The LOVE>hate Podcast

Caralyn's Story Part One

18 min · 5 de may de 2026
Portada del episodio Caralyn's Story Part One

Descripción

In this episode of LOVE>hate, host Melissa Etzler sits down with Caralyn for the first installment of a two-part series on surviving and transcending toxic cycles. Caralyn, offers a raw and vulnerable retrospective of two different abusive relationships, one from her early twenties and one from her thirties, to provide a "glimpse into the future" for other survivors who feel trapped by their past. In Part 1, Caralyn deconstructs the subtle and often confusing early red flags of narcissistic control. She details how "protective" behavior can quickly morph into extreme domestic demands, from having to vacuum carpets in perfectly straight lines to being dictated on what to wear and how much makeup to apply. This episode is a masterclass in understanding the psychology of isolation, explaining why abusers create a secluded world to prevent outside perspectives from breaking their hold. We we talked about in Part One * The Illusion of Charm: How abusers often present as the most "handsome and nice" person in the room. * The "Boiling Frog" Syndrome: How control starts with breakfast choices and gym routines before escalating to physical violence. * The Shame of Survival: Caralyn speaks candidly about a traumatic incident of degradation and why she kept it a secret for years. * Isolation Tactics: The strategic move to distance victims from family and the fear that prevents calling for help. * The Danger of Quick Moves: Reflecting on the "convenience" of moving in together early and how it cements the abuser's power. This episode is a vital resource for anyone looking to understand the intricate cycles of abuse and the strength it takes to seek independence. Caralyn’s journey reminds us that while the harm was endured, it does not have to define the meaningful, peaceful life that follows. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Caralyn discusses the complexities of domestic abuse while pregnant and her ultimate journey toward safety and self-love. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LOVE>HATE NOW [https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/wjlPDN1Ni0870uiUMeZpgA] National Domestic Violence Hotline: [http://www.thehotline.org/] 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: [http://www.rainn.com/] 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: [http://www.loveisrespect.org/] 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: [http://humantraffickinghotline.org/] 1-888-373-7888

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25 episodios

Portada del episodio Christine's Story Part One

Christine's Story Part One

In this first part, Christine Dillard joins the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast to break down the complex mechanics of coercive control and domestic abuse. For 17 years, Christine lived an entirely double life: she was a confident, strong team lead in corporate America who managed boardrooms with ease, only to return home to an environment filled with walking on eggshells, explosive outbursts, and escalating threats. Christine candidly discusses the psychological barriers that keep many individuals trapped in abusive dynamics, including the heavy layers of shame, embarrassment, and self-doubt that cause victims to internalize the blame. She reflects on the early red flags, behaviors as seemingly minor as a partner being hours late for a first date, and explains how micro-behaviors snowball over time until a survivor no longer recognizes their own reality. The turning point came at year 14, leading to a meticulous, empowering three-year exit strategy. Christine shares invaluable insights on how she quietly took control of the household finances, advocated for raises at work to replace a dual income, and waited until her daughter was legally old enough to have a voice in custody courts. Finally, Christine introduces a unique, immediate nervous system hack, the "Altoid trick", recommended by her trauma therapist to shock the body out of a full-blown panic attack. Tune in to hear a masterclass in strategic survival, self-advocacy, and immediate trauma grounding. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * The Anatomy of Coercive Control: How abusers use micro-behaviors to alter your narrative and rewrite your reality. * The Illusion of the Double Life: Navigating the stark contrast between professional success and private survival. * Building a Strategic Exit Plan: Financial empowerment, child custody timelines, and finding the courage to set terrifying boundaries. * Nervous System Grounding: A practical, immediate physical trick to disrupt nightmares and panic attacks. Www.Tiktok.Com/@thetruthsheshowedme [http://www.tiktok.com/@thetruthsheshowedme]  https://www.instagram.com/thetruthsheshowedme?igsh=NHNkM3FvdHFudHl5&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/thetruthsheshowedme?igsh=NHNkM3FvdHFudHl5&utm_source=qr] https://www.facebook.com/share/14iCRuWPw52/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/14iCRuWPw52/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Https://amzn.to/4te56ti [https://amzn.to/4te56ti]  CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LOVE>HATE NOW [https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/wjlPDN1Ni0870uiUMeZpgA] National Domestic Violence Hotline: [http://www.thehotline.org/] 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: [http://www.rainn.com/] 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: [http://www.loveisrespect.org/] 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: [http://humantraffickinghotline.org/] 1-888-373-7888

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Portada del episodio Maria's Story Part Two

Maria's Story Part Two

How do you find peace and joy on the days when life simply feels too heavy? In Part 2 of this inspiring conversation on the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler continues her discussion with author and podcaster Maria to explore the practical daily habits, tools, and mindsets required for long-term emotional healing and self-discovery. Following her survival of multiple health crises and major life transitions, Maria shares how she finally realized her lifelong dream of becoming a self-published author in her 40s. She introduces her book, Against All Odds: A Less Than 1% Chance, sharing how real-life stories can act as a guide for others seeking a shift in perspective. Melissa and Maria discuss the reality of the healing journey—acknowledging that even after doing the deep work, crappy days still happen. Maria reveals her go-to practices for heavy days, starting with a simple, transformative deep breath to flood the brain with oxygen and anchor yourself in the present moment. She explains the power of asking yourself the right questions to shift your focus away from future anxiety or past depression. Listeners will learn about the "law of giving and receiving," why Maria is known as the "purple energy girl" at work, and how consciously projecting the joy you wish to receive can cultivate inner peace. Finally, Maria leaves the audience with an uplifting message about looking for the "lighthouses" around us and building a personalized mental health toolbox. Don't forget to check the show notes for links to Maria's podcast and her newly released book! CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LOVE>HATE NOW [https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/wjlPDN1Ni0870uiUMeZpgA] National Domestic Violence Hotline: [http://www.thehotline.org/] 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: [http://www.rainn.com/] 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: [http://www.loveisrespect.org/] 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: [http://humantraffickinghotline.org/] 1-888-373-7888

30 de jun de 202614 min
Portada del episodio Maria's Story Part One

Maria's Story Part One

Why do some people survive impossible circumstances, and how do we shift from feeling like life is happening to us to realizing it is happening for us? In the first part of this deeply moving episode of the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler sits down with Maria, a remarkable survivor who has spent her life defying the statistics. From the very beginning, surviving a less-than-one-percent chance of survival in utero, Maria’s journey has been defined by resilience. In this episode, Maria bravely opens up about overcoming severe personal trauma, navigating the heavy emotional weight of silence, and facing an unexpected cervical cancer diagnosis at just 19 years old. She shares the pivotal moment an unexpected mentor, a true angel in her life, helped her break her silence, guide her toward therapy, and begin a somatic and emotional healing journey. We dive deep into the profound connection between emotional distress and physical wellness, exploring how suppressed trauma can manifest as disease in the body until we find the courage to speak our truth. Maria also details the emotional complexities of family dynamics, navigating early motherhood with three children, and surviving a life-threatening medical emergency. This episode is a powerful beacon for anyone dealing with the aftermath of trauma, chronic illness, or feelings of isolation. Tune in to discover how breaking the cycle of silence can pave the way for true emotional restoration, and learn how to recognize the "lighthouses" in your own life when things feel dark. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LOVE>HATE NOW [https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/wjlPDN1Ni0870uiUMeZpgA] National Domestic Violence Hotline: [http://www.thehotline.org/] 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: [http://www.rainn.com/] 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: [http://www.loveisrespect.org/] 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: [http://humantraffickinghotline.org/] 1-888-373-7888

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Portada del episodio AGP's Story

AGP's Story

In this deeply moving episode of The LOVE>hate Podcast, host Melissa Etzler sits down with the incredibly resilient Amanda Goldman-Petrie (affectionately known as AGP) for a powerful conversation on trauma, survival, and why growth is always greater than pain. AGP shares her "utterly insane" life journey, walking listeners through three distinct evolutions of herself. She opens up about surviving severe childhood abuse and neglect, only to face a near-death experience at age 18 when she was struck by a minivan, forcing her to relearn how to walk while navigating an unexpected pregnancy. If that wasn't enough, AGP later faced a rare brain tumor diagnosis during law school, resulting in a life-altering surgery that wiped away chunks of her memory. Remarkably, AGP views the loss of her memories as a unexpected blessing that helped wash away the residual trauma of her past. She shares how the turning point in her healing journey arrived through the unwavering, unconditional love of her husband, who spent a decade acting as her chauffeur when she was too terrified to drive, eventually giving her the confidence to reclaim her independence. Listeners will gain insight into practical, everyday tools AGP uses to protect her peace and stay grounded, from mindfulness walks in the sun to bonding with family through the Paired app and Wordle. Now a proud wife, mother, and law student, AGP delivers a beautiful roadmap for anyone feeling stuck in their own suffering. This episode is an inspiring reminder that you don't have to carry your burdens alone, support systems are all around you, and pain is never the ultimate point of your story—the growth is. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LOVE>HATE NOW [https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/wjlPDN1Ni0870uiUMeZpgA] National Domestic Violence Hotline: [http://www.thehotline.org/] 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: [http://www.rainn.com/] 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: [http://www.loveisrespect.org/] 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: [http://humantraffickinghotline.org/] 1-888-373-7888

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Portada del episodio Denise's Story

Denise's Story

In this powerful episode of The LOVE>hate Podcast, host Melissa Etzler sits down with author, minister, and overcomer Denise M. Walker for an intimate conversation on healing, faith, and reclaiming your voice after trauma. Denise opens up about her deeply personal journey overcoming the painful wounds of childhood abuse and the physical and emotional toll of a severe endometriosis diagnosis. After facing a devastating miscarriage and a medical prognosis that she would likely never have children, Denise shares how a pivotal mindset shift transformed her from a victim into a victorious woman of faith. She reveals the exact moment she learned to release her heavy emotional burdens to God, resulting in a miraculous recovery and the birth of her now 22-year-old son. Listeners will discover practical, budget-friendly creative outlets for healing, including Denise’s passion for junk journaling, digital Bible journaling, and meditating on scripture to find inner peace. As an accomplished author, Denise also discusses her inspiring women’s Christian fiction series—Barren Wound, Sufficient Grace, and So That You May Live—explaining how she poured her real-life trauma and medical struggles into her main character, Hannah, to provide a roadmap of empathy and hope for others. Whether you are navigating your own healing journey, struggling to build boundaries and trust after trauma, or seeking inspiration to step into your God-given purpose, this episode serves as a beautiful reminder that you do not have to stay stuck in your past. Tune in to find encouragement, discover the power of vulnerability, and learn how your deepest pain can connect to your greatest purpose. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LOVE>HATE NOW [https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/wjlPDN1Ni0870uiUMeZpgA] National Domestic Violence Hotline: [http://www.thehotline.org/] 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline: [http://www.rainn.com/] 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Loveisrespect Teen Dating Violence Hotline: [http://www.loveisrespect.org/] 1-866-331-9474 National Human Trafficking Hotline: [http://humantraffickinghotline.org/] 1-888-373-7888

9 de jun de 202631 min