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Trailer

By: Tonia Bales, Laura Richards, AYR Media
Narrated by: Rachel Louise Snyder
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  • Summary

  • You can listen to The First Wife: John Meehan's Reign of Terror full podcast on Thursday, July 22. 

    Many people listened to the Dirty John podcast, about a scheming psychopath who infiltrates the life of a woman and ultimately dies at the hand of her daughter. But there was an overlooked story, now being told in full, for the first time. Tonia Bales, John Meehan’s first wife, recounts the harrowing story of her life as John’s wife and mother of his two daughters. Tonia reveals the abuse she suffered from the man who started as her soulmate and became a terrifying emotional terrorist. Through new interviews with the people who knew her and John best and exclusive archival materials, Tonia learns that there’s a lot about her traumatic marriage that she never knew, including one bombshell that will change her and her daughters’ lives forever.
    ©2021 AYR MEDIA, LLC (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC
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Profile Image for gatoradam

One amazing woman!

Tonia Bales is the epitome of resilience and grace. She shares her story to help others, with no anger or resentment. There is much to be learned from this woman.

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You just never know.

What a great podcast of a true life event! You can actually visualize what is happening to the people involved. Our society does not take into account the safety and priority of our children. We need more awareness from law enforcement authorities. The psychologist's review is amazing. - Jean A.

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Profile Image for KayInTheNW

Good podcast series

I listened to the Filthy John podcast and this “prequel” added a lot to understanding what makes a psychopath—and how to avoid them.

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In our own words

I got three important things from this podcast: the impact of domestic violence in the words of survivors. The affirmation that abuse is not caused by the abused. The beauty, grace and strength of Tonia, her daughters’ and her husband’s response to the relentless evil they faced.

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Profile Image for Al the Civil Engineer

This Was Very Much Surprisingly Excellent

This is one of those series that you decide to give a listen to, but aren't sure just how good will be. Then the very first episode grabs hold of you and keeps hold of you all through every episode in the series.

This series keep you laughing, crying, cringing, smiling warmly, and so many other emotions that cover the whole gamut. It's a very pleasing story that is told in an interview narrative style that is very uniquely and finely crafted. I very much enjoyed the style in which it was brought to bear. There are many times when it was quite riveting and caused my pulse to pound. The story of this woman's life is brutal and demonstrates yet another example of just why women, or men, should leave a brutally abusive husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend. There are definitely times when a domestic situation that has gone bad can get out of control and law enforcement are the only ones to help resolve the problem that's all there is to it.

This book is excellent in its format and it fits perfectly with the other volumes that have the other episodes. I recommend buying the whole set so you may have all the episodes. Excellent set!

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Please help me Audible!

I want to return a podcast & all episodes.
Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated !
Kathleen Rizzo

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