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

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

Dan's Story Part Two

In the powerful second half of this interview on the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler dives deeper with advocate Dan Roth into the complex realities of mental health, family dynamics, and intentional recovery. Dan opens up about his personal turning point, sharing the precise mindset shift that saved his marriage and reshaped his entire approach to emotional healing. NAVIGATING NEURODIVERGENCE AND FAMILY TRIGGERS Dan offers a raw, vulnerable look into the challenges of balancing his own neurodivergence while parenting two autistic children. He explains how managing multiple sets of sensory triggers often meant suppressing his own needs, leading to emotional burnout. Dan discusses the embarrassment of life transitions—including his departure from Amazon during the 2023 mass layoffs—and how hiding those struggles created barriers in his marriage until a profound moment of self-awareness sparked a commitment to radical communication. FROM SURVIVAL TO IMPACT: THE POWER OF GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY Listeners will be inspired by Dan’s extensive journey into grassroots advocacy. After a spinal injury sidelined the sports and physical outlets he once used for stress relief, Dan channeled his energy into creating massive community change. He details the incredible success of The Manny Project, an initiative that has successfully installed adaptive playground swings in 80% of his school district's elementary schools within just 18 months, ensuring children with physical and mental handicaps can play alongside their peers. CHALLENGING SOCIETAL BIASES From special education reform to global fundraising for sickle cell anemia, and even championing menopause and maternity rights, Dan emphasizes the necessity of men stepping into uncomfortable conversations to become better partners and parents. He touches on his recent TEDx talk regarding body dysmorphia and eating disorders, closing with a powerful, unfiltered reflection on boundaries, processing trauma, and breaking down generational cycles for a fairer future. 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

Dan's Story Part One

In this powerful episode of the Love is Greater Than Hate podcast, host Melissa Etzler sits down with advocate Dan Roth to discuss a critical yet frequently overlooked topic: male domestic violence and sexual assault survivorship. Dan opens up about his personal journey, shedding light on the complex realities of relationship trauma, mental health struggles, and the long road to recognizing abuse. NAVIGATING EARLY TRAUMA AND SUSCEPTIBILITY Dan discusses how experiencing early trauma can leave individuals more vulnerable to subsequent abuse. Entering his late teens while battling anxiety, severe depression, body dysmorphia, and an eating disorder, Dan describes an intense emotional need to feel wanted. This vulnerability led him into a toxic relationship at age 18, where he lacked the awareness to identify crossing boundaries or recognize the early warning signs of an abusive partner. RECOGNIZING THE REALITY OF ABUSE AND COERCION The conversation dives deep into the specific dynamics of the abuse Dan faced, which spanned sexual, physical, and severe psychological components. He recalls instances of physical harm and revoked consent, behaviors he initially minimized or shrugged off as "normal" relationship friction. It wasn't until two decades later—while listening to a female friend share her own experiences with intimate partner violence—that Dan finally connected the dots. This revelation highlights a major societal gap: because society rarely frames men as victims, it took 20 years for him to fully process that he was a survivor of domestic abuse. By reclaiming his narrative and establishing firm boundaries years later, Dan emphasizes the vital importance of opening up transparent conversations. His story serves as a crucial resource for other male survivors, proving that vulnerability is a strength and that healing is entirely possible. 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

Kimberley's Story

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode of Love is Greater Than Hate, host Melissa Etzler welcomes Kimberly to share a story that remained hidden in the shadows for decades. For years, Kimberly lived in the suffocating grip of shame, only recently finding the strength in 2025 to reveal the reality of her past to her family. Her journey is a profound testament to the fact that true healing can only begin when we stop hiding our truths. Kimberly opens up about being a young, "sheltered" 16-year-old bride who found herself in a physically and mentally abusive marriage. As a straight-A student who "threw herself into books," she describes how her vulnerability was exploited and how she eventually became isolated from her own supportive family. This episode explores the complex dynamics of domestic abuse, trauma bonds, and the long road to recovery. Key Highlights of this Conversation: * The Power of Spiritual Roots: How reciting childhood prayers and creeds provided a lifeline when Kimberly didn't know how to "pray-pray." * The Role of a Support System: The bittersweet relationship with her mother-in-law and the friends who attempted to rescue her. * The Moment of Self-Rescue: Why Kimberly had to be the one to decide she was ready to leave, regardless of outside help. * Healing with Adult Children: Navigating the "resurfacing pain" as her children become adults and seek answers about their father. * Forgiveness as Peace: The incredible spiritual milestone of replacing anger with pity and achieving total forgiveness for her abuser. Kimberly’s insights into self-love and faith offer a beacon of hope for anyone feeling trapped by their circumstances or their past. Her message is clear: slow down, learn to love yourself first, and never forget whose child you are. Tune in to hear how Kimberly transformed her pain into a "peace walk" and why she believes that on the other side of necessary pain, there is always something better. 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