We're All Insane

I Married a Ponzi Schemer

For 20 years, Andrea believed she was living her dream life. Then her husband confessed he had been secretly running a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme, shattering everything she thought she knew. In this episode, Andrea shares the devastating moment her world fell apart, how she navigated betrayal, financial ruin, and single motherhood, and what it took to rebuild her life after losing everything. She hopes her story reminds others that even after unimaginable trauma, healing is possible. Check Out Andrea:  → Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/realandreamerriman?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]  → TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@andrea.merriman?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Topics Discussed: → Ponzi Scheme Survivor → Marriage Built on Lies → Financial Betrayal → Life After Losing Everything → Healing After Trauma Sponsored By: → AirDoctor | Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com [https://airdoctorpro.com] and use promo code INSANE and get up to $300 off ANY of their select AirDoctor models, plus you will get a 3-year warranty, absolutely FREE! All AirDoctor air purifiers come with a 30-day money back guarantee. → ZocDoc | Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/insane [https://zocdoc.com/insane] #sponsored → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane [https://forhers.com/insane] to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:00:46 - What was Andrea's childhood like? → 00:03:06 - Why didn't wealth seem like a red flag? → 00:06:34 - How did she meet her future husband? → 00:08:08 - Why did Sean seem so charming? → 00:10:56 - Did their relationship seem too good to be true? → 00:12:42 - How did her father's death change what she wanted in a partner? → 00:16:31 - What were the first red flags in their marriage? → 00:19:10 - How did they build their dream life together? → 00:22:26 - How wealthy did they become? → 00:24:56 - What happened on March 18, 2009? → 00:29:38 - What did he confess first? → 00:31:50 - What is a Ponzi scheme? → 00:35:12 - How did she find out they had lost everything? → 00:35:12 - How did she find out they had lost everything? → 00:39:44 - What do you do after your entire life falls apart? → 00:44:34 - Why did she need her own attorney? → 00:49:18 - What was it like during the federal investigation? → 00:55:05 - How do you tell your children their father is going to prison? → 01:00:08 - How did she prepare her family for prison? → 01:04:00 - What happened when the first victim came to their door? → 01:08:54 - How dangerous did things become after the fraud was exposed? → 01:13:50 - How much money was stolen? → 01:17:20 - Why did she refuse to hide her jewelry? → 01:21:22 - How was she cleared by the government? → 01:23:12 - Why did her family move to Utah? → 01:27:00 - How did sharing her story help her heal? → 01:30:20 - How do you help your children recover from trauma? → 01:33:18 - Why is forgiveness the key to moving forward? → 01:35:02 - When did the shame finally disappear? → 01:36:44 - How did rebuilding her life lead to new opportunities? → 01:39:24 - Is recovery possible after losing everything? → 01:44:26 - How much prison time did her ex-husband serve? → 01:46:12 - Was it difficult to trust and love again? → 01:49:30 - How did she meet her current husband? → 01:50:52 - What does Andrea want others to know? Further Listening → I Sent My Boyfriend’s Brother to Prison [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQRab4JgnZg] More We Are All Insane: → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time [https://were-all-insane.myshopify.com/] → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  [https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

I Dated My Predator

At 15 years old, Jess entered a residential treatment center while struggling with trauma and her mental health. There, she met a counselor she was meant to trust who slowly groomed and sexually abused her, exploiting her vulnerability and changing the course of her life. In this episode, Jess shares how childhood trauma, abuse, addiction, and years of silence shaped her life and how she eventually found healing. She hopes her story helps other survivors feel seen, exposes the reality of abuse of power, and reminds people that healing is possible. Check Out Jess:  → Tik Tok | @graylightaura [https://www.tiktok.com/@graylightaura?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Topics Discussed: → Childhood Trauma & Mental Health → Grooming by a Treatment Center Counselor → Surviving Sexual Abuse → Addiction & Recovery → Healing After Trauma Sponsored By: → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane [https://forhers.com/insane] to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:00:42 - What was Jess's childhood like? → 00:02:40 - How did losing her aunt change her life? → 00:05:10 - How did her father's alcoholism affect her? → 00:09:14 - What led to her first mental health crisis? → 00:10:10 - What happened during her first suicide attempt? → 00:11:02 - What was it like being in psychiatric hospitals? → 00:19:36 - Why was she sent to a residential treatment center? → 00:21:56 - How did she meet the counselor who groomed her? → 00:24:42 - How did they stay in contact after treatment? → 00:26:48 - How did the grooming begin? → 00:27:38 - What happened on their first "date"? → 00:29:40 - When did the abuse become sexual? → 00:31:18 - How did the abuse continue? → 00:32:34 - How was she isolated and manipulated? → 00:37:18 - How did the relationship affect her family? → 00:39:34 - How did the trauma begin to consume her life? → 00:49:40 - Why couldn't she leave the relationship? → 00:59:48 - How did she try to start over? → 01:05:16 - How did becoming a mother change her life? → 01:08:56 - What made her finally report her abuser? → 01:13:44 - What happened when she confronted her former counselor? → 01:18:02 - Why was the investigation closed? → 01:22:32 - What was it like seeing her abuser in court? → 01:28:10 - What needs to change to better protect vulnerable kids? → 01:35:00 - What are the warning signs of grooming? → 01:39:12 - What does Jess want parents and survivors to know? Show links: → R*ped in Police Custody [https://youtu.be/VL5k8tHwknI?si=Jvoy3D9Kg7O3-PuQ] More We Are All Insane:  → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time [https://were-all-insane.myshopify.com/] → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  [https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

R*ped in Police Custody

At just 14 years old, Chris entered the juvenile justice system for minor offenses, where he encountered a trusted county sheriff who would profoundly alter the course of his life. After being groomed and sexually abused, the trauma followed him into adulthood, leading to years of addiction, mental health struggles, and silence. Today, Chris is sharing his story to expose the abuse of power that went unchecked, advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, and prove that healing is possible even after decades of carrying the weight of the past. Check Out Chris:  → Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Survivors-Voice/61591676901788/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=Cyqjv0ur6jsDEEh6&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1ERyKmfidH%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr] Topics Discussed: → Growing Up in the Juvenile Justice System → Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse → The Lasting Effects of Trauma → Holding Powerful People Accountable → Finding Healing Through Advocacy Sponsored By: → Wayfair | Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to https://Wayfair.com [https://wayfair.com] right now to shop all things home. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:01:40 - How did one false accusation change his life? → 00:03:58 - How did he meet Sheriff Bullock? → 00:05:18 - How did the grooming begin? → 00:07:02 - What happened during the first assault? → 00:10:36 - How did the abuse continue? → 00:11:20 - What happened during the second assault? → 00:15:12 - What was life like at Warren Acres? → 00:17:02 - Why did he keep returning to detention? → 00:19:07 - What happened during the third encounter? → 00:21:18 - How did he cope with the abuse? → 00:25:20 - Why did he begin acting out? → 00:27:03 - Why was he sent back to Warren Acres? → 00:29:54 - What happened during the final assault? → 00:31:12 - When did he first attempt suicide? → 00:35:30 - Why did he keep the abuse a secret? → 00:42:40 - How did the trauma follow him into adulthood? → 00:43:40 - How was Sheriff Bullock finally exposed? → 00:46:42 - What did life look like after the abuse? → 00:52:50 - What led to his next suicide attempt? → 00:55:24 - How was his life saved? → 00:56:38 - What was psychiatric treatment like? → 00:57:42 - What made him choose recovery? → 00:59:08 - How did sobriety change his life? → 01:07:12 - How did he discover the sheriff's trial? → 01:08:10 - Why did he decide to testify? → 01:19:18 - What was it like facing his abuser in court? → 01:27:14 - How did meeting another survivor change him? → 01:29:22 - How did survivors help change New Jersey law? → 01:30:23 - How many victims may there have been?  Further Listening:  → My Father Was a Pastor and a Predator [https://youtu.be/ChjEtgNM1EI?si=lbv7F6KLxVjYcwNk]  - OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time [https://were-all-insane.myshopify.com/] - Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  [https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Dove in a Lake and Broke My Neck

At 20 years old, Zach Cheremski dove into a lake he'd grown up on and instantly became paralyzed from the neck down. In this episode, Zach shares the moments leading up to the accident, what it was like to survive a catastrophic spinal cord injury, and the physical and emotional challenges that followed. He reflects on resilience, hope, and how one split-second decision changed the course of his life forever. Check Out Zackary:  → https://x.com/Geodezics [https://x.com/Geodezics] Topics Discussed: → Surviving a life-changing diving accident → Living with a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia → The physical and emotional challenges of recovery → Navigating addiction, chronic pain, and healing → Finding purpose, resilience, and hope after trauma On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:01:20 - Why did they decide to go night swimming? → 00:04:29 - What was going through his mind while trapped underwater? → 00:05:26 - How was he finally rescued? → 00:11:26 - What happened after he arrived at the hospital? → 00:18:38 - Who helped his family find hope during the darkest days? → 00:20:20 - What unexpected complications happened after the accident? → 00:23:30 - Why did he ask to "pull the plug"? → 00:27:38 - How did the support of others change his mindset? → 00:36:50 - Which unexpected visitor gave him hope? → 00:41:46 - What was recovery in the ICU really like? → 00:52:12 - How did pain medication become another battle? → 01:01:48 - What was it like returning to college after paralysis? → 01:13:20 - Why was going home harder than the hospital? → 01:16:42 - Did the hallucinations change the way he saw life? → 01:20:00 - Why did he question what was real after the accident? → 01:35:20 - How did he finally overcome addiction? → 01:51:20 - What does healing really look like after surviving trauma? → 01:57:45 - What message does he hope others take away from his story? → 02:01:10 - How has this experience changed the way he lives today? Show links: → Hung From a Power Line By My Leg for an Hour [https://youtu.be/JETyHRqgiLE?si=9s-xC1UdHYX-Nct2] More We Are All Insane!  - OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time [https://were-all-insane.myshopify.com/] - Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  [https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

My Mother Married My Rapist

For 14 years, Cynthia endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of the man she believed was her father. From the age of five until she escaped at 19, she was groomed, manipulated, and repeatedly sexually abused by her stepfather…all while living in what appeared to be the perfect family. When she finally found the courage to tell someone at 16, she expected protection. Instead, she was met with disbelief, shame, and pressure from the very people who should have stood by her. Resources:  → https://rainn.org/ [https://rainn.org/]  → https://paar.net/ [https://paar.net/] Check Out Cynthia:  → https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaadelgado?utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaadelgado?utm_source=qr] Sponsored By: → Shopify | Every story has a turning point. If you're ready to build something of your own, start your journey with a free trial at https://shopify.com/insane [https://shopify.com/insane] → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane [https://forhers.com/insane] to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. → AquaTru | Go to https://AquaTru.com [https://aquatru.com/] now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code INSANE. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee.  On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:00:00 - What was her family dynamic?  → 00:01:48 - What was her first memory of sexual abuse?  → 00:02:51 - What was her next memory of abuse?  → 00:05:51 - What feelings dominated her childhood?  → 00:07:37 - Why didn't she know her stepfather wasn't her biological father? → 00:08:56 - How did she feel when she found out he wasn’t her father?  → 00:09:49 - How often was she abused?  → 00:10:13 - What happened when she became seriously ill? → 00:13:08 - How did everyone react when they found out? → 00:14:17 - Did her mom know what was happening? → 00:16:51 - Who else did he sexually abuse?  → 00:19:01 - How did the abuse escalate as she got older? → 00:24:26 - How did the abuse change when she was 14? → 00:26:06 - How did her high school girlfriend change everything? → 00:27:32 - What happened after the school reported the abuse? → 00:29:26 - Why was the police investigation so traumatizing? → 00:30:22 - How did her stepfather manipulate her from jail? → 00:33:19 - How did her family convince her to protect her abuser? → 00:36:09 - How was she manipulated into staying silent? → 00:38:48 - Why did the abuse begin again after he returned home? → 00:43:51 - How did her mother treat her differently from her sister? → 00:46:03 - What is a mother wound? → 00:48:38 - How did her mother also groom her?  → 00:51:56 - How does her family treat her abuser to this day? → 00:53:29 - Why does she still struggle to cut off her mother? → 00:57:17 - Why is it so difficult to understand her mother's choices? → 00:59:29 - How did her mother respond to the allegations? → 01:02:55 - What happened when he got out of jail? → 01:05:01 - How did her stepfather regain her trust? → 01:08:01 - What happened after he slapped her? → 01:14:37 - How did he continue manipulating her emotionally? → 01:17:19 - Why did she finally leave home? → 01:20:01 - When did she leave the city?  → 01:23:53 - What happened during the court proceedings? → 01:27:09 - How has family betrayal impacted her adulthood? → 01:30:20 - When did they get married? → 01:31:22 - How did the assault affect her mental health? → 01:34:05 - How is she breaking cycles moving forward? → 01:37:41 - How is she struggling with people pleasing?  → 01:40:02 - What is her relationship with her family like now? → 01:42:48 - Why do so many survivors feel guilty?  → 01:46:02 - How has becoming a stepmother changed her perspective? → 01:48:35 - How do you live your life with trauma? → 01:51:02 - Why does she feel obligated to share her story?  → 01:54:38 - Why is it so important for survivors to speak out?  Further Listening:  → My Father Was a Pastor and a Predator [https://youtu.be/ChjEtgNM1EI] More We Are All Insane:  → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time [https://were-all-insane.myshopify.com/] → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  [https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]