Almost Oblivious

Saying “no” sounds simple… until it isn’t. In this episode of Almost Oblivious , Autumn opens up about why boundaries can feel so difficult after experiencing domestic violence. When saying no once came with consequences—arguments, guilt, or even fear—it’s not something your mind and body just forget. This conversation dives into what happens after you leave. The lingering habits. The automatic “y...

After nearly three months away, Autumn returns to Almost Oblivious to talk about stepping into new seasons of life—even when they feel scary. In this personal episode, she reflects on becoming a mother, navigating life after trauma, and the powerful realization that who you have children with matters far more than when you have them. Autumn shares thoughts on healing, choosing safe relationships,...

Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of joy, hope, and anticipation—but for far too many people, it happens inside an abusive relationship. In this deeply personal and educational episode of Almost Oblivious , Autumn explores the realities of experiencing domestic violence during pregnancy. As she prepares to welcome her own baby any day now, she shares why this topic feels especially heavy, imp...

In this deeply honest episode of Almost Oblivious , host Autumn Baker sits down with Savannah, a licensed therapist, survivor, and founder of Willow & Well Counseling. Savannah opens up about her journey through abuse, motherhood, trauma recovery, and stepping into her calling as a counselor for survivors. Together, Autumn and Savannah explore: The subtle and escalating red flags Savannah noti...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious , Autumn Baker peels back the layers on what abuse often looks like in the beginning — before it becomes obvious. Instead of visible violence or control, many abusive relationships begin quietly, through subtle shifts in behavior, boundary-testing, love-bombing, and emotional manipulation. Autumn explores how “conditioning” works: shaping your sense of self, you...

In this rewind episode, we revisit the often overlooked reality that domestic abuse doesn’t only affect the survivor — it impacts everyone who loves them. Family and friends carry their own fear, confusion, grief, and emotional wounds as they watch someone they care about struggle. This conversation explores how abuse ripples through relationships, why those around the survivor are affected so dee...

Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence — yet many victims minimize it because there are often few or no visible marks. In this episode, Autumn breaks down what strangulation actually is, why it is medically dangerous, and why it is one of the strongest predictors of homicide in abusive relationships. This episode explains: The difference between choking and strangulatio...

A year ago on Halloween, Almost Oblivious was born — a small podcast with a big purpose: to break the silence on domestic violence. What started as my personal healing journey has grown into a community of survivors, advocates, and listeners who remind me every day that our stories matter . In this special anniversary episode, I’m opening up about who I am, why I started this podcast, and how this...

In this personal episode, host Autumn Baker opens up about what it’s like to sit in the quiet after escaping chaos — and how silence can feel both healing and heavy. “The Silence After the Storm” explores the strange, unsettling calm that survivors often face after leaving an abusive relationship, and the quiet that sometimes comes before they leave — when they begin to emotionally disconnect to s...

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month , Autumn sits down for a educational conversation about what healthy conflict really looks like — and how it differs from the toxic, fear-based conflict so many survivors have experienced. Drawing from her own personal experiences, Autumn contrasts the unhealthy, controlling conflict dynamics in her past abusive relationship with the safe, understandin...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious , Autumn dives into an often-overlooked consequence of domestic violence: how abuse seeps into the workplace, derails careers, and forces survivors to rebuild from setbacks. She shares her own (vague) experience with losing a job due to her situation, and walks listeners through: The many forms workplace abuse can take (from harassment to retaliation) Real-life...

In this short episode of Almost Oblivious , Autumn shares space to process the collective heaviness following the recent tragedy in our country. Violence—no matter where it happens—leaves behind shock, grief, and trauma. Autumn offers reminders for coping in difficult times: unplugging from social media, stepping back from the 24/7 news cycle, grounding in the present moment, and leaning on commun...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious , host Autumn Baker explores how creative outlets can become powerful tools for healing after trauma and abuse. From art and journaling to faith, movement, volunteering, and trying new experiences, Autumn shares both research and personal stories of how creativity can help survivors rediscover their voice, purpose, and joy. You’ll hear about: Art as therapy : ho...

Abuse doesn’t end when the relationship does. Its impact lingers—sometimes for years—reshaping the way survivors see themselves, others, and the world around them. In this episode of Almost Oblivious , host Autumn Baker explores the long-term effects of abuse on mental health, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the invisible wounds survivors carry long after leaving. We are also sharing exci...

Abuse is surrounded by harmful myths — ideas like “if it was really that bad, they would just leave” or “abuse only happens in certain kinds of relationships.” These misconceptions silence survivors, excuse abusers, and keep too many people stuck in unsafe situations. In this episode of Almost Oblivious , Autumn unpacks some of the most common myths about abuse and replaces them with the reality s...

Leaving an abusive relationship is one of the hardest — and most dangerous — steps a survivor can take. In this episode of Almost Oblivious , I share some of my personal journey of leaving, blending my own story with the emotional realities, safety concerns, and aftermath that so many victims face. From the quiet moments before the decision, to the day I walked out, to the unexpected emotional cra...

Have we been trained to overlook the signs that someone isn’t safe or manipulative? Or worse—what if we’ve never been taught what healthy love and relationships actually look like? In this episode of Almost Oblivious , we explore the differences between red flags and green flags —not just in romantic relationships, but in friendships, family dynamics, and everyday connections. You’ll learn how to:...

A question many survivors wrestle with — especially after betrayal, emotional harm, or abuse. In this episode of Almost Oblivious , Autumn Baker dives deep into what science, psychology, and personal experience say about real change. We explore the difference between remorse and reform, the neuroscience of behavior, and why real transformation requires more than just words. Autumn also speaks dire...

In this survivor story, we hear from Tracey, who grew up under the control of a narcissistic and emotionally abusive mother — a kind of abuse that’s often hidden behind smiles, church functions, and perfect family photos. From subtle manipulation to overt guilt-tripping, this story explores how emotional abuse from a parent can shape your self-worth, relationships, and sense of reality. As the sur...

Episode had been re-drafted at the survivor's request. The episode is now able to be re-released. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse, including physical violence, gun violence, rape, kidnapping, and emotional trauma. Listener discretion is advised. In this powerful episode of Almost Oblivious , we share the courageous story of a survivor who endured the unimag...

In this honest episode, Autumn shares her personal experience with an abusive partner who twisted the truth and claimed to be the victim. She breaks down the manipulation tactic known as DARVO, highlights the damage it causes, and provides practical tools for those navigating similar experiences. This episode is a reminder that your story matters—even when someone else tries to steal it. DARVO: De...

In this special episode of Almost Oblivious , Autumn Baker is joined by licensed professional counselor Isaiah from Therapy Today to dive into the mental health side of healing after abuse. Together, they explore the emotional toll of toxic environments, how survivors can begin to rebuild their self-worth, and why therapy—whether trauma-focused or not—can be an essential part of the journey. Isaia...

Healing after abuse is not a straight road — and if you’ve ever felt like you were “going backward,” this episode is for you. In this honest and vulnerable solo episode, Autumn opens up about why she missed last week’s show and shares her ongoing struggle with severe back pain, medical frustration, and the very real truth that healing—whether physical or emotional—is rarely neat or predictable. Sh...

When we talk about domestic violence, we often leave someone out of the conversation—men. In this eye-opening episode of Almost Oblivious , we confront the stigma, silence, and stereotypes that keep so many male victims from speaking out. Abuse doesn’t discriminate—and yet, male victims are often met with disbelief, shame, or mockery when they try to seek help. 💔 1 in 4 men experience physical vi...

Living with someone who has narcissistic traits — whether it's a partner, a parent, or someone else close to you — can feel like constant emotional warfare. In this episode of Almost Oblivious , Autumn Baker shares practical, solution-based strategies to help reduce conflict and protect your mental and emotional peace when leaving isn’t yet an option. Drawing from recent training with Stepping...