True Crime Connections ~ Advocacy Podcast

Divorcing a narcissist is more than a legal battle — it’s an emotional war. In this episode, John and Melissa Rymer , both survivors of narcissistic abuse, share the steps they took to leave abusive relationships, recover from financial manipulation, and begin true healing. What you’ll learn in this episode:  ✅ How to prepare to leave a narcissistic partner safely  ✅ The lasting impact of financ...

Leaving a toxic environment isn’t easy — but it can be the turning point that changes everything. In this powerful conversation, Michael Unbroken, founder of Think Unbroken , shares how he overcame a childhood marked by abuse and neglect, found the courage to leave toxic spaces, and built a life grounded in purpose. We discuss: The “mirror moment” that sparked his healing How to invest in yourself...

Even in life’s darkest moments, it’s possible to find hope and strength. In this episode, Seth Gehle — ultra marathon runner, veteran, speaker, and author — shares how he overcame trauma from his mother’s addiction and the painful experience of being molested by a friend. His story is one of mental toughness, acceptance, and endurance. What you’ll learn in this episode:  ✅ Why reporting abuse is...

Addiction doesn’t have to be the end of your story — it can be the beginning of your greatest transformation. In this episode, Mary Beth O’Connor shares her inspiring three-phase journey from surviving childhood abuse to overcoming years of substance and methamphetamine addiction, and ultimately becoming a federal Administrative Law Judge. With 29 years in recovery, her story proves that resilienc...

Growing up in a dysfunctional home — especially with addiction — leaves deep emotional scars. In this episode, Lolita Guarin shares her insights on the struggles faced by Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA), from challenges in relationships to issues of self-worth and happiness. She offers hope, resilience, and the tools for self-awareness that can help break the cycle. What you’ll learn in this e...

Grief doesn’t have to follow the “5 stages” — healing can be your path. In this episode, Denise Dielwart shares how the sudden loss of her husband led her to create the F.L.O.W. Method — a powerful, personal approach to grief recovery that focuses on Feeling, Letting Go, Overcoming, and becoming Whole. Through exercise, strength training, and mindset work, she shows how to push past the pain and b...

Do you feel stuck in survival mode? Trapped by trauma or overwhelmed by emotion? This week, Natalie “NatNat” Bedard joins us to break down how the nervous system holds onto trauma—and how to release it. As a trauma-informed healer and intuitive guide, NatNat shares how emotional intelligence, nervous system regulation, and inner awareness can shift you from stuck to free. Whether you're griev...

Victoria Danielle grew up surrounded by violence, emotional manipulation, and chaos. Then she found herself in a 10-year abusive marriage. In this episode, she shares the warning signs, the turning point, and how she turned her trauma into a mission. Now a coach, speaker, and soon-to-be podcast host of Radical Regards , Victoria brings honesty, empowerment, and a message of radical self-love. What...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly chasing the next win but still feel unfulfilled, this episode is for you. Leah Johnson — campaign strategist, trauma survivor, and advocate for balanced motherhood — opens up about her own battle with perfectionism and the toll it takes on mental health, relationships, and happiness. With over two decades in the political arena, Leah has learned how to tu...

In this conversation, Win Charles shares her personal story of being a survivor of abuse as a disabled individual. She discusses the abuse she experienced at the hands of a family member and the emotional and physical trauma she endured.  Win emphasizes the importance of speaking up and seeking help when abuse occurs, and she encourages others to be vigilant in protecting disabled and elderly love...

Shara Gabaldon shares her powerful journey of surviving narcissistic abuse. She opens up about the years she spent in an abusive marriage and the difficult path to finally breaking free. We delve into the complexities of leaving an abusive relationship, the various forms that abuse can take, and the essential role of healing and self-reflection in recovery. Shara highlights the importance of educa...

In this episode, Marci Warhaft shares her journey of overcoming tragic loss, an eating disorder, and the emotional turmoil of exploring the swinger’s lifestyle with her husband. Marci’s story is one of overcoming illness and betrayal, championing body positivity with self-worth. Marci addresses the pervasive problem of body image and societal expectations, advocating for self-acceptance and healin...

Richard D. Bailey shares his journey as a certified fraud examiner and his encounter with Alexander Chatfield Burns, a financial prodigy involved in a major fraud. Richard discovers discrepancies in a vineyard acquisition and uncovers evidence of a massive fraud. He cooperates with the FBI, wears a wire, and navigates the uncertainty of the investigation. The story takes a tragic turn when Alex Bu...

When Bill Mitchell lost his daughter to dating violence, his world shattered—but his fight began. In this heart-wrenching yet powerful episode, Bill shares the devastating story of his daughter’s murder and how he transformed grief into purpose. He now leads a mission to educate parents, teens, and communities about the silent warning signs of toxic relationships. 💔 The red flags no one talks abo...

Our earliest experiences can shape the way we love, trust, and connect as adults. In this episode, JenniSue Jessen shares her powerful story of surviving trafficking from a young age, her fight for justice, and the lessons she’s learned about how childhood trauma impacts adult romantic relationships. She also sheds light on the urgent need for awareness, legal reform, and community action to end t...

In this episode, Kristin Rivas recounts her battle with PTSD and her healing journey through rapid-resolution therapy. She discusses the transformative effects of the therapy, the crucial role of support systems, and the path to reclaiming intimacy after trauma.  Kristin’s story is a beacon of hope, emphasizing personal responsibility in healing and the impact of positive thinking and suitable the...

Your mindset can hold you back — or set you free. In this episode, Dr. Karoline Fischer , RTT hypnotherapist and emotional healer, shares how hypnotherapy can help reframe limiting beliefs, heal childhood and generational trauma, and create lasting personal transformation. What you’ll learn in this episode:  ✅ How hypnotherapy bypasses the critical faculty to reprogram beliefs  ✅ Why childhood e...

Listen here for a bonus episode. I had the pleasure of being on Jayson Blair's podcast called: Silver Linings Handbook - Interesting Conversations with interesting people.  Helping the Caged Birds Sing.  Silver Linings Handbook – Interesting conversations with interesting people Let’s Chat! Support the show 🎙️ Want better interviews? Learn how to create conversations people actually remember...

Your past doesn’t define you — your truth does. In this episode, Shaun Coffee shares his journey from a traumatic childhood through addiction and homelessness to becoming an advocate for healing and resilience. He opens up about the pivotal moments that led him to self-forgiveness, purpose, and his work as the author of Boys Do Cry . What you’ll learn in this episode:  ✅ Why embracing your truth...

Love can be beautiful — but for some, it becomes an addiction. In this episode, Ben Oofana , healer and relationship guide, explains how emotional wounds, past trauma, and attachment styles can trap us in unhealthy relationship patterns. He shares insights on hormones, dating culture, and the wisdom of indigenous healers — along with practical steps for breaking free from love dependency. What you...

Trauma doesn’t just affect the person who experiences it — it can echo through generations, shaping lives in ways we don’t always see. In this episode, Jeff O’Neill shares his expertise on historical and cultural trauma, epigenetics, and the power of breaking toxic family cycles. His work emphasizes self-compassion, resilience, and the transformative power of rewriting your personal story. What yo...

Your childhood shapes more than your memories — it shapes how you love, trust, and connect. In this episode, Riana Milne — renowned therapist, relationship coach, and #1 bestselling author — explains how early experiences affect relationships, self-worth, and emotional well-being. She also breaks down the differences between narcissists and sociopaths, and how to protect yourself from both. What y...

What you say to police can — and will — be used against you. In this episode, Alfred Anderson , retired Deputy Sheriff and author of DEPUTY – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: A Cop’s True Story , explains why you should stop talking and start protecting yourself when dealing with law enforcement. He also calls out the abuse of laws meant to protect citizens, and shares his unique perspective from both sides of t...

Even in life’s chaos, creativity can be a lifeline. In this episode, Kristof Morrow — award-winning author, journalist, and viral TikTok creator — shares his journey of surviving childhood abuse while navigating life with Tourette’s syndrome and OCD. Through resilience and creativity, he transformed his pain into purpose. What you’ll learn in this episode:  ✅ How Tourette’s and OCD shaped Kristof...

This week, Dee Hurley exposes a devastating truth: the family court system is broken—and survivors are paying the price. As an Emotion Code and Body Code Practitioner, Dee has seen firsthand how courts often side with abusers, retraumatizing victims and silencing children. But Dee isn’t just here to expose the problem—she offers hope through healing. She shares her work with Lighthouse Energy Heal...