse and know that support and a way out are possible.

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Amber recap the past week and dive into a conversation about some of the more surprising and unusual dating profiles they’ve come across. Please note that this episode includes a listener-submitted story involving sensitive and potentially distressing topics. Listener discretion is advised. The story comes from a woman who connected online with someone living overseas. As their conversations progressed, he began sharing deeply troubling details about his past, including being removed from family homes due to concerning behavior he attributed to personal struggles. As more information came to light, the situation became increasingly alarming. The key takeaway from this episode is a reminder to exercise caution when engaging with people on dating apps. Be mindful of the personal information you share, and prioritize your safety when forming connections online.

n this episode, Lauren and Amber share that Bree has decided to step away from the podcast for personal reasons. They reflect on her contributions and thank her for helping build the show. Amber also talks about a recent date that went well—even though it ultimately wasn’t the right match—and Lauren gives an update on a recent conversation she had with Dick. Later, the hosts react to a shocking listener story about a two-year relationship built on lies. After promising marriage and a future together—including having a child—her boyfriend ultimately revealed he never intended to follow through and had been dishonest about major parts of his life. Tune in for honest conversations about dating, relationships, and the red flags people sometimes miss.

In this week’s episode, with Bree away attending to family matters, Lauren and Amber take the mic for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about modern dating dynamics. They begin by addressing the ongoing issue of unsolicited explicit photos, emphasizing that such behavior is not only unwelcome but often ridiculed rather than appreciated. The discussion highlights the broader theme of respect, consent, and self-awareness in digital communication. Lauren also shares a personal experience in which a man who had ghosted her a year prior unexpectedly reached out to apologize. While she acknowledged the sentiment, she questioned the timing and intent—underscoring the idea that women are not responsible for absolving men seeking relief from guilt over past behavior. The episode concludes with a powerful listener story centered on betrayal and manipulation. A woman discovered that her live-in partner had been secretly paying escorts for sex, exposing her to infections. When confronted, he attempted to deflect responsibility by accusing her of infidelity. Lauren and Amber unpack the emotional and psychological impact of gaslighting and deception in intimate relationships. Tune in for a compelling and unfiltered discussion about accountability, boundaries, and navigating trust in today’s dating landscape.

In this episode, Spill the Tea Unfiltered explores a shocking real-life story of betrayal and fractured family dynamics. After 21 years of marriage, a woman discovers her husband had been engaging in multiple affairs throughout their relationship—some with the mothers of their daughter’s friends. Once the truth came to light, she made the decision to leave. Just three months later, he remarried a relative’s ex-wife, creating a complicated family structure in which cousins also became step-siblings. Tune in as we unpack the events, consequences, and fallout of this unbelievable story.

In today’s episode, Spill the Tea: Unfiltered examines the ways the court system can fail victims and, at times, protect those who have caused harm. Lauren shares her ongoing experience with a legal system that has yet to hold her ex-husband accountable for tens of thousands of dollars he owes. The episode also features a listener’s story detailing the emotional and financial toll of a prolonged custody battle, despite documented evidence of domestic violence. This conversation highlights the systemic challenges many victims face and serves as a reminder that those navigating a broken legal process are not alone.

In today’s episode, the hosts discuss a story involving a husband who refuses to sign divorce papers, exploring the motivations behind why some men delay the process—is it avoidance, or an attempt to maintain control? The conversation also turns to men commenting on women’s social media and bodies, addressing how inappropriate and disrespectful this behavior is, and reflecting on the troubling reality that, even in 2026, some men still believe it is acceptable to comment on women’s bodies.

Trigger Warning: This week’s episode includes discussions of child abuse, including sexual abuse. Please be mindful of your own mental health and well-being before listening. In this week’s episode, Spill the Tea Unfiltered sits down with Ashley and Kate from Bridge and Bloom Therapy Services, LLC. We explore the impact experiences such as divorce, unhealthy co-parenting, and child abuse can have on children, and how these experiences may contribute to complex PTSD. Ashley and Kate share their expertise and discuss evidence-based therapeutic approaches that support healing across the lifespan. Grounded in the belief that healing happens through safety, connection, and compassion, Bridge and Bloom creates space for meaningful growth and recovery. To learn more about their practice, visit bridgeandbloomllc.com.

In this week’s episode of Spill the Tea Unfiltered, Bree, Amber, and Lauren dive into a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough — toxic friendships. They explore how painful it can be when friends ghost you without explanation, and why losing a long-term friendship can sometimes hurt even more than a breakup. Bree and Lauren share their own personal experiences with friendship fallouts and reflect on why real, healthy friendships require grace, honesty, and communication. If you’ve ever been left wondering what went wrong, know this: you’re not alone — and you’re not the problem when someone chooses silence over communication.

In this episode, Spill the Tea Unfiltered introduces listeners to its newest host, Amber, as she opens up about her powerful and deeply personal relationship experiences. From drug abuse and alcoholism to hospitalization, cheating, and gaslighting, Amber shares how she has endured—and survived—multiple forms of abuse. Her story is a reminder that abuse doesn’t always look the same, and it can take many forms. Amber reflects on how these experiences shaped the person she is today, giving her a stronger sense of self and a heightened awareness of red flags when dating. We also talk about stepping into the YouTube space and invite you to check out our previous episodes, available wherever you get your podcasts, to learn the full backstory behind Spill the Tea Unfiltered (formerly Spill the Tea HSV). Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual assault, domestic violence, and rape. Please prioritize your mental health and listen with care.

Happy New Year! In this episode, Lauren and Bree share exciting updates about the podcast as they step into a new chapter—new year, new name, and a new addition to the team. We’re thrilled to welcome Amber, also known to many as “movie theatre girl.” What began as an unexpected and challenging connection has grown into a genuine friendship, and Amber now joins the podcast as part of the Spill the Tea Unfiltered team. As we move forward, the podcast will expand beyond toxic romantic relationships to include conversations around toxic friendships and family dynamics as well. Tune in as we kick off this exciting new chapter and continue creating honest, unfiltered discussions you won’t want to miss.

We are on Holiday, please enjoy this repeat episode of Bree's Story. In Episode 3, Bree dives into the story of her third marriage. She discusses navigating the new world of becoming a step-mother and believing that she finally has the family she's always wanted. While things seemed to be going perfectly, she quickly learns what dismissive avoidant attachment style is after her husband files for divorce.

We are on Holiday, Please enjoy these previous Episodes. In this episode, Bree opens up about her experiences with two very different marriages—one with a husband who lied about wanting children and had an affair, and another with a partner who offered no support during her multiple miscarriages. Tune in to discover the red flags she uncovered throughout her journey and how she found healing after her losses.

We are on Holiday, so we are taking it back to the episode that started it all! Enjoy! In Episode One, Lauren spills the tea on how she went from being played to playing the game her way. Betrayal, lies, and a toxic marriage lit the fire—now she’s serving up the hard truths so you don’t make the same mistakes. Hit play and bring your tea, because this one’s scalding.

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Ashley, who is navigating a difficult divorce from a partner exhibiting narcissistic behaviors. Despite years of emotional abuse and infidelity, Ashley now faces the added challenge of her ex weaponizing the children in an attempt to regain control. With significant financial resources behind him, he has secured an aggressive attorney, and Ashley’s case has been further complicated by a judge known for disproportionately favoring male parties in divorce proceedings. Ashley shares her ongoing journey through the legal system and reflects on how a lifetime of people-pleasing contributed to the power dynamics in her marriage. Her story offers insight, strength, and important lessons for anyone facing similar challenges.

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Licensed Professional Counselor Suzanne Fortnum to explore the concept of closure—and why it is often a myth. Suzanne explains that seeking a final conversation, apology, or explanation from an ex rarely provides the clarity we hope for and can instead lead to deeper confusion and emotional harm. Together, they discuss healthier, more empowering ways to find closure within yourself, including therapy, journaling, and building a strong support system. The conversation highlights that true closure comes from personal healing and acceptance, not from the person who hurt you. Tune in for an insightful discussion on reclaiming your peace and moving forward on your own terms.

In today’s episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Emily Scott of FinanciallyUnbroken.com to discuss practical financial guidance for individuals navigating divorce or leaving an abusive relationship. Emily breaks down the essential steps for building financial stability, including how to prioritize savings, manage debt, and begin investing. Tune in to gain valuable insight into becoming financially literate and taking meaningful steps toward long-term financial freedom.

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Maria to explore how growing up in dysfunction can shape the relationships we choose as adults. Maria shares her experience of entering an abusive partnership and seeking support from someone she believed was a friend—only to realize that this relationship, too, was deeply unhealthy and ultimately exacerbated her situation. Maria also opens up about the ongoing challenges she faces as her ex attempts to use their children as leverage. Through therapy and meaningful self-work, she has gained clarity about her worth, cut ties with harmful influences, and found renewed strength as she navigates co-parenting and stands up for herself.

In this episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Bethany to discuss her powerful story of resilience and self-discovery. Bethany opens up about repeatedly finding herself in relationships where she unknowingly became “the other woman,” including a painful experience involving a member of church leadership. She also shares her journey of becoming a young mother and the challenges she faced after being abandoned by her child’s father. Through it all, Bethany’s story highlights the strength it takes to overcome betrayal and rebuild with courage and grace.

In this special live episode, Lauren and Bree host an event at Blue Apple Books featuring Licensed Professional Counselor Teresa Williams. Audience members and online listeners submitted thoughtful questions about betrayal, healing, and personal growth. Together, they engage in an honest and heartfelt discussion on navigating the aftermath of betrayal and finding a path forward. A special thank-you to everyone who joined us in person and supported this live recording.

In this episode, Lauren and Bree share personal life updates and discuss the ongoing fallout from “Dick” and his toxic behavior. Lauren opens up about how his actions continue to impact her and other women he’s currently involved with, while Bree offers a candid look into her own dating life—including the unexpected attention she’s still getting from exes and their families on social media. Tune in to catch up with your favorite podcast besties as they get real about love, boundaries, and moving forward.

In this episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Licensed Professional Therapist Suzanne Fortnum to discuss the dangers of romanticizing relationships. They explore the importance of falling in love with who a person truly is, rather than the potential of who we hope they could become. Suzanne sheds light on how fairytale-style romances can sometimes mask red flags—such as love bombing or toxic dynamics—and why it’s crucial to slow down when things move too fast. Tune in to learn how to recognize the signs of an unhealthy relationship and understand what truly builds the foundation for a healthy, lasting connection.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence and abuse. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Aolani, who shares her powerful story of surviving a violent and traumatic relationship that left her hospitalized. After enduring years of abuse, Aolani found the courage to leave—with the support of her family, friends, and for the sake of her young child. Determined to break the cycle of abuse, she chose to rebuild her life and create a safer future for her child. However, Aolani’s journey continues as she navigates the ongoing challenges of co-parenting with her abuser. Her story is one of strength, survival, and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity

In this episode, Lauren and Bree continue the conversation by speaking with Sarah, the first ex-wife of the same man from Samara’s story in the previous episode. Sarah endured severe domestic violence during her marriage, facing both emotional and physical abuse that made her life unbearable. With the help of supportive friends and family, she was able to break free and reclaim her life. Today, Sarah is happily remarried to a loving and supportive partner, and her journey is a testament to courage, resilience, and hope beyond trauma.

In this episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Samara to share her powerful story of survival. Samara endured both physical and emotional domestic violence at the hands of a man who, with his mother, plotted to take her life. Despite his history of abuse toward multiple partners—and even facing an active investigation for threatening a previous wife—Samara continues to be entangled with him due to their shared child and the challenges of a flawed court system. Through strength, resilience, and the support of her community, Samara is not only surviving but thriving. She now runs Blissful Ventures LLC, where she creates and sells all-natural soaps and candles, helping to fund her legal battles and provide for her daughter. We are honored to share her journey—and can personally attest to the quality of her incredible products.

In this episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Angie to share her powerful story of survival. What began as a friendship turned into a nightmare when she was sexually assaulted and physically abused by someone she trusted. For years, she was silenced by intimidation and fear, but today, Angie bravely speaks out. Her journey is one of resilience, strength, and courage; a reminder of the importance of breaking the silence and shedding light on experiences many others are not fortunate enough to escape.

In today’s episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Anna as she courageously shares the trauma she endured at the end of her 20-year marriage. Her husband’s repeated infidelity was compounded by threats to both her life and his own, including a terrifying incident where he held a firearm to her. To make matters worse, Anna faced harassment from the mistress, who was fully aware of his marriage. Anna’s story is one of resilience and survival in the face of multiple forms of abuse and trauma. Today, she stands as a testament to healing, having found a healthy, loving relationship that reminds us there truly can be light after the darkness.

In today’s episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Samantha to discuss her surprising experience after divorce. What began as a new relationship quickly unraveled when she discovered the man she was seeing was already married. Instead of letting betrayal divide them, Samantha and his wife chose to stand together, forming an unexpected friendship and confronting him directly. This episode highlights the power of solidarity, the strength of women supporting women, and the importance of holding men accountable for their actions.

In this episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Megan from the United Kingdom to share her powerful story of resilience and love. A survivor of multiple strokes and three open-heart surgeries, Megan also lives with antiphospholipid syndrome. Throughout her journey, her now-husband stood unwaveringly by her side, offering steadfast support, compassion, and true unconditional love, even in life’s most difficult moments. In an era where such devotion is rare, Megan’s story is both inspiring and deeply moving. We are honored to bring her voice and experience to our listeners.

This week on the podcast, Lauren and Bree are joined once again by Licensed Professional Counselor Teresa Williams for a powerful conversation on forgiveness. Together, they explore what forgiveness truly means and what it doesn't. Teresa offers insight into the emotional complexity of the process, emphasizing that forgiveness is often difficult, requires patience, and may not always be fully attainable, and that’s okay. The discussion also delves into who forgiveness is really for, highlighting that it's not about excusing those who have caused harm, but rather about healing for oneself. Don’t miss this thoughtful and honest episode.

In this week’s episode, Bree and Lauren sit down with Megan for part two of a deeply important and emotional conversation about navigating extremely difficult life experiences. Please be advised: this episode contains discussions of rape and sexual assault, which may be triggering for some listeners. We encourage you to prioritize your mental health and if this topic is too heavy, it’s okay to skip this one. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence or sexual assault, please know you are not alone. There are resources and support available to help you through the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233.

In this week’s episode, Bree and Lauren sit down with Megan for a deeply important and emotional conversation about navigating extremely difficult life experiences. Please be advised: this episode contains discussions of rape and sexual assault, which may be triggering for some listeners. We encourage you to prioritize your mental health and if this topic is too heavy, it’s okay to skip this one. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence or sexual assault, please know you are not alone. There are resources and support available to help you through the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233.

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Bree welcome back Licensed Professional Counselor Teresa Williams for a powerful conversation on managing anger after betrayal. Teresa offers practical strategies to process intense emotions in a healthy, constructive way. From calming techniques to mindset shifts, she shares tools to help listeners move from reactive to resilient. Her core message is clear: you can choose to be a victor, not a victim.

This week on the podcast, Lauren and Bree sit down with Jane to discuss her powerful journey through two toxic marriages, both marked by infidelity. Jane shares how she found the strength to rebuild her life, heal, and eventually meet a man who showed her what real love looks like: safe, secure, and genuine. Now, three years into a healthy and fulfilling relationship, Jane’s story is a testament to resilience and hope. Even in the darkest moments, good partners do exist, and the right one will always show up with consistency, respect, and love.

In this episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Anne to discuss a past relationship that unexpectedly resurfaced fourteen years later through an out-of-the-blue direct message. They explore how narcissistic individuals often reappear, particularly when they sense you’re thriving and their current sources of validation have dried up. Anne shares her journey of healing from emotional trauma and reflects on how her life has evolved for the better, far beyond what she ever imagined had she remained in that relationship.

In this episode, Lauren and Bree welcome back therapist Suzanne Fortnum of Suzanne Fortnum Consulting for an insightful conversation on navigating the emotional complexities of toxic relationships. Together, they explore the difficult realization that a partner may not be the person you initially fell in love with, and how this shift can impact your emotional well-being. The discussion delves deeper into the role of narcissism and its influence on processing the end of a relationship and finding closure.

From the outside, it looked like love, but behind closed doors, it was an emotionally draining and deeply unstable relationship. Laura’s story this week is about her former partner’s addiction and how it created a cycle of denial, manipulation, and broken promises. Every relapse brought another round of apologies, and every apology gave her hope things might finally change. But they didn’t. Eventually, she came to a difficult truth that no amount of love can fix someone who isn’t willing to face their own demons. She exhausted herself trying to support him, losing pieces of herself along the way.

In this episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Bailey to unpack her tumultuous dating history, which includes being threatened, stalked, and even dealing with a guy who completely lost it over her talking to her pet chinchilla, Crispy. Bailey also shares an impressive spreadsheet she created to keep track of her chaotic dating experiences. During the conversation, an unexpected twist is revealed: Bailey turns out to be one of the women Lauren's ex-husband attempted to have an affair with last year while they were still married. Buckle up—this episode is a wild ride.

In this episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Aaron Ryan of Ryan & Rouse, LLC to discuss how to protect yourself during a divorce. Aaron, who represented Lauren in her own divorce, shares practical advice on how to prepare both before and during the process. He emphasizes approaching divorce like a business transaction—especially when children aren't involved—to help minimize emotional strain. Aaron also breaks down what types of evidence are admissible in court and how to gather useful, legally sound information. Don’t miss this insightful and informative conversation.

In this episode, Bree and Lauren sit down with Katherine, a woman who not only found support through a church-based resource during her divorce but now helps other women navigate similar journeys. Katherine opens up about her experience, from grappling with church and mom guilt to finding healing and purpose. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and learn more about the resource available to women in the Huntsville area. If you or someone you know could benefit, reach out to Bree and Lauren to get connected. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Bree talk with Rachel, whose life took dramatic turns at a young age; married at 17, trapped in a cult by 18, and widowed by 19. It’s a wild and emotional story of survival, strength, and resilience. But despite the darkness, Rachel’s journey has a bright ending. She’s now been happily married for years, living a life filled with hope and healing.

In this week’s episode, Lauren and Bree sit down with Lily, who shares her powerful story of resilience and recovery. After moving to the South with a man she believed she knew, Lily found herself trapped in a toxic relationship marked by betrayal and gaslighting. Experiences that triggered anxiety and disordered eating. As she struggled, she began to recognize a painful pattern that echoed the dynamics she witnessed in her own childhood. But Lily’s story doesn’t end there. Today, she’s free, healing, and thriving in a healthy relationship. Her journey is a testament to the strength it takes to break cycles, and the hope that awaits on the other side.

In this week's episode, Lauren and Bree are joined by Licensed Professional Counselor Suzanne Fortnum for an insightful conversation on attachment styles, narcissism, and gaslighting. Suzanne shares her expertise on why women are sometimes drawn to unhealthy relationships and the psychological reasons we may justify harmful behavior. We hope you enjoy this engaging and thought-provoking episode!