Secret Life

Sex, Love, Addiction, and Reality TV: The Toxic Relationships of Vanderpump Rules — Rebecca was deep in her alcohol and sex & love addiction 18 years ago when she met Tom Sandavol at a Hollywood house party, and they slept together. Despite the fact, they both were in relationships.  In the latest episode of Secret Life, host Brianne Davis teams up with guest Rebecca to delve deep into the int...

In celebration of the First Day of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we’re re-releasing one of our Best Of episodes today. Robert Gonzalez Gant share's about coming out as a proud gay man in Hollywood and the shift that is possible for those who struggled with acceptance. Continuing our Best Of series, we share some of our listener favorites. The episode originally aired on August 2, 2020, as Ep #3. _____ A...

Searching for attention and a means to support her daughter as a single mother, Kat put herself in situations that were not only dangerous, they prolonged and fed her alcohol and drug addiction.  Continuing our Best Of series, we share some of our listener favorites. The episode originally aired on March 28, 2022, as Ep #94. _____ If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, depression,...

While still deep in her addiction, Susan married a sociopath and was trauma bonded with him for the first four years of her sober journey; he continued to drink daily while she focused on staying sober even through the abuse. Once she finally found the strength to walk away, her husband continued to stalk and harass her up until the day he decided to end his life. She shares her story today to hel...

The more Joe looked at porn, and the more deeply he got into those fantasies, the fantasy of porn became his reality, and the reality of having sex with another person became fantasy. There is so much to unpack in this episode. You’ll hear how through therapy, Joe discovered the hidden reasons for his sexual anorexia and how he overcame those fears and found himself with a sex surrogate.  Continui...

It doesn't matter how successful you are, how much money you make, or what you look like, Compare and Despair can and will bring you down. Jana and Brianne talk about how Compare and Despair thinking is pervasive and dangerous. It can contribute to anxiety, depression, shame, and envy, leading to self-criticism and a lack of self-worth. It rapidly undermines any confidence. ________ If you or...

Celebrating our 150th episode, we're sharing some of our listener favorites, starting with our good friend, Jim Clemente. Unfortunately, his story is all too common, as we see with recent news of the Baltimore Catholic Church , so incredibly prevalent still. This episode originally aired on April 19, 2021 as Ep #45. What would you do if you came face to face with the man that molested you when...

Karen shares her powerful story of growing up in an alcoholic home and the impact it had on her life, including her struggle with emotional suppression and disconnection. Tune in to hear Karen's journey towards healing, self-discovery, and finding peace within herself. She offers insightful advice for those dealing with addiction in their lives and emphasizes the importance of seeking support...

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly trying to be perfect and never quite reaching it? Then don’t miss the latest episode of Secret Life! We’re diving into the complicated world of perfectionism and its impact on our lives. Join us as we chat with Kevin E. West about his journey of learning to accept his imperfections and combatting perfectionism. Find out how to find peace, relaxation, and bal...

Likes, Love, and Lipstick: The Ups and Downs of Social Media Addiction -- Brianne and Bianca dive into the world of social media and its impact on self-expression, addiction, and attention-seeking behavior. They offer valuable insights into the authenticity of social media, the harm it can have on mental health, and the obsession with external image. With a focus on being true to oneself, the host...

Michelle was determined to break the general trauma she suffered with an abusive father, and found herself unwittingly falling in love with someone so similar. Michelle's journey is similar for so many victims of abuse, the push and pull, the gas lighting and lies. Listen how Michelle pushed through to provide a better life for her daughters, even though she's still struggling to find her...

Cassie opens up about the difficult secret she kept from partners for years: her inability to have children due to abnormalities in her ovaries. Her story sheds light on the little-discussed issue of sexual anorexia and the impact it can have on individuals' emotional and sexual lives. Host, Brianne Davis encourages Cassie to seek help and put herself back out there. Through their honest and v...

Parker bravely shares her journey with an eating disorder that started at the age of six. She reveals how her struggle with controlling her body became intertwined with her identity, making it difficult to imagine life without it. With honesty and vulnerability, Parker unpacks her experience as an addict, comparing her behavior to that of a heroin addict. Her story sheds light on the complexities...

Grateful recovering alcoholic Tess shares her journey to sobriety and the role of addiction in coping with chaos. With raw honesty, she delves into the underlying issues driving her drinking and how recovery programs like AA have been a source of support and relatability. Alongside Secret Life host, Brianne Davis-Gantt, they dive into the role of ego in human behavior and how recovery has shifted...

Have you ever wanted to share a secret but felt you couldn't? On the Secret Life Podcast, we explore the stories of people who have done just that and how their experience changed their lives. From hearing Brianne Davis talk about her journey in getting sober to listening to Amelia discuss her abusive relationship, we're here to make sure you know you're not alone. Tune in and start yo...

Alexandra and Brianne explore the hidden epidemic of verbal abuse. Hear Alexandra’s story of marriage, trauma, and recovery. Gain insight into how to identify and escape verbal abuse. Learn ways to process the experience and regain joy. From understanding the danger of verbal abuse to setting healthy boundaries, this podcast offers a necessary and empowering journey of healing. _____ If you or any...

Max's Journey to Success: A Neurodivergent Story of Overcoming Challenges and Finding Belonging -- Max shares his unique journey of overcoming autism and his path to success. He talks about the tools he used to thrive in life, from the Listening Program app to extra-curricular activities. His vulnerable story is full of insight and inspiration, teaching listeners the power of determination and...

Billy shares his journey as he gambled his way to six figures in four years of college. Hear his stories of risky escapades at Mohegan Sun Casino and underground poker clubs, and learn how he hustled his way to success. Listen in on his thoughtful advice on managing gambling habits, and be inspired by his positive attitude despite his losses. It's a unique view of gambling, honesty and willing...

Genie shares her unique story of falling in love with a level one sex offender. TRIGGER WARNING - This episode contains topics that may be triggering. Listener discretion is advised. In an inspiring and heart-felt discussion, she dives into the complexities of such a relationship, focusing on themes of communication, cycles of abuse, mental health, and remaining hopeful. Genie's story is a pow...

John shares his journey with grief and how celebrity photoshop nude fakes have given him solace. He'll discuss how he's been able to cope with writer's block since his mother's death, and how he's hoping to take his hobby to the next level. Tune in for an intimate look into his healing process, and come out with a newfound perspective on grief. Host Brianne Davis provides helpf...

Ruby shares her story of struggle and hope as she overcomes anorexia, sex and love addiction, and fear of intimacy. Listen as she shares her journey through twelve step programs, therapy and support from family and friends. Gain insight into her challenges and victories as she opens up to discuss her experiences and share her wisdom. Ruby’s story will inspire you to face your own challenges and fi...

Vince says it's been a fantasy for most guys to be in a p*rn. Is that true? Maybe because when you watch, you fantasize you're the person in the video? So what happens when the fantasy becomes real? Is it everything you expected? What if you got stage freight?  _____ If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, depression, trauma, sexual abuse or feeling overwhelmed, we've c...

Rosie shares her story of strength and determination as she fights to overcome her eating disorder. She will delve into her journey of healing and uncovering the layers of protection she has built up over the years. Tune in to hear honest conversations and practical advice on how to start the healing process and accept and embrace your eating disorder. With Rosie’s story of courage, resilience and...

Carly was a love addict from a young age and held captive in a toxic relationship for two years. When she met her ex-husband at 27, she forced the relationship to work because he was the least toxic person she'd been with in a while. Unfortunately, it descended into a cycle of him grabbing at her and her pulling back, making him feel unloved and her feel disempowered. She stayed out of a sense...

The Secret to a Successful Life: Follow Your Passion — Anton always wanted to be an actor, but as a gay Armenian man, he didn't see representation on tv and in films, so it seemed almost impossible. Brianne and Anton dig into Hollywood's new focus on diversity and inclusion, following your dreams, and never giving up. This a great episode to lead you into the New Year's resolutions! __...