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PODCAST

Why She Stayed

A podcast where we dive deep into what really goes on inside of domestic violence relationships that makes it so hard to simply "just leave". Through stories of survivors, and practical conversations with guests, I am going to put the microscope back on what the abuser is doing that causes us to become so trapped in the first place, and how each survivor was eventually freed. We will discuss what abusive relationships look like, sound like, and feel like for the purpose of educating and relating to

true crime relationships

All Episodes

1:23:18

Ep. 47: Understanding Coercive Control and...

Why She Stayed ·

2025/03/11

On this episode I am joined by coercive control expert Dr. Emma Katz to break down some of your most commonly asked questions. Dr. Katz is a UK- based domestic violence & coercive control researcher and a Substack Bestseller. During this episode, we discuss topics such as why abusers tend to use emotional abuse & coercive behaviors as their main form of control, examples of why they are doing it on purpose, and how they attack the mother-child relationship.Dr. Katz Links & Resources: 10

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1:00:59

Ep. 46: Trusting Your Gut Instinct- with Laura Richards

Why She Stayed ·

2025/03/04

On this episode, I am joined by Criminal Behavior Analyst, Laura Richards. Laura is an expert on domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, sexual violence homicide and risk assessment. She trained at New Scotland Yard and the FBI Behavioral Analysis Units and is an advocate for victims and an author, producer and podcaster. Together, we sit down and discuss the importance of trusting your gut instincts, the reality of coercive control, the Gabby Petitio case, and much more. You can find all of

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1:03:18

Ep. 45: Emotional Abuse Can Feel like Death by a...

Why She Stayed ·

2025/02/25

On this episode, I am joined by licensed therapist and author Leah Aguirre where we have an open conversation about "hidden" forms of abuse such as frequent criticism, belittling, and making you feel like nothing is ever good enough. We also discuss questions like "why does my abuser's ex say he wasn't abusive" and "how to not get confused when he starts acting nice again". Lastly, we talk about our takeaways from the Gabby Petito case and several other topics.Leah's Website, Links, & Socials:

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1:07:05

Ep. 44: "I Was An Advocate For Victims, But I Didn't...

Why She Stayed ·

2025/02/18

On this episode, Naomi shares about the cognitive dissonance she experienced when she was working as a victim crime advocate not realizing that she herself was experiencing coercive control, abuse within her own marriage. We talk about her journey to gain clarity, how she left with children, and her abuser's famous words: "But I never hit you".Naomi's Instagram: @nar4124My Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1:15:31

Ep. 43: Confusion Is The Hallmark Of Abuse

Why She Stayed ·

2025/02/11

On this Episode, Liadan shares her abuse story and how confusion played a huge role in struggling to break free. We talk about continuous discarding as a form of abuse, triangulation, and how efficiently the abuser will turn the blame back onto you. This episode contains topics of emotional, verbal, & physical abuse. Liadan's Instagram: @liadanmairegunterLiadan's Website: https://www.therewiringlens.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1:05:46

Ep. 42: "It Felt Like Whiplash"

Why She Stayed ·

2025/02/04

Nicole shares her abuse story of a 10+ year relationship/ marriage that included emotional, mental, financial, and escalating physical abuse. We discuss how the constant ups and downs felt like "whiplash" and how she ultimately left while her daughter was only 5 months old. Guest information will be kept private for now. You can follow me on Instagram @gracestuart26 and Tiktok @gracestuart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1:08:29

Ep. 41: Coercive Control- Dr. Christine Cocchiola

Why She Stayed ·

2025/01/28

On this episode I am joined by coercive control expert Dr. Christine Cocchiola. We discuss examples of how abuse can feel both hidden & obvious, how the perpetrator frames you as the "bad" one, & the dynamic when children are involved. Dr. Cocchiola's website, books, & links:FRAMED Book: https://narcfreepress.com/Website: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/Protective Parenting Program: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/Instagram:

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1:14:24

Ep. 40: "It Felt Like My Brain Was No Longer Mine"

Why She Stayed ·

2025/01/21

Sasha shares her story of how she found herself in an intense cycle of abuse with a man who claimed to be "trauma informed" and emotionally mature, but was actually abusing and causing massive confusion behind closed doors. We talk about feeling like they are your best friend and worst nightmare at the same time, how the stress of abuse affects your physical health, and why couples counseling can make matters worse.Sasha's Website & Social Media:www.OurSacredSpaceRiverside.comBusiness

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1:07:34

Ep. 39 Psychological Abuse, Isolation, & Leaving with...

Why She Stayed ·

2025/01/14

On this episode, my guest Cory shares her abuse story about how she survived a cycle of fast love bombing, being hurt by the same person who "rescues you", how your body will start to reject them, and how she found the strength to leave with a young child.Follow Cory's Instagram: @coryannmichel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1:08:51

Ep 38: Can Coercive Control be Accidental? Do I Owe...

Why She Stayed ·

2025/01/07

During this episode, I will be answering your most commonly asked questions about abuse and healing. We discuss questions such as:Can abuse be unintentional? Do I owe my abuser one last conversation?Best way to deal with the silent treatmentHow to stop comparing yourself to the next person they are withAnd more. See more Q&As covered through my Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1:02:24

Ep. 37: When He's on a Pedestal & Puts You in...

Why She Stayed ·

2024/12/24

On this episode, Megan shares her abuse story of how isolation & accusations were slowly introduced, how abusers will put you in lose-lose situations, how it feels like we always need more "proof" to leave them, and how she eventually left for good.Next episode will air on Tuesday, January 7th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1:09:38

Ep. 36: Non-Fatal Strangulation: How it's Introduced...

Why She Stayed ·

2024/12/17

On this episode I am joined by forensic psychologist Dr. Dana Anderson where we discuss the dangers of non-fatal strangulation, what it is, what "counts", why it matters, and answering your most commonly asked questions. Dr. Anderson's website and social links: Instagram: dr.dana_andersonTiktok: @killerpsychologistWebsite: https://psychologydr.com/doctor-of-clinical-forensic-psychology/Further resources and videos:

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1:12:43

Ep. 35: Will Trying to be Perfect Make Them Change?

Why She Stayed ·

2024/12/10

On this episode I am joined by my guest Amanda where we discuss topics of emotional abuse, coercive control, sexual coercion and more. We also discuss how abusers use things like withdrawing or demanding intimacy as a way to control you and how porn use and spiritual manipulation can play a role in the cycle of abuse. See my Instagram @gracestuart26 for more on guest information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1:15:39

Ep. 34: Cognitive Dissonance, Euphoric Recall, and...

Why She Stayed ·

2024/12/03

On today's episode, Cindy and I discuss the progression of abuse in her past relationship/ marriage and how strong cognitive dissonance can be when you are dealing with "two versions" of your partner. We also talk about their claims of change, and how intense euphoric recalls can be when you are trying walk away and what helped Cindy to overcome that.Cindy's Instagram: @cin.d.bin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1:08:05

Ep. 33: DV Survivor & Mass Shooting Survivor- Elle...

Why She Stayed ·

2024/11/26

On this episode, I am joined by Elle Gargano speaking about enduring a 9 year abusive relationship and all of the aspects that kept her feeling stuck including surviving a mass shooting during the time when she was still with her abuser. We speak heavily about emotional and mental abuse and how the confusion kept her feeling uncertain of her experience for many years.Elle's Socials and Website: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellegargano/TikTok: @ellegarganoWebsite: https://www.ellegargano.com/

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1:16:00

Ep. 32: Coercion, Reactive Abuse, and what if it's me...

Why She Stayed ·

2024/11/19

Morgan shares her story of escaping a relationship that included extreme phases of "love" and devaluing. We discuss topics of coercion, reactive abuse, lying to escape his accusations, the addictiveness of the cycle, and overcoming self-blame.See my Instagram @gracestuart26 for more episode clips and episode information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1:00:48

Ep. 31: Am I "Supposed" to Stay in an Abusive...

Why She Stayed ·

2024/11/12

On this episode I'm joined by Karen DeArmond Gardner where we talk about covert, emotional, mental, and spiritual abuse. She gives new perspectives on how to handle the intrusive thoughts and lies that tell us "but am I supposed to stay?"All Links for Karen's Socials and Website:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karendearmondgardner?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Healing-Domestic-Abuse-Reaching/dp/0825446945Website:

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1:16:04

Ep. 30: "No one will ever believe you because you...

Why She Stayed ·

2024/11/05

On this episode, Savannah shares her story about mental, verbal, and physical abuse and why it felt so hard to leave. We talk about how "smaller" physical trespasses escalate over time and how the perpetrator may pretend they are not even happening. This is an episode for anyone who is in a cycle of "good and bad" who is looking to gain new perspective. Savannah's Socials:Tiktok: @therealmessmomIG: @therealmessmom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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52:51

Ep. 29: How to Help Someone Who's in an Abusive...

Why She Stayed ·

2024/10/29

On this solo episode, I give all of my best tips for bridging the gap with a loved one who may be stuck in an abusive relationship. I give advice on what could be most helpful VS. harmful and how to stay hopeful in the midst of it all.Remember to always contact law enforcement in the case of an emergency, or call a DV hotline yourself for specific advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1:16:30

How Abusers Weaponize Mental Health and Triangulation

Why She Stayed ·

2024/10/22

On this episode, Jess shares her story about how abusers can weaponize mental health claims as an excuse to accuse you and gain control in very covert ways. We also discuss how perpetrators who are very charismatic triangulate people around them to feed into the manipulation and lies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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