Some of us are conditioned from a young age to excuse, overlook and bypass abuse - but we're not even aware that we are doing it.

This episode covers five ways we are taught to excuse abuse and how you can kick the habit. It explores how societal, religious and cultural norms, films, media, social media and families shape our ideas about relationships and love, and may normalise unhealthy and destructive behaviours.

Medusa's Mic is produced by author and advocate for healthy love, Lucretia Ackfield.

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If you've ever said, "But I love him" to excuse disrespect or worse, this episode of Medusa's Mic may provide some insights about how you reached that point.

Toxic rom-com storylines, destructive celebrity role models, outdated societal norms and dysfunctional family patterns can shape our ideas about love and our thinking about what relationships should look like. Unhealthy love behaviours become normalised and unconsciously mold our expectations.

This doesn't help us achieve the beautiful love relationships we all deserve and desire.

We are conditioned to view his behaviours through our lens of love (how we feel). But if we want healthy love connections, we need to stop saying, "But I love him" and instead ask, "Is he showing love towards me?"

Medusa's Mic is produced by author and advocate for healthy love, Lucretia Ackfield.

Follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to the Medusa's Mic Newsletter on Linkedin for interview highlights.

Subscribe to Lucretia's Letters on Substack for more insights about women, love and power.

Five guests, 11 episodes and a world of knowledge. Over the past two months we have heard from experts in sexual and domestic violence prevention and response, and victim-survivors. We also explored the impacts of unconscious bias throughout the Depp vs Heard trial, and learned more about our host Lucretia Ackfield and her goals for this podcast.

Episode 12 marks the season one finale of Medusa’s Mic. The aim of this podcast is to empower people with the tools and information they need to be a part of the solution in putting a stop to domestic and sexual violence in our communities. Over this past season, each guest has provided knowledge that is both practical and insightful in the fight against these issues. Join Lucretia as she summarises each episode and shares the tips and advice she has learned along the way from her guests.

Would you like to become a patron and support this podcast? Visit Patreon to find out how. I would love your support!

Medusa's Mic is produced by the Stop Sexual Violence Collaboration.

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Podcast music by: Dima Tyshko, Spring Stroll, Tune Tank.