That's Where I'm At

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura speaks with Courtney Copeland, an Integrative Somatic Practitioner, trauma educator, and advocate who brings laughter, healing, and empowerment to clients and audiences around the world. With a Master's Degree in Human Services Counseling and certifications in Integrative Somatic Healing, Thought Field Therapy Algorithms, and other trauma-informed modalities, Courtney combines professional expertise with lived experience to help people understand how trauma impacts both the mind and body. Her work has included serving as Co-Clinical Director for the Tidewater Emergency Medical Services Critical Incident Stress Management team and providing mental health and crisis intervention training for first responders.
Together, Laura and Courtney explore how trauma is stored in the body and often manifests as physical symptoms, as well as the role of modalities such as EMDR, somatic therapy, and nervous system regulation in the healing process. Courtney explains how laughter, crying, movement, and other body-centered practices can help release trapped emotions and support recovery. They also discuss the importance of finding the right therapist, advocating for your needs in the healing journey, and building a personalized toolkit for resilience and growth.
Drawing from both her professional background and real-life experiences, Courtney offers practical, compassionate insights designed to help listeners feel seen, understood, and empowered. She also shares details about her upcoming podcast, Trauma Intersections, and her program, Start With Just One Breath, which provides accessible, body-centered tools for navigating trauma and healing.
 
Key Topics & Timestamps
Guest Introduction: Courtney Copeland (00:01:20) Laura introduces guest Courtney Copeland, an integrative somatic practitioner, and her holistic approach to processing trauma stored in the body.
Courtney's Journey into Trauma Work (00:02:18) Courtney shares her personal story of becoming a trauma professional after a career change and her education in Human Services.
How Trauma is Stored in the Body (00:03:19) An explanation of how the body keeps a record of trauma, sometimes causing emotional immaturity and physical ailments.
Identifying and Processing Stored Trauma (00:04:46) Courtney explains her approach to helping clients identify and process past traumatic events that are affecting their present behavior.
Understanding EMDR (00:08:50) The discussion covers EMDR therapy, how it works without reliving trauma, and its origins from a walk in the park.
The Importance of Professional Guidance (00:11:55) Courtney advises working with a trained professional for deep trauma work like EMDR to ensure safety and proper guidance.
What is a Somatic Practitioner? (00:14:29) Courtney explains somatic work, which uses the body's senses and holistic practices to help release stored trauma and tension.
The Body's Physical Release of Trauma (00:17:44) Discussion on how physical activities like yoga and deep breathing can trigger the release of trapped emotions through shaking or crying.
Finding the Right Therapist (00:20:31) The importance of finding a therapist who is a good fit and knowing when it's time to move on.
The Role of the Therapist (00:26:06) A therapist's job is to remain professional and supportive, creating a safe space for the client's story and emotions.
The Catharsis of Crying (00:27:39) Crying is a natural way the body regulates its nervous system and releases emotions, and it shouldn't be suppressed.
Self-Care After an Emotional Release (00:30:10) Courtney provides tips for self-care after a big emotional release, including nutrition, hydration, rest, and positive self-talk.
The Healing Power of Laughter (00:32:57) Laughter is a powerful tool for healing as it helps regulate breathing and brings light into dark emotional spaces.
Using Your Healing Toolkit (00:37:49) Healing involves using multiple tools and modalities; it's important to find what works for you and build a diverse toolkit.
Advocating for Yourself in Therapy (00:44:52) Listeners are empowered to ask therapists about their training and to leave if it's not a good fit.
Inner Child Work (00:48:05) The validity and healing power of inner child work, which involves comforting and reparenting the younger parts of yourself.
The Gut-Brain Connection (00:52:44) Courtney explains how emotional distress often manifests physically in the gut due to the vagus nerve's extensive network.
Courtney's Upcoming Projects (00:53:24) Courtney announces her new podcast, "Trauma Intersections," and two upcoming signature programs focused on healing and self-care.
 
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Courtney, "I had an episode myself where I didn't have the support that I needed, so I went to grad school and became the person that I needed at that time."
Courtney, "I let all that go. I'm proud of myself for letting that go. You don't have to carry it anymore."
Courtney, "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion."
Courtney, "If you have a presenting client that is outside your skill set, you need to own up to it immediately."
Laura, "That's where I found my voice, was in therapy and doing this kind of work."
 
RESOURCES:
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura
MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: SHOP HERE
JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517
 
FOLLOW COURTNEY:
Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com
Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/traumaintersections
Courtney's Podcast: https://podfollow.com/trauma-intersections/view
 
"Trauma may live in the body, but so does the capacity to heal."
 
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura welcomes Mardi Winder, a Strategic Divorce Consultant, founder of Strategic Divorce Directory and Positive Communication Systems, host of The D Shift: Redefining Divorce and Beyond podcast, and creator of the Real Divorce Talks summit series. With more than 30 years of experience supporting individuals through high-conflict, complex, and high-asset divorces, Mardi specializes in helping clients navigate separation with greater clarity, confidence, and control while reducing the emotional and financial costs of the process.
Drawing from her extensive background in mediation, executive and leadership coaching, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication, Mardi shares her expertise on navigating divorces involving narcissistic abuse and coercive control. She and Laura discuss the psychological tactics abusers use, including gaslighting, smear campaigns, and trauma bonding, as well as why leaving these relationships can be so difficult. Mardi also offers practical insights into mediation, decision-making, and the importance of building the right legal and professional support team.
Throughout the conversation, both women share personal experiences and explore how narcissists often target strong, capable individuals while systematically undermining their confidence over time. This episode provides valuable education, practical resources, and reassurance that healing, empowerment, and a healthier future are possible after abuse and divorce.
 
Key Topics & Timestamps
Navigating Mediation in High-Conflict Divorces (00:00:00) Mardi advises on using mediation, knowing your bottom line, and having an attorney on call to review any agreements.
Podcast Introduction (00:01:00) Host Laura introduces the "That's Where I'm At" podcast, its mission to share stories, and help women heal.
Guest Introduction: Mardi Wender (00:01:59) Laura welcomes strategic divorce consultant Mardi Wender and shares her extensive background in high-conflict divorce, mediation, and coaching.
Mardi's Journey into Divorce Consulting (00:03:43) Mardi explains her background in family mediation, domestic violence advocacy, and how she transitioned to coaching targets of narcissists.
Laura's Mediation Experience (00:07:08) Laura reflects on her own mediation, wishing she had representation and knew about narcissistic abuse and coercive control tactics.
Pets and Kids in Abusive Relationships (00:10:48) Mardi discusses how pets and children are often used as leverage, making it difficult for victims to leave.
The Trauma Bond and Feeling Stuck (00:11:35) Laura and Mardi discuss the trauma bond and how abusers erode their partner's confidence, making them feel incapable of leaving.
The Slow Erosion of Self-Esteem (00:13:25) Laura shares how her ex-husband chipped away at her self-worth, making even her own father doubt her independence.
Extreme Manipulation and Smear Campaigns (00:14:32) Mardi shares a story of a client whose husband drugged her to create a false narrative that she was an alcoholic.
Gaslighting and Finding Clarity (00:16:10) Laura describes being gaslit into believing she was "crazy" and how understanding narcissistic abuse helped her start to heal.
The Neuroscience of Narcissism (00:19:52) Mardi discusses the brain differences in narcissists and psychopaths, explaining why they lack conscientiousness and see everyone as a threat.
"Super Traits" and How They're Exploited (00:23:01) Mardi explains how narcissists weaponize their partner's positive traits like loyalty, honesty, and commitment to maintain control.
The Blame Game and Maintaining Integrity (00:24:28) Laura discusses how abusers shift blame, making their victims feel responsible for the relationship ending, despite the abuser's actions.
Extreme Acquiescence in Abusive Relationships (00:25:54) Mardi shares a story of a client who was so manipulated she allowed her husband to bring sex workers home.
Brainwashing and Cult-Like Dynamics (00:28:44) Mardi explains the elements of brainwashing and compares the dynamic in these relationships to being in a "cult of one."
The Narcissist's Need for a Partner (00:33:12) Mardi explains that narcissists are empty vessels who need a partner for "narcissistic supply" and to maintain appearances.
First Date Red Flags (00:35:28) Mardi offers tips for spotting a narcissist early on, such as turning questions back on them and testing their flexibility.
Mardi's Podcast and Summits (00:37:30) Mardi talks about starting her podcast to provide resources and hosting free divorce summits to help people heal.
The Power of Sharing Stories (00:40:03) Laura and Mardi discuss the importance of women sharing their stories and connecting with each other for support and healing.
 
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Mardi, "I tell people it's literally like you've been a hostage, and you wouldn't ask a hostage to negotiate with the person that kidnapped them."
Laura, "When I had a name for my pain and I understood narcissistic abuse, I was able to move forward because I was like, 'Oh, this is why they do this.'"
Mardi, "It's never your fault. I really cannot stress this enough."
Laura, "I have had women who are like, 'Yeah, but he's with somebody and I'm alone,' and I said, 'But you think that getting married is the prize when you are the prize.'"
Mardi, "There's a power in sharing your story. There really is."
 
RESOURCES:
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura
MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: SHOP HERE
JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517
 
FOLLOW MARDI:
WEBSITE: https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/
Freebie Resilience Building Blueprint: https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women
 
"Leaving a narcissistic relationship isn't just ending a marriage—it's reclaiming the parts of yourself that were slowly taken away."
 
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Dr. Nadine Macaluso (Dr. Nae), the real-life inspiration behind Naomi Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street. After surviving a turbulent eight-year marriage to Jordan Belfort marked by abuse, greed, trauma bonding, and coercive control, Dr. Nae transformed her own healing journey into a mission to help others reclaim their lives.
Following her experiences, Dr. Nae returned to school at age 39, earning a Master's degree in counseling and a Ph.D. in somatic psychotherapy, along with advanced postdoctoral training in the Neuro-Affective Relational Model (NARM). Today, she is a licensed therapist specializing in trauma recovery, helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves, build resilience, and experience post-traumatic growth.
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Nae shares her personal story of surviving an abusive relationship, the loss of identity that often accompanies coercive control, and the complex reality of trauma bonds. She also offers practical guidance on leaving safely, healing the nervous system, and cultivating self-compassion throughout the recovery process. Together, Laura and Dr. Nae explore how education, community, and inner healing can empower survivors to move beyond trauma and create lives rooted in confidence, agency, and hope.
 
Key Topics & Timestamps
Guest Introduction: Doctor Nadine Macaluso (00:01:25) Laura introduces Doctor Nadine Macaluso (Doctor Nae), the real-life inspiration for Naomi Belfort in "The Wolf of Wall Street."
The Beginning of the Relationship (00:02:53) Doctor Nae recounts how she met Jordan Belfort, the intense pursuit, and the extreme love bombing that quickly followed.
Coercion into Marriage (00:07:49) Doctor Nae explains she didn't want to get married but was coerced with ultimatums, which she rationalized as intense love.
Societal Pressures on Women (00:09:15) The discussion covers how societal messages in the 80s and 90s encouraged women to self-abandon for a "prince charming."
The Importance of Setting Boundaries (00:11:36) Doctor Nae explains that setting a boundary with a pathological person will reveal their true nature through rage and resistance.
Why Women Don't Leave (00:14:13) The conversation explores the complexities of trauma bonds, coercive control, and the intense fear that prevents women from leaving abusive relationships.
Financial and Emotional Dependency (00:16:02) Doctor Nae discusses how abusers create financial and emotional dependency to maintain control, a key component of the trauma bond.
Leaving Without a Trauma Bond (00:18:39) Doctor Nae explains she was "done" when she left and didn't experience a strong trauma bond, largely because his arrest shifted the power dynamic.
Deciding to Share Her Story (00:21:23) Doctor Nae shares that she never intended to go public until her ex-husband wrote a book that became a movie.
Becoming a Therapist (00:22:23) Inspired by how therapy saved her, Doctor Nae returned to school at 39 to become a therapist and help others.
Supporting a Friend in a Trauma Bond (00:25:47) Doctor Nae advises friends to listen without judgment and keep communication open, asking if their friend wants to be heard, helped, or held.
The Unsafe Way to Leave (00:26:53) Doctor Nae clarifies the movie's depiction of her divorce announcement, explaining the real, dangerous events that unfolded after she confronted him.
The Safe Way to Leave (00:29:58) Doctor Nae outlines a strategic, secret plan for leaving an abuser, including gathering documents and finding a trauma-informed therapist.
Somatic Psychotherapy and Healing (00:31:18) The discussion covers how trauma creates a biochemical addiction and how somatic work helps calm the nervous system and heal the body.
The Loss of Self (00:34:41) Doctor Nae explains that losing one's identity is the number one symptom of a trauma bond, as you must abandon yourself.
Remodeling Your Life After Abuse (00:36:41) Instead of rebuilding, Doctor Nae suggests women are "remodeling" their lives by rediscovering their strengths and authentic selves without pressure.
Childhood and Vulnerability to Abuse (00:40:21) Doctor Nae dispels the myth that only those from abusive homes fall for predators, stating anyone can be a victim.
First Steps After Realization (00:42:52) Doctor Nae advises women who realize they're in a toxic relationship to practice self-compassion and stabilize with dedicated self-care.
From Surviving to Thriving (00:45:30) Doctor Nae discusses post-traumatic growth, where survivors can become stronger, have healthier relationships, and find their purpose after abuse.
Post-Separation Abuse (00:48:00) The conversation highlights the reality of post-separation abuse through the court system and the importance of education and a good attorney.
Breaking the Shame by Speaking Out (00:50:08) Doctor Nae emphasizes that sharing stories, as seen with some celebrities, is how the silence and shame around abuse are broken.
Where to Find Doctor Nae (00:52:07) Doctor Nae shares her website and social media handles where listeners can find free resources, her community, and therapy information.
 
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Doctor Nadine, 'In trauma bonds, we're really objects to have, not people to love.'
Doctor Nadine, 'Slowly but surely, I lost my sense of self.'
Doctor Nadine, 'Our torturer is our soother.'
Doctor Nadine, 'When you've been in a trauma bond, you believe that self-care is selfish.'
Doctor Nadine, 'It's not just about surviving it; it's like, "Okay, I survived this incredibly challenging experience. Now what do I want? What do I need? Who do I want to become?"'
 
RESOURCES:
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura
MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: SHOP HERE
JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517
 
FOLLOW NADINE: 
WEBSITE: https://drnae.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrnadine/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/drnaelmft
TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@drnaelmft
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealDrNadine
X: https://x.com/therealdrnadine
BOOK: https://heal.drnae.com/giveaway-book-a?utm_campaign=bf&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_keyword=book
COURSE: https://course.drnae.com/trauma-bond-recovery-course-e?utm_keyword=tbrc30
 
"Healing begins when you stop asking who you were before the trauma and start discovering who you can become after it."
 
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura interviews Amy Duggar King, known from 19 Kids and Counting. Amy is a wife and mother who is determined to break the chains and cycles of abuse so her son, Dax, can have a healthier and happier future. Drawing from her own lived experiences, Amy openly shares her journey of healing, setting boundaries, and finding the courage to speak her truth.
Together, Laura and Amy discuss growing up in a controlling, abusive family environment shaped by high-control religion and narcissistic dynamics. Amy opens up about confronting family scandals, breaking free from toxic cycles, and learning how to protect her peace and prioritize her healing. Throughout the conversation, both women emphasize how sharing stories can break shame, foster healing, and inspire others who may be navigating similar struggles.
 
Key Topics & Timestamps
Podcast Introduction (00:00:42) Host Laura introduces the podcast's mission to share stories of healing from narcissistic abuse and toxic family dynamics.
Guest Introduction: Amy Duggar King (00:01:40) Laura welcomes guest Amy Duggar King, a wife, mom, and cycle breaker known from the show "19 Kids and Counting."
The Catalyst for Speaking Out (00:03:10) Amy explains that her grandmother's passing was the catalyst for seeing the family's unhealthy, controlling behavior and deciding to speak out.
Breaking the Shame Cycle (00:04:32) Laura and Amy discuss how speaking out breaks the shame associated with abuse and helps others feel less alone.
Relating to Amy's Story Beyond TV (00:05:49) Amy's story of narcissistic abuse resonates with many, regardless of the TV show fame, because it's a common experience.
The Pressure to Forgive and Forget (00:07:40) Laura and Amy discuss the toxic pressure from evangelical backgrounds to simply "forgive and move on" without addressing the abuse.
Navigating Family Contact and Boundaries (00:09:06) Amy shares that she is only in contact with her cousin Jill, as setting boundaries caused most family to disappear.
Understanding Jim Bob's Controlling Nature (00:10:41) Amy discusses how her uncle Jim Bob's abusive upbringing likely led to his desire for control promised by IBLP.
Unspoken Family Trauma (00:13:45) Amy explains she never questioned her family's dynamics growing up, as asking questions was seen as a "heart issue."
High-Control Religion and Narcissism (00:15:42) The hosts discuss how high-control religious environments can be breeding grounds for narcissists who hide behind the cross.
The Consequences of Questioning the System (00:18:10) Amy explains how questioning the family system leads to rejection, while her cousin Jill navigates it with strategic boundaries.
The "Crazy" Nickname and Public Perception (00:21:16) Amy discusses being labeled "crazy" on the show for not conforming and how she was edited for a specific narrative.
Surviving by Playing a Part (00:22:38) Amy shares how she had to hide her true self, even making up stories based on movie plots to survive.
Discovering Family Scandals (00:24:14) Amy describes the earth-shattering experience of learning about her family's scandals on national television along with the public.
Grieving the Living and What Could Have Been (00:26:09) Amy talks about the painful process of grieving living family members, especially her father, and the relationships she never had.
The Pain and Healing of Writing a Book (00:28:46) Writing and narrating her book forced Amy to relive her trauma, which was painful but also a part of healing.
Childhood Patterns and Trauma Bonds (00:30:05) The hosts discuss how childhood abuse patterns and trauma bonds can normalize toxic behavior and influence future relationships.
Breaking the Cycle for the Next Generation (00:32:33) Amy and her mom are healing their inner children by creating a safe, peaceful, and joyful home for Amy's son.
The Rules of High-Control Religion (00:35:57) Amy discusses the controlling rules she faced, from clothing colors and hairstyles to being shamed for her appearance.
Arbitrary Rules and Shifting Goalposts (00:42:21) Amy explains how family rules were arbitrary and would change on a whim, a classic tactic in high-control environments.
Embracing the "Crazy" Label (00:45:45) Amy shares how she eventually embraced the "crazy" label given to her, deciding to live freely and be adventurous.
Confronting Josh Duggar (00:46:58) Amy recounts the moment she decided to confront her cousin Josh about his actions after feeling deceived by her family.
The Aftermath and Lack of Therapy (00:51:20) Amy explains that IBLP teachings discourage outside therapy, so she believes most of the girls involved never received proper help.
What's Next for Amy (00:52:39) Amy shares her plans to write a self-help book and potentially start a podcast with her husband to help others.
Podcast Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts (00:54:36) Laura and Amy conclude by encouraging listeners to question unhealthy dynamics and run from relationships that require walking on eggshells.
 
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Amy, "It wasn't my fault. I didn't do anything to deserve this."
Amy, "I cannot stand the people that hide behind the cross."
Amy, "I feel like a part of me, my inner child, is healing and so is my mom's."
Amy, "I literally felt like I was living in The Truman Show. What is my reality? What is even real?"
Amy, "Ask yourself if you want to keep walking on eggshells the rest of your life."
 
RESOURCES:
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura
MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: SHOP HERE
JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517
FOLLOW AMY:
WEBSITE: Website: https://amyduggarking.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyrachelleking/
BOOK: Holy Disruptor: https://a.co/d/002mJZvi
 
"A healed life begins the moment you stop protecting toxic systems and start protecting yourself."
 
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this powerful episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura welcomes Lynn Stroud, a paralegal, advocate, and survivor of reproductive coercion, sexual assault, domestic violence, and post-separation abuse. Through both her lived experience and advocacy work, Lynn is passionate about helping others recognize the many forms of abuse that often go unseen and misunderstood. She hopes to provide a roadmap for listeners to become more trauma-informed while encouraging survivors to prioritize their safety, self-respect, and financial autonomy.
Lynn shares her deeply personal experiences with reproductive coercion, narcissistic abuse, financial abuse, and the failures of the family court system. Together, Laura and Lynn discuss the reality that abuse extends far beyond physical violence, the subtle warning signs many survivors miss, and the challenges of navigating life after leaving an abusive relationship. With honesty, insight, and compassion, Lynn's story serves as both a warning and a source of hope for survivors working to reclaim their lives and move toward healing.
 
Key Topics & Timestamps
Podcast Introduction (00:00:31) Host Laura introduces the podcast's mission to share women's stories of struggle and healing to combat loneliness and secrecy.
Trigger Warning (01:22) A brief warning is given that the episode's content may be triggering for some listeners due to its sensitive nature.
Guest Introduction: Lynn (01:30) Lynn, a survivor of various forms of abuse and a paralegal advocate, is introduced to the show.
Why Lynn Shares Her Story (02:19) Lynn explains she began sharing her story to help other women identify red flags and feel less alone in their experiences.
The Power of Naming Abuse (03:27 The host and Lynn discuss how naming abuse, like narcissistic or emotional abuse, provides validation and reduces shame for survivors.
Defining Reproductive Coercion (07:02) Lynn defines reproductive coercion as behavior intended to control reproductive health, including birth control sabotage and pregnancy pressure.
First Experience with Reproductive Coercion (09:11) At 20, Lynn's older boyfriend intentionally got her pregnant after her birth control patch failed, pressuring her to marry him.
Escalation of Abuse and Stalking (18:06) After the abortion, the ex-boyfriend's abuse intensified, leading to a cycle of breakups, stalking, and a terrifying home break-in.
Reproductive Coercion in Marriage (24:21) Lynn's ex-husband exhibited addictive behaviors and emotionally withdrew during their struggles with infertility and miscarriages, creating another form of coercion.
Pressure for a Male Heir (30:58) Two weeks postpartum, Lynn's ex-husband began pressuring her to get pregnant again, specifically to have a son.
The Breaking Point (34:07) The marriage ended after her ex-husband threatened her while she was holding their 11-month-old baby, leading to their separation.
Post-Separation and Financial Abuse (39:09) After separating, Lynn faced financial abuse when her ex-husband cut off her access to money, leaving her unable to pay bills.
Failures of the Family Court System (40:19 Lynn describes being treated poorly by judges and the court system, which failed to protect her and her child.
The Dangers of the "Trad Wife" Trend (49:06) The conversation touches on the dangers of traditional gender roles that can leave women financially dependent and trapped in abusive situations.
Parental Alienation and Men's Rights Groups (50:46) Lynn discusses how men's rights groups have influenced family court, often discrediting protective mothers by accusing them of parental alienation.
How to Find Lynn (53:47) Lynn shares her social media handles on LinkedIn and Instagram for listeners who wish to connect with her.
 
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Lynn, 'I felt like if I could call out some of the behavior and red flags, it could possibly help other survivors realize they're in danger and try to get away from their abuser.'
Lynn, 'He saw an opportunity to control me, to trap me into a relationship with him. He thought that once he got me pregnant, I would have the baby, and that would hold control over me and I would never leave.'
Lynn, 'I eventually felt like I was made to feel like I was failing as a spouse and as a woman.'
Lynn, 'You cannot change someone that doesn't want to change. You could legitimately lose yourself and your life in the process. It's not worth it.'
Lynn, 'I want women out there to know that they are not alone.'
 
RESOURCES:
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura
MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: SHOP HERE
JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517
FOLLOW LYNN:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/knowledge_exch_abuse_survivors
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-s-16878b6/
 
"Abuse isn't always bruises you can see — sometimes it's control that slowly steals your safety, voice, and freedom."
 
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
Contact us for expert podcast production and support.