In this episode we plunge into the web of lies men construct to shroud their patterns of abusive behavior with expert and author Lundy Bancroft. Exploring façades of helplessness as a guise for manipulation, the twisting of narratives that paint victims as aggressors, and the chilling ease with which abusive men deceive authorities and loved ones are all part of our unflinching look into domestic violence tactics as well as the lives of the women who endure it, often in silence and isolation. The conversation also addresses the systemic issues plaguing the fight against domestic abuse. We rev ..read more

Courtney Messina, Director of Clinical Services for Greenhouse Inpatient & Outpatient Treatment Centers in Grand Prairie and Arlington, Texas, and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, joins us to explore the invisible threads that bind the scourge of addiction to the turmoil of domestic violence. In this episode, we peel back the layers of these intertwined crises through the powerful narrative of "Amy," whose experience with substance dependency and an abusive relationship illuminates the harsh realities faced by victims of domestic viol ..read more

Discover the insidious nature of gender bias with Dr. Erin Kelley, as we navigate the intricacies of its impact on society and the legal system. Dr. Kelley, a Professor at Dallas College with a keen eye on the intersection of literature and law, joins us to unravel the threads of cultural stereotypes and prejudices that contribute to systemic gender inequality and violence. From the wage gap to underrepresentation in leadership and STEM, we scrutinize the societal norms that have historically placed women at a disadvantage and continue to do so today. Venture into the legal labyrinth of conse ..read more

When life throws you curveballs, how do you catch them—or better yet, throw them right back? Today's guest, Twyla M. Marks, gives us a masterclass in resilience and forgiveness that's as powerful as it is poignant. Her journey from a childhood steeped in abandonment to overcoming the shackles of an abusive marriage is nothing short of heroic. Twyla's candid sharing of her early life experiences, including teenage rebellion and a pregnancy that would change her life's trajectory, offers an intimate glimpse into the struggles that have shaped her indomitable spirit. Twyla's story doesn't stop a ..read more

When the unimaginable strikes, leaving scars that are both seen and unseen, how does one navigate the path to healing and advocacy? Stephanie Bond, a survivor of extreme domestic violence, steps forward to share an intimate glimpse into her life-altering experience and her commitment to empowering others. Through her eyes, you'll be offered a raw and unfiltered look into the complexities of mental health within abusive relationships and the resilience it takes to emerge from the darkness with purpose. As Stephanie recounts the traumatic day that saw her estranged husband turn a gun on her and ..read more

The blockbuster film "Barbie" is a journey through fantasy to our flawed reality revealing profound truths about gender discrimination and societal norms. In this episode, our guests Jan Langbein, Bianca Davis, and Amy Jones uncover the layers of patriarchy skilfully woven into the narrative of the 2023 film. We traverse from Barbie's idyllic origins to her encounter with the harsh realities faced by women, discussing how these fictional events mirror the gender biases that permeate our professional and personal lives. Our conversation isn't just about the silver screen. We shed light on the ..read more

Mark Wynn, former lieutenant and survivor of domestic violence, recounts his transformative journey from enduring the grip of abuse to becoming a beacon for others.  Our conversation offers an unfiltered glimpse into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, the critical role of law enforcement training in handling domestic violence, and the pivotal support systems that uplift survivors. Mark's narrative is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Navigating the tangled web of child abuse, policing, and Child Protective Services, this episode uncovers the strategies off ..read more

Author, professor, and New York Times op-ed contributing writer, Rachel Louise Snyder, joins us for a raw and honest discussion about child abuse, domestic violence, and grief as laid bare in her gripping memoir, "Women We Buried, Women We Burned." To quote the author, "Cancer took my mother. But religion would take my life." The odyssey begins as an 8-year-old Rachel learns her mother has died. From there, her childhood unravels, and the subsequent decades include chaotic experiences of upheaval, abuse, and forced religiosity all leading to both the author's undoing and her ultimate journey o ..read more

This episode offers a riveting journey into the thorny issue of self-defense claims made by victims of domestic violence. Listeners will leave with a fresh perspective and deeper understanding of the complexities involved in these cases. Kelsey McKay, a seasoned attorney and the founder of Respond Against Violence, brings her expertise to our discussion. As a former prosecutor, she shares invaluable insights on how the criminal legal system responds to self-defense claims, with often visible injury being the sole determining factor in assault cases. We dissect the challenging issue of self-de ..read more

Genesis Women's Shelter & Support is often called upon to provide expert witness testimony in domestic violence cases. To better understand the role of the expert witness and how they can help facilitate an understanding of domestic violence for legal teams, judges, and jurors, Ruth Guerreiro, LCSW and Genesis' Chief Clinical Officer, and Jordyn Lawson, LPC and Genesis' Chief Residential Officer, join the conversation in an episode that is both educational and enlightening.  In this episode, our guests explain how they navigate the labyrinth of legal proceedings, illuminating the cor ..read more