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PODCAST

Beyond the Monsters

A podcast where people share real stories of trauma, survival, mental health, and the darkest moments of their lives. Trauma, abuse, true crime, resilience, and the long road toward healing are at the center of every episode. These conversations go deeper than the surface to uncover the truth of what they lived through, what it cost them, and how they found the strength to rise again. It is real, emotional, and driven by the belief that when survivors speak, others find the courage to heal.Hosted by

society & culture personal journals,

All Episodes

01:17:31

Turning Trauma into Film, Empowerment, and Advocacy...

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/08/11

Marie Pizano is an author, filmmaker, producer, and passionate advocate for domestic violence survivors and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) awareness. As the founder of MVP3 Entertainment Group, she’s brought compelling stories to life—from serving as executive producer on the multi-award-winning documentary Momo: The Sam Giancana Story, to producing the feature film Shattered. In her memoir From Barefoot to Stilettos: It’s Not for Sissies, she reflects on her journey out of a high‑conflict

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57:15

Exploited by a Major Music Label

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/08/02

Mariah Heller exposes what really happened to her when she was offered a deal with a major record label. She shares how the label took control of her image, silenced her voice, and used her past trauma as part of their branding—without her consent. Pressured to change her name, aesthetic, and personal narrative, she was told to lose weight and put on a strict diet under a label-assigned nutritionist.She opens up about being silenced, manipulated, and nearly branded as a product of her pain. This is

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01:14:23

Struggling with Alcoholism While Divorcing an Abuser

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/07/15

Danielle shares what it was like to live in an abusive marriage while silently battling depression, alcoholism, and the pressures of motherhood. During the Covid pandemic, she was raising her children, working from home, and struggling from alcoholism. In this episode, we talk about the emotional toll of high-functioning addiction, domestic violence, and what it means to live in survival mode for so long that it starts to feel normal. Danielle opens up about the moment she knew she had to leave, the

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02:13:24

Losing Her Husband to a Fentanyl Overdose with...

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/07/05

At just 29 years old, Adriana Sansam lost her husband to a fentanyl overdose—leaving her to raise their three young children alone. she shares the reality of falling in love, building a family, and discovering her partner’s hidden struggle with heroin addiction. Adriana opens up about navigating sudden widowhood and the challenges of grief while raising kids. She also talks about battling postpartum depression and lifelong depression—silent struggles that shaped her journey long before and after

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01:38:49

Raised in Violence, Fueled by Addiction, Saved by...

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/06/22

In Part 2, Charles opens up about his powerful journey through addiction, incarceration, and personal transformation. He reflects on the emotional toll of navigating the legal system, the impact on his family, and the hard lessons learned from jail time and courtrooms. Through faith, service work, and creative healing—like tattoos—he began to rebuild his identity and repair broken relationships. This conversation dives deep into trauma, recovery, and the evolution of addiction, highlighting the

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01:35:15

The Depths of Addiction and a New Approach to...

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/06/14

Dr. Robb Kelly had it all—a music career, talent, success—until alcoholism took everything and left him living on the streets. In this raw conversation, he shares how addiction shattered his life and family, and the spiritual awakening that led him to recovery and a powerful reunion with his children.Now a leading voice in addiction science, Dr. Kelly breaks down why traditional treatment models fail, the neuroscience of alcoholism, and how self-talk, nutrition, and neuroplasticity can rewire the

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02:03:07

Raised in Violence, Fueled by Addiction, Saved by...

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/06/04

Charles opens up about a life shaped by childhood trauma, addiction, mental health struggles, and the fight for identity. From a violent upbringing and a devastating car crash to the spiral into substance abuse, he shares the turning points that led him to seek help. This raw conversation covers the emotional weight of PTSD, broken family dynamics, infidelity, and the impact of addiction on fatherhood and marriage. With unfiltered honesty, Charles reveals how he rebuilt his life—finding hope,

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01:00:39

Trafficked By Her Boyfriend’s Father

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/05/21

Sheri shares her story of being groomed and trafficked by her boyfriend’s father at the age of 15. She details her journey from a shy teenager to a victim of manipulation and abuse due to human trafficking. The importance of awareness and education to prevent such tragedies is emphasized, illustrating how grooming can happen to any child, regardless of their background. Sheri’s story highlights the psychological impact of trafficking, the struggle for survival, and the long road to recovery after

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01:32:25

Overcoming Childhood Abuse, Kidnapping & SA as a...

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/05/14

Vittorio "Wyatt" Gray's journey is one of surviving the unimaginable—kidnapping, rape, childhood abuse, and homelessness—while discovering his identity as a transgender man. He opens up about the emotional weight of growing up in an abusive family that struggled to accept him, the mental health toll of constant rejection, and the isolation of navigating gender identity in a world that often misunderstands. As he built a new life in the entertainment industry, Wyatt found strength in community,

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02:32:01

From RICO Charges to Working in the Music Industry

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/05/07

Grace Ann’s story isn’t just about surviving addiction or doing time—it’s about what happens when the system spits you out, and life still expects you to show up. In this episode, she opens up about catching federal RICO charges, navigating probation, and the reality of incarceration as a young mother. She talks about losing her son, finding her way back through grief, and how that pain pushed her to fight for sobriety. Grace also shares what it's like working behind the scenes in the music world

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02:08:38

Raped in a Hotel Parking Garage, Her Case Set Legal...

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/04/30

Kira Wahlstrom shares her journey of trauma, survival, and the pursuit of justice after being brutally raped. She recounts the emotional turmoil faced by her and her family, the challenges of navigating the legal system, and the impact it had on her mental health. Kira discusses the civil trial that followed the criminal trial (the biggest premises liability case in Massachusetts history), the difficulties of testifying, and the eventual victory that set legal precedent. She emphasizes the

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02:08:43

Growing Up in The Order of the Lamb Cult

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/04/21

Roanna shares her harrowing journey of growing up in a deeply dysfunctional family within the cult-like religious group known as The Order of the Lamb. She opens up about the trauma she endured as a child—severe punishment, emotional control, and fear-based obedience—and how it shaped her mental health and sense of self.Her story weaves through early play therapy with dolls, the isolating experience of being raised in a predominantly Mormon community, and the internal conflict between genuine

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02:16:25

Husband’s First Wife Was Murdered, He Later Took His...

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/04/10

Sarah Benedict shares her deeply personal and harrowing journey involving her late husband, Andrew, and the tragic murder of his first wife, Rachelle. She recounts the early years of their relationship, the challenges of young parenthood, and the shocking events that unfolded in their small town in Texas. As the story unravels, Sarah reflects on the devastating impact of Rachelle’s murder and the investigation that followed, touching on themes of trauma, justice, and the lasting scars of unresolved

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01:02:05

Being MLM Exec Jessie Lee’s Assistant During Her...

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/04/07

Carissa shares how her spark for life was reignited after meeting and working closely with powerhouse entrepreneur Jessie Lee Ward, who was navigating a Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. As Jessie’s personal assistant, Carissa found herself transformed—not just by the challenges they faced together, but by Jessie’s relentless spirit, drive, and vulnerability.In this powerful episode, Carissa opens up about overcoming chronic depression and anxiety, the deep impact of friendship, and how loss became a

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01:58:14

What It's Really Like for Women in Prison

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/04/01

Amie Ichikawa shares her remarkable transformation from incarceration to becoming the founder of the Woman II Woman organization. She opens up about her experiences behind bars, the emotional and psychological toll of prison life, and the difficult transition back into society. Through her story, Amie sheds light on the harsh realities faced by incarcerated women, the silent battles with PTSD, and the urgent need for mental health support.She also dives into the complex and often overlooked impact

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01:09:03

Green Beret’s Reality of S.A, War, Addiction and...

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/03/21

In part two of his powerful story, Trevor Beaman opens up about his journey through substance abuse, mental health struggles, and the impact of military life on his personal relationships. He reflects on the turning points that led him to seek help, asking for support within the military, and the realizations that came during deployments. Trevor also shares his transition to a new life in Key West and his path to healing through therapies like EMDR and ketamine treatment. This episode explores

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01:43:02

Green Beret’s Reality of S.A, War, Addiction and...

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/03/14

Trevor Beaman is an active duty U.S. Army Green Beret, a husband, father, and a dedicated advocate for mental health and trauma awareness. He shares his journey from a difficult childhood marked by sexual abuse and dysfunction to the rigorous path of becoming a Special Forces soldier.He opens up about the harsh realities of war—witnessing extreme violence in Afghanistan, losing fellow soldiers, and grappling with the psychological toll of combat. Trevor discusses how these experiences compounded

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01:14:43

Sexual Trauma and Sex Therapy with Emma Smith, PhD

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/03/09

Emma Smith, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist, shares her expertise in working with survivors of sexual trauma. She explores the crucial role of consent in therapy, the challenges trauma survivors face, and the diverse therapeutic approaches she employs to support healing. Emma also examines the profound influence of societal norms—such as purity culture—on individuals’ experiences of trauma, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration in the therapeutic

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01:26:23

Troubled Teen to Motivational Speaker with Nathan Wray

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/03/06

Nathan Wray's journey unfolds from being an "Air Force brat" to facing the harsh realities of bullying, substance abuse, and academic struggles. He reflects on the profound impact of his childhood experiences, the power of support and connection in education, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Emphasizing the importance of understanding and communication in both parenting and education, he highlights how these elements shape a child's path to success. His story delves into the

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01:53:17

Fatal DUI, Prison, and Sister’s Suicide

Beyond the Monsters ·

2025/02/27

Tessa Jennings shares her deeply personal journey through mental health struggles, addiction, loss, and redemption after a tragic DUI accident that took a life and led to her imprisonment. She opens up about the emotional and legal consequences of her actions, the overwhelming guilt she carried, and the societal judgment she faced. As she navigated the hardships of incarceration, she also endured the devastating loss of her sister to suicide, highlighting the painful intersections of grief, mental

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54 results

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