Almost Oblivious

REWIND Listen! This is episode 5 & 6 from the beginning of Almost Oblivious! In this two-part episode, we dive into the complex dynamics of trauma bonding. Starting with love bombing and exploring what this looks like and how abusers create powerful emotional dependencies. Join me as we navigate the stages of this bond, unraveling why it's so hard to break free and how understanding these...

Before there was romance, there was friendship—the kind built on late-night talks, inside jokes, and unconditional support. In this special episode, Autumn Baker and her husband Zack sit down to share how their marriage grew from years of best-friendship, trust, and shared adventures. From goofy moments over Goldfish crackers to an ice cream shop proposal at Bruster’s, their story is full of love,...

In this episode, host Autumn Baker explores one of the most invisible and damaging aspects of abuse: shame . From how abusers weaponize shame to how it silences survivors, Autumn breaks down the emotional barriers that keep victims stuck — and explains what it takes to break free. You’ll hear why shame lingers long after the abuse ends, how it affects healing, and what we can do — individually and...

Today on Almost Oblivious , we’re tackling one of the most subtle — and most damaging — forms of emotional abuse: gaslighting. Gaslighting is a targeted form of psychological manipulation that causes you to doubt your memories, emotions, and sanity. But knowledge is power, and we’re shining a bright light on these dark tactics in this episode. We’ll break down: What gaslighting really is (and what...

What happens when the person who was supposed to love and protect you… is the one who hurt you most? In this episode of Almost Oblivious , host Autumn Baker explores the often-unspoken reality of parental abuse and its lasting effects on adult children. We unpack the emotional, psychological, and even physical toll of growing up in a toxic or abusive household and the complex grief that comes with...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious , we hear from a survivor, Alice, who opens up about navigating domestic abuse while living with a disability—a topic too often left out of the conversation. From growing up in an abusive home to enduring emotional manipulation and isolation in her first adult relationship, her story sheds light on the unique challenges disabled survivors face, and the resilienc...

"If we want to break the cycle of domestic violence, it starts with education. It starts with bold conversations. It starts with us.” Teen dating violence is happening far more often than most people realize—and the silence surrounding it is costing lives. In this episode of Almost Oblivious , Autumn Baker confronts the harsh reality that 1 in 12 U.S. high school students report being physica...

REWIND Episode 08: Red Flags! Enjoy this rewind episode and I'll see you all next week for a new episode! Remember to like, share and leave a review! In this episode of Almost Oblivious , we shine a light on the subtle and overt warning signs of domestic abuse. From patterns of control and manipulation to the dangers of love bombing and isolation, we uncover the behaviors that often go unnotic...

Leaving an abusive relationship isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a new one. But what happens after? How do you heal when trauma lingers? How do you rebuild a life that was once controlled by someone else? In this episode of Almost Oblivious , I, Autumn Baker, share my personal journey of healing, the struggles I faced, and the small victories that helped me move forward. From redis...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious , we dive into the topic of self-worth —what it is, how abuse tears it down, and most importantly, how to rebuild it. If you’ve ever felt "not enough," this episode is for you. We discuss: What self-worth truly means and why it’s not based on achievements. How abusers destroy self-worth through gaslighting, criticism, and control. Practical steps to re...

Domestic abuse shelters can be a lifeline for survivors, but misconceptions and fear often keep people from seeking help. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know—what shelters are really like, how to prepare if you’re thinking about going, and common myths that stop people from reaching out. We’ll also discuss why shelters are so vital, the challenges they face, and how we can a...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious , we explore one of the most dangerous realities of domestic abuse—when it escalates to homicide. Abuse doesn’t always start with physical violence, but when it does, the warning signs are often there. We break down the stages of escalation , key risk factors , and the terrifying reality that when a gun is involved, the chance of homicide increases by 500% . We...

This episode is just a brief introduction to stalking. Stalking is a complex and multifaceted crime, and while we cover key points, there is always more to learn. Listen in with Autumn Baker, as she touches the various types of stalking and how to keep yourself safe. If you're experiencing stalking, please seek support from professionals and legal resources. Stalking laws can vary by state! Re...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious , host Autumn Baker tackles one of the most misunderstood questions surrounding domestic abuse: "Why didn't they just leave?" Leaving an abusive relationship is far more complex than it seems, with psychological, financial, social, and legal barriers making escape incredibly difficult—and sometimes even dangerous. We’ll explore how trauma affects t...

In this powerful episode of Almost Oblivious , we share the courageous journey of a domestic violence survivor who found the strength to break free and rebuild her life. From the early warning signs to the heartbreaking realities of abuse, she opens up about the struggles she faced, the moment she decided to leave, and how faith and resilience guided her to a new beginning. We also discuss the imp...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we explore the transformative power of community and the courage it takes to share your story. Host Autumn Baker opens up about her own experience speaking at a domestic violence conference in October 2024—a pivotal moment that confirmed the launch of this podcast and reinforced the importance of collective healing. Autumn discusses the critical role community...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious , we dive into the complexities of narcissism, exploring the difference between narcissistic tendencies and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). We discuss how narcissism can play a role in abusive relationships, the myths surrounding it, and why the term is often overused. Abuse isn’t limited to romantic relationships—it can come from family and friends too...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious , we break the silence on a form of control that often goes unseen—financial abuse. This pervasive yet often overlooked aspect of domestic violence affects victims in ways that can keep them trapped in unhealthy relationships. Host, Autumn Baker, will explore: The many forms financial abuse can take, from restricting access to money to sabotaging employment. How...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious , we dive into the transformative power of setting boundaries. Boundaries are essential to self-care, but knowing when and how to set them isn’t always easy. Join host Autumn Baker as she explains how to recognize the need for boundaries, practical steps to set them, and tips for handling pushback from others. We’ll also explore the delicate balance between prot...

As we ring in the New Year, this special episode focuses on hope, resilience, and transformation. Join host Autumn Baker as she shares strategies to prepare for a brighter future and shift from a victim mindset to a survivor’s perspective. Discover the power of reframing your thoughts, setting realistic goals, and making small but meaningful changes that can lead to freedom and healing. Learn how...

This Christmas Eve, join me for a more uplifting episode dedicated to those seeking hope and freedom this holiday season. Host Autumn Baker discusses the critical role of self-care and education in preparing to leave an abusive relationship. From practical tips on building a safety plan to emotional and physical self-care strategies, this episode is packed with tools to help survivors reclaim thei...

In this first installment of our new series, we shine a light on the challenges surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault in the military. My husband, Zack, a five-year Army veteran, joins me as they delve into the unique obstacles survivors face in a military environment. From cultural barriers to systemic gaps in support, Zack shares his insights, experiences, and hopes for change within...

The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy, but for many survivors of domestic violence, it can be a season of increased stress, isolation, and danger. In this episode of Almost Oblivious , we explore why domestic violence often escalates during the holidays, the unique challenges survivors face, and how faith, community, and practical resources can provide support. Whether you’re a survivo...

In this episode of Almost Oblivious , we shine a light on the subtle and overt warning signs of domestic abuse. From patterns of control and manipulation to the dangers of love bombing and isolation, we uncover the behaviors that often go unnoticed until it's too late. Whether you're navigating a challenging relationship or supporting someone who might be, this 20-minute deep dive will help you re...

In Episode 7, we dive into the often unknown concept of reactive abuse. This episode explores what it is, why it happens, and how abusers manipulate these situations to deflect blame onto their victims. Join us as we shed light on the emotional toll it takes and provide insights into recognizing and breaking free from this destructive cycle. Together, we continue to break the silence on domestic v...