This episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word was originally released on July 3rd, 2025.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

What if your body knew the truth before your brain could catch up?

In this riveting episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, I sit down with Kelly Sutliff, a trauma-informed psychotherapist, domestic abuse survivor, and founder of Kelly’s Canines—a nonprofit providing canine support for survivors of trauma. Despite her professional training, Kelly found herself entangled in a high-speed relationship with a pathological abuser who manipulated, gaslit, drugged and assaulted her behind closed doors.

Here’s the most chilling part: her abuser once told her she’d “end up on TV”—for his murder, the one he planned to stage and blame on her. But the plot twist? She ended up on TV for surviving his abuse. Kelly’s story was later featured on the true crime docuseries Toxic: Secrets Behind the Mask, exposing the calculated manipulation, coercion, and psychological warfare she endured.

We unpack what it means when your intuition speaks, why smart and strong women get targeted, and how shame keeps us stuck in silence. Kelly’s story is raw, brave, and necessary—and it’s going to change the way you think about trauma, red flags, and trusting your gut.

Inside This Episode:

• The difference between red flags and pink flags—and why they matter

• How abusers fast-track relationships to gain control

• Why even trained professionals can fall for manipulators

• What it means to be love-bombed, gaslit, and stalked

• How to break free, especially when kids are involved

• Why trauma-informed therapy is non-negotiable for real healing

About Kelly Sutliff:

Kelly is a licensed psychotherapist, survivor, and co-founder of Kelly’s Canines, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing trauma-informed canine companionship to abuse survivors. She brings deep clinical knowledge, lived experience, and fierce compassion to every conversation—especially this one.

Visit Kelly at www.kellysutlifflpc.com

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!

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Reality isn’t always what it seems…. it’s what you make it.

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This episode originally aired on July 25, 2025.

The holidays and post-holidays can be a tricky period of time so we are wishing everyone a safe holiday season. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

What happens when the narcissist loses control of you and starts targeting your kids instead?

In this raw and revealing episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, Lindsay sits down with high-conflict divorce strategist Victoria McCooey, who shares what every woman needs to know before leaving a narcissistic or abusive partner and what’s waiting on the other side when you do it with strategy and power.

Victoria explains how narcissists often shift their abuse to the children once they can no longer manipulate their partner, and how you can become the safe, steady place your child needs when the gaslighting turns on them. Whether you’re preparing to leave, knee-deep in a court battle, or struggling to co-parent with someone hellbent on control, this episode is your map, your mirror, and your megaphone.

Inside This Episode:

• What actually happens when you finally decide to leave
• How to outsmart a narcissist without sinking to their level
• Why abuse often escalates when you’re pregnant or financially vulnerable
• The heartbreaking moment a narcissist starts targeting the kids
• How to protect your child emotionally when the manipulation flips on them
• The top 5 tactics narcissists use during divorce and how to prepare for them
• Why leaving a narcissist is like launching a business and how to lead it like a CEO
• A free resource from Victoria: Five Things Every Woman Should Know Before Divorcing a Narcissist

About Victoria:

Victoria McCooey is a high-conflict divorce coach, narcissist abuse expert, and founder of Divorce Allies, a powerful support platform helping women navigate toxic relationships and emerge with clarity, confidence, and community. She offers one-on-one coaching, an expert-led membership program, and dozens of resources to help you leave smart and stay strong.

Bestie Freebie:

Download Victoria’s essential guide: Five Things Every Woman Should Know Before Divorcing a Narcissist, plus access support calls, expert workshops, and more at https://www.victoriamccooey.com/ and https://www.thedivorceallies.com/

We’ve got your back, Bestie. And your exit plan.

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Watch: YouTube

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We are wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year!

The holidays can be a tricky period of time so we are wishing everyone a safe holiday season. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

This episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word was originally released on May 22, 2025

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You don’t need a black eye to be a survivor.

In this raw and revealing episode, I sit down with Marcela, founder of Beyond the Bruise, to talk about what abuse really looks like — and why the healing journey isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Together, we dive deep into what happens after the leaving. The grief. The gaslighting. The shaky steps toward trusting yourself again. Marcela shares her own story of survival and how she now helps other women walk through the fire and into freedom.

If you've ever felt unseen, doubted your own experience, or wondered why you're still healing “so long after” — this episode is for you.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• The truth about abuse that doesn’t leave physical scars
• Why survivors often miss the warning signs — and how to spot them
• The emotional whiplash of loving someone who hurts you
• How Marcela turned her pain into purpose with Beyond the Bruise
• Real talk on healing, self-trust, and reclaiming your voice

Whether you're still processing or years into recovery, Bitch Is a Bad Word is your space to feel validated, empowered, and unshakably seen. We've got your back, bestie.

FOLLOW Marcela

IG: @beyond.the.bruise

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

Follow: Instagram TikTok

Subscribe: Newsletter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The holiday season can be a tricky period of time so we are wishing everyone a safe holiday season. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

This is a re-release from May 6, 2025 with Dr. Amelia Kelley.

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Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse designed to make you question your own reality, and in this powerful episode, Dr. Amelia Kelley—trauma-informed therapist and author—helps us uncover the truth about this manipulative tactic. We’ll break down the emotional impact of gaslighting and how it affects your mental health. Plus, Dr. Kelley introduces a fourth “F” trauma response that you might not be aware of. If you’ve been made to feel crazy or manipulated, this episode is a must-listen.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• What gaslighting really is and how it affects your self-esteem
• Recognizing the red flags of gaslighting in relationships
• Dr. Kelly’s introduction to a fourth trauma response (hint: it’s not just fight, flight, or freeze)
• Practical tips for survivors to heal and rebuild self-trust after emotional manipulation
• How to break free from the toxic cycle of gaslighting

Whether you're navigating a relationship with a gaslighter or you’ve recently emerged from one, we’ve got your back. Tune in for expert insights, real talk, and healing tips.

You deserve to reclaim your truth and trust yourself again.

FOLLOW Amelia:

• https://www.instagram.comdrameliakelley/
• www.ameliakelley.com
• https://thesensitivitydoctor.simplecast.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/DrAmeliaKelley

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

Join the Bestie Gang on Patreon, Patreon.com/bitchisabadword

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Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to all of our Besties!

The holidays can be a tricky period of time so we are wishing everyone a safe holiday season. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

This is a re-release from May 20, 2025 with Laura Richards.

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He never hit you… so it couldn’t have been abuse, right?

Wrong. And this week, we’re unpacking exactly why.

Joining me is Laura Richards, narcissistic abuse recovery coach, author of Married to a Nice Guy, and host of the podcast That’s Where I’m At. Together, we talk about what it’s really like to be trapped in a relationship with someone who everyone else thinks is “so nice” — while behind closed doors, your sense of self is slowly unraveling.

Verbal abuse doesn’t always leave bruises — but it leaves marks. In this validating and eye-opening episode, Laura helps us break down the subtle yet devastating effects of emotional abuse. We explore how narcissists weaponize charm, how control can hide in plain sight, and what it takes to truly heal.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• What verbal abuse actually looks and feels like — even when they “never hit you”
• How narcissists weaponize kindness and charm to isolate and control
• Red flags you might miss in a “nice guy” relationship
• The unique pain of being disbelieved — and how to validate yourself
• Healing after narcissistic abuse: reclaiming joy, confidence, and yes… enjoying dinner alone again

Whether you’re still in it, fresh out, or deep in healing — this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and strong.

Tune in now for raw truth, expert insight, and reminders that your story matters.

Because your peace is not too much to ask for — and you were never “crazy” for wanting more.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

LAURA RICHARDS

- LISTEN to her podcast THAT'S WHERE I'M AT: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-where-im-at/id1704083491

- IG: ⁨@thatswhereimatpodcast⁩

- TIKTOK ⁨@thatswhereimatpodcast⁩

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Support our SPONSORS

Reality isn’t always what it seems…. it’s what you make it.

PREORDER "THE LIGHTRUNNER" , Ally Walker’s (SONS OF ANARCHY) debut thriller!!! Comes out on Amazon and Barnes and Noble June 6th but is Available for preorder NOW! Go to www.allywalkerofficial.com for more info.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

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Subscribe: Newsletter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is produced in partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org

Besties, we’re going straight into one of the most overwhelming chapters after leaving abuse: family court.

Because the truth is this. Abuse does not end when the relationship ends. It escalates. It shifts. And for many survivors, it becomes weaponized through custody battles, litigation, and the legal system itself.

In this episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word, Lindsay sits down with Nikhita Ved of the National Domestic Violence Hotline to break down what survivors need to know when navigating family court, civil court, protective orders, and post-separation abuse.

We unpack how litigation becomes the new form of control, why survivors are often retraumatized by the legal process, and how understanding court strategy, documentation, and timing can make all the difference. Nikhita brings decades of frontline experience supporting survivors through high-conflict custody cases, protective orders, supervised visitation, and court navigation, while Lindsay shares lived experience as a protective parent navigating the system.

This is not about revenge.

This is not about winning.

This is about preparation, strategy, and protecting yourself and your children.

• Why abuse often escalates after separation through litigation and family court

• How family court, civil court, and criminal court differ and why those differences matter

• What litigation abuse looks like and how abusers use the legal system to maintain control

• Why survivors need a bestie, not just an attorney, when navigating court

• How judges actually think about the “best interest of the child”

• How to prepare, document patterns, and protect your credibility in court

• What it really means to work with a trauma-informed attorney

• How pro se survivors can advocate for themselves more effectively

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, resources, and safety planning for survivors of domestic violence 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their advocates help survivors navigate abuse, custody concerns, legal options, and safety planning with compassion, patience, and care.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Watch: YouTube

Join: Patreon

Follow: Instagram TikTok

Subscribe: Newsletter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.