Covert Narcissism in Marriage: Signs, Gaslighting, and Healing After Divorce | Laura Richards

Covert Narcissism in Marriage: Signs, Gaslighting, and Healing After Divorce | Laura Richards

What happens when the person everyone sees as the “nice guy” is the one causing the deepest harm behind closed doors? In this powerful opening episode of lovelustlaw, host Michele Locke sits down with author and podcast host Laura Richards (Married to a Nice Guy; “That’s Where I’m At” Podcast) to explore her 30-plus year marriage and the abuse patterns she says were hidden beneath a carefully crafted public image. Laura shares her journey of uncovering decades of deception, infidelity, gaslighting, and manipulation, and how filing for divorce triggered what she describes as a campaign of blame, denial, and character assassination. Together, Michele and Laura unpack the hallmarks of covert narcissistic abuse, including DARVO, love bombing, future faking, devaluation, reverse discard, and smear campaigns, and discuss why victims often don’t need a clinical diagnosis to recognize an unhealthy relationship.  The conversation examines the impact of emotional abuse on mental health, family dynamics, and self-worth, including how children can become caught in the crossfire and how coercive behaviors can extend to intimacy, sleep deprivation, and emotional control. Ultimately, Laura reflects on the clarity that came after leaving, the peace that followed years of chaos, and the healing that becomes possible when victims reclaim their autonomy.  **DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.  Subscribe Here: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustlaw/id1819843688 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustlaw/id1819843688]  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6BEWXKOaEo8lfK554a5NqE [https://open.spotify.com/show/6BEWXKOaEo8lfK554a5NqE]  * Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2789d9c8-b4ab-4b4a-847d-a469d89b1d0b/lovelustlaw [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2789d9c8-b4ab-4b4a-847d-a469d89b1d0b/lovelustlaw]  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lovelustlaw [https://www.youtube.com/@lovelustlaw]  Want to reach out to me? You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com. Want to find out what I'm up to? Follow me on socials (linked below). Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margo for that :) Links Michele Locke * https://www.michelelocke.com/ [https://www.michelelocke.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/ [https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/] * https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke [https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/]  * https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke [https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke]  Laura Richards * https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/] * https://www.youtube.com/@thatswhereimatpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@thatswhereimatpodcast] * https://www.facebook.com/thatswhereimatpod/ [https://www.facebook.com/thatswhereimatpod/] * https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/ [https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/] Jake Deptula * www.instagram.com/jaked3000 [http://www.instagram.com/jaked3000] lovelustfear * https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283] * https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec [https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec] * https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/] National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365) Call 1.800.799.SAFE [http://1.800.799.SAFE] (7233) Text: START to 88788  * https://www.thehotline.org/ [https://www.thehotline.org/] * https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline [https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline] * https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/ [https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/] #narcissisticabuse #healingfromnarcissisticabuse #narcissistrecovery #narcissismawareness #coercivecontrol #emotionalabuse #gaslightingawareness #traumabondrecovery #lovebombing #toxicrelationshiprecovery #relationshipredflags #survivorstory #abuserecovery #domesticabuseawareness #divorcerecovery #highconflictdivorce #singlemomjourney #womenhealingwomen #healingjourney #traumarecovery #selfworthjourney #selfloveafterabuse #reclaimyourlife #findingyourvoice #boundariesarehealthy #emotionalhealing #womensupportingwomen #mentalhealthhealing #postseparationabuse #nocontactjourney

The Dark Side of Modern Relationships: Spyware, Tracking, and Control | Alan Silberberg

Is your partner tracking you without your knowledge? In this episode of lovelustlaw, family law attorney and host Michele Locke sits down with cybersecurity and reputation-management expert Alan W. Silberberg of DigiJaks to explore the growing intersection of technology, privacy, and modern relationships. From digital stalking and spyware to online harassment and reputation attacks, Alan explains how everyday devices, including AirPods, smartphones, smart cars, and connected home technology, can be used to monitor, track, or gather information about unsuspecting individuals. The conversation examines common surveillance tactics, including malicious links, shared account access, Bluetooth and NFC-based threats, and deceptive techniques such as “evil twin” Wi-Fi networks. Michele and Alan also discuss practical steps listeners can take to protect themselves, including strengthening privacy settings, reviewing app permissions, disabling unused device features, and enabling two-factor authentication. Beyond personal security, they explore the challenges law enforcement and courts face when handling technology-driven cases, the rise of malware marketplaces and organized cybercrime, and the increasing role of AI in shaping online information and reputation. Key topics covered: * Cyberstalking and digital surveillance * AirTags, AirPods, and “Find My” tracking concerns * Spyware, phishing links, and account compromise * Bluetooth, NFC, and proximity-based threats * Evil twin Wi-Fi networks and cybercriminal tactics * Smart cars, connected devices, and privacy risks * Digital forensics and reputation management * Law enforcement and courtroom challenges in cyber cases * AI-generated search results and online reputation * Practical cybersecurity and privacy best practices Subscribe Here: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustlaw/id1819843688 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustlaw/id1819843688]  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6BEWXKOaEo8lfK554a5NqE [https://open.spotify.com/show/6BEWXKOaEo8lfK554a5NqE]  * Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2789d9c8-b4ab-4b4a-847d-a469d89b1d0b/lovelustlaw [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2789d9c8-b4ab-4b4a-847d-a469d89b1d0b/lovelustlaw]  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lovelustlaw [https://www.youtube.com/@lovelustlaw]  Want to reach out to me? You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com. Want to find out what I'm up to? Follow me on socials (linked below). Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margo for that :) Links Michele Locke * https://www.michelelocke.com/ [https://www.michelelocke.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/ [https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/] * https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke [https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/]  * https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke [https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke]  Alan Silberberg * https://alanwsilberberg.com/ [https://alanwsilberberg.com/]  * https://www.instagram.com/digijaks/ [https://www.instagram.com/digijaks/]  * https://digijaks.com/ [https://digijaks.com/]  Jake Deptula * www.instagram.com/jaked3000 [http://www.instagram.com/jaked3000] lovelustfear * https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283] * https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec [https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec] * https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/] Security Software Recommendations  * Delete Me - Today get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to JoinDeleteMe.com/STALKING [http://joindeleteme.com/STALKING] and use promo code STALKING at checkout * Simplisafe - https://simplisafe.com/ [https://simplisafe.com/] National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365) Call 1.800.799.SAFE [http://1.800.799.SAFE] (7233) Text: START to 88788  * https://www.thehotline.org/ [https://www.thehotline.org/] * https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline [https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline] * https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/ [https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/] #cyberstalking #digitalstalking #cybersecurity #privacy #digitalprivacy #onlinesafety #spyware #stalkingawareness #stalking #onlineharassment #coercivecontrol #personalsafety #cybercrime #phishing #malware #identitytheft #digitalforensics #reputationmanagement #techsafety #cyberawareness #dataprivacy #internetsecurity #digitalsecurity #airtagtracking #locationtracking #digitalsurveillance #familylaw #relationshipsafety #podcastclips #lovelustlaw

The Hidden Reality of Financial Abuse and Coercive Control | Emily Rose Chadwick

What happens when the systems designed to protect families leave women struggling to survive? On this powerful episode of lovelustlaw, attorney Michele Locke sits down with Emily Rose Chadwick, founder of the Mama Wilder Foundation, a nonprofit providing emergency cash grants to women navigating family court battles, financial hardship, and life after abuse. Emily shares her deeply personal journey as a single mother in Colorado, revealing how experiences with financial abuse, restraining orders, custody disputes, and a disappointing criminal justice outcome exposed critical gaps in support for women facing crisis. What began as grassroots fundraising through social media evolved into the Mama Wilder Foundation, a growing organization helping women pay for essentials like rent, groceries, transportation, and legal-related expenses when they need it most.  The conversation dives into the hidden realities of coercive control, why stay-at-home and homesteading mothers are often especially vulnerable to financial dependence, and how abusers can use money as a tool of power.  Emily and Michele also explore modern dating after divorce, identifying red flags and green flags in relationships, co-parenting challenges, digital evidence in family court, and the importance of maintaining financial autonomy. **DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.  Subscribe Here: * lovelustlaw - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustlaw/id1819843688] * lovelustlaw - Spotify Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/6BEWXKOaEo8lfK554a5NqE] * lovelustlaw - Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2789d9c8-b4ab-4b4a-847d-a469d89b1d0b/lovelustlaw] * lovelustlaw - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lovelustlaw] Want to reach out to me? You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com [hello@michelelocke.com]. Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margo for that :) Want to find out what I'm up to? Follow me on socials (linked below).  Links Michele Locke * https://www.michelelocke.com/ [https://www.michelelocke.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/ [https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/] * https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke [https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/]  * https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke [https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke]  Emily Rose Chadwick Instagram * https://www.instagram.com/emilyrosechadwick/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/emilyrosechadwick/?hl=en] * https://www.instagram.com/themamawildernonprofit/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/themamawildernonprofit/?hl=en] * Threads * https://www.threads.com/@emilyrosechadwick [https://www.threads.com/@emilyrosechadwick] * Substack * https://substack.com/@emilyrosechadwick [https://substack.com/@emilyrosechadwick] * TikTok * https://www.tiktok.com/@emily.rose.chadwick [https://www.tiktok.com/@emily.rose.chadwick] * Mama Wilder Foundation * https://themamawilderfoundation.org/ [https://themamawilderfoundation.org/] * A 501(c)(3) nonprofit for women, by women. * We provide small cash grants to women all over the United States. Most of our applicants are mothers navigating the family court system. lovelustfear * https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283] * https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec [https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec] * https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/] National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365) Call 1.800.799.SAFE [http://1.800.799.SAFE] (7233) Text: START to 88788  * https://www.thehotline.org/ [https://www.thehotline.org/] * https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline [https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline] * https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/ [https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/]

Reformed F-Boy Reveals the Truth About Modern Dating | Eli Vazquez

What if your dating struggles aren’t really about the people you’ve dated—but the story you’ve been telling yourself all along? Michele sits down with relationship coach and self-proclaimed “reformed f-boy” Eli Vazquez whose candid insights and transformative approach to relationships have inspired millions around the world. Known for blending humor, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom, Eli challenges conventional dating advice and offers a fresh perspective on love, self-worth, and personal growth. They kick things off by talking about the mess that is modern dating, from swipe culture and ghosting to the endless search for validation on dating apps. Michele shares her perspective on dating before social media, while Eli explains why today’s dating scene can feel more like a casino than a place to build real connections. As the conversation unfolds, they dig into why so many relationships struggle with communication, intimacy, and vulnerability. Eli opens up about his own transformation, sharing how therapy, panic attacks, and some hard self-reflection helped him move from unhealthy dating habits to helping others build stronger relationships. Along the way, they debate cuddling, situationships, and whether affection always has to come with expectations attached. The conversation turns to Instagram thirst traps, Foot Finder, and the strange ways people seek attention and validation online. Michele also shares her own post-divorce journey, reflecting on her weight loss, renewed confidence, and the personal growth that helped her step into a new chapter of life. **DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.  Subscribe Here: * lovelustlaw - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustlaw/id1819843688] * lovelustlaw - Spotify Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/6BEWXKOaEo8lfK554a5NqE] * lovelustlaw - Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2789d9c8-b4ab-4b4a-847d-a469d89b1d0b/lovelustlaw] * lovelustlaw - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lovelustlaw] Want to reach out to me? You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com [hello@michelelocke.com]. Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margo for that :) Want to find out what I'm up to? Follow me on socials (linked below).  Links Michele Locke * https://www.michelelocke.com/ [https://www.michelelocke.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/ [https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/] * https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke [https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/]  * https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke [https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke]  Eli Vazquez * Website & Book A Session: https://stan.store/elivazquez?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio [https://stan.store/elivazquez?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio] * Instagram * https://www.instagram.com/itselivazquez/ [https://www.instagram.com/itselivazquez/] * TikTok * https://www.tiktok.com/@itselivazquez?_r=1&_t=ZP-96mVmGcPG3C [https://www.tiktok.com/@itselivazquez?_r=1&_t=ZP-96mVmGcPG3C] * YouTube  * https://www.youtube.com/@SelfHypePod [https://www.youtube.com/@SelfHypePod] Jake Deptula * www.instagram.com/jaked3000 [http://www.instagram.com/jaked3000] lovelustfear * https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283] * https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec [https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec] * https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/] National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365) Call 1.800.799.SAFE [http://1.800.799.SAFE] (7233) Text: START to 88788  https://www.thehotline.org/ [https://www.thehotline.org/] https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline [https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline] https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/ [https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/]

Love, Lust, and Lies: How Two Ex-Wives Exposed a Master Romance Con-Man with Amber Rasmussen

What if your husband was living a complete lie? In this gripping episode of lovelustlaw, host Michele Locke sits down with storyteller and podcast host Amber Rasmussen, co-host of Ex-Wives Undercover: Liars, Cheaters & Love Cons and one of the women whose story inspired the shocking docuseries Don’t Date Brandon. Amber shares how a whirlwind Tinder romance turned into a terrifying web of deception involving manipulation, fake illnesses, cheating, gaslighting, burner phones, and emotional abuse at the hands of serial con artist Brandon Johnson. After uncovering the truth, Amber teamed up with fellow survivor Athena Klingerman to create the podcast Ex-Wives Undercover, using their experiences to expose toxic relationship patterns and help others recognize the warning signs before it’s too late. In this powerful conversation, Amber opens up about: 🔥 Love-bombing and the red flags she missed 🔥 The emotional toll of narcissistic abuse 🔥 Testifying against her abuser in court 🔥 How technology was used to manipulate and control 🔥 Rebuilding her identity, trust, and confidence after betrayal Amber also shares how her healing journey led her to launch her spirituality-focused podcast Next Realm, where she explores intuition, connection, and life beyond the physical world, including powerful conversations about signs from loved ones who have passed. **DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.  Subscribe Here: * lovelustlaw - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustlaw/id1819843688] * lovelustlaw - Spotify Podcasts [https://open.spotify.com/show/6BEWXKOaEo8lfK554a5NqE] * lovelustlaw - Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2789d9c8-b4ab-4b4a-847d-a469d89b1d0b/lovelustlaw] * lovelustlaw - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lovelustlaw] Want to reach out to me? You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com [hello@michelelocke.com]. Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margo for that :) Want to find out what I'm up to? Follow me on socials (linked below).  Links Michele Locke * https://www.michelelocke.com/ [https://www.michelelocke.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/ [https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/] * https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke [https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/]  * https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke [https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke]  Amber Rasmussen * https://www.instagram.com/theamberrasmussen/ [https://www.instagram.com/theamberrasmussen/] * https://www.exwivesundercover.com/people/amber-rasmussen/ [https://www.exwivesundercover.com/people/amber-rasmussen/] * https://www.instagram.com/exwivesundercover/ [https://www.instagram.com/exwivesundercover/] * Website https://www.nextrealmpod.com/ [https://www.nextrealmpod.com/] * Podcast: Next Realm: Afterlife Experiences & Signs from Beyond * https://www.nextrealmpod.com/8-beyond-the-veil-a-grandmothers-last-goodbye-and-life-lessons/ [https://www.nextrealmpod.com/8-beyond-the-veil-a-grandmothers-last-goodbye-and-life-lessons/] * Podcast: Ex-Wives Undercover: Liars, Cheaters & Love Cons * https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ex-wives-undercover-liars-cheaters-love-cons/id1536067021 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ex-wives-undercover-liars-cheaters-love-cons/id1536067021] Jake Deptula * www.instagram.com/jaked3000 [http://www.instagram.com/jaked3000] lovelustfear * https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283] * https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec [https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec] * https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/] National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365) Call 1.800.799.SAFE [http://1.800.799.SAFE] (7233) Text: START to 88788  https://www.thehotline.org/ [https://www.thehotline.org/] https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline [https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline] https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial [https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/]