In this next chapter of Emily’s journey, we pick up where Part One left off — delving into her second marriage and the dark, hidden betrayals she uncovered. What she thought would be a fresh start spirals into a nightmare when she learns her husband is a secret sex addict — and worse, he’s been using her photos to catfish other men online.

Faced with this ultimate violation of trust, Emily must confront devastating betrayal, reclaim her boundaries, and find her own path back to safety. Fortunately, her family opens their arms. She moves back home, finds refuge in their love, and slowly begins to rebuild her identity and autonomy.

Join us as Emily reflects on survival, tough truths, and the hard work of healing from deception so deep it almost broke her.

Takeaways & Listening Notes

• Betrayal from a partner is not just a relational wound — it can wound your sense of identity, worth, and safety.
• When deception is compounded by exploitation (i.e., using someone’s images without consent), the violation is especially traumatic.
• A support system (family, trusted friends, therapy) can provide the anchors you need to exit and heal.
• Recovery is nonlinear. Moving forward often means revisiting pain, resetting boundaries, and building a new narrative for yourself.

Content Warning: This episode discusses forms of PTSD, trauma, emotional abuse, sexual addiction, image exploitation, betrayal trauma, and manipulation, self-harm ideation, mental health, murder ideation, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

We are not doctors or therapists; you should not take our opinions as medical advice.

Have a story you would like to share? Please fill out our form.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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

This week, we begin a powerful, emotional multi-part departure from our usual storytelling framework to bring you the deeply personal journey of Emily — a woman whose life has been marked by resilience, pain, transformation, and strength.

Recently diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer, Emily has entrusted us with the incredible honor of helping her tell her story — unfiltered, in-depth, and on her terms. Over the coming episodes, we’ll follow Emily through the defining chapters of her life:

• Her time in the military and the battle with PTSD that followed

• The toxic relationships and betrayals that tested her identity and trust

• The path to healing, self-understanding, and ultimately, peace

In this first episode, Emily walks us through her early life and enlistment in the military. You’ll hear how duty, trauma, and disillusionment shaped her sense of self — and how her experiences laid the groundwork for what was to come.

This isn’t just a story of survival — it’s about legacy. Emily wants to leave behind the hard-earned wisdom she’s gathered for those who need it most. And we are honored to help her do just that.

Content Warning: This episode discusses forms of PTSD, trauma, and emotional abuse, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

We are not doctors or therapists; you should not take our opinions as medical advice.

Have a story you would like to share? Please fill out our form.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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

In this episode of Narcissists, Gaslighters, and Cheaters, Oh My!, hosts Behk and LAH are joined by Annie—a woman who seemingly had it all together on the outside, but behind closed doors, was trapped in a nightmare that no one saw coming.

Annie married young, deeply rooted in the church, and did what was expected of her. Though the marriage wasn’t abusive, it became clear over time that it wasn’t built to last. Now, years later, she and her ex are thriving as healthy, respectful co-parents—proof that endings don’t always have to be ugly.

But Annie’s real storm came after the marriage. While exploring her identity, healing her spirituality, and dipping her toes back into dating, Annie met a younger man through a Facebook group. What began as flirtation quickly unraveled into obsession.

In the tight-knit small town where Annie is a well-known figure, privacy is already hard to come by. But this man weaponized her visibility, using the threat of public embarrassment and exposure to control her every move.

🚩 He accused her of cheating when she went out

🚩 Blew up her phone, demanding to know her whereabouts

🚩 Used her beloved dogs as emotional leverage—even kidnapping them

🚩 Exploited her public image as a tool of manipulation

Caught in the cycle of trauma bonding, Annie went back to him more than once. In this raw, powerful conversation, she opens up about the shame, the fear, the gaslighting—and the moment she finally decided to break free.

💬 If you’ve ever been afraid to tell your story because of who might find out, Annie’s courage will remind you that truth-telling is a form of freedom.

🔗 If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share to help others feel seen and heard.

Content Warning: This episode discusses various forms of toxic narcissistic behavior, emotional abuse, coercive control, manipulation, harassment, stalking, and any topics that may disturb some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

We are not doctors or therapists; you should not take our opinions as medical advice.

Have a story you would like to share? Please fill out our form.

Hosts: Behk & LAH

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook @ngcompod

Production & Design: LAHarden

Music: No Reason Why by Anchor

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